Bathroom Remodel Permit in Conway, SC (2026)

Research by DoINeedAPermit Research Team · Updated May 2026

The Short Answer

A full bathroom remodel in Conway requires a permit if you're relocating plumbing fixtures, adding electrical circuits, installing a new exhaust fan, converting tub to shower, or moving walls. Surface-only work — tile, vanity swap in place, faucet replacement — does not require a permit.

Conway's Building Department enforces South Carolina's adoption of the 2015 International Residential Code, but the city itself has a notably streamlined online permit portal and offers same-day or next-day plan review for straightforward bathroom remodels if you submit complete documentation upfront — a significant advantage over surrounding Horry County jurisdictions that require in-person filing and longer wait times. This means a Conway homeowner can often pull a bathroom permit in 3-5 business days rather than 2-3 weeks. The city also explicitly allows owner-builders under SC Code § 40-11-360, so you can pull the permit yourself without hiring a licensed contractor, though you will need a licensed plumber for any new drain lines and a licensed electrician for new circuits. Conway sits in IECC Climate Zone 3A with coastal sandy soil and pluff mud in low-lying areas — this affects how the city's inspectors evaluate exhaust fan ducting (must be insulated in humid climates per IRC M1505.2) and whether your foundation or crawlspace conditions trigger additional drainage-system reviews. The city requires all bathroom work to show GFCI protection per IRC E3902 and pressure-balanced valves on tub/shower mixing valves per IRC R603 — these are state minimums but strictly enforced in plan review.

What happens if you skip the permit (and you needed one)

Stop-work orders and fines: A neighbor complaint or lender inspection can trigger a city stop-work order costing $250–$500 in fines, plus you'll owe double the permit fee when you re-pull.
Insurance claim denial: If a plumbing leak or electrical fire occurs in unpermitted bathroom work, your homeowner's insurance may deny the claim entirely — easily $15,000–$50,000+ out of pocket.
Resale disclosure requirement: South Carolina Residential Property Disclosure Act requires disclosure of unpermitted work; buyers can renegotiate price by $5,000–$20,000 or walk away entirely.
Refinance blocking: Most lenders require a final inspection sign-off before closing; unpermitted bathroom work will kill a refinance deal.

Conway bathroom remodel permits — the key details

The permit threshold in Conway hinges on whether fixtures move, electrical changes, or walls shift. Per IRC P2706 (drainage fittings) and the 2015 IRC adopted by South Carolina, any relocation of a toilet, sink, or tub drain requires a permit because the new drain line must be sized, sloped, and vented to code. If you're replacing a toilet in the same location with a new one, swapping out a vanity without moving the supply and drain lines, or retiling a shower without disturbing the substrate, you do not need a permit — these are considered surface-only cosmetic work. However, the moment you move a sink six inches over to accommodate a new layout, run a new drain line to a different wall, or convert a tub to a walk-in shower (which triggers IRC R702.4.2 waterproofing assembly rules), you cross into permit territory. Conway's Building Department is consistent on this line: they review the scope of work and the mechanical systems involved, not just the visual finish.

Electrical and ventilation are the second major trigger. Adding a dedicated 20-amp circuit for heated floor mats, installing GFCI outlets per IRC E3902 (required within 6 feet of a bathroom sink), or rewiring existing circuits to accommodate new lighting or exhaust fans all require electrical permit and inspection. Exhaust fans are especially critical in Conway's humid 3A climate: IRC M1505.2 requires a minimum 50 CFM exhaust capacity (or 20 CFM if the bathroom is less than 50 square feet) ducted to the outdoors — not into the attic or soffit. Many homeowners assume they can add a cheap bathroom exhaust fan without a permit, but Conway's inspectors will flag any fan installation without a duct termination photo or a completed electrical inspection. If you're upgrading HVAC distribution into the bathroom, that also needs permit review to ensure the system balances properly and doesn't create pressure imbalances that interfere with exhaust fan function.

Waterproofing and tub-to-shower conversions carry strict code requirements that Conway enforces at plan review. If you're converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower, IRC R702.4.2 requires the shower substrate (walls) to be waterproofed with either a cement board and liquid membrane, a proprietary waterproofing system (such as Schluter, Kerdi, or equivalent), or sheet membrane. Conway's plan reviewers require you to specify the exact waterproofing system — they will reject incomplete applications that don't show manufacturer specs or cross-sections. Similarly, if you're relocating a shower or tub, the building department must verify that trap arm slopes are within 45 degrees and trap arm length does not exceed 3 feet (per IRC P2706.1). Many unpermitted bathroom remodels fail inspection precisely because the new plumbing layout violates these trap-arm rules or lacks a specified waterproofing method.

Pressure-balanced mixing valves and anti-scald protection are mandatory per IRC R603.2. Any new or relocated shower or tub valve must be pressure-balanced or thermostatic to prevent sudden temperature swings during simultaneous water draws elsewhere in the home. Conway's inspectors check the valve spec sheet during rough plumbing inspection — a standard off-the-shelf single-handle faucet will not pass if it lacks anti-scald features. If your bathroom work includes moving a tub or shower, budget for a code-compliant valve ($200–$400 installed) and ensure your plumbing drawings clearly identify the valve model and pressure-balancing mechanism.

Lead-paint disclosure and testing are required for any pre-1978 home undergoing bathroom remodel in Conway. Although South Carolina enforces federal EPA RRP Rule requirements, you (as an owner-builder) are exempt from RRP certification, but you must still provide written lead-paint disclosure to any contractor you hire, and if you disturb more than 10 square feet of painted surface, you must use lead-safe work practices. This is not strictly a permit requirement, but failure to comply can trigger federal fines ($16,000+) and is often caught during final inspection if the bathroom was built before 1978. Have a lead inspection done before you start work if you're unsure of paint age.

Three Conway bathroom remodel (full) scenarios

Scenario A

Tile and vanity replacement in place — Conway downtown historic district condo, no fixture relocation

You're removing old ceramic tile from the shower surround, retiling with new marble, and swapping out the vanity with a new one that has identical sink and supply/drain locations. The old vanity is 30 inches wide, the new one is 30 inches wide; the sink drain runs to the same stack. You're not moving any fixtures, not adding circuits (the existing outlet serves the mirror light), and not changing the shower substrate or valve. This is pure cosmetic work. Conway does not require a permit for surface-only tile or vanity replacement in the same footprint. However, if you discover during demolition that the old substrate is water-damaged or moldy, or if you decide mid-project to relocate the vanity 12 inches to the left to make room for a door swing, you must stop and file for a permit — the scope has changed. Many homeowners in downtown Conway (a historic district with older bathrooms) face this exact situation: they pull up tile, find soft drywall, and realize they need a permit and waterproofing plan. Budget $3,000–$8,000 for materials and labor; no permit fees. If the vanity purchase or tile selection requires special ordering, plan 4-6 weeks lead time. Final inspection is not required because no permit was pulled, but photograph the work in case of future resale disclosure questions.

No permit required | Cosmetic work only | $3,000–$8,000 materials and labor | No permit fees | No inspections

Scenario B

Full gut with new plumbing layout, new exhaust fan, and tub-to-shower conversion — ranch home in Conway proper with coastal sandy soil

You're gutting a 5-by-8-foot bathroom, moving the toilet to the opposite wall, relocating the sink, converting the existing tub to a walk-in shower with new drain, and adding a new 80 CFM exhaust fan ducted to the roof. The home was built in 1978, so lead-paint RRP rules apply. Your contractor submits a complete plan showing the new plumbing layout with trap arm slopes, vent routing (new 2-inch vent to the roof), and a waterproofing cross-section specifying a Schluter Kerdi system on drywall with tile. The electrical plan shows GFCI outlets and the new exhaust fan circuit (20 amps, dedicated). Conway's Building Department accepts the plans and schedules plan review — assuming everything is complete (waterproofing spec, valve model number, duct termination detail), you receive approval in 5-7 business days. The permit cost is approximately $400–$500 (2.5% of an estimated $16,000 project valuation). You hire a licensed plumber and electrician (required for new plumbing and circuits). Inspections: rough plumbing (3-5 days after framing), rough electrical (same window), drywall (if applicable), and final (after tile and trim are complete). The exhaust fan duct must be insulated per IRC M1505.2 (Zone 3A humidity requirement) and terminate through the roof with a damper. Timeline: 2-3 weeks from permit approval to final sign-off, assuming no plan resubmittals. The RRP lead-safe work practices add $500–$1,000 to labor costs but are non-negotiable for pre-1978 homes. Budget $16,000–$22,000 total.

Scenario C

Electrical upgrade and GFCI retrofit — owner-builder pulling permit, Northridge neighborhood, no plumbing changes

You're recircuiting a 1960s bathroom with a single 15-amp outlet and adding three GFCI-protected outlets (sink, mirror, and a new circuit for heated floor tile). You're not moving any fixtures, not changing plumbing, and not installing exhaust fan ductwork — just rewiring. Per IRC E3902, all outlets within 6 feet of a bathroom sink must be GFCI-protected. You pull the permit yourself (owner-builder allowed under SC Code § 40-11-360) and submit a simple one-line electrical diagram showing the new 20-amp dedicated circuit, breaker location, outlet locations, and GFCI protection. Conway's Building Department approves the permit in 2-3 days because the scope is narrow and the plan is clear. Permit cost is approximately $150–$200 (1.5% of a $12,000 project valuation that includes electrician labor and materials). However, you must hire a licensed electrician to perform the actual work — owner-builder exemption covers permit-pulling, not the installation itself. The electrician completes the rough work and calls for rough electrical inspection. Inspection takes 1-2 days to schedule and execute; the inspector verifies outlet spacing, GFCI function (tests the outlets with a multimeter), breaker labeling, and wire gauge (12 AWG for 20 amps, per NEC 210.3). Once rough electrical passes, drywall can close up. Final electrical inspection occurs after the outlets are installed and covers GFCI outlet function and proper labeling. Timeline: 2 weeks from permit to final, assuming the electrician is available and inspection scheduling is not delayed. This is a common upgrade in older Northridge homes near the Intracoastal where coastal humidity demands robust electrical safety. Budget $2,500–$4,000 for materials and labor.

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Conway's online permit portal and 5-day approval advantage

Conway's Building Department operates a relatively modern online permit portal (accessible through the city website) that allows you to upload PDF plans, photos, and specifications 24/7. This is a material advantage over many nearby Horry County municipalities (like North Myrtle Beach or Murrells Inlet) that still require in-person filing at a physical office during business hours. If you submit a complete bathroom remodel application with all required documents (architectural floor plan with dimensions, plumbing riser diagram, electrical one-line, waterproofing detail if applicable, and equipment specs), Conway's plan reviewer can often issue approval within 3-5 business days. Incomplete submissions — missing waterproofing cross-section, no valve model number, unclear duct termination — trigger a resubmittal request, which adds 5-7 days. The portal also shows you your permit status in real time and stores inspection schedules digitally.

The speed of approval means you can order long-lead plumbing fixtures (pressure-balanced valves, specialty faucets) and exhaust fans immediately after permit issuance, knowing the timeline is firm. Contractors who work regularly in Conway learn to front-load the permit application with detailed specs to avoid resubmittals. If you're pulling the permit yourself as an owner-builder, download the checklist from the city website before drafting plans — it explicitly lists what the plan reviewer will demand, saving you a resubmittal cycle.

Plan review cost is bundled into the permit fee (no separate 'plan review fee'), and if your application is rejected, you resubmit at no additional charge. This is standard across South Carolina, but Conway administers it efficiently. The city also offers pre-application meetings with the plan reviewer (either virtual or in-person) if you have complex questions about a large remodel — a 15-minute phone call can clarify whether your intended shower waterproofing system will pass or whether your exhaust fan duct routing will be flagged.

Pluff mud, coastal moisture, and exhaust fan ducting in Conway's climate zone

Conway's location in Horry County, near the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic coastal zone, means many properties sit on or near pluff mud (anaerobic saltwater marsh sediment) or sandy loam with high water tables. While this doesn't directly affect bathroom permits, it affects how inspectors evaluate exhaust fan ducting and attic moisture control. IRC M1505.2 (adopted by South Carolina) requires bathroom exhaust ductwork to be insulated in humid climates (Zone 3A qualifies). In Conway, if you run an uninsulated exhaust duct through an unconditioned attic in July or August, warm moist air from the bathroom will condense inside the duct, potentially dripping water back into the bathroom or pooling in the attic and promoting mold. Conway's inspectors specifically check for insulation on ductwork during rough-in and final inspection — if your duct is bare, they will flag it as non-compliant.

Additionally, any exhaust fan duct termination must exit the building above the roof eave (never into soffit or attic) and must include a damper to prevent conditioned air loss and to block insect entry. In Conway's humid environment, dampers are even more critical because the saturation differential between indoor and outdoor air is large. Flex duct is acceptable per code, but the city prefers semi-rigid or hard metal duct because it resists mold growth better in high-moisture climates. If you're proposing to duct your exhaust fan to a soffit or through a wall cavity without terminating above the roof, the plan reviewer will reject it — this is not a gray area in coastal South Carolina.

For homeowners with crawlspace foundations (common in pre-1990s Conway homes), any moisture from an unproperly ducted exhaust fan can accelerate crawlspace decay and foundation issues. This is why the city's inspectors are especially vigilant about exhaust duct specs in bathroom remodels. If your bathroom sits above a crawlspace, mention this on the permit application — the plan reviewer may require a longer duct run or additional insulation to ensure condensation does not drain into the crawlspace.

City of Conway Building Department
Conway City Hall, Conway, SC (exact address available at city website or call main line)
Phone: Contact Conway City Hall main line or Building Department directly — confirm current number on www.cityofconway.com | https://www.cityofconway.com (navigate to Permits or Building Department section for online portal link)
Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM (verify for lunch closure or extended hours)

Common questions

Do I need a permit to replace a toilet or faucet in my Conway bathroom?

No permit is required if you're replacing a toilet or faucet in the same location with the same supply and drain lines. This is surface-level repair work. However, if you relocate the toilet to a new wall or move the sink six inches to accommodate a new layout, you must pull a permit because the drain line changes. If your existing faucet leaks and you swap it with a new one on the same supply stub, no permit. If you upgrade to a new pressure-balanced valve with a new body that requires a different supply line routing, that's a permit matter.

Does a new exhaust fan in my Conway bathroom need a permit?

Yes. Any new exhaust fan installation requires a permit because it involves a new electrical circuit (20 amps per IRC E3902) and ductwork routing that must comply with IRC M1505.2 (ducting to outdoors, insulation in humid climates, damper, etc.). A simple fan swap in the same location with the same duct might be considered a repair, but the city typically requires a permit to inspect the duct termination and ensure it exits above the roof eave with a damper. When in doubt, call the Building Department — a 2-minute clarification call saves a costly re-inspection.

What is the permit fee for a full bathroom remodel in Conway?

Permit fees in Conway are approximately 1.5–2.5% of the project valuation. A typical full bathroom remodel (new plumbing, electrical, fixtures, tile) valued at $15,000–$20,000 will have a permit fee of $300–$500. The city calculates valuation based on the scope of work and contractor labor estimates you provide on the permit application. There is no separate plan review fee; it is bundled into the permit cost. Final inspection and approval are included.

Can I pull a bathroom remodel permit myself as an owner-builder in Conway?

Yes. South Carolina Code § 40-11-360 allows owner-builders to pull residential permits for work on their own primary residence. You can apply for and receive the permit yourself without hiring a general contractor. However, you must still hire a licensed plumber for any new plumbing work (drain lines, vent stacks, supply lines) and a licensed electrician for any new circuits. You cannot do the plumbing or electrical work yourself even if you hold the permit; SC licensing rules require licensed professionals to perform and sign off on those trades.

How long does plan review take for a bathroom permit in Conway?

If your application is complete (all required documents, waterproofing specs, electrical diagrams, valve model numbers), Conway typically approves or requests resubmittal within 3–5 business days. If your application is incomplete, you receive a resubmittal request, resubmit, and wait another 3–5 days. Once approved, you can schedule inspections (rough plumbing, rough electrical, drywall, final). Total timeline from permit submission to final approval is typically 2–4 weeks, assuming the contractor is available and inspections are scheduled promptly.

What is a waterproofing specification and why do I need one for my Conway bathroom shower?

A waterproofing specification is a detailed description of the material and method you will use to prevent water from seeping behind tile and into the framing of your shower walls. Per IRC R702.4.2, you must specify either a cement board and liquid membrane, a proprietary waterproofing system (such as Schluter Kerdi, Wedi, or Nobless), or sheet membrane. You must include the manufacturer name, product name, and installation detail (cross-section drawing) on your permit plans. Conway's plan reviewer will reject applications that do not specify a waterproofing system. This is non-negotiable in humid coastal climates where water intrusion leads to mold and structural decay.

Do I need a pressure-balanced valve for my new shower in Conway?

Yes. Per IRC R603.2, any new or relocated shower valve must be pressure-balanced or thermostatic to prevent sudden temperature swings if another fixture draws water elsewhere in the home. This is required by state code and strictly enforced by Conway inspectors at rough plumbing inspection. A standard single-handle faucet without pressure-balancing will not pass. You must provide the valve model number and specification sheet on your plumbing plan. Budget $200–$400 for a code-compliant pressure-balanced valve installed by your plumber.

What happens if I do a bathroom remodel in my pre-1978 Conway home without disclosing lead paint?

South Carolina and federal EPA rules require lead-paint disclosure for any pre-1978 home undergoing renovation that disturbs more than 10 square feet of painted surface. If you fail to provide written disclosure to your contractors or workers, you face federal fines up to $16,000. Additionally, if you do not use lead-safe work practices (containment, HEPA vacuuming, wet-cleaning) during demolition, you risk contaminating your home and exposing yourself and workers to lead dust. Have a lead inspection done before you start; if present, hire RRP-certified contractors (not required for owner-builders doing the work themselves, but required for any contractor you hire) and budget an extra $500–$1,000 for lead-safe protocols.

What inspections will Conway require for my bathroom remodel permit?

Inspections depend on scope. For a full gut with plumbing and electrical changes, you'll need rough plumbing (drain, vent, supply lines), rough electrical (new circuits, wiring, breaker), and final (after fixtures, outlets, and fan are installed and functional). The city may also require a framing inspection if you're moving walls, and a drywall inspection if you're installing new drywall over waterproofing membrane. Each inspection must be scheduled 24 hours in advance via the online portal or phone. The inspector verifies code compliance and takes photos. Typical turnaround is 1–3 business days to schedule and complete an inspection.

Can I convert my existing bathtub to a walk-in shower without a permit in Conway?

No. Tub-to-shower conversions always require a permit because they trigger new waterproofing requirements per IRC R702.4.2. A tub surround and a shower require different waterproofing assemblies, and the city must inspect the substrate and waterproofing system during rough-in before tile is installed. If you fail to pull a permit and the conversion leaks after a year, your homeowner's insurance may deny the claim, and you'll owe repair costs ($5,000–$15,000+) out of pocket.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on research conducted in May 2026 using publicly available sources. Always verify current bathroom remodel (full) permit requirements with the City of Conway Building Department before starting your project.

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