Bathroom Remodel in Long Beach
Bathroom remodels in Long Beach
78.6% of Long Beach housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1959 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024 5-year estimates).
Long Beach at a glance
- Share of Long Beach housing units built before 1980
- 78.6%
- Median year structure built, City of Long Beach
- 1959
- Share of occupied Long Beach homes that are owner-occupied
- 41.2%
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 Long Beach. 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.
Long Beach housing at a glance
Planning your project
Most homes in Long Beach are older. The U.S. Census Bureau's 2020–2024 5-year estimates show 78.6% of housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1959. Plan your bathroom remodel with that age in mind.
Older homes often hide problems behind the walls and under the floor. Ask the builder to check for galvanized supply lines, cast-iron drains, and water damage in the subfloor under old tile. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, so ask for testing before demolition. Old tile, adhesive, or flooring may contain asbestos, so test those materials too. These are things to check, not certainties for every house.
About 41.2% of occupied housing units in Long Beach are owner-occupied, which means many homes are rented. If you rent out your property, plan the work with your tenants. Tell them the schedule early, agree on access times, and keep them updated as the project moves forward.
The median value of owner-occupied homes in the City of Long Beach is $806,600. Use that figure to think about budget in general terms: how much you put into the home compared with its value, and how long you plan to keep it. Ask the builder to help you set a realistic range.
How a bathroom remodel usually goes in Long Beach
How a bathroom remodel usually goes in Long Beach
Plan the layout and budget
Write down what you want to change, such as the layout, shower or tub, storage, and ventilation. Set a budget range that you can keep to.
Choose fixtures and tile
Pick the shower or tub, toilet, vanity, tile, and finishes. Ask the builder how each choice affects the price and the work.
Check whether a permit is needed
Ask the builder whether your project needs a building permit from the city. Do not assume either way until the builder has confirmed it.
Get the permit where needed
If a permit is needed, let the builder apply for it before work starts. Keep a copy of the permit with your project papers.
Test and demolish carefully
Before demolition in an older home, ask for testing for lead-based paint and possible asbestos in old tile, adhesive, or flooring. Then remove the old fixtures and floor materials with care.
Inspect hidden problems
Check the subfloor, supply lines, and drains for water damage or old materials. Replace anything weak before new work starts.
Rough-in plumbing and electrical
Run new plumbing and electrical lines, and ask for the required inspections before the walls are closed.
Waterproof and set tile
Install a waterproof membrane and make sure the shower pan and walls are sealed before tile goes in.
Set fixtures and finish
Install the vanity, toilet, shower, lights, and vent fan. Test the water and ventilation before you use the room.
Final inspection and handover
Ask for the final inspection if your project needs one. Review the finished work with the builder and keep your paperwork.
Bathroom remodel questions for Long Beach homeowners
Does living in an older Long Beach home change a bathroom remodel?
Probably more than in a newer home. The U.S. Census Bureau's 2020–2024 estimates show 78.6% of Long Beach housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1959. Older homes often have galvanized supply lines, cast-iron drains, and subfloors that hide water damage. Ask the builder to check these before you finalize the plan.
What if my Long Beach bathroom is in a rental property?
Owners who rent out a property should plan the work around their tenants. The Census 2020–2024 estimates show 41.2% of occupied Long Beach housing units are owner-occupied, so many homes are rented. Tell your tenants the schedule early, agree on access times, and ask the builder how long the bathroom may be out of use. Check any local rules for rentals with the city.
How should my budget compare with my home's value?
Compare the project cost with the value of the home, not only with your own budget. The median value of owner-occupied homes in the City of Long Beach is $806,600 (Census 2020–2024 estimate, a typical value, not your home's value). Many owners spend based on how long they plan to stay and what the finished bathroom adds to daily use. Ask the builder to help you set a budget range.
Will my bathroom remodel need a building permit?
Ask the builder whether your project needs a building permit from the city. Permit needs depend on the scope of the work, such as moving plumbing or electrical lines. Do not start demolition until the builder has confirmed the permit answer for your project.
How can I check a contractor's license status?
Use the CSLB (Contractors State License Board) lookup to check any contractor's license status before you sign a contract. You can also ask the builder for their license number and check it yourself.
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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