Construction & Remodeling Experts in Idaho

It depends on the city and the scope. In Boise, cabinets, countertops, flooring and painting are exempt, but opening walls to the framing, building walls or relocating plumbing fixtures needs a building permit, and replacing bathroom fixtures usually needs a plumbing permit. Other cities publish their own lists, so the permit scope is confirmed with your local building department during planning.

Contractors doing jobs over $2,000 in materials and labor must register with the Idaho Contractors Board unless exempt. Use DOPL's public search to confirm the registration and look for formal actions, and check that the registration number appears on the contract and permit. Electricians, plumbers and HVAC installers work under separate state licenses, so confirm those licenses as well.

Ground snow load varies by location. Idaho Falls, for example, calculates its value from the city's 4,710-foot elevation. The University of Idaho notes that final design loads rest with the engineer, architect, local building official or contractor. Meridian's published criteria list 20 psf, Idaho Falls lists 47.1 psf with a historical 30 psf minimum roof snow load, and Coeur d'Alene lists 60 psf ground and 40 psf roof. Roof framing, additions and rooftop equipment are designed to the loads your jurisdiction uses.

Idaho uses the Idaho Energy Conservation Code, based on the 2018 IECC with state amendments, in effect since January 1, 2021. Most of southwest and north Idaho is in climate zone 5B, while eastern counties such as Bonneville and Bannock are in zone 6B. The zone affects insulation, window and air-sealing requirements.

DOPL lets homeowners buy an electrical permit only when they personally do the work on their own primary or secondary residence or related outbuildings, and homeowner permits are not valid for commercial buildings. Cities that issue their own permits have their own rules; Boise, for example, requires a homeowner acting as their own subcontractor to physically perform the permitted work.

Start with the property address, a rough scope and any homeowners association rules. Local plan checklists show what a permit submittal needs. Pocatello's residential checklist, for example, asks for a plot plan, floor plans, an energy form and footing and foundation details, plus a floodplain determination, a drainage plan and wildland-urban interface fire access. The state health department notes that radon-resistant features are easiest to install during construction.