Bathroom & Kitchen Tile in Concord: Smart Updates for Postwar Homes
Concord is full of solid postwar homes: 1950s, '60s and '70s tract houses on quiet streets, plus a few Eichler neighborhoods. Many of them still have original or 1990s bathrooms and kitchens.
The good news is that you don't always need a full gut remodel to make a big difference. Here's how to choose the right level of update.
Concord's homes at a glance
About 74% of Concord homes were built before 1980: roughly 19% in the 1950s, 23% in the 1960s and 25% in the 1970s. (Point2Homes, U.S. Census data)
Concord has about 175 Eichler homes in three neighborhoods, including Rancho del Diablo, about 50 homes from the early 1960s. (Visit Concord)
If you're in a Concord Eichler, some have radiant floor heating in the slab, so read our Eichler tile guide before removing floor tile.
Pick the right level of update
Not every bathroom needs the same fix. Typical 2026 Bay Area ranges from our tile cost guide:
Regrout and recaulk a shower whose tile is still sound: about $800–$1,600, plus $200–$400 to recaulk. Best when the tile is solid and there are no signs of leaks.
Replace a few cracked tiles: about $400–$1,000, if matching tile can be found.
Retile a tub/shower surround with new backer board and waterproofing: about $4,000–$9,000.
Full walk-in shower rebuild down to the studs: about $10,000–$20,000 before glass.
If you're seeing ceiling stains below an upstairs shower, loose tile or a musty smell that won't go away, regrouting won't fix it. Check our guide to shower pan leaks first.
Where to spend, where to save
Porcelain or ceramic vs. natural stone. Ceramic and porcelain floor tile installed runs about $18–$35 per square foot in the Bay Area, while natural stone runs about $25–$55. Marble-look porcelain gives you the look for less.
Spend on what's behind the tile. Waterproofing and a properly sloped shower floor aren't visible, but they're what make a shower last.
Keep the layout. Leaving the toilet, sink and shower drain where they are keeps plumbing costs and permit complexity down.
A backsplash is a quick win. A ceramic or subway tile backsplash runs about $1,200–$2,500 and can change the whole kitchen. Mosaic, stone or herringbone runs about $2,000–$4,500.
Permits in Concord
The City of Concord points homeowners to its "Work Requiring a Permit" bulletin (IB-022) to see which projects need a permit. Generally, moving plumbing, adding circuits or changing walls are the kinds of work that need a permit, so check the bulletin against your scope. The Building Division can be reached at 925-671-3430. (City of Concord FAQ, Building Division)
For neighboring cities like Walnut Creek, Lafayette and Pleasanton, see our Bay Area bathroom permit guide.
Tile ideas that fit Concord homes
White or warm-white subway tile with a contrasting grout for a classic, budget-friendly look
Large-format porcelain floors with fewer grout lines to clean
A patterned encaustic-look floor to add personality to a small hall bath
A tiled niche in place of a hanging caddy
A simple full-height backsplash behind the range as a focal point
Planning a project in Concord?
We work across Concord, Walnut Creek, Lafayette and nearby East Bay cities. Send Mike a few photos of your bathroom or kitchen, rough measurements and what you'd like to change. He'll tell you which level of update makes sense and what it will take.
Call or text 916-847-2825, or request a free estimate on our website.
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