Guide
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel?
The short answer
Often yes. Replacing a tub or shower, moving plumbing or adding wiring usually needs a city permit; paint, mirrors and towel bars usually don't. Every city sets its own rules. We pull what's required for the work and tell you on the visit. CA Lic. B & C-36 #1139422.
Examples from local cities
Mission Viejo says bathroom renovations generally require a building permit, including replacing a tub or shower, and treats paint, floor coverings, mirrors and towel bars alone as maintenance. Long Beach offers an online express permit for a minor bathroom remodel in one- and two-family homes when walls and openings don't change. Fullerton normally reviews small residential bathroom remodels over the counter. Newport Beach publishes a standard plan for a single-family kitchen or bathroom remodel and notes that HOA approval is separate. Huntington Beach allows permitted remodeling from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
What we do
We pull what's required for the work and tell you on the visit. TN Builder LLC holds CA Lic. B & C-36 #1139422 (B general building and C-36 plumbing); you can verify it on CSLB.ca.gov.
Sources (checked 10/20/2026): Mission Viejo Building Services · Long Beach online permitting · Fullerton permit processing · Newport Beach standard plans · Huntington Beach Building & Inspections
California rules
Do I need a permit for my bathroom remodel?
It depends on your city and your project. California's contractor board says, "Code requirements vary in different cities and counties around the state." Ask your city's building department before work starts. We pull what's required for the work. We'll tell you on the visit.
Source: California Contractors State License Board, Building Permit Requirements. Checked 10/27/2026.
Do I have to replace old toilets, showerheads or faucets when I remodel?
For all building alterations or improvements to a single-family home, California Civil Code section 1101.4 says the permit applicant must replace all noncompliant plumbing fixtures with water-conserving plumbing fixtures as a condition of final permit approval by the local building department. Ask your city how it applies to your home.
Source: California Civil Code section 1101.4. Checked 10/27/2026.
How a free estimate works
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- 02
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We measure, bring samples and give you a written price. Most visits take under an hour.
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Estimates are free and happen in your house, not a showroom.
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Questions
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel?
Often yes. Replacing a tub or shower, moving plumbing or adding wiring usually needs a city permit; paint, mirrors and towel bars usually don't. We pull what's required for the work and tell you on the visit. CA Lic. B & C-36 #1139422.
Does replacing a tub or shower need a permit?
In many cities, yes. Mission Viejo, for example, says bathroom renovations, including replacing a tub or shower, generally require a building permit.
Who pulls the permit?
We pull what's required for the work and tell you on the visit. CA Lic. B & C-36 #1139422.
Is New Bath Co licensed?
Yes. New Bath Co is operated by TN Builder LLC, which holds CA Lic. B & C-36 #1139422 (B general building and C-36 plumbing). You can verify it on CSLB.ca.gov.
How long does the work take?
Jobs often finish in a day once materials are on site. Hidden rot can take longer. Why we open the walls
Do you install over my existing tile?
Usually no. Demo to the studs is the usual method. Overlay is rare. See wall materials
Related: Tub-to-shower conversions · Walk-in tubs · All guides
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