Need a Bathroom Remodel Inspection in Edmonds? Consider This Foolproof Guide

Bathroom remodel projects in Edmonds, WA, cannot proceed without a single city-sanctioned inspection. On the legal side, inspections are necessary to get a permit to remodel your bathroom. On the practical end, they ensure your project complies with current regulations designed to protect the homeowner and everyone involved in the renovation. 

By understanding how to schedule a bathroom remodel inspection, Edmonds homeowners avoid delays to their project. Let’s explore the entire process, from booking a schedule to helping the inspectors get the job done. 

Bathroom Remodel Inspection Edmonds Scheduling Process

In Edmonds, booking a bathroom remodel inspection is a very straightforward process. It involves the three main steps: 

1. Book a schedule through the My Building Permit (MBP) web portal. 

Access MBP’s web portal through MyBuildingPermit.com. Here’s the step-by-step process to schedule your bathroom remodel inspection:

1. On the home page, look for the Schedule Inspections link. This will take you to the Inspection Scheduling page.
2. In the Jurisdiction dropdown menu, select Edmonds. 
3. You may then search for your issued bathroom remodel permit by permit number or address. Choose your preferred option and fill in the required details (permit number, address number, and street name).
4. Once you can see the results, find the best match and click on the corresponding hyperlinked permit number to see the inspection details. Note that if the permit is not listed, it either does not have an available inspection schedule or has not yet been entirely issued. You will have to contact the City of Edmonds’ Planning and Development Department for assistance in either case.
5. Clicking the linked permit number opens the Inspection Details page. Here, look for the section Request New Inspections and select the required inspection type. 
6. Use the calendar to schedule your preferred inspection date. Ideally, you will need to book at least 24 hours in advance of the actual inspection. 
7. Provide any further information required, including your contact number and any message or requests you have for the inspector.
8. Once you have finalized your request, click Submit Inspection Request. You should then receive confirmation that your request has been received and logged. 

Alternatively, schedule an inspection by phone at 425-771-0220, ext. 1333. You can call the City of Edmonds at that number during weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

2. Confirm the date and time.

After you book a bathroom remodel inspection in the MBS online portal, you will need to wait a bit before you are assigned a schedule. You should receive the final schedule via email or through the MBS portal. You may call the inspection line after 7:00 AM to get the specific inspection time window so you can determine your availability for that date. Your next course of action depends on whether or not you can be physically present during the inspection.

3. Provide access.

Letting the inspectors into your home should not be a problem if you’re around to facilitate the inspection—you just have to open the door. If, for some reason, you or anyone from your household can’t be physically present for the task, you will need to provide the inspectors with a way to access your property. Consider one of the following options:

• Smart lock. You can usually set your smart lock with a unique, temporary access code valid only during the inspection date and time window. Smart locks also log all authorized entry and exit, providing you with documentation that serves as proof the inspection took place.
• Remote access facilitation. You can set up a smart doorbell and camera system that notifies you of the inspectors’ arrival and lets you unlock your home remotely. This option gives you the advantage of visually verifying the inspectors’ identity and credentials, as well as a visualized log of their entry and exit. 
• Key safe. This is a small box that you can open with a combination key. Place this in a fixed, secure location and provide your inspectors with the code to facilitate a completely hands-free inspection. This low-tech solution does not log the visit, so you should require the inspectors to call you upon arrival to document the inspection. 

4. The inspection proceeds.

Once the inspectors are in your home, they should now proceed to your bathroom to conduct the necessary checks. If you won’t be physically present for the inspection, be sure to leave them a map or sketch of your house’s interior so they can better navigate to your bathroom. Be sure to keep the approved plans and physical inspection card in visible, easily accessible locations so the inspectors can review them as needed. 

Otherwise, just be sure to direct them to the right area and stay out of their way until they have finished. When the inspection has concluded, you’ll be facing one of these two scenarios:

1. The inspection is approved. The work done on your bathroom so far followed the City of Edmonds’ standards and requirements to a tee. The inspectors will then sign the inspected items off the official records. They will then give you the go-ahead to proceed with the next step of the bathroom remodel or, if this is the final inspection, enjoy your newly finished, code-compliant bathroom. 
2. The inspection is not approved. The inspectors deemed some or all of the work non-compliant with the city’s building code. You will have to fix the issues; hiring an experienced bathroom remodeling contractor may be necessary in this case. Once all the corrections are made, go back to Step 1 and request a reinspection. 

What Is Inspected During a Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom remodel inspectors certainly don’t keep their work hidden behind closed doors. In case you’re wondering, though, here’s what they’re checking:

• Rough-ins. This includes the plumbing, electrical connections, and ventilation systems. The inspectors usually check these during the early stages of the remodel. 
• Waterproofing. This covers the waterproofing under the shower and bathtub, as well as the backer board under the floor tiling. Inspectors check these during the middle phase of the remodel, when the rough-ins are all set and the tilework is done. 
• Final inspection. This is the last inspection that thoroughly assesses the bathroom’s overall compliance, ensuring it is up to code before it’s finally used. 

How much is a permit for a bathroom remodel?

For bathroom remodel inspections Edmonds residents need to pay from $200 t0 $1,000, depending on the complexity of the work. Adding the inspection cost to the other permitting fees will set you back by $800 to $2,000.

Final Thoughts

Bathroom remodel inspections are an integral part of the remodeling process. They do more than ensure your modifications are legal and code-compliant. They also provide a layer of safety and quality assurance to your project, mainly through the unbiased eye of the impartial inspector.