Bathroom renovations in San Francisco require a thoughtful balance of craftsmanship, code compliance, moisture management, and the unique constraints of the city’s older homes. Whether you're updating a dated Edwardian flat, reconfiguring a Sunset District tunnel-entry layout, or adding a modern bathroom to a new ADU, Heidi’s House Construction specializes in delivering bathrooms that are beautiful, efficient, and built to last.

With over 40 years of plumbing and construction experience, we understand the challenges behind the walls — aging galvanized lines, mixed cast iron and ABS stacks, limited venting, old electrical circuits, and tight floor plans. Our bathroom remodels are designed to solve problems, elevate comfort, and create a room that feels fresh every day.

Why Bathroom Renovations Are Different in San Francisco

Older San Francisco homes have quirks that require expertise — not just installation skill. When we remodel a bathroom, we evaluate the home’s age, structure, circulation, and plumbing systems to ensure the renovation is durable and compliant with SF DBI (Department of Building Inspection) standards. Some of the most common considerations are:

• Mixed plumbing systems: Many SF homes still combine galvanized, copper, ABS, and cast-iron elements, requiring careful replacement or integration.
• Moisture & ventilation: Fog, lack of airflow, and older non-vented fans make proper waterproofing and mechanical ventilation essential.
• Tight layouts: Many bathrooms are narrow or tucked into awkward corners; smart design improves storage and comfort.
• Older electrical systems: Dedicated GFCI circuits, proper lighting loads, and fan circuits must be brought up to code.
• Structural idiosyncrasies: Sloped or sagging floors, hidden pipes, and seismic considerations affect layout, tile work, and framing.

Our local experience ensures that every bathroom is structurally sound, comfortably arranged, waterproofed correctly, and compliant with the city’s requirements.

Our Detailed Bathroom Renovation Process

1. In-Home Consultation & Evaluation

We begin by walking the space, identifying structural limitations, plumbing constraints, and mechanical details. We discuss your layout preferences, storage needs, accessibility requirements, and design style.

2. Layout & Fixture Planning

We define the optimal layout for your room. This may include:

• Curbless or low-threshold showers
• Linear drains or Schluter-style assemblies
• Recessed niches, storage towers, or floating vanities
• Soaking tubs with integrated tile aprons
• Improved circulation and lighting

Your fixtures — tub, shower system, sinks, cabinets, tile, mirrors, hardware — are selected to complement the architectural style of your home and withstand SF’s coastal humidity.

3. Permit, Compliance & Inspection Coordination

Most bathroom remodels require permits. We handle:

• Permit application with DBI
• Rough plumbing and electrical inspections
• Waterproofing, insulation, and final inspections
• Coordination with HOAs or building managers when needed

Our team ensures every step meets San Francisco code requirements and passes inspection the first time.

4. Demolition & Rough Construction

We remove existing finishes, fixtures, and outdated plumbing and electrical systems. We evaluate structural conditions — floor joists, wall framing, subfloors — and make improvements for safety, stability, and proper slope.

5. Plumbing & Electrical Upgrades

We replace outdated supply lines, drain lines, valves, and venting components. We add dedicated GFCI circuits, lighting zones, and properly rated exhaust fans. This is the ideal time to correct any issues that have been hidden for decades.

6. Waterproofing & Tile Assembly

Proper waterproofing is essential for San Francisco’s humid climate. We use modern assemblies such as Schluter Kerdi, Wedi, or similar systems to protect the entire wet zone.

• Waterproofed shower pans
• Full-height shower waterproofing
• Bench, niche, and curb waterproofing
• Anti-fracture membranes over floors

Tile is then installed with careful attention to slope, lines, grout size, and transitions.

7. Finish Fixtures, Glass, Mirrors & Hardware

After tile, we install the vanity, faucets, shower system, toilet, accessories, trim, and custom glass. Lighting, fans, and mirrors complete the room. Every detail is aligned to ensure durability and ease of cleaning.

8. Final Inspection, Testing & Walkthrough

We test all fixtures, drains, fans, and electrical systems. We walk through punch-list items with you and provide maintenance recommendations for long-term performance.

Bathroom Types We Specialize In

• Full bathroom gut renovations
• ADU and in-law bathroom additions
• Curbless or walk-in showers
• Small-space bathroom reconfigurations
• Two-bathroom phased remodels
• Luxury primary suite bathrooms
• Accessible and aging-in-place bathrooms
• Tub-to-shower conversions

What Makes Our SF Bathroom Renovations Stand Out

• Plumbing expertise: 40+ years of plumbing specialization.
• Local jobsite experience: We understand how to work in tight stairwells, shared walls, and older structures.
• No hidden costs: Transparent pricing, detailed scopes, and consistent communication.
• Modern waterproofing systems: Built to last in foggy, high-humidity microclimates.
• Whole-home alignment: We coordinate with kitchens, ADUs, and repiping projects.

Bathroom Renovation Costs in San Francisco

As a general guideline, San Francisco bathroom remodels tend to fall into these ranges:

• Standard bathroom renovation: $35,000–$55,000+
• Higher-end renovation: $55,000–$85,000+
• Large or complex primary bathrooms: $85,000–$130,000+

Final costs depend on layout changes, tile choices, fixture quality, plumbing upgrades, electrical panel condition, and structural needs. We help you choose priorities and make smart decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do bathroom remodels in San Francisco require permits?

A1: In most cases, yes. Permits are required for plumbing, electrical, structural changes, waterproofing, and most to-the-studs remodels. We handle all DBI coordination, inspections, and documentation.

Q2: Can I stay in my home during the renovation?

A2: Yes. For homes with more than one bathroom, we can phase work so only one room is offline at a time. Even in single-bath homes, temporary solutions can be arranged with clear scheduling.

Q3: How long does a bathroom remodel take?

A3: Typical timelines range from 5–8 weeks, depending on inspection schedules, tile lead times, and complexity of plumbing/electrical upgrades.

Q3: What if my plumbing is old?

A3: Many San Francisco homes have aging plumbing systems. A bathroom remodel is the perfect time to replace outdated galvanized or mixed piping with copper or PEX. We’ll advise you on materials, costs, and long-term reliability.

Q4: Can you help with design and fixtures?

A4: Absolutely. We assist with layout planning, tile assemblies, ventilation strategies, and fixture selections that match your style and budget.

Next Steps

If you're planning a bathroom renovation in San Francisco or the Bay Area, we’d be happy to walk through your space, explain your options, and provide a clear, transparent scope of work. Contact us to schedule a consultation and begin planning a bathroom that fits your home and your lifestyle.

👉 Start your transformation —