When remodeling a bathroom in San Diego—or anywhere in California—you can’t just focus on design. You must build to code. Local codes are in place to protect your home, your safety, and to ensure your project passes inspection without expensive surprises. At Sheiner Construction, we deal with these requirements every day. We know the specific code areas that cause the most issues, and in this guide we’ll break down the most important: venting, GFCI outlets, fixture clearances, and waterproofing.
Why Codes Matter (Beyond Just Passing Inspection)?
Bathroom codes aren’t arbitrary. They exist to:
- Protect against moisture damage, mold, and poor indoor air quality.
- Prevent electrical hazards in wet environments.
- Ensure fixtures are installed with enough space for comfort and safety.
- Stop leaks and water intrusion that could damage hidden framing or finishes.
Meeting these standards not only keeps your bathroom safe but also protects your investment. A remodel that ignores code can result in failed inspections, fines, costly repairs, or even resale problems. We believe building to code is about more than passing inspection—it’s about building responsibly so your bathroom will last.
Venting & Exhaust: Getting Moisture Out
Exhaust Fan Requirements
Every bathroom in San Diego requires ventilation. A window alone is not enough in most cases—mechanical exhaust fans are mandatory. Fans must vent directly outdoors, never into attics, crawlspaces, or other concealed areas.
Ducting & Termination
The exhaust duct must be properly sized, supported, and routed with as few bends as possible. The fan outlet must terminate outside, at least three feet away from windows or air intakes.
Fan Controls
Bathroom fans should be wired to a dedicated switch, or in some cases, a humidity sensor. This ensures the fan keeps running after a shower, reducing condensation and mold risks.
Fan Capacity
The fan must be sized correctly for the bathroom’s square footage. Undersized fans are a common inspection failure. We always calculate the proper cubic feet per minute (CFM) to guarantee performance.
GFCI & Electrical Safety: Protecting Against Shock
GFCI Protection
All bathroom outlets must be GFCI protected (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). This includes outlets near vanities, counters, and anywhere within six feet of tubs or showers. These outlets must also be tamper-resistant.
Dedicated Circuits
Bathrooms require a dedicated 20-amp circuit for receptacles. This circuit cannot usually serve lights or fans, except under specific exceptions. Large fixtures like spa tubs or steam showers require their own dedicated circuits with GFCI protection.
Light Fixtures & Wet Zones
Light fixtures located inside or near tubs and showers must be rated for damp or wet locations, depending on placement. Recessed lighting in a shower must be sealed and listed for wet areas. Switches and outlets are never allowed inside the actual footprint of a tub or shower.
Fixture Clearances & Layout
Toilets
- At least 15 inches from the centerline of the toilet to any side wall or obstruction.
- At least 24 inches of clear space in front of the toilet.
Sinks & Lavatories
- At least 24 inches of clearance in front of sinks for usability.
- Clearances must allow for accessibility if required.
Showers
- Showers must have a minimum 1,024 square inches of interior space (enough to fit a 30-inch diameter circle).
- Shower doors or openings must provide at least 22 inches of clear access.
- Shower finishes must be waterproof to a height of at least 72 inches above the drain.
Glass Safety
Any glass located within 60 inches horizontally of a shower or bathtub (and less than 60 inches vertically from the floor) must be tempered or safety glass.
Ceiling Height
Bathrooms generally require a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet. Sloped ceilings are allowed as long as fixtures have sufficient clearance above them.
Waterproofing: Keeping Water Where It Belongs
Shower Pans & Membranes
Shower bases must include a waterproof membrane and slope properly to the drain. Waterproofing membranes must extend up walls at least a few inches above the curb. Every seam, joint, and corner must be reinforced.
Backer Boards & Substrates
Tile must be installed over appropriate backer boards like cement board or glass-mat gypsum designed for wet areas. Standard drywall must never be used inside a shower or wet zone.
Fasteners & Metals
All screws, nails, or fasteners used in wet zones must be corrosion-resistant—galvanized, stainless, or otherwise rated for water contact.
Vertical Waterproofing
For bathrooms located below grade or on slab foundations, walls must be waterproofed with coatings or membranes. Protective boards are often required to prevent damage during backfill or construction.
Sealants & Caulking
All transitions—floor to wall, tub to wall, corners, niches, and curbs—must be sealed with flexible caulks or waterproof gaskets. Expansion joints should be included where different materials meet.
Best Practices from Our Field Experience
Over years of bathroom remodels in San Diego, we’ve seen how small code violations turn into big issues. Here are a few lessons we carry into every project:
- Pre-plan waterproofing: We decide drain locations, niches, and benches before sealing membranes.
- Slope floors correctly: Shower floors must slope at least ¼ inch per foot toward the drain.
- Protect membranes during construction: Membranes must be covered until finishes go on.
- Use proper ventilation: A fan is not enough unless it’s sized and installed correctly.
- Access panels: Always provide access to valves, pumps, and controls without breaking tile.
- Bonding & grounding: Any metal near showers must be electrically bonded for safety.
Conclusion
Bathroom remodels in San Diego aren’t just about style—they’re about compliance and durability. Ventilation keeps your air fresh, GFCI circuits protect you from shocks, clearances keep layouts functional, and waterproofing ensures your remodel lasts for decades.
At Sheiner Construction, we bring both craftsmanship and code expertise to every bathroom we remodel. Our team knows the local requirements inside and out, and we never take shortcuts. When you hire us, you’re not just getting a new bathroom—you’re getting peace of mind that it’s safe, legal, and built to last.
Who We Are
We are Sheiner Construction, a licensed remodeling contractor proudly serving San Diego. With years of experience in bathroom remodels, kitchens, and full-home renovations, we’ve become trusted experts in combining design with compliance. Our mission is simple: deliver remodels that look beautiful, function flawlessly, and meet every safety code.
From permits to inspections to final walkthroughs, we handle it all. Homeowners choose us because we’re transparent, we care about details, and we treat every project like it’s our own home. If you’re ready to remodel your bathroom in San Diego, we’d love to guide you through the process—from planning to a flawless finish.
