Bathroom Remodeling

Float Cement (The "Old School" Mud Set)

This is the traditional method where a contractor applies a wire lath to the studs and "floats" a layer of mortar (scratch coat and brown coat) to create perfectly plumb and level walls.

• Pros: It is the only way to get perfectly straight, 90-degree walls in older LA homes with crooked studs. It is incredibly durable and solid.
• Cons: Extremely labor-intensive and slow. It requires a highly skilled "mud man," a trade that is becoming harder to find. It adds significant weight to the structure.
• Best For: High-end custom homes, steam showers, or rooms with very irregular framing.

Backer Boards (Cement Board / HardieBacker)

These are 3' x 5' or 4' x 8' sheets of cement-based board that are screwed directly into the wall studs.

• Pros: Inexpensive and much faster than floating. It provides a solid, rot-resistant base for tile.
• Cons: It is not waterproof on its own. Cement board is "water-durable," meaning it won't rot, but water can pass through it. You must apply a liquid waterproofing membrane (like RedGard or Laticrete Hydro Ban) over the board and seams before tiling.
• Best For: Standard mid-range remodels where budget and speed are priorities.
   

Wedi Boards (Extruded Polystyrene / Foam Board)

Wedi is a premium, lightweight, "extruded polystyrene" foam core board coated with a special resin and fiberglass mesh.

• Pros: It is 100% waterproof through the core. The installation is incredibly fast (a shower can be prepped in hours rather than days). It is lightweight, provides some insulation, and because the system is integrated, the manufacturer often provides a massive warranty (up to 20 years).
• Cons: Expensive material costs. While you save on labor time, the boards and specialized sealants cost significantly more than cement board.
• Best For: Modern, high-efficiency remodels, luxury master baths, and projects where a long-term leak-proof warranty is a priority.
   

Most full-service general contractors provide an all-inclusive experience, managing everything from initial design and permitting through final construction. We strongly advise requesting 3D design renderings before any work begins; seeing the finished space in detail is essential for a successful outcome. For high-end or luxury projects, we recommend consulting a dedicated interior designer if your contractor doesn't have one on staff. Please note that while contractors typically include permit expediting services in their fee, the actual city permit costs are usually billed separately

Most general contractors in Los Angeles do not charge for in-house estimates but it is always recommended to ask first. A quote should be line-itemed including specifications for:

• Contract amount
• Start and finish dates
• Design and Planning (if needed)
• Work stages - from demolition to final clean up. A description of all trades involved with the bathroom renovation process.
• Product specifications – Some GC’s include all materials in their bids and some quote only for labor and rough materials. If finished items are included the quote should specify brands and images.
• A “Not Included” Section – What’s not included in this contract.
• Payment schedule (e.g., 10% down, progress payments, and final holdback).
• Warranty information for both products and workmanship. In California there are warranties that set in the law whether they are listed or not but it is always recommended to ask and to note them
• Terms and Conditions, the fine print as in any contract

Here are the bathroom remodeling costs averages in Los Angeles

Basic Refresh    $10,000 – $12,000

Cosmetic updates: paint, flooring, prefab vanity, and standard fixtures. No shower pan work. No layout changes.

Average Remodel (Complete Gut)          $32,000 – $41,000

New porcelain tile, semi-custom vanity, quartz counters, frameless glass doors, and updated plumbing  and electrical.

Master Bathroom Remodel (Complete gut)     $45,000 - $58,000

New porcelain tile, custom vanity, quartz counters, frameless glass doors, a jaccuzi bathtub, and updated plumbing and electrical.

These are average bathroom remodel quotes, and they do include all finishes and fixtures. Note that most contractors quote for labor and rough materials only

Yes, you do. All cities in southern California require a permit for bathroom remodeling projects. Some cities will have it on one building permit that covers it all and some cities will make you obtain different permits for the different trades, plumbing, electrical Etc.

The requirements for a bathroom permit are usually simple, if you are not doing any structural modifications, most cities consider this as an express permit that can be obtained online quite easily. Your bathroom remodeling contractor should be able to handle this for you.

Here are the most important items you should investigate when comparing bathroom remodeling companies or contractors:

• Detailed Scope: Ensure every quote covers the exact same materials and labor.
• Communication: Prioritize contractors who provide prompt, transparent answers.
• Portfolio Alignment: Verify that their previous work reflects the specific aesthetic you want for your home.
• Reviews: check for authenticity and look for consistent patterns in feedback, specifically regarding budget adherence and timelines.
• Credential Verification: Use the CSLB website to check licenses and insurance. Note that higher license numbers often indicate newer businesses; also, be sure to review any formal complaints or listed personnel."
• Price: Watch out for low prices the same way you fear high prices, a 20% difference between one contractor to another makes sense but 50% is a red flag.

While asking friends and family for referrals is an excellent first step, relying on a single source can limit your options. For a more comprehensive search, we suggest using online platforms like Google or Houzz. If you are based in Los Angeles, Yelp remains a highly reliable resource for local reviews. Additionally, you can leverage AI by simply prompting: “Find the best bathroom remodeling contractors near me.'"