Guides
Bathroom questions, answered plainly.
The questions Bay Area homeowners ask me most before a bathroom remodel: cost, time, permits, waterproofing, layout and materials. Each page starts with the short answer.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in the Bay Area?
With us, a tub-to-shower conversion starts at $12,500, a full remodel that keeps the layout starts at $25,000, and a remodel that moves plumbing or a primary bathroom starts at $40,000.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A full remodel of one bathroom typically takes 2 to 4 weeks on site once all materials are in hand.
Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom?
Usually yes, if the work touches plumbing, electrical, ventilation or walls.
Should I replace my tub with a walk-in shower?
If nobody in the house takes baths, a walk-in shower usually makes the room easier and safer to use.
What goes behind shower tile, and why does it matter?
Grout and cement board both let water through, so a waterproof membrane goes over the backer board, and the shower floor slopes to the drain.
Can my bathroom have a curbless shower?
Most bathrooms can have a curbless shower, but the floor has to slope to the drain without a step, so we either lower the floor in the shower area or slope a larger part of the room.
Which tile works best in a bathroom?
For most bathrooms I recommend porcelain: it absorbs very little water, needs no sealing and holds up on floors and in showers.
Cement, urethane or epoxy grout: which should I choose?
Cement grout is the standard and the easiest to work with, but it is porous and needs sealing.
What bathroom exhaust fan do I need?
In a bathroom with a tub or shower, California code requires an ENERGY STAR exhaust fan ducted outdoors and controlled by a humidistat, moving at least 50 cfm.
How do I know if there is water damage under my bathroom floor?
The most reliable signs are a soft or bouncy floor around the toilet or tub, a toilet that rocks, tile that cracks or comes loose, and stains on the ceiling below.
What size and height should my bathroom vanity be?
Vanities come in standard widths of 24, 30, 36, 48, 60 and 72 inches, with a standard depth of 21 inches and 18 inches for tight rooms.
What layout rules apply to a small bathroom?
California code requires 15 inches from the center of the toilet to any side wall or fixture and 24 inches of clear space in front of it.
Is a heated bathroom floor worth it?
For a tiled bathroom you use every day, usually yes.
Pressure-balance or thermostatic shower valve: which do I need?
Both types meet the California anti-scald requirement.
How do I live through a remodel of my only bathroom?
If this is your only bathroom, say so first.
Should I buy the fixtures myself or let the contractor supply them?
You can buy the visible finishes you care about, such as the mirror, accessories and light fixtures.
How do I make a bathroom safe for later years without it looking like a hospital?
Put solid blocking in the walls for future grab bars, lower or remove the shower curb, and add a handheld shower on a slide bar.
Ready when you are.
Send 2–3 photos of the room and your city. You get a price range back, not a sales call.