Updating a 1950s–70s Bathroom in Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Danville & Walnut Creek
Drive through Burton Valley in Lafayette, Sleepy Hollow in Orinda or the hills around Walnut Creek and you'll see the same thing: well-kept homes from the 1950s, '60s and '70s, many with their original bathrooms still in place, or a remodel that's now 30 years old itself.
These homes are at "remodel age"
The numbers back it up (U.S. Census data via Point2Homes):
Orinda: about 82% of homes were built before 1980, and about a third in the 1950s.
Lafayette: about 79% were built before 1980, with the 1950s alone making up about a third.
Walnut Creek: about 66% were built before 1980, peaking in the 1960s and '70s.
Danville: about half were built before 1980, and another 43% between 1980 and 1999. That means a lot of 30–50-year-old original bathrooms.
Sources: Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Danville
What we typically find in older East Bay bathrooms
Showers without modern waterproofing. Older showers were built before today's membranes. A remodel is the chance to build a properly sloped, waterproofed and flood-tested shower.
Tired grout and failing shower pans. Stains on the ceiling below, loose tile or a musty smell are common signs. See our guide to shower pan leaks.
Tub-to-shower conversions. Swapping an unused tub for a walk-in shower is one of the most popular updates, especially for homeowners planning to stay for the long term.
Small footprints. Mid-century bathrooms are often compact, so tile choice and layout make a big difference in how open the room feels.
Permits: who you'll deal with
Lafayette and Orinda: building permits go through the Contra Costa County building department after the city's planning review. Lafayette's exemption list includes interior bathroom remodels that don't add conditioned space, but kitchens aren't exempt. (Lafayette, Orinda)
Danville: the Town offers a "Like-for-Like" bathroom remodel submittal when fixtures stay in place; relocating fixtures follows the regular alterations process. (Town of Danville)
Walnut Creek: the city lists bathroom remodels as work that needs a permit. (City of Walnut Creek)
More detail in our Bay Area bathroom permit guide.
Remodeling in Rossmoor
Rossmoor, the 55+ community in Walnut Creek, has its own process. Its Alterations & Resales Department reviews remodels, and for at least some mutuals a bathroom or kitchen remodel needs both a Rossmoor alterations permit and a City of Walnut Creek permit, with the mutual's approval first. Each mutual sets its own rules, so start by asking yours. (Rossmoor Alterations and Resales)
Bathroom ideas that work well for many Rossmoor homeowners:
A low-threshold or walk-in shower in place of a tub
Slip-resistant floor tile, like smaller mosaics with more grout lines or textured porcelain
Blocking in the walls for grab bars, even if you don't install them yet
A built-in bench and niche so you don't need to bend or reach
Tile choices that suit these homes
Classic subway tile (white, warm white or soft green) for mid-century homes
Large-format porcelain for a clean, modern update with fewer grout lines
Patterned encaustic-look floor tile to add character in a small bath
Marble-look porcelain for the look of stone without the upkeep
Planning a bathroom update in the East Bay?
We work across the East Bay, including Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Danville and Concord. Send Mike a few photos of your bathroom and your city. He'll tell you what's realistic, what the permit path looks like, and what it will take.
Call or text 916-847-2825, or request a free estimate on our website.
Comments