Bathroom Remodels in Santa Monica
73.4% of housing units in the City of Santa Monica were built before 1980 (U.S. Census, 2020–2024), so plan your bathroom remodel with older-home checks in mind.
Santa Monica at a glance
- Share of housing units built before 1980, City of Santa Monica (2020–2024)
- 73.4%
- Median year structure built, all housing units, City of Santa Monica (2020–2024)
- 1968
- Share of occupied housing units that are owner-occupied, City of Santa Monica (2020–2024)
- 27.9%
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 Santa Monica. 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.
Santa Monica housing facts
Planning your project
What Santa Monica's homes mean for your bathroom remodel
Most homes in the City of Santa Monica are older. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 73.4% of housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1968 (2020–2024 estimates). For a bathroom remodel, that age means you should check the room's hidden parts before you choose tile.
In older homes, look at the supply lines and drains first. Galvanized supply lines and cast-iron drains may need attention. Check the subfloor under old tile for hidden water damage. Ask about ventilation and about lead-based paint testing for homes built before 1978. Old tile, adhesive, or flooring may contain asbestos, so test before demolition. These are things to check, not certainties for every house.
Only 27.9% of occupied housing units in Santa Monica are owner-occupied (2020–2024), so many homes here are rented. If you own a rental property, plan the work with tenants in mind. Tell them the schedule early and plan around their use of the bathroom.
The median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,755,500 (2020–2024). Use that figure to think about how much to put into one room relative to what the home is worth. Your budget should come from the builder's written quote for your project.
How a bathroom remodel usually goes
How a bathroom remodel usually goes
Plan the layout and budget
Decide what you want from the room. Sketch the layout, pick a budget range, and note what must stay, such as a window or a drain location.
Choose fixtures and tile
Choose the shower or tub, toilet, vanity, tile, and finishes. Ask the builder how these choices affect labor and materials.
Confirm permit needs with the builder
Ask the builder whether your remodel needs a building permit from the city. Do not assume either answer. Get the answer in writing as part of your quote.
Apply for permits where needed
If a permit is needed, the builder typically files it before work starts. Keep copies of the approved plans on site.
Test and demolish with care
Before removing old tile or flooring in an older home, test for asbestos and lead-based paint. Then remove fixtures and finishes carefully and look for water damage in the subfloor.
Rough-in plumbing and electrical
Replace or repair supply lines and drains as needed. Plumbing and electrical work typically has its own inspection before walls are closed.
Waterproof and vent the room
Install a waterproof membrane and check ventilation. Waterproofing protects the subfloor and walls around the shower.
Install tile and fixtures
Set the tile, install fixtures, and finish trim and paint. Keep tenants or family informed about access and noise if the home is occupied.
Final inspection and walkthrough
Schedule the final inspection, then walk through the finished room with the builder and review the warranty terms in writing.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check if my Santa Monica home was built before 1980?
Older homes often have galvanized supply lines, cast-iron drains, and hidden water damage under old tile. The Census estimates 73.4% of Santa Monica housing units were built before 1980, so ask the builder to check these areas before you finalize the plan. Homes built before 1978 may also need lead-based paint testing.
I rent out my Santa Monica home. What should I plan for?
Only 27.9% of occupied housing units in Santa Monica are owner-occupied (2020–2024 estimates), so many homes are rented. If you own a rental, tell tenants about the schedule early, plan the work so they keep a usable bathroom when possible, and talk through the timing with the builder before work starts.
How does my remodel budget compare with home value in Santa Monica?
The median value of owner-occupied homes in Santa Monica is $1,755,500 (2020–2024 estimates). Use that figure only to think about how much to put into one room compared with what the home is worth. It is not a price for your project, so base your budget on the builder's written quote.
What does a bathroom remodel involve?
Start with a clear plan for layout, fixtures, and tile. Ask the builder whether your project needs a building permit from the city. Plan for testing in older homes, waterproofing, and inspections at key stages.
How can I check a contractor before I hire one?
Yes. Check any contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board) before you sign. Ask the builder for a written scope, the materials, and who handles permits and inspections.
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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