Plan Your Bathroom Remodel Across Los Angeles County
Bathroom Remodels in Los Angeles County
70.3% of Los Angeles County housing units were built before 1980 (Census 2020–2024), and LADBS issued 3,997 permits for bathroom remodels in the City of Los Angeles over the last 12 months.
Los Angeles County at a glance
- Share of Los Angeles County housing units built before 1980, 2020–2024 ACS
- 70.3%
- Median year structure built, Los Angeles County, 2020–2024 ACS
- 1965
- Share of occupied Los Angeles County housing units that are owner-occupied, 2020–2024 ACS
- 45.9%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates · data as of
- Numbers from US Census and LADBS public records
- Up to three local contractors, never a long list
- Free, no obligation
What do permits say a bathroom remodel costs?
From City of LA building permits, last 12 months. Not a contract price. How we calculate this
Declared values on City of Los Angeles building permits, last 12 months. The dataset covers the City of Los Angeles only, so treat it as a regional reference for Los Angeles County. A declared value is what the permit states, not your contract price. How we calculate this.
Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), permits on one- and two-family homes issued to ; fire rebuilds excluded. ZIP medians need 20+ permits.
Los Angeles County housing and City of Los Angeles permit facts
Los Angeles County housing and City of Los Angeles permit facts
Local numbers for Los Angeles County, each with its source and date.
- Median value of owner-occupied homes, Los Angeles County, 2020–2024 ACS1
- $834,200
- Total housing units, Los Angeles County, 2020–2024 ACS1
- 3,650,466
- Issued bathroom remodel permits, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months2
- 3,997 permits
- Median declared permit valuation, bathroom remodels on one- and two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months2
- $14,000
Planning your project
What Los Angeles County homes mean for your bathroom remodel
In Los Angeles County, 70.3% of housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1965 (Census 2020–2024). For a bathroom remodel, that means an older bathroom may hide problems you cannot see from the surface.
Check for galvanized supply lines, cast-iron drains, hidden water damage under old tile, weak ventilation, lead-based paint in homes built before 1978, and possible asbestos in old tile or adhesive. These are things to check, not certainties for every house. Test before demolition starts.
Most occupied homes in the county are rented: 45.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied (Census 2020–2024). If you own a rental, plan the work around tenants' schedules and tell them early. The median value of owner-occupied homes is $834,200, so weigh your budget against what the home is worth. No return is promised.
In the City of Los Angeles, LADBS issued 3,997 permits for bathroom remodels over the last 12 months, with a median declared valuation of $14,000. That is a declared value, not the full project cost. Each city in the county runs its own permits, so check with your city.
Median declared permit value, City of Los Angeles
| Project | Figure | Range on a shared scale |
|---|---|---|
| Median declared permit valuation, bathroom remodel permits on one- and two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 monthsA declared value written on the permit application. It is not the contract price or the full project cost. | $14,000 |
Bars share one scale, from $0 to $14,000.
Declared value on City of Los Angeles building permits for one- and two-family homes over the last 12 months. This is the median declared value, not the full project cost, and it is usually below what a remodel really costs. Request an estimate for your home.
What a typical bathroom remodel involves
What a typical bathroom remodel involves
Plan the layout and budget
Decide what you want from the room, such as more storage, a new shower or better light. Set a budget with room for surprises in an older home.
Choose fixtures and tile
Pick the shower, tub, vanity, toilet, tile and fixtures before the work starts. Lead times can affect your schedule, so confirm them with your builder.
Check whether you need a permit
Ask your local builder or your city whether the work needs a building permit. Rules differ between cities, so do not assume.
Get the permit where needed
If a permit is required, your builder or you apply for it before work begins. Keep the approved plans on site.
Test before demolition
In an older home, have materials tested before demolition. Lead-based paint and possible asbestos in old tile or adhesive call for careful handling.
Rough-in plumbing and electrical
Update or replace supply lines and drains as needed, and run new electrical and ventilation. Inspections usually happen before walls are closed.
Waterproof the shower and walls
Install a waterproofing system behind the shower and walls. Check for old water damage under the floor and around the tub.
Set tile and fixtures
Set the tile, then install the vanity, toilet, shower fixtures and lighting.
Final inspection
Have the final inspection completed where your permit requires it, then review the finished work with your builder.
Questions homeowners ask before a bathroom remodel
Who issues the permit for a bathroom remodel?
Each city in Los Angeles County runs its own permit process. In the City of Los Angeles, LADBS issued 3,997 permits for bathroom remodels over the last 12 months. Ask your city or your local builder which permits your project needs.
Are bathrooms in older homes harder to remodel?
Many homes are old. 70.3% of Los Angeles County housing units were built before 1980 (Census 2020–2024), and the median year built is 1965. Older bathrooms can hide galvanized supply lines, cast-iron drains and water damage under tile. Test for lead-based paint and possible asbestos before work starts.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
In the City of Los Angeles, the median declared permit valuation for bathroom remodels on one- and two-family homes was $14,000 over the last 12 months. A declared value is not the full project cost, so request an estimate for your own home.
How do I start?
Write down your goals, your budget and when you want the work done. Then request a free estimate from a local builder. You can check any contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board).
What should owners of rentals plan for?
Plan the work around your tenants' schedule and talk with your builder about access and timing before work starts. In Los Angeles County, 45.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied (Census 2020–2024), so many homes are rented.
Recent work by a contractor in our network
Photos from the contractor's own projects, used with permission. Captions name the type of work.
Primary bathroom 
Guest bathroom 
Bathroom in an ADU 
Primary bathroom 
Guest walk-in shower 
Addition / ADU bathroom
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Service areas
- Los Angeles
- Bel Air
- Brentwood
- Hollywood
- +36 more
Service areas as listed by the contractor ()