Aging-in-Place Bathroom Remodeling in Moraga, CA

Safer Bathroom in Moraga: Free In-Home Consultation

Moraga's homes and their bathrooms

Moraga’s housing was built in a short window, and many bathrooms are now decades old. This page covers what that means for an aging-in-place remodel and how permits flow through Contra Costa County.

The Town’s housing element says more than 70 percent of Moraga’s housing stock was built between 1960 and 1979. It also notes a need for provisions that let homeowners age in place. Bathrooms from that era tend to have tubs with high walls, narrow doors and little wall space for bars. The full aging-in-place bathroom guide shows how to address each.

We open the wall early when needed to check framing, plumbing and any water damage before design is final.

How a curbless shower is built, step by step

Thinking about a step-free shower for your Moraga home? Here is what happens under the tile, from the old curb to the finished shower. Press Play to watch each step, or tap one. Switch between a concrete slab and a wood-framed floor.

Cross-section of a curbless shower being built Six steps: the old shower with a curb, recessing the floor, a linear drain and sloped mortar bed, a bonded waterproof membrane with a flood test, tile flush with the bathroom floor, and finishing with glass, a handheld shower and grab bars on solid blocking. wall BATHROOM SHOWER Slab saw-cut and loweredcheck first for post-tension cables floor joists Subfloor dropped between joistsframing lowered or sistered, as engineered curb a step to trip on slopes to drain: 1/8 to 1/2 in per ft linear drain sloped mortar bed (or foam tray) bonded waterproof membrane up the walls and past the shower flood test: 2 in of water, 15 min or more temporary dam at the open entry flush at the entry:no curb, no step grab bar on solid blocking slide-bar handheld fixed glass panel Roll or walkstraight in

Illustration by Axiom Renovation, not to scale. Shower floor slope and flood test from the California Plumbing Code (sections 408.6 and 408.8). Every floor is different; framing changes are confirmed by a structural engineer when needed.

Permits through the county

The Town of Moraga uses the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development to review, inspect and enforce building code. The Town’s FAQ lists interior alterations as needing a building permit. Call the county at 925-655-2700. The county’s Contra Costa County bathroom remodel requirements state that a permit is required when a tub or shower enclosure is replaced and that applications go through the county ePermits Center.

That sheet also requires water-conserving fixtures throughout the home on permitted remodels and smoke and CO alarms where applicable. Homes built after January 1, 1994 are exempt from the alarm item, so it does not exempt homes from that era.

Recent Axiom walk-in showers

Walk-in shower with built-in bench, slide-bar handheld and frameless glass
Walk-in shower with built-in bench, slide-bar handheld and frameless glass
Walk-in shower with linear drain next to a double vanity, Fremont
Walk-in shower with linear drain next to a double vanity, Fremont
Primary bathroom with open walk-in shower and freestanding tub, Los Gatos
Primary bathroom with open walk-in shower and freestanding tub, Los Gatos
Low-curb walk-in shower with handheld shower and niche, Los Gatos
Low-curb walk-in shower with handheld shower and niche, Los Gatos

Bathrooms recently built by Axiom Renovation: walk-in showers with low curbs or open entries, linear drains, handheld showers and a built-in bench.

Curbless showers in 1960s and 1970s framing

Older raised floors can often take a recessed shower area if the joists allow it. Bracket systems such as Schluter KERDI-SHOWER-FRS lower the subfloor between joists, with limits on joist spacing. Where the cut is not possible, a low-profile threshold is a sound alternative. The county sheet gives curb dimensions but does not address curbless designs.

Resources for Moraga older adults

We did not find a Town senior program page to cite. Contra Costa County’s Area Agency on Aging Information & Assistance line, 925-229-8434, is the best verified starting point, and it lists fall-prevention and exercise classes. Dial 211 for other services.

The Town’s housing element notes wildfire risk from surrounding hillsides, so ask about exits and safe paths too. An occupational therapist (OT) can assess how you move through the home.

Reference dimensions: shower seat, grab bars and toilet

These two drawings put the most-asked numbers in one place. They come from the 2010 ADA Standards, which homes are not required to follow but which give a tested starting point. We fine-tune heights to the people who live in the house.

shower floor fold-down seat15–16 in deep grab bar (not above the seat) lever control, above the bar,within 27 in of the seat wall handheld on slide bar, 59 in+ hose 33–36 in to top of bar 17–19 in 48 in max 1½ in space behind bar · 1¼–2 in diameter holds 250 lb · screwed into solid blocking
Back wall of a roll-in showerA fold-down seat on the side wall, its top 17 to 19 in above the floor and 15 to 16 in deep. The grab bar runs along the back wall, not above the seat, with its top 33 to 36 in high. Controls sit above the bar, no higher than 48 in and within 27 in of the seat wall. A handheld shower with at least a 59 in hose works seated or standing.
rear wall side wall centerline 16–18 in 12 in max side bar 42 in min rear bar 36 in min 12 in one side of centerline, 24 in on the other side bar reaches54 in from rear wall Seat height 17–19 in (“comfort height”) Bars mounted 33–36 in high flush lever on the open side keep the open side clear for a walker or a transfer
Toilet area, seen from aboveToilet centered 16 to 18 in from the side wall, seat 17 to 19 in high. A side-wall bar at least 42 in long starts no more than 12 in from the back wall. A rear bar at least 36 in long sits 12 in to one side of the toilet's centerline and 24 in to the other.

Reference dimensions from the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (sections 604, 608.3, 608.5, 608.6, 609 and 610). They are required in public buildings, not in private homes, where they serve as a proven guide. Hand-shower hose length from section 608.6. We adjust heights to the people who will use the bathroom, ideally with input from an occupational therapist. Drawings by Axiom Renovation, not to scale.

Work with Axiom in Moraga

Axiom Renovation designs, permits and builds bathroom remodels in Moraga. See our Moraga bathroom remodeling page, the aging-in-place guide and our Bay Area bathroom remodeling overview. Nearby: Lafayette and Orinda.

Call 408-702-2022, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, or use the contact page.

Process

Our Bathroom Remodeling Process

Step 1

Initial Consultation

We begin with a thorough initial consultation to understand your needs, assess your space, and discuss your vision, budget, and timeline.

Step 2

Planning and Design

At Axiom Renovation, we understand that the planning and design phase of a bathroom remodel is crucial to its success. Our dedicated project managers will work closely with you to understand your goals, design ideas and budget for the project.

Step 3

Material Selection

We guide you through selecting high-quality materials that fit your design and budget, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.

Step 4

Demolition and Preparation

Careful demolition and preparation work are performed to ready the space for construction, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a clean work environment.

Step 5

Construction and Installation

Our skilled craftsmen handle the construction phase, including obtaining permits, scheduling appointments, and the actual construction and installation with precision, building the new space according to the approved design.

Step 6

Electrical and Plumbing Work

Licensed professionals conduct all electrical and plumbing work, ensuring everything is up to code and seamlessly integrated into the new bathroom.

Step 7

Painting and Finishing

We pay close attention to detail during the painting and finishing stage, ensuring all surfaces are properly prepared and beautifully finished.

Step 8

Fixture and Appliance Installation

We expertly install all fixtures and appliances, ensuring they function correctly and fit perfectly with the overall design.

Step 9

Final Touches and Clean-Up

Final touches are added, and a thorough clean-up is performed, leaving your new space pristine and ready for use.

Step 10

Final Walkthrough and Client Satisfaction

We conduct a final walkthrough with you to ensure every detail meets your expectations and address any remaining concerns, ensuring your complete satisfaction.

Moraga Aging-in-Place Bathroom FAQ

Who issues building permits in Moraga?

The Town relies on the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development for building review and inspection.

Do interior alterations need a permit in Moraga?

The Town’s FAQ lists interior alterations as needing a building permit. The county says replacing a tub or shower enclosure does.

Can a curbless shower fit a 1960s Moraga home?

Often, depending on joist depth and what runs beneath. We check on site.

Will I need to replace other fixtures?

The county says permitted remodels require replacing non-compliant fixtures throughout the home.

Where do I start for senior services?

Call Contra Costa’s Information & Assistance line at 925-229-8434.

Who remodels aging-in-place bathrooms in Moraga?

Axiom Renovation designs, permits and builds safer bathrooms in Moraga, from grab bars and curbless showers to full remodels. Call 408-702-2022, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Sources: U.S. Access Board, 2010 ADA Standards; CDC, Facts About Older Adult Falls; Town of Moraga, Building Permit FAQ; Town of Moraga, Housing Element (2023-2031 draft); Contra Costa County, Residential Bathroom Remodel; Contra Costa Area Agency on Aging; Schluter KERDI-SHOWER-FRS. ADA dimensions are required for public accommodations, not private homes, and are used here as a reference. This page is general information, not medical, legal or tax advice.

Safer Bathroom in Moraga: Free In-Home Consultation

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