Hiring the wrong bath fitter in San Diego can turn a $15,000 shower remodel into a $25,000 headache. I have been a licensed general contractor in San Diego since 2001, and I have seen what happens when homeowners skip the vetting process: cracked tile over improperly waterproofed walls, drain lines that do not meet code, and acrylic tub liners that peel within two years. The difference between a bathroom you love and one you regret almost always comes down to who you hire.
If you are planning a bathroom remodel in San Diego, these 10 tips will help you find a qualified professional and avoid the mistakes that cost homeowners the most time and money.
1. Verify Their California Contractor’s License, Every Time
This is not optional. California law requires any contractor working on a project worth $500 or more in labor and materials to hold an active license issued by the Contractors’ State License Board (CSLB). For bath fitting, shower replacement, and tub-to-shower conversions, you want a contractor with a B (General Building) classification or, for specific trade work, the appropriate specialty license.
Go to the CSLB website, type in their license number, and confirm three things: the license is active, the bond is current, and there are no unresolved complaints. It takes about 90 seconds. Skipping this step can cost you thousands. If you hire an unlicensed contractor in California, you lose your legal right to enforce the contract, and your homeowner’s insurance may not cover damage caused by their work.
For reference, Mel Development holds a California General Building Contractor License #B793039, and we have been accredited with the BBB since 2016. Any contractor worth hiring will give you their license number without hesitation.
2. Confirm They Carry Both Workers’ Comp and General Liability Insurance
A license alone is not enough. You need proof that your bath fitter carries workers’ compensation insurance and general liability coverage. If a worker gets hurt on your property and the contractor has no workers’ comp, you could be liable for medical bills. If a plumbing connection fails and floods your subfloor, general liability covers the damage, but only if the policy is active.
Ask for a certificate of insurance and call the carrier to verify it. Some contractors let their policies lapse between jobs to save on premiums. The CSLB tracks workers’ comp status, but general liability is not always listed, so ask for documentation directly.
3. Look for Bath-Specific Experience, Not Just General Remodeling
Bathrooms are not kitchens. The work involves waterproofing, drain assembly, shower pan construction, tile setting over moisture barriers, and plumbing connections in tight spaces with minimal margin for error. A contractor who mostly builds decks or room additions may hold the right license but lack the specific skill set for a quality shower remodel in San Diego.
Ask how many bathroom projects they have completed in the past 12 months. Ask to see photos, and not just the finished product. In-progress shots that show waterproofing membrane installation, backer board, and drain connections tell you more about a contractor’s quality than any “after” picture ever will.
We have completed hundreds of bathroom remodels across San Diego County, in neighborhoods from La Jolla to North Park to Pacific Beach. That repetition is what builds the kind of instinct you need for this work. A 1960s home in Clairemont, for example, probably has cast iron drain lines that need replacement before you install a new shower pan. You only learn that by opening up hundreds of walls.
4. Get at Least Three Written Bids and Compare Them Carefully
The CSLB recommends getting at least three bids for any project, and this is especially true for bathroom work. A bathtub replacement in San Diego can range from $3,500 for a basic prefab swap to $15,000 or more for a custom tiled walk-in shower with frameless glass, so the range of estimates you receive may be wide.
When you compare bids, do not just look at the bottom line. A low bid that does not include permit fees, waterproofing, or backer board replacement is not actually cheaper. You will pay for those items later, either as change orders or as repairs when the work fails.
Here is what a thorough bathroom remodel bid should include:
| Bid Line Item | Why It Matters |
| Demolition and haul-away | Tub removal, especially cast iron, adds cost |
| Plumbing rough-in | Moving drains or supply lines is the biggest variable |
| Waterproofing | Membrane, pan liner, or sheet system (critical for longevity) |
| Backer board / substrate | Cement board or Kerdi, never greenboard in wet areas |
| Tile and installation | Material cost and labor are listed separately |
| Fixtures and hardware | Showerhead, valve, handles, and drain cover |
| Glass enclosure or door | Frameless vs. framed, custom vs. stock |
| Permit fees | San Diego permit fees range from $200 to $1,000+ |
| Contingency allowance | 10-15% for surprises behind the walls |
If a contractor’s bid is missing any of these, ask why before you sign.
5. Ask About Permits, and Run If They Suggest Skipping Them
Any shower remodel or bathtub replacement in San Diego that involves plumbing changes, electrical work, or structural modifications requires a permit from the City of San Diego Development Services Department. The city offers a no-plan building permit for kitchen and bathroom remodels within residential buildings that do not change structural elements or add plumbing fixtures. But if you are converting a tub to a shower, relocating a drain, or adding a new fixture, full permit review applies.
Permit fees for a bathroom remodel in San Diego typically range from $200 to $1,000, depending on project scope. A reputable bath fitter handles the permit process for you: pulling the permit, scheduling inspections, and making sure the work passes.
If a contractor tells you “this job doesn’t need a permit” for work that clearly involves plumbing changes, that is a red flag. Unpermitted work can result in fines, forced removal, and serious problems when you sell your home. I have seen homeowners have to rip out brand-new tile work because an inspector discovered unpermitted plumbing behind the walls.
6. Check Reviews, But Know What to Look For
Online reviews matter, but a contractor with 200 five-star reviews and no detail in any of them is less trustworthy than one with 40 reviews that describe specific project details. When reading reviews for bath fitters in San Diego, look for mentions of:
- Communication during the project
- How the contractor handled unexpected problems
- Whether the project stayed close to the budget and timeline
- Specific work performed (tub-to-shower conversion, shower replacement, full bathroom remodel)
- Cleanliness and professionalism on the job site
Also, check the BBB for complaint history. A few complaints over many years are normal for any active contractor. A pattern of complaints about the same issue, like missed timelines, surprise charges, or unfinished work, is a warning sign.
7. Understand the Difference Between Bath Fitters, Remodelers, and Designers
The term “bath fitter” can mean different things. Bath Fitter is also a national brand with a San Diego-area franchise in El Cajon that specializes in acrylic tub liners and wall surrounds installed over existing fixtures, often in a single day. Other companies offer similar liner products under different names. And then there are full-service remodeling contractors who handle everything from demolition through final inspection. The right choice depends on what your bathroom actually needs.
| Type of Pro | What They Do | Best For | Typical Cost Range |
| Bath liner company | Installs acrylic covers over existing tub and walls | Quick cosmetic updates, tight budgets | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Shower/tub installer | Removes and replaces the tub or shower unit | Bathtub replacement, tub-to-shower conversion | $3,500-$10,000 |
| General contractor (bathroom) | Full remodel: demo, plumbing, tile, fixtures, permits | Complete bathroom transformation | $15,000-$50,000+ |
| Bathroom designer | Creates layout, selects materials, produces plans | Complex redesigns, high-end projects | $2,500-$5,000 (design fees) |
Acrylic liner systems have a place, but homeowners should understand the tradeoffs. A liner covers up whatever is behind it. If there is moisture damage, corroded plumbing, or mold growing behind your existing tile, a liner hides those problems without fixing them. We have pulled off liner systems on older San Diego homes and found standing water trapped between the liner and the original tub surface, with mold growing underneath that the homeowner never knew about. Liners can also slightly reduce the interior dimensions of your tub or shower, and design options are limited compared to custom tile.
If your tub is structurally sound, the plumbing behind it is in good shape, and you just want a cosmetic refresh, a liner system might be a reasonable option. But if there is water damage, outdated plumbing, or you want to convert a tub to a walk-in shower, you need a licensed general contractor who can manage the plumbing, waterproofing, and permitting. That is the kind of work we do at Mel Development: the full scope of bathroom remodeling from structural assessment through final walkthrough.
If you are hiring a bathroom designer separately, confirm they are a member of a recognized industry organization like the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). NKBA-certified designers have passed exams on space planning, building codes, and product specifications. For a deeper look at how to evaluate contractors, see our guide on choosing the right bathroom remodeling contractor in San Diego.
8. Ask What Happens When They Open the Walls
This is the question that separates experienced bath fitters from everyone else. Every bathroom remodel involves some level of demolition, and what is behind the walls determines how the project will actually go. In older San Diego homes, especially those built before 1980 in neighbourhoods like Mission Hills, North Park, or Hillcrest, we routinely find:
- Galvanized steel supply lines that are corroded and restricted
- Cast iron drain pipes with cracks or root intrusion
- Inadequate or absent waterproofing
- Mold from years of slow leaks
- Outdated wiring that does not meet the current California electrical code
A good contractor will explain, before you sign the contract, how they handle these discoveries. Ask about their contingency process. Ask if the bid includes a line item for unexpected conditions. The industry standard is to budget 10% to 20% of the total project cost as a contingency fund, and in a bathroom remodel, you will use it more often than not.
Our approach is to discuss likely scenarios during the estimate phase based on the home’s age, construction type, and visible condition. That way, homeowners are not blindsided when we pull back the drywall. For more on budgeting realistically, check out our bathroom remodel cost breakdown for San Diego.
If accessibility is part of your project, make sure the contractor has experience with curbless shower entries, grab bar blocking, ADA-compliant clearances, and non-slip flooring. A growing number of San Diego homeowners are converting tubs to walk-in showers specifically for aging-in-place safety. This type of tub-to-shower conversion requires careful attention to floor slope for drainage without a curb, reinforced wall blocking for grab bars, and bench seat installation. Not every bath fitter knows how to do this correctly, so ask about specific accessibility projects they have completed.
9. Get the Payment Schedule in Writing and Follow California Law
California law caps down payments for home improvement projects at 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. If a contractor asks for 50% upfront before starting work, that is a violation of the California Business and Professions Code, and it should disqualify them immediately.
A reasonable payment schedule for a bathroom remodel typically looks like this:
- Deposit: 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) at contract signing
- Progress payment: 30-40% at demolition completion and rough plumbing inspection
- Progress payment: 30-40% at tile completion
- Final payment: 10-20% after all inspections pass and final walkthrough
Never pay the full amount before the job is finished. And make sure your contract specifies what work triggers each payment. Tying payments to milestones, not calendar dates, protects you if the project falls behind schedule.
10. Trust Your Gut During the Consultation, and Watch for Red Flags
After checking licenses, reading reviews, and comparing bids, you should meet the contractor in person (or at least on a video call). Pay attention to how they communicate. A quality bath fitter will:
- Walk through your existing bathroom and point out potential issues
- Ask about your daily routine and how you use the space
- Be honest about what your budget can and cannot accomplish
- Explain the timeline and what to expect during construction
- Provide a written estimate, not just a verbal ballpark
If the contractor shows up late, cannot answer basic questions about waterproofing or drain slope, or pressures you to sign immediately, trust your instincts and move on. The consultation should feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch.
Red Flags That Should End the Conversation
In San Diego specifically, watch for these warning signs. We see them regularly, and they almost always lead to problems.
Door-to-door sales pitches with “today only” pricing. Some one-day bath companies send salespeople door-to-door or run high-pressure in-home presentations with discounts that expire if you do not sign that day. A legitimate contractor will give you time to compare bids and think it over.
Choosing based on price alone. The cheapest bid often excludes critical work like waterproofing, permit fees, or proper substrate installation. Those costs show up later as change orders or as failures.
Suggesting permits are not needed for plumbing work. Some contractors say they will pull permits and then do not. Ask for the permit number after they pull it and verify it on the San Diego Development Services portal.
No discussion of waterproofing. This is the most common failure point in bathroom remodels. If a contractor does not explain their waterproofing method in detail (what membrane they use, how they handle curbs and niches, how they waterproof the shower pan), they probably do not prioritize it.
Assuming “bath fitter” means full remodel. A company that installs acrylic liners over existing surfaces is not performing the same scope of work as a contractor who does a full demo, re-plumbing, waterproofing, and tile. Make sure you are comparing the same scope when reviewing bids.
Requesting large deposits upfront. California law caps down payments at 10% or $1,000. Any contractor who asks for more is either uninformed about the law or deliberately violating it. Either way, move on.
No references from bathroom-specific projects. A glowing reference from a deck-building client tells you nothing about the contractor’s ability to do a tub-to-shower conversion. Ask for references from recent bathroom work in San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a shower remodel cost in San Diego?
A: A shower remodel in San Diego typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000 for a standard shower replacement with new tile, fixtures, and a glass enclosure. Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower runs $3,500 to $15,000, depending on whether you use a prefab unit or custom tile. Full bathroom remodels that include the shower, along with vanity, flooring, and other work, range from $15,000 to $50,000 or more. San Diego labor rates run 5-10% above national averages due to the higher cost of living and strong demand for skilled trades people.
Q: Do I need a permit for a tub-to-shower conversion in San Diego?
A: Yes. Any project that changes plumbing layout, which a tub-to-shower conversion does by relocating or modifying the drain, requires a plumbing permit from the San Diego Development Services Department. Permit fees for this scope of work typically range from $200 to $600. Your contractor should handle the permit application and schedule all required inspections.
Q: How long does a typical bathtub replacement take in San Diego?
A: A straightforward bathtub replacement where the new unit fits in the same footprint takes 3 to 5 days. A tub-to-shower conversion with custom tile work, new plumbing, and glass installation typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. Add time if the project uncovers old plumbing that needs replacement or if the city inspection schedule causes delays. Plan for your bathroom to be out of commission for the full duration.
Q: What is the difference between a bath liner and a full shower replacement?
A: A bath liner (often called a tub overlay) is an acrylic shell that fits over your existing bathtub or shower walls. It is faster and cheaper, typically $1,500 to $5,000, but it does not address plumbing, waterproofing, or structural issues behind the walls. A full shower replacement involves removing the existing fixture, inspecting and repairing underlying conditions, installing new waterproofing, and building a new shower from the studs out. It costs more but lasts longer and addresses hidden problems that liners simply cover up.
Q: Can a tub-to-shower conversion be made accessible for aging in place?
A: Yes. A tub-to-shower conversion is one of the most common accessibility upgrades in San Diego homes. Key features include a curbless (zero-threshold) shower entry for wheelchair or walker access, reinforced wall blocking for grab bars, a built-in bench seat, non-slip tile flooring, and a handheld showerhead on an adjustable slide bar. These modifications add $1,500 to $4,000 to a standard conversion, depending on the features. Make sure your contractor has experience with ADA-compliant clearances, which require a minimum 30-by-48-inch clear floor space at the shower entry.
Q: How do I verify a San Diego contractor’s license?
A: Visit the CSLB website and use the “Check a License” tool. Enter the contractor’s license number and verify that the license is active, the classification matches the work (B for general building is standard for bathroom remodels), the bond is current, and there are no unresolved complaints. California contractors must display their license number on all business cards, bids, contracts, and advertisements.
Q: Should I hire a bathroom designer or a contractor?
A: For a simple fixture swap or shower replacement, a skilled contractor can handle the project without a separate designer. For a full bathroom remodel involving layout changes, custom cabinetry, or high-end finishes, a designer can help you avoid costly mistakes and create a space that functions well. Some contractors, including our team at Mel Development, offer design-build services that combine both roles. Budget $2,500 to $5,000 for standalone design fees in the San Diego market.
Q: Can I stay in my home during a bathroom remodel?
A: Yes, in most cases. If you have a second bathroom, you can continue living in the home while the work is being done. If the bathroom being remodeled is your only one, plan for alternative arrangements during the days when the toilet and shower are disconnected, usually the first few days of demolition and plumbing rough-in. Your contractor should give you a clear schedule of when the bathroom will be completely unusable.
Ready to Talk About Your Bathroom Project?
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