Bathroom remodeling in Juanita
Juanita grew from farms and homesteads into one of Kirkland's established subdivision neighborhoods in the 1960s, which means many of its bathrooms are now more than half a century old. Whether you want a bigger shower, a replacement tub, an accessible layout, new tile or a new vanity, call (425) 555-0172 to speak with a local bathroom remodeling contractor.
About bathroom remodeling in Juanita
Juanita sits on the north side of Kirkland around Juanita Bay and Juanita Beach Park. Duwamish people had a winter village at the mouth of Juanita Creek, where the beach park is today. In the 1920s the Forbes family opened a beach resort there, and in the 1960s the surrounding farms and large homesteads gave way to subdivisions and shopping centers. Most of Juanita joined Kirkland in 1967, and the unincorporated lower Juanita area followed in 1988. The neighborhood's ZIP codes include 98034 and 98033.
That history shapes the work. Homes built in the 1960s predate the 1978 cutoff used in the federal lead-paint renovation rule, so contractors working on them need lead-safe practices, and it's sensible to ask about testing older flooring and adhesives for asbestos before demolition. Original bathrooms in this era are often compact, with one tub-shower combination, a small vanity and a layout that has never changed. For the bigger picture, see our guide to bathroom remodeling in Kirkland, WA.
Shower remodel in Juanita
Making room for a walk-in shower
Compact bathrooms can often fit a walk-in shower by removing the tub and extending the shower into its space, or by trading a bulky vanity for a slimmer one. See shower remodeling for the layouts that work in small rooms.
Waterproofing over older framing
When a 1960s shower surround comes out, the framing behind it is exposed to inspection. Soft or stained wood needs repair before a new membrane goes on, so ask how any damage found will be handled and priced.
Tub-to-shower conversion in Juanita
Converting the original tub-shower combination
Replacing a single tub with a shower is one of the most natural projects in homes of this age and layout. The key questions are whether the drain can move and what's under the floor. Our page on tub-to-shower conversion covers the process step by step.
Checking the floor beneath the tub
Long-term, slow leaks around a tub's drain and valve can soften the subfloor, and converting is the best time to find and repair it before the new floor goes in.
Bathtub replacement in Juanita
Matching an existing alcove
Original tubs may be cast iron or enameled steel. A new acrylic tub in the same 60-inch alcove avoids moving walls or plumbing, though left- and right-hand drains must match. See bathtub replacement for materials and options.
Upgrading the surround at the same time
Replacing a worn tub without replacing the walls around it rarely makes sense. A new surround, in panels or in tile, finishes the job and prevents leaks at the seam.
Accessible bathroom remodel in Juanita
Staying in a long-time home
Homeowners who intend to remain in an established neighborhood often plan ahead for changes in mobility. Adding blocking for grab bars while walls are open costs little and avoids opening the walls later. See accessible bathroom remodeling.
Doorways and clearance
Bathroom doors in homes of this era can be narrower than the 32-inch clear opening commonly used as a benchmark today, and a pocket door can solve both width and swing.
Bathroom tile and flooring in Juanita
Replacing worn tile and old vinyl
Older flooring and its adhesive can contain asbestos, which is why testing before removal is a standard question to ask. New porcelain tile over a proper substrate makes a durable replacement. See bathroom tile and flooring.
Heated floors in cool, damp months
Electric radiant mats suit a small bathroom and need only a dedicated circuit, which means electrical work and a permit in Kirkland. Our guide to heated bathroom floors explains the choices.
Vanities and countertops in Juanita
Right-sizing for compact bathrooms
In a small bath, a narrower or wall-hung vanity opens floor space and a wider mirror makes the room feel larger. See vanities and countertops.
Updating lighting and wiring
Old vanity lighting is often a single fixture overhead. Side or vertical lighting at the mirror is more useful, though any new wiring is electrical work that needs a licensed electrician.
Permits and rules in Juanita
Juanita is part of the City of Kirkland, so the same rules apply as elsewhere in the city: interior remodels, drywall removal and plumbing or electrical changes need a permit, while like-for-like fixture swaps and finish work are generally exempt. The city also says exemptions don't apply in critical areas such as wetland, flood-hazard, steep-slope or shoreline zones, so properties near Juanita Bay, Juanita Creek or the lakefront should check the city's property tool first. See bathroom remodel permits in Kirkland.
Nearby areas
Juanita is one of two Kirkland neighborhoods we cover in detail; the other is the lakeside neighborhood of Houghton. Homeowners just north and west of Juanita can also read about Kenmore and Bothell, which share many of the same home types and project questions.