How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Los Altos? (2026)
Los Altos bathroom remodels range from $38,000 for a basic refresh to $145,000+ for a luxury primary suite in 2026. This affluent residential community has a housing stock dominated by mid-century homes that often need significant plumbing and electrical updates. Mid-range remodels typically run $52,000-$90,000.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Los Altos?
A bathroom remodel in Los Altos costs $38,000-$145,000+ in 2026. Basic refreshes start at $38K-$53K. Mid-range remodels with new tile, vanity, and fixtures cost $52K-$90K. Luxury primary suite renovations with custom stone, heated floors, and spa features range from $90K to $145K or more.
Bathroom Remodel Costs in Los Altos: What to Expect in 2026
Los Altos is one of Silicon Valley’s most desirable residential communities, with a median home price exceeding $4 million and a reputation for tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and a village-like downtown. For homeowners here, a bathroom remodel is a natural next step in maintaining and enhancing a property that already carries significant value.
The majority of Los Altos homes were built in the 1950s and 1960s, which means compact bathrooms with original plumbing and electrical. These mid-century homes are well-loved, but their bathrooms rarely meet the expectations of today’s homeowners. Updating a 1958 bathroom in Los Altos typically involves more than just new tile and fixtures; it means addressing aging infrastructure while delivering the premium finishes this market demands.
All pricing is approximate, reflects 2026 Bay Area market conditions, and is subject to change. Every project is unique. Final costs are determined on a project-by-project basis during our design phase.
This guide breaks down what Los Altos homeowners should expect to pay for a bathroom remodel in 2026. For Bay Area-wide bathroom costs, see our bathroom remodel cost guide.
Cost by Scope
Bathroom remodel costs in Los Altos fall into three tiers based on scope and finish level.
| Tier | Cost Range | Timeline | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Refresh | $38,000-$53,000 | 3-4 weeks | New fixtures, updated tile, hardware, lighting, flooring replacement |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $52,000-$90,000 | 6-10 weeks | Full tile surround, quality vanity, updated plumbing, new ventilation, complete flooring |
| High-End Remodel | $90,000-$145,000+ | 10-14 weeks | Custom stone, heated floors, spa features, layout changes, premium fixtures, smart technology |
These ranges reflect construction costs for a standard full bathroom (roughly 40-75 square feet). Primary bathrooms and larger spaces will trend toward the higher end of each tier.
Basic Refresh: $38,000-$53,000
A basic refresh replaces visible surfaces and fixtures without changing the layout. In Los Altos, this means quality porcelain tile, modern fixtures, updated lighting, and new hardware. The material standards in this community push even basic refreshes above what you would pay in San Jose or Sunnyvale.
This scope works well for guest bathrooms and hall baths in Los Altos homes where the bones are solid but the aesthetics are stuck in the 1960s.
Mid-Range Remodel: $52,000-$90,000
The mid-range tier is the most common scope for Los Altos homeowners. It includes a complete overhaul of all surfaces, upgraded fixtures, and plumbing modifications where needed.
Typical scope includes full tile surround (porcelain or natural stone), new vanity with quartz or stone countertop, rain showerhead and updated faucets, improved lighting with dimmer controls, new porcelain or stone flooring, upgraded ventilation to meet 2025 Title 24 standards, and a new toilet. A hall bath (5 by 8 feet) in Los Altos runs $52,000-$68,000 at mid-range finishes. A primary bathroom (8 by 10 feet) runs $72,000-$90,000.
High-End Remodel: $90,000-$145,000+
A high-end remodel transforms your bathroom into a spa-like retreat. In Los Altos, this is common for primary suite renovations, especially in homes undergoing broader remodeling projects.
Typical scope includes custom tile work (marble, large-format porcelain, hand-cut mosaic), radiant heated floors, frameless glass enclosure, freestanding soaking tub, double vanity with custom cabinetry, smart toilet, steam shower or body jets, and premium stone countertops. Primary suites in the Country Club, Loyola Corners, and North Los Altos neighborhoods frequently reach $110,000-$145,000+ at this level of finish.
Cost Breakdown by Component
Labor: 40-60% of Total Budget
Labor is the largest line item. Los Altos draws from the same contractor pool as Palo Alto and Mountain View, with rates that reflect the quality expectations of the community.
| Trade | Hourly Rate (Los Altos) | Typical Hours per Project |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $95-$160/hr | Oversight for full project |
| Licensed Plumber | $140-$215+/hr | 18-45 hours |
| Licensed Electrician | $115-$185/hr | 10-24 hours |
| Tile Installer | $85-$130/hr | 22-55 hours |
| Carpenter/Finish Work | $80-$125/hr | 10-28 hours |
Tile and Stone: 15-20% of Budget
| Material | Cost per Sqft (Installed) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain tile | $16-$32 | Mid-range remodels, durability |
| Natural stone (marble, travertine) | $28-$55+ | High-end remodels, visual impact |
| Large-format porcelain slab | $32-$65 | Modern aesthetic, fewer grout lines |
| Hand-cut mosaic | $36-$72+ | Accent walls, niches, shower floors |
Fixtures and Hardware: 10-15% of Budget
Mid-range Los Altos projects typically spend $4,000-$8,500 on fixtures. High-end projects with smart toilets, thermostatic systems, and designer hardware can reach $11,000-$22,000.
Vanity and Countertop: 10-15% of Budget
A single vanity with quartz countertop costs $2,200-$5,200 in Los Altos. A double vanity with custom cabinetry runs $5,500-$13,000+. Many mid-century Los Altos bathrooms were designed around non-standard dimensions, making custom vanities a frequent necessity.
What Drives Costs in Los Altos
Mid-Century Housing Stock
The vast majority of Los Altos homes were built between 1950 and 1970. These homes were well-constructed for their era, but their bathrooms are often small (40-50 square feet), with original cast-iron or galvanized plumbing, limited electrical capacity, and no ventilation systems. Bringing these spaces up to modern standards requires infrastructure work that adds to project costs.
Premium Material Expectations
Los Altos homeowners consistently select materials at or above the mid-range tier. When the home next door has marble tile and a frameless glass shower, a basic ceramic refresh may feel like an under-investment. This market-driven pressure elevates average material costs.
Compact Bathroom Footprints
Mid-century Los Altos homes often have bathrooms in the 40-55 square foot range. While smaller bathrooms cost less in total materials, the per-square-foot cost is higher because labor and infrastructure costs do not scale linearly with size. You still need the same plumbing, electrical, and tile work in a 45-square-foot bathroom as in a 65-square-foot one.
Proximity to Palo Alto Pricing
Los Altos shares a border with Palo Alto and draws from the same contractor and supplier networks. This geographic proximity means Los Altos pricing closely tracks Peninsula rates rather than South Bay rates.
Los Altos Permits and Regulations
Building Permits
The City of Los Altos Community Development Department handles building permits. Any bathroom remodel involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes requires a permit. Permit fees run $800-$2,500+ for a standard bathroom remodel.
Los Altos has a reputation for a relatively straightforward permitting process. Plan review typically takes 2-3 weeks, and the building department is known for being responsive and accessible. This is a meaningful advantage compared to some larger cities where permitting can add significant delays.
Other Soft Costs
| Expense | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Design fees | $2,000-$6,000 | Floor plans, material selections, 3D renderings |
| Engineering (if structural) | $1,500-$3,500 | Required when removing or modifying walls |
| Title 24 energy compliance | 5-10% of project | 2025 code effective January 2026 |
| Contingency | 10-15% of budget | Essential in mid-century Los Altos homes |
How Los Altos Compares to Other Bay Area Cities
| City | Basic Refresh | Mid-Range Remodel | High-End Remodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Altos | $38,000-$53,000 | $52,000-$90,000 | $90,000-$145,000+ |
| Palo Alto | $40,000-$55,000 | $55,000-$95,000 | $95,000-$150,000+ |
| Saratoga | $40,000-$55,000 | $55,000-$95,000 | $95,000-$150,000+ |
| Los Gatos | $38,000-$52,000 | $52,000-$90,000 | $88,000-$140,000 |
| Mountain View | $36,000-$48,000 | $48,000-$82,000 | $82,000-$130,000 |
| Cupertino | $36,000-$50,000 | $50,000-$85,000 | $85,000-$135,000 |
| San Jose | $35,000-$48,000 | $48,000-$80,000 | $80,000-$125,000 |
Los Altos pricing sits just below Palo Alto and Saratoga, reflecting its premium residential character and proximity to Peninsula markets.
Sample Budgets
Mid-Range Hall Bathroom: $64,000
This example reflects a hall bathroom remodel in a 1958 Los Altos ranch home (approximately 48 square feet).
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Demolition and disposal | $2,200 |
| Plumbing (repiping supply lines, new drain connections) | $7,800 |
| Electrical (new circuits, lighting, exhaust fan) | $4,200 |
| Tile (porcelain floor, porcelain shower surround) | $9,200 |
| Vanity (single, quartz countertop, undermount sink) | $4,800 |
| Fixtures (rain showerhead, modern faucet, new toilet) | $4,500 |
| Glass shower enclosure (semi-frameless) | $3,200 |
| Ventilation (Title 24 compliant) | $1,500 |
| Paint, trim, accessories | $1,800 |
| Permits and design | $4,200 |
| Contingency (15%) | $8,400 |
| Total | ~$64,000 |
High-End Primary Suite: $128,000
This example reflects a primary suite remodel in a Los Altos Country Club area home, including layout changes and premium finishes (approximately 80 square feet).
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Demolition, disposal, and structural work | $5,800 |
| Plumbing (full repipe, relocated fixtures, body jets) | $14,500 |
| Electrical (new panel capacity, smart controls, heated mirrors) | $7,800 |
| Tile (marble walls, heated porcelain floors) | $19,500 |
| Custom double vanity with natural stone countertop | $12,500 |
| Fixtures (thermostatic shower, freestanding tub, smart toilet) | $13,500 |
| Frameless glass enclosure (custom) | $5,800 |
| Radiant floor heating | $4,200 |
| Ventilation system (Title 24 compliant) | $2,200 |
| Paint, trim, custom millwork | $3,800 |
| Permits, design, and engineering | $7,500 |
| Contingency (15%) | $16,700 |
| Total | ~$128,000 |
How to Plan Your Budget in Los Altos
Start with Infrastructure Assessment
Before falling in love with tile and fixtures, have your contractor evaluate the condition of plumbing, electrical, and framing behind the walls. In a 1950s-1960s Los Altos home, this assessment can reveal $5,000-$15,000 in necessary infrastructure work that should be factored into your budget from the start.
Maximize a Small Footprint
Many Los Altos bathrooms are compact. Smart design choices can make a 48-square-foot bathroom feel much larger: a curbless shower with clear glass, wall-mounted vanities, large-format tile with minimal grout lines, and recessed storage niches. Investing in design pays off in small spaces.
Use Porcelain to Stretch Your Budget
Modern large-format porcelain can replicate the look of Calacatta marble at 40-50% lower cost, with better durability and easier maintenance. For mid-range Los Altos remodels, porcelain is the smart choice for shower surrounds and flooring.
Plan Around School Schedules
Los Altos is a family-oriented community, and many homeowners prefer to schedule remodels during summer months when the household disruption is easier to manage. Contractors are busiest from May through September, so booking early (January-February) for a summer start gives you the best selection of tradespeople.
Why Los Altos Homeowners Choose Custom Home
Custom Home Design and Build serves Los Altos and the surrounding South Bay and Peninsula communities. We have extensive experience remodeling mid-century homes in Los Altos, including the plumbing upgrades, electrical work, and space-optimization strategies these homes require.
Our two-phase process is designed for the Los Altos market. In Phase 1 (Design), we create detailed plans, 3D visualizations, and a locked-in price before demolition begins. This is especially valuable in mid-century homes where behind-the-wall conditions can affect scope and cost. By completing thorough assessment and design upfront, we minimize surprises during construction. In Phase 2 (Build), we execute the plan with our team of licensed tradespeople.
Start Your Los Altos Bathroom Remodel
Whether you are updating a compact hall bath or creating a spa-inspired primary suite, the first step is understanding what your Los Altos home needs and what it will cost.
Contact Custom Home to schedule a complimentary consultation. We will visit your Los Altos home, assess the existing conditions, and provide a detailed estimate tailored to your goals and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average bathroom remodel cost in Los Altos?
The average mid-range bathroom remodel in Los Altos costs $52,000-$90,000 in 2026. This includes new tile, a quality vanity with stone countertop, updated plumbing fixtures, improved lighting, and upgraded ventilation. Basic refreshes start at $38,000-$53,000. Luxury primary bathroom remodels range from $90,000 to $145,000 or more.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in Los Altos?
Yes, if your project involves plumbing, electrical, or structural changes. The City of Los Altos requires building permits for work beyond cosmetic updates. Permit fees for a standard bathroom remodel run $800-$2,500+. Los Altos has a relatively straightforward permitting process compared to some neighboring Peninsula cities.
How long does a bathroom remodel take in Los Altos?
A basic refresh takes 3-4 weeks. A mid-range remodel with tile and plumbing work takes 6-10 weeks. A luxury primary bathroom remodel with layout changes takes 10-14 weeks. Add 2-4 weeks for design, material selection, and permitting before construction begins.
What is the ROI of a bathroom remodel in Los Altos?
Mid-range bathroom remodels return approximately 74-80% of investment at resale. With Los Altos median home prices exceeding $4 million, a well-executed $75K bathroom remodel can add $55K-$60K to your resale value while significantly improving daily comfort and function.