Aging-in-Place Bathroom Remodeling in Redwood City, CA
Safer Bathroom in Redwood City: Free In-Home Consultation
Design priorities
Redwood City homes were built in many different eras, so no two bathrooms are alike. Here is how to approach grab bars, a curbless shower and a bench, with the city’s permit rules in view.
We begin with how you move, not with a catalog. Where do you steady yourself? Where do you sit? Then we match features to those moments.
- Standing up: a grab bar beside the toilet and a comfort-height seat.
- Stepping in: a curbless or very low-threshold shower.
- Bathing: a bench, a handheld shower and a lever control within reach.
- Nights: low, automatic lighting.
For exact sizes, see the aging-in-place bathroom guide. Those figures come from the 2010 ADA Standards, which apply to public buildings, not private homes.
How a curbless shower is built, step by step
Before we design a curbless shower in Redwood City, we look at what is under the bathroom floor: a concrete slab or a wood-framed floor. That decides how the shower area is lowered. Press Play to watch each step, or tap one. Switch between a concrete slab and a wood-framed floor.
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.
Redwood City permit rules
The Building Department says a building permit is required for all work not exempted by California Building Code section 105.2. Replacing a tub with a shower is not on the exempt list, so expect a permit. Redwood City offers online permit submittal, and the department can be reached at 650-780-7350 or pe*****@*********ty.org. One-Stop appointments are available by phone.
The city publishes handouts worth reading early: the 2025 Kitchen, Bath and Laundry Remodel Requirements, the 2025 Plumbing Fixtures Upgrade and the 2025 Toilet & Bathing Facilities requirements. Its checklist adds details that matter for showers:
- A hinged shower door opens outward with 22 inches clear.
- The shower is at least 1,024 square inches and fits a 30-inch circle.
- Smoke alarms are required in sleeping rooms.
Depending on scope, fire sprinklers can also come up, so the city points owners to its 50% Rule Policy. We check this at the start of larger projects.
Recent Axiom walk-in showers
Bathrooms recently built by Axiom Renovation: walk-in showers with low curbs or open entries, linear drains, handheld showers and a built-in bench.
What we check in the house
Houses here may have raised floors or slabs. We confirm the foundation before promising a curbless shower. On a raised floor, the shower area can often be recessed between joists with proper support. On a slab, the drain and slope are cut into the concrete, and post-tensioned slabs need special care. We also look at wall construction, so grab bar blocking lands where it should.
Older adult resources in Redwood City
The Veterans Memorial Senior Center offers programs for adults 50 and older, including classes and meals. The city is reimagining the building and says programming will continue during construction, so check the city page for the current location. The Fair Oaks Adult Activity Center is run by Peninsula Family Service.
Countywide help starts with San Mateo County Health’s Aging and Disability Services, the local Area Agency on Aging. Its Aging and Disability Resource Connection takes information and referral calls at 888-762-2372. Rebuilding Together Peninsula lists grab bar installation among its typical repairs. It serves income-eligible homeowners who live in the home as their primary residence, and its number is (650) 366-6597.
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.
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 Redwood City
See our bathroom remodeling in Redwood City page, the aging-in-place bathroom guide and the Bay Area bathroom remodeling overview. For nearby cities, read about aging-in-place bathrooms in San Carlos and aging-in-place bathrooms in Belmont.
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.
Redwood City Aging-in-Place Bathroom FAQ
Do I need a permit to turn a tub into a shower in Redwood City?
Expect to. The Building Department requires a permit for work not exempt under CBC 105.2, and that swap is not exempt. Call 650-780-7350.
What shower rules does Redwood City list?
A hinged door must open outward with 22 inches clear, and the shower must be at least 1,024 square inches and fit a 30-inch circle.
Can I get a curbless shower on a slab?
Often. We identify the slab type, then cut in the drain and slope. Raised floors can usually be recessed.
Can grab bars be fastened to tile?
Yes, into solid backing behind it. Reference standards call for 250 pounds of force.
Where can older adults in Redwood City get help?
The Veterans Memorial Senior Center, the county Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 888-762-2372, and Rebuilding Together Peninsula at (650) 366-6597.
Who remodels aging-in-place bathrooms in Redwood City?
Axiom Renovation designs, permits and builds safer bathrooms in Redwood City, from grab bars and curbless showers to full remodels. Call 408-702-2022, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Sources: Redwood City Building FAQs; Redwood City handouts; Redwood City permit checklist; Redwood City Seniors; San Mateo County Health, Aging and Disability Services; Rebuilding Together Peninsula; 2010 ADA Standards. This page is general information, not medical, legal or tax advice.