Lately, it feels like everyone is updating their bathrooms. I have three clients right now who are all remodeling with Aging in Place features in mind to prepare for the future.
Here are some of the most common questions and key elements to help ensure you can stay safe and comfortable in your home for years. You’ll also find estimated costs for a full bathroom remodel in Southern California that incorporates ADA features, turning your bathroom into a true haven.
How do I remodel a bathroom for aging in place without making it look institutional or ADA-style? A few ideas to make your space gorgeous in keeping with ADA guidelines:
- Choose designer grab bars that match your faucets and hardware. If they’re not currently needed, install support blocking and make sure those locations are noted for future installation.
- Floating and built-in benches or wall mounted bamboo folding benches.
- A shampoo niche near the bench for easy access.
- Designer series lever faucets featuring an arc spout for effortless use, while a handheld shower with an adjustable slide bar makes for a versatile addition to any installation.
- Beautiful wall and floor tile – most importantly, use slip resistant tile for the shower pan and flooring.
- Layered lighting is a great choice for any bathroom, but it’s especially important for aging eyes to help distinguish between different levels. One item many of my clients have requested are LED mirrors and/or recessed medicine cabinets.
What is better- walk-in or curbless shower design for aging in place?
If the space allows for adequate drainage, Curbless is the best option.
- Most curbless shower drains require a linear depth of at least 48″–60″ to achieve the proper slope, and don’t forget to factor in the depth of any built-in benches.
Low threshold dams need to be at least 2″ high from the top of the dam to the top of the drain, as required by UPC and CA plumbing codes. However, many contractors recommend a height of 2.5 to 3″ to help prevent splash-out. This makes them a great choice for those who can’t go totally curbless.
Where should grab bars, shower seating, and a handheld showerhead be placed for safety and convenience?
Shown above are two layouts illustrating acceptable grab bar placement and flooring clearance based on NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) guidelines, which also meet CA Plumbing codes. The photo on the right features an elongated grab bar at the tub but in a shower setup, it can be shorter as long as it’s reachable from the bench, as depicted in the photo on the left. For more NKBA info, click link below.
What is the safest flooring and shower tile for an aging-in-place bathroom?
Shower:
2″ × 2″ porcelain in a matte finish or flat pebble mosaic tiles are the most popular choices this year. These give considerably more grout lines for traction without making the shower look institutional.
Main bathroom:
12″ × 24″ matte porcelain with a subtle stone/limestone appearance. Also gaining in popularity, Terrazzo tile. These provide the sophisticated spa looks you’re after while avoiding a highly polished surface.
Curbless transition:
Keep the transition completely flush—no raised threshold. Most importantly, matte finishes on all tile options to avoid slipping.
How much does an aging-in-place bathroom remodel cost?
For most of my clients, this is one of the key factors in their decision-making process, but as the designer, my role is to work within the allotted budget to deliver the best possible value for that amount.
These numbers are estimates found online for Aging in Place remodels (ranges similar to projects I have worked on) and will vary depending on your full scope of work, material selections and whether you need to relocate any plumbing fixtures among other factors. They also include pulling permits.
Ranges:
Good— $35,000–$42,000
Stock/semi-custom double vanity, porcelain tile, quality mainstream plumbing fixtures, simpler shower glass, existing plumbing locations.
Better — $42,000–$55,000
Custom/semi-custom double vanity, quartz counter, fully tiled curbless shower, built-in bench, niche, frameless glass, quality shower system with handheld, upgraded lighting and attractive aging-in-place details.
Premium — $55,000–$75,000+
Custom cabinetry, designer tile/stone, premium plumbing fixtures, linear drain, specialty glass, heated floors, sophisticated lighting and more extensive construction.
Things to do in the O.C.
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
A vibrant hub for arts, history and culture, and nestled in a beautiful 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival building, they offer a dynamic space where visitors of all ages can explore a variety of cultural experiences.
Old World Oktoberfest returns September 12 – November 8, 2026, with German food, beer, live music, dancing and special events at the Biergarten at Old World Village in Huntington Beach.
