Straight answers on bathroom remodels in Simi Valley
Answers for Simi Valley homeowners: remodel timelines, permits, tub-to-shower for aging in place, moving plumbing, and the $1,000 handyman rule under AB 2622.
These are the questions people ask on the first phone call, answered the way we would answer them standing in your bathroom. Where a number comes from the City or the state, the source is listed at the bottom of the page.
If your question is not here, the estimate form at the bottom of the page goes straight to Paul.
Before you call a contractor
Know which bathroom bothers you most and why: leaks, a tub that is hard to climb into, not enough storage, or simply age. Check whether the house has a raised floor or sits on a slab, since that affects any plumbing move. If you belong to an HOA, find the architectural guidelines, which matter only if something changes on the outside.
While the work is under way
Expect the room to be out of service from demolition until the toilet and shower are back. Expect inspections while the walls are open and again at the end. Expect to be asked about finishes early, because a late tile or glass decision is the most common reason a bathroom sits unfinished.
After the final inspection
Keep the signed permit card and the final inspection record with your house papers. A buyer's inspector or appraiser may ask about the bathroom, and a closed permit answers the question in one page. Fresh grout and caulk need a little time before heavy use; we leave care notes for the materials in your room.
Questions homeowners ask
How long does a bathroom remodel take in Simi Valley?
The City reviews a non-structural bathroom remodel in up to one week. Construction time depends on the scope: a tub-to-shower conversion is shorter than a full remodel, and anything structural adds the City's 20 to 25 working day plan check. Your contract lists approximate start and completion dates.
Do I need a permit?
For work that changes plumbing, wiring, ventilation, waterproofing or framing, yes. The permit is issued by the City of Simi Valley's Building and Safety Division. Painting and swapping accessories do not need one.
Should I convert the tub to a shower so I can stay in my home as I age?
For most people, yes. A step-free or low-curb shower with a seat, a handheld shower and blocking for grab bars removes the most common reason bathrooms become unsafe. If it is the only tub in the house, think through who else uses it first.
What does it cost to move plumbing?
Keeping fixtures where they are is the cheapest layout. Moving a drain over a raised floor is moderate work; moving one across a concrete slab means cutting and patching concrete and costs noticeably more. We price it after seeing the floor.
Can I hire a handyman if the job is under $1,000?
Only if the work needs no permit and the handyman works alone. That is the limit set by AB 2622 starting January 1, 2025. If a permit is required, a licensed contractor is required too, whatever the price.
Where can I read the AB 2622 rule myself?
The Contractors State License Board explained it in Industry Bulletin #24-07, dated December 31, 2024, in English and Spanish. It is linked in the sources below.
Sources
Facts on this page last verified: .
- CSLB Industry Bulletin #24-07, December 31, 2024: minor work limit rises to $1,000 (AB 2622): https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/IndustryBulletins/2024/AB%202622%20Implementation.FINAL.pdf (2026-10-05)
- City of Simi Valley Building and Safety, Online Permit Submittal Instructions: https://www.simivalley.org/departments/environmental-services/building-safety-division/online-permit-submittal-instructions (2026-10-05)
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