Low to Moderate. While some aspects may be DIY-friendly for skilled individuals, significant structural, plumbing, and electrical work often requires licensed professionals for safety and code compliance.
Extensive multi-trade project involving significant structural, plumbing, and electrical modifications, requiring detailed plan review and multiple inspections to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and safety codes.
Project Guidelines & Rules
General Requirements & Permitting
3 Rules
Permit Application: All structural, plumbing, and electrical modifications require permits from your local building department prior to commencement of work.
2024 IRC R105.1, R105.2; Local DuPage County Ordinance
Construction Documents: Detailed plans illustrating existing and proposed conditions, including structural elements, fixture layouts, electrical plans, and plumbing diagrams, must be submitted for review.
2024 IRC R106.1
Inspections: Required inspections include, but are not limited to, rough-in plumbing, rough-in electrical, rough-in framing, insulation, and final inspections for each trade and overall project.
2024 IRC R109.1
Structural & Accessibility
6 Rules
Clear Floor Space: Provide adequate clear floor space at all accessible fixtures (e.g., toilet, lavatory, shower) for wheelchair maneuvering.
ICC A117.1 Section 305, 603 (Referenced by 2024 IRC)
Grab Bar Reinforcement: Walls around toilets, showers, and tubs requiring grab bars must have adequate structural blocking to support future grab bar installation. Blocking should be securely fastened between studs.
2024 IRC R308.2 (Refers to ICC A117.1), ICC A117.1 Section 609.3
Doorways: Minimum clear opening width for accessible doorways must be provided. Typically, a 36-inch door provides the necessary 32-inch clear opening.
2024 IRC R311.2, ICC A117.1 Section 404.2.3
Floor Support: Verify existing floor joist capacity is sufficient for potential increased loads from specialized accessible fixtures or equipment, and reinforce if necessary.
2024 IRC R502.2.1
Safety Glazing: All glazing in hazardous locations, including within 60 inches horizontally of a shower or bathtub, must be safety glazing.
2024 IRC R308.4
Mirror Height: The bottom edge of at least one mirror must be 40 inches maximum above the finished floor.
ICC A117.1 Section 603.3 (Referenced by 2024 IRC)
Plumbing Systems
4 Rules
Accessible Fixtures: Install toilets with a seat height between 17 and 19 inches, and lavatories with clear knee and toe space underneath, with the rim or counter surface no higher than 34 inches above the floor.
Illinois Plumbing Code (based on IPC) 405.3, ICC A117.1 Section 604.4, 606.4
Shower & Tub Requirements: Accessible showers (roll-in or transfer type) must meet specific dimensional and clear space requirements. Anti-scald devices (pressure-balancing or thermostatic mixing valves) are required for all showers and tub/shower combinations.
Illinois Plumbing Code (based on IPC) 407.3, ICC A117.1 Section 608
Drainage & Venting: All new or relocated fixtures must be properly trapped, vented, and connected to the sanitary drainage system in accordance with code requirements.
Illinois Plumbing Code (based on IPC) Chapters 7 & 9
Water Supply: Adequate water supply sizing and pressure must be maintained. Protect all plumbing from freezing temperatures by placing it within the conditioned envelope or insulating according to DuPage County climate (e.g., 42-inch frost depth for buried lines).
Illinois Plumbing Code (based on IPC) Chapter 6, 305.6; 2024 IRC P2603.3
Electrical Systems
4 Rules
GFCI Protection: All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles in bathrooms and lighting fixtures in shower/tub zones must have ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection.
2023 NEC 210.8(A)(1), 210.8(B)(1)
Lighting: At least one wall-switch controlled lighting outlet is required. Ensure adequate illumination for safety and accessibility.
2023 NEC 210.70(A)(1)
Receptacles: At least one 120-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacle outlet is required within 3 feet (900 mm) of the outside edge of each basin. It must be accessible and located to minimize splashing.
2023 NEC 210.52(D)
Circuit Capacity: Ensure the existing electrical service and branch circuits have sufficient capacity for any added loads (e.g., new lighting, exhaust fans, specialized medical equipment).
2023 NEC 220.87
Mechanical & Ventilation
1 Rules
Bathroom Exhaust: An exhaust system capable of providing 50 cubic feet per minute (cfm) intermittent or 20 cfm continuous mechanical ventilation must be provided, ducted to the exterior.
2024 IRC M1507.4
DuPage County Climate & Standards
3 Rules
Frost Protection: All water supply piping and drainage piping that is installed underground or within unconditioned spaces must be protected from freezing. A minimum frost depth of 42 inches below grade is required for exterior applications.
2024 IRC P2603.3; Illinois Plumbing Code 305.6
Radon Mitigation: While primarily for new construction, if the conversion includes significant new foundation work in basement areas, consult with your local building department regarding radon-resistant construction requirements.
2024 IRC R327
Energy Efficiency: Any new exterior walls, windows, or insulation added as part of the conversion must comply with DuPage County's energy efficiency requirements.
2024 IRC Chapter 11 (Energy Efficiency)
