Bathrooms in older San Diego homes
Houses from before 1970 in neighborhoods such as North Park, Kensington and Clairemont often have a five-by-eight bathroom with a tub, a toilet and a single sink. Behind the walls are cast iron drains and, in the oldest homes, galvanized supply lines.
When the room is taken back to the framing, it makes sense to replace those lines. The cost is modest compared with opening a finished bathroom again in a few years.
The most requested changes
- Converting a tub to a walk-in shower.
- Replacing a single sink with a double vanity where the room allows.
- Adding a second bathroom or turning a half bath into a full one.
- Enlarging the room by borrowing from a closet or hallway.
- Better ventilation and lighting.
Condos and townhomes
A bathroom remodel in a condo comes with building rules. Water shutoffs usually need notice, working hours are limited, and the drain stack and vents shared with other units cannot be moved. Waterproofing matters even more here, because a leak lands in a neighbor's ceiling.
Permits in San Diego
Replacing fixtures in the same locations often needs no permit. Moving plumbing, adding circuits or changing walls does, through the City of San Diego Development Services Department.
How a bathroom remodel with All Pro Contractor runs
- Site visit to review the room, the plumbing and ventilation, and what you want to change.
- Written estimate with scope, allowances and responsibilities for design and permits.
- Selections and ordering, so tile, fixtures and glass are on hand before demolition.
- Demolition, rough plumbing and electrical, inspections, waterproofing, then tile, fixtures and finishes.