Bathroom Remodeling in San Bernardino, CA

Choose the scope before requesting bids

Write down the problem you want to solve: worn finishes, a difficult tub entry, poor storage or a layout that does not work for your household. Then list what you want to keep. Ask bidders to price your preferred scope and identify optional changes separately so you can compare the same work.

For a finish refresh, identify painting, tile, cabinets and countertops as distinct items. The City lists these finishes among its permit exemptions. For a remodel that also changes wiring, plumbing or structure, confirm the full scope with Building & Safety rather than treating the finish exemption as permission for the entire project. [1]

Ask each contractor to describe demolition, shower waterproofing, fixture installation, ventilation work and cleanup. Request a written process for handling damage found after demolition, including who documents it and how you approve the additional work. Keep photographs of the existing room and share the same measurements and fixture preferences with each bidder.

Assign permits and inspections before demolition

San Bernardino Building & Safety says permits are required for structural, electrical, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning work, with minor exceptions. More complex projects require plans and specifications for review; some circumstances require an architect or engineer. Ask the City which application and plans your proposed bathroom work needs before agreeing to a start date. [1]

The City requires contractors obtaining permits to hold the appropriate state license and a current City business license. Contractors with employees must also provide workers' compensation insurance proof at permit issuance. Ask your bidder for the business name and license information they will use on the permit application. [1]

Put permit responsibility in the contract. CSLB says the agreement must identify who obtains necessary permits and give a completion date. Ask the contractor to include inspection coordination in the schedule and explain when you will receive the permit number and final inspection records. [3]

Select fixtures around the local rebate rules

SBMWD offers eligible residential water customers up to $100 for a qualifying toilet and $30 for a qualifying showerhead, subject to available funds. Participants must obtain application approval before any purchase. Check the utility name on your water bill before including a rebate in your budget. [2]

For the toilet rebate, SBMWD requires 1.28 gallons per flush or less. A dual-flush toilet does not qualify if any flush exceeds that amount. The department allows up to four toilet rebates per residence. Ask the contractor to record the exact model and flush rating before placing the order. [2]

For the showerhead rebate, SBMWD requires 1.6 gallons per minute or less and allows a maximum of four per residence. EPA says WaterSense showerheads use no more than 2.0 gallons per minute and undergo independent efficiency and performance certification. A WaterSense label alone does not establish eligibility under the local program's lower flow limit. [2] [4]

Compare the contract and total project budget

Request an itemized bid rather than relying on a general remodel allowance. Ask bidders to separate labor, fixtures, tile, waterproofing, permit allowances, disposal and any work they exclude. For products you have not selected, ask what the allowance covers and how the contractor will calculate a price change.

CSLB requires written contracts for California home improvement projects over $500. It says contracts should describe materials and work in detail, identify the contractor and license number, include a payment schedule, and address cleanup. Obtain any promised labor or material warranty in writing. [3]

The home improvement down payment cannot exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less. CSLB states that special-order materials do not create an exception. Apart from the down payment, payments cannot exceed the value of work performed. Require a signed written change order before a change to price or scope. [3]

Plan bathroom access and completion

Ask when the toilet, shower and sink will become unavailable, and arrange an alternative before demolition. Request a schedule that identifies product deliveries, inspection coordination and the work needed before you can use the room. Have the contractor explain how they will protect the route through your home and store materials.

At the completion walkthrough, test the fixtures with the contractor, inspect the agreed finishes and record unfinished items. Collect product information, written warranties and applicable inspection records. Compare the final invoice with your contract and signed change orders before approving the remaining payment.

SBMWD published bathroom fixture rebate amounts

Match the next step to your bathroom project

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the room and list the fixtures and layout features you want to retain.
2. Send each bidder the same scope, measurements and product preferences.
3. Ask Building & Safety which permits, applications and plans your scope needs.
4. Request contractor license information, insurance documentation and permit responsibility in writing.
5. Check your water supplier and obtain any required rebate approval before ordering.
6. Compare itemized bids, exclusions, allowances and the process for unexpected repairs.
7. Arrange alternative bathroom access and agree on household protection and cleanup.
8. Collect warranties, inspection records and a written list of unfinished work at completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a bathroom remodel need a permit?

San Bernardino requires permits for most plumbing, electrical and structural work, with minor exceptions. The City lists painting, tiling, cabinets and similar finishes as exempt. Give Building & Safety your complete scope so it can confirm the requirements. [1]

Can I buy the toilet before applying for a rebate?

SBMWD requires application approval before any purchase. Confirm your residential customer eligibility, available funds and the toilet's flush rating before you or your contractor orders it. [2]

Does any WaterSense showerhead qualify for the local rebate?

The WaterSense label alone does not establish eligibility. EPA permits a maximum flow of 2.0 gallons per minute for labeled showerheads, while SBMWD's rebate requires 1.6 gallons per minute or less, plus preapproval and program eligibility. [2] [4]

How much can the contractor request as a down payment?

CSLB states that a home improvement down payment cannot exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less. Special-order materials do not create an exception. [3]