BATHROOM REMODELING
Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in
Burbank, CA
With more than 10 years of experience, ARD Remodeling remodels bathrooms for homeowners in Burbank, CA, whether you are swapping a vanity and toilet or rebuilding the room around a new shower. Burbank treats a fixture replacement and a layout change differently, so the free estimate begins with sorting your bathroom into one of those two groups.
- Free estimates
- Showers to vanities
- Waterproofing planned
- Scope in writing
Where to begin
Fixture swap or full rebuild?
Before talking about tile colors, it helps to decide how deep the project goes. The three sizes below cover almost every bathroom we are asked about.
Fixture replacement
New toilet, faucet, shower valve or showerhead in the same spots. The city lists plumbing fixtures among its simple permits.
Surface renewal
New tile, vanity and lighting inside the existing footprint, with the waterproofing and plumbing behind the wall checked.
Layout rebuild
Moving drains, enlarging the shower or changing walls. This is the version that needs drawings and the most lead time.
BURBANK PERMITS
How Burbank treats a bathroom permit
A rule of thumb for planning, not a ruling. The Building & Safety Division decides, and it separates simple repair-type permits from work that needs plan check.
Often simple-permit work
- Replacing plumbing fixtures
- Replacing a water heater
- Replacing electrical fixtures and outlets
- Re-piping
Likely plan check or zoning
- Alterations that change the layout
- Additions to the house
- Work that changes walls or structure
Ask the counter
Building permits and plan check: (818) 238-5220.
Inspections
Request them one day ahead through the Burbank Online Permits portal.
We read the division's tiers while we write the scope and tell you which track the work probably follows.
Pipes, valves and the water behind the wall
Burbank's permit rules treat repair and maintenance of plumbing as permit work, and the city lists re-piping among its simple permits. That is relevant when the walls of an older bathroom are opened and the supply lines turn out to be tired.
Supply lines and valves
We look at what feeds the shower and sink, and replace what the scope calls for while the wall is open.
Waterproofing and slope
A continuous membrane and a floor that falls toward the drain protect the framing for the long run.
Moisture leaves the house
Fans are ducted outdoors, not to the attic.
THE FLOOR UNDER YOU
Three shower floor options
Choose the floor early. It sets the slope, the drain and how the tile is laid.
Small mosaic tile
Best for: Easy slopes and a grippy surface
- Many grout lines for traction
- Follows a sloped floor easily
- Wide range of looks
Keep in mind: More grout to keep clean.
Large tile with linear drain
Best for: A sleek, modern look
- Few grout lines
- Slope in one direction
- Works well with a frameless panel
Keep in mind: The slope has to be planned precisely.
Prefabricated shower pan
Best for: Simple replacements in the same spot
- Fewer steps in the build
- Predictable shape
- Walls tiled separately
Keep in mind: Fewer layout and size options.
ROOM DETAILS
Light, mirrors and storage that fit a small bath
Many bathrooms in older homes are modest in size, so the details do the heavy lifting. We choose mirrors, lighting and storage together so the room feels bigger than its footprint.
- Light at the mirrorSide sconces show faces more evenly than a single overhead light.
- Recessed storageA niche or wall cabinet clears the counter and shower ledges.
- Mirrors that open the roomA wide mirror and a clear glass panel keep sightlines open.
State water-saving fixture rule
Section 1101.4 of the California Civil Code says that, for building alterations or improvements to single-family homes, the permit applicant replaces all non-compliant plumbing fixtures with water-conserving ones as a condition of final permit approval. The Legislature's stated aim covers buildings in use on or before January 1, 1994. Budget for the fixtures at the start of the project so the final inspection holds no surprise.
Tied to the permit
It applies when a permit is issued for an alteration or improvement.
Single-family homes
The text speaks of single-family residential property. Ask us if your property is a condo or townhome.
Keeping one bathroom out of service
Tell us at the visit. Demolition and plumbing come first, tile and glass follow, and the fixtures that finish the room go in last, so the room is back in use as soon as the sequence allows.
Plan a stand-in shower
Gym memberships, a relative's house or a second bath all work. Decide before demolition starts.
Condo or townhome
Check the association's work hours, water shut-off notice and floor underlayment rules.
BEFORE WE MEET
What helps at a bathroom estimate
A few answers save time at the visit.
- 1How old the bathroom and the house are, as far as you know
- 2What you want to keep, such as the tub or a window
- 3Any leaks, soft spots or stains you have noticed
- 4Whether this is your only shower
- 5Photos of each wall and the ceiling
- 6Your HOA contact, if there is one
If you are unsure about any of these, we can sort it out together at the visit.
MORE IN THIS CITY
More Remodeling in Burbank
Service overviewKitchen RemodelingBeautiful kitchens that bring together thoughtful design, quality materials and expert craftsmanship.See the service 
Service overviewFlooring & TileStylish, durable, and professionally installed flooring and tile for every room in your home.See the service 
Service overviewTile InstallationFloor, shower, backsplash and patio tile installed on a properly prepared surface, with clean layouts and neat grout lines.See the service 
Service overviewWhole-Home RenovationsDesign, construction and finishing details brought together into one carefully coordinated project.See the service 
Service overviewLighting InstallationRecessed lights, pendants, chandeliers, under-cabinet and outdoor lighting, wired safely and placed where it matters.See the service 
Service overviewPaintingFlawless finishes, lasting beauty, and attention to detail in every interior and exterior painting project.See the service
All remodeling in BurbankEverything we do in this city, on one page.NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
Is it a quick update or a full rebuild?
Describe the bathroom and what bothers you about it. We will tell you which way it leans.
HOW IT WORKS
How a bathroom remodeling project runs
Step 1
Look and measure
We check the room, the plumbing in sight and the clues of earlier repairs.
Step 2
Selections and scope
Tile, vanity, glass and fixtures are picked together, then the scope is written down.
Step 3
Match to the city's tiers
We work out whether the plan fits the simple-permit track or needs drawings for plan check.
Step 4
Build within allowed hours
Demolition, rough plumbing, waterproofing, tile and finishes happen in sequence, inside Burbank's construction hours.
Good to know
Before you start in Burbank
Every point below comes from the source shown on its card, with the date we last checked it. Rules change, so confirm anything that affects your project directly with the source.
- Official source
Tiers and plumbing permits
Burbank requires building permits for remodels and alterations, including repair and maintenance of electrical, plumbing and mechanical work. Tier 1 simple permits include plumbing fixtures, water heaters, re-piping, electrical outlets and fixtures. Tier 2 permits need plan check and/or zoning approval, for example additions and alterations.
City of Burbank, Building Permits Checked 2026-10-21 - Official source
Contact and counter
The Building & Safety counter is at the Community Services Building, 150 North Third Street, first floor, Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (closed 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.). Permits and plan check: (818) 238-5220.
City of Burbank, Building & Safety Checked 2026-10-21 - Official source
Inspections and hours
Inspections are requested one day in advance through the Burbank Online Permits portal. Permitted construction is allowed Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sundays and city holidays are not permitted, with an exception for homeowners working alone on their own home.
City of Burbank, Building Inspections Checked 2026-10-21 - California law
Water-saving fixtures
California Civil Code section 1101.4 requires the permit applicant for an alteration or improvement to single-family residential property to replace all non-compliant plumbing fixtures with water-conserving ones as a condition of final permit approval.
California Legislative Information, Civil Code 1101.4 Checked 2026-10-21
FAQ
Bathroom Remodeling questions in Burbank
Direct answers to what homeowners ask us most. If your question is not here, call or send a request.
- Burbank
- Permits
- Clear scope
Is a toilet or faucet replacement in Burbank a permit item?
The city says repair and maintenance of plumbing falls under its permit rules, and it lists plumbing fixtures among its simple permits, some of which single-family owners can handle online. Call the Building & Safety Division at (818) 238-5220 to confirm for your fixture.
What if my bathroom plumbing is old?
We look at the visible supply lines and valves at the estimate, and open walls sometimes show more. Whether to renew pipes is a scope decision we make with you once we can see what is behind the tile.
Can I convert a tub to a shower in Burbank?
Often, yes. We check the framing, drain position and whether it is your only tub before drawing it up. How the city treats the change is confirmed with the Building & Safety Division.
How much notice does an inspection need?
The city asks for inspection requests one day in advance through its online permit portal. Walls cannot be closed before the work behind them has passed, so each request is planned into the schedule.
Do the state fixture rules affect my remodel?
For a permitted alteration of a single-family home, yes. Civil Code section 1101.4 makes replacing non-compliant plumbing fixtures a condition of final permit approval. We list what to replace in the scope.
Can we start work on a Sunday?
Not with a contractor. Burbank's permitted hours are weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays and city holidays are off limits for contracted work.
Service area
Bathroom Remodeling near Burbank
We work across Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Call or send a request and we will confirm your address.
Prefer the full overview?
Bathroom Remodeling: main service page
- Glendale
- Los Angeles
- South Pasadena
READY TO GET STARTED?
Planning a bathroom remodeling project in Burbank?
Tell us about your home and your plans. We will confirm the details and set up your free estimate.