Do I need a permit for a full bathroom remodel in
Albertville, AL?

You're replacing the existing vanity with a new one in the same location, installing a new faucet, removing the old toilet and setting a new one on the same flange, and re-tiling the floor and walls. Because no fixtures are being relocated, no new plumbing or electrical circuits are being added, and no walls are being moved, this work is exempt from permit in Albertville. You can hire a plumber to handle the swap, or if you're confident in your skills, you can do it yourself — the city does not regulate in-place fixture replacement. However, note that the old vanity may have relied on a p-trap that now sits exposed or drains directly into the wall; if the new vanity has a different footprint, the drain routing may need adjustment, which would trigger a permit. Similarly, if the new faucet requires a different water-line configuration (e.g., a center-set faucet instead of a 8-inch spread), check the supply lines — if they need to be extended or relocated, a permit is required. The tile work itself is not permit-regulated (unless you're re-framing the bathroom, which you're not). Cost: no permit fees, though materials and labor run $2,500–$5,000 depending on vanity quality, tile, and faucet. Timeline: 3–5 days if using a plumber, 1–2 weeks if DIY. No inspections required.

You're removing a soaking tub from the master bathroom and replacing it with a walk-in shower. The existing drain is in the center of the bathroom; the new shower will be in the corner, requiring the trap to be relocated and the vent-stack to be re-routed through the wall to exit the roof (the existing vent served only the shower, so it can be re-sized). You're also installing a new 80-CFM exhaust fan above the shower to handle the humidity load in Alabama's Zone 3A climate. This project absolutely requires a plumbing permit and an electrical permit. The city's building department will require a plumbing plan showing the existing and new drain slopes (1/4 inch per foot minimum), the new trap-arm length (verify it's under 30 inches for a 1.5-inch trap), the vent sizing (likely 1.5 inches, per IRC P3105.1), and the waterproofing assembly. The waterproofing specification is critical: you must specify either a full cement-board-plus-membrane system or a prefabricated fiberglass shower pan. If you choose cement board, you'll need to show the membrane brand (RedGard, Kerdi, or equivalent) and confirm it wraps 6 inches up the walls per IRC R702.4.2. Plan-review will take 2–3 weeks; the inspector will issue comments if the trap-arm slope is incorrect or the vent sizing is off. Once approved, rough-plumbing inspection comes first (drain slope, trap, vent verified before concrete/subfloor is buried). Rough-electrical inspection follows (80-CFM exhaust fan wired to a dedicated circuit with a humidity sensor, if desired, though basic wiring is standard). The electrical plan must show GFCI protection for all outlets, and the exhaust duct must be shown terminating outdoors with a damper. Rough-electrical inspection verifies the fan is wired, the duct is supported, and the damper is in place. Framing inspection happens if any walls are being moved; if you're just opening up the tub recess and converting in-place, framing is minimal but still inspected to confirm the shower footprint is properly supported. Final inspection verifies the waterproofing (the inspector may request a pan-flood test to confirm no leaks) and the exhaust fan operation. Cost: permit and plan-review fees run $300–$500; plumbing and electrical materials/labor $4,000–$7,000; tile, fixtures, and finishes $3,000–$8,000. Timeline: 4–6 weeks (2–3 weeks plan review, 2–3 weeks construction and inspections). The humidity-control aspect is taken seriously in Albertville because of the warm-humid climate — undersized or improperly vented fans are flagged every time.

You're gutting the bathroom, removing one wall to expand the footprint, installing a new double vanity, a soaking tub on one wall, and a separate walk-in shower on another, plus new lighting and an exhaust fan. This is a full structural and mechanical remodel. Because you're the owner and this is your primary residence (owner-occupied single-family), Albertville allows you to pull an owner-builder permit. However, the scope requires multiple permits: a plumbing permit (new fixtures, drain routing, vents), an electrical permit (new circuits for outlets, fan, lights, possibly a dedicated vanity lighting circuit), and a building permit (wall removal, framing). The city will require a structural engineer's letter or stamped drawing confirming that the wall being removed is not load-bearing; if it is, you'll need a header design. The plumbing plan must show both drain runs (tub and shower), vent sizes and routing, supply lines, and trap-arm lengths for each fixture — a common rejection is a trap-arm that's too long or pitched wrong. The electrical plan must show GFCI outlets at each sink, a dedicated circuit for the exhaust fan (80–100 CFM for a large bathroom, per IRC M1505.2), and any new lighting circuits. The waterproofing assembly for the separate shower must be detailed (cement board + membrane, or a prefabricated system). Albertville's building department will require you (the owner) to sign the permit application and confirm you're performing work directly or supervising licensed contractors. If any work is done by unlicensed workers, that's flagged at final inspection — Albertville strictly enforces the Alabama Contractors Board rules. Plan review will take 3–4 weeks because of the structural and multi-trade scope. Rough inspections occur in sequence: structural framing (wall removal, new header, overall framing), rough plumbing (drain slopes, trap lengths, vent routing), rough electrical (circuits, exhaust fan wired, GFCI in place), and drywall framing (if walls are being added). The waterproofing membrane is inspected before drywall goes up on the shower wall. Final inspection verifies all fixtures are installed, drains slope, exhaust fan operates, GFCI outlets work, and the shower pan holds water (pan-flood test may be requested). Cost: permit and plan-review fees $400–$600; structural engineer letter (if required) $300–$500; plumbing/electrical materials and labor $6,000–$12,000; tile, fixtures, cabinets, finishes $8,000–$20,000. Timeline: 6–8 weeks (plan review, structural verification, construction, multi-phase inspections). The owner-builder permit is your cost advantage — you avoid the general contractor markup — but you're responsible for ensuring all work meets code and passes inspection.