At-a-glance
- Licensing body: Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection (HICPA registration)
- License threshold: All contractors performing home-improvement work over $5,000/year must register (HIC number)
- Permit authority: Local township / borough building code officer (BCO), typically via a third-party inspection agency
- Typical fees: $100–$400 for a bathroom remodel permit
Who needs to pull the permit in Pennsylvania
Bathroom remodels that touch plumbing, electrical, or structural work require a permit under the UCC. Cosmetic-only projects (paint, fixture swap without changing supply or drain lines, vanity replacement without new plumbing) generally don't.
The contractor pulls the permit. Never accept a job where the homeowner is asked to pull it, that shifts liability to you if the work fails inspection.
HICPA registration (what to verify)
The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA) requires every PA home-improvement contractor doing over $5,000 of work in a calendar year to register with the Attorney General. Registration produces a HIC number that appears on all contracts.
Verify at attorneygeneral.gov (search Home Improvement Contractor). Registration doesn't guarantee quality, but the absence of a HIC number is disqualifying.
- Required: HIC number on contract, all advertising, and truck signage
- Required: written contract for all jobs over $500 (before work starts)
- Required: 3-day right of rescission for the homeowner
Typical Central and Eastern PA permit process
Contractor submits plans to the local BCO or third-party agency. Plan review runs 5–15 business days. Once approved, work begins. Rough plumbing/electrical inspection happens after rough-in and before drywall. Final inspection happens after all work completes.
Fees vary by municipality. Common range: $100 (small township) to $400 (larger boroughs, Philadelphia-area townships).
Not sure which remodeler is right for your Pennsylvania home? Julia walks you through a 2-minute guided conversation and matches you with vetted local providers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a tub-to-shower conversion in PA?+
Almost always yes, because the plumbing changes.
How long does permit approval take in PA?+
Typically 5–15 business days for a residential bathroom remodel.
What if my contractor doesn't have a HIC number?+
Walk away. HIC registration is required by state law for any contractor doing over $5,000 of home-improvement work per year.
Deep-dive planning guides
Pennsylvania-specific planning guides
Permits in other states
Ready to see your remodel profile?
BathGuide is a 2-minute guided conversation, not a contractor form. You'll see your personalized remodel profile before sharing anything. Matching with a local provider is optional and only happens if you want it.