Bathroom Remodel in Burbank: Older-Home Planning
Bathroom remodels in Burbank
71.5% of Burbank housing units were built before 1980 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024), so plan for older pipes, subfloors and materials before you choose tile.
Burbank at a glance
- Share of housing units built before 1980 (City of Burbank, 2020–2024)
- 71.5%
- Median year structure built, all housing units (City of Burbank, 2020–2024)
- 1959
- Share of occupied housing units that are owner-occupied (City of Burbank, 2020–2024)
- 43.3%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates · data as of
- Numbers from US Census 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 Burbank. 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.
Burbank housing at a glance
Planning your project
What Burbank's older homes mean for your bathroom remodel
Most housing in Burbank is older. 71.5% of housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1959 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024). Older bathrooms often hide problems that only show up once the walls and floor are open, so plan for them from the start.
Galvanized supply lines and cast-iron drains are common in homes of this age. Ask the builder to check them early, because replacing them later can change the layout and schedule. Look under old tile for soft or stained subfloor, which often means past water damage. Ventilation is another point to check, since older bathrooms may not move moisture out well.
Only 43.3% of occupied housing units in Burbank are owner-occupied, so many bathrooms here are in rentals. If you rent out your property, plan the work around your tenants and keep them informed about dates and noisy days. Ask the builder to tell you what the project will need in terms of access and time out of service.
The median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,089,100. Use that figure to frame your budget, not to set it. Think about how much the remodel adds to the home relative to its value, and keep the spend in proportion.
How a bathroom remodel usually goes in Burbank
How a bathroom remodel usually goes in Burbank
Plan the layout and budget
Sketch the layout you want and note what must stay in place, such as the drain or window. Set a budget that leaves room for surprises in an older home.
Choose fixtures, tile and finishes
Pick the toilet, vanity, shower or tub, tile, and finishes. Keep notes on sizes and product codes so the builder can price the exact items.
Ask whether a permit is needed
Ask the builder who receives your request whether your project needs a building permit from the city. Get the answer in writing before work begins.
Get a permit where needed
If a permit is required, the builder or you applies to the city and waits for approval before work starts. Ask how the permit affects the schedule.
Test and open the old bathroom
Before demolition, ask for testing in older homes. Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint, and old tile, adhesive or flooring may contain asbestos. Then remove the old bathroom and check the subfloor for water damage.
Rough-in plumbing and electrical
Replace or repair galvanized supply lines and cast-iron drains where needed. Run new electrical for lighting, fans and outlets. Have the rough-in inspected before walls are closed.
Waterproofing, tile and fixtures
Repair any subfloor damage, then waterproof the shower area and walls. Set the tile and let the work cure before fixtures go in.
Final inspection and walkthrough
Install the vanity, toilet, shower fittings and lighting. Ask for a final inspection where the city requires it, then walk through the finished bathroom with the builder.
Questions about bathroom remodels in Burbank
Why does the age of Burbank homes matter for my bathroom?
Most housing in Burbank is older: 71.5% of housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1959 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024). Older homes often have galvanized supply lines, cast-iron drains, and hidden water damage under old tile. Check these before you finish the design.
I rent out my Burbank home. What should I think about?
Only 43.3% of occupied housing units in Burbank are owner-occupied (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024), so many homes here are rentals. If you rent out your property, plan the work around your tenants, keep them informed about the schedule, and talk with the builder about how the project fits your rental plans.
How should my remodel budget compare with a home's value?
The median value of owner-occupied homes in Burbank is $1,089,100 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024). Use that figure only as a general guide. Think about how much the remodel adds to the home's value and keep the spend in proportion to what you plan to live with or sell.
Will my bathroom remodel need a building permit?
Ask the builder who receives your request whether your project needs a building permit from the city. Do not assume either way. Permit rules depend on the scope of work, so get the answer in writing before work starts.
How can I check a contractor's license status?
You can check any contractor's license status with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Ask the builder for their license number and look it up before you sign anything.
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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