The Bay Area’s vibrant housing stock ranges from historic Victorians in San Francisco to modern Silicon Valley infill. Each style shares one vulnerability: moisture-damaged bathroom subfloors. When water intrusion, leaking fixtures, or aging materials weaken the structural layer beneath your tile, the only safe solution is a professional replacement. CountBricks combines local field crews with AI-powered estimating to deliver predictable costs, speed, and quality on every project.
A subfloor is the structural sheet—usually plywood or oriented-strand board—fastened directly to the joists. It supports finished flooring, spreads live loads, and keeps the bathroom square. In Bay Area homes, common failure points include:
• Persistent humidity that seeps through cracked grout
• Slow supply-line leaks inside vanity bases
• Outdated wax seals around toilets
• Past remodels where incorrect grade lumber was installed
• Soft or spongy feel when you step near the tub
• Grout lines fracturing even after re-sealing
• Black staining or mildew smell around floor registers
• Tiles popping loose despite adequate thin-set
Ignoring these clues risks structural rot spreading to joists—escalating repair costs dramatically. CountBricks inspectors use digital moisture meters and photo capture inside our mobile app to document each zone, creating a clear scope before demolition begins.
Traditional contractors often “ballpark” subfloor replacement because hidden moisture makes exact takeoffs difficult. CountBricks eliminates guesswork:
1. Voice-guided walkthrough: Using your smartphone, describe existing conditions while our AI extracts square footage, material types, and fixture counts in real time.
2. Instant cost model: Our database of Bay Area lumber pricing, labor rates, and disposal fees updates hourly. You receive a firm line-item quote within minutes, not days.
3. Digital blueprint overlay: Upload architectural drawings or snap photos. Our blueprint AI highlights joist layout and plumbing lines, flagging potential clashes before the crew arrives.
4. One-click approval: Sign electronically and schedule materials drop-off through CountBricks.com/services.
1. Secure site and protect adjacent finishes with plastic containment.
2. Remove fixtures, trim, and floor covering, salvaging reusable components when possible.
3. Demo damaged subfloor panels to the nearest joist span and vacuum debris.
4. Inspect joists; sister or replace any member exceeding 15% moisture or showing fungal decay.
5. Install new APA-rated tongue-and-groove plywood with corrosion-resistant screws spaced 6” on edges, 8” in field.
6. Apply waterproof membrane compatible with your chosen tile or LVP system.
7. Re-install plumbing, set fixtures with new seals, and finish flooring.
8. Final QA walk-through and digital punch-list closeout through the CountBricks client portal.
• Labor: 45-55% of total, driven by prevailing wage zones
• Materials: 25-30%, including plywood, fasteners, membrane, and backer board
• Disposal and recycling: 8-12%, influenced by city dumping fees
• Permitting and inspection: 5-8%, varying by jurisdiction
Because CountBricks buys lumber and membranes at regional bulk pricing, customers save an average 12% versus independent sourcing. For a 60-square-foot bathroom, our 2025 average is $4,950–$6,300, contingent on joist repairs and finish selection. View real examples at CountBricks.com/portfolio.
California Title 24 and local green-building ordinances require low-VOC adhesives and waste diversion plans. CountBricks pre-loads compliant products into your estimate and documents landfill diversion for your final sign-off. When possible, we upcycle removed lumber through certified reuse centers, aligning your remodel with the Bay’s sustainability goals.
• Schedule during dry months to speed moisture evaporation
• Bundle plumbing fixture upgrades to avoid duplicate labor
• Choose uncoupling membranes to mitigate seismic movement
• Request a blower-door test if the bathroom sits over crawlspace; it can reveal hidden drafts
Predictive Scheduling: Our platform syncs with local inspections calendars, so you secure the first available slots, reducing mid-project downtime.
Transparent Change Orders: Unexpected rot? You see updated costs in real time and approve with a tap—no surprising invoices.
Single Source of Truth: All photos, permits, and warranties sit in your CountBricks digital project binder, accessible for resale disclosures.
Replacing a bathroom subfloor in the Bay Area is a structural investment that protects your property value and health. With CountBricks, you gain data-backed estimates, licensed crews, and meticulous documentation. Start by booking a free virtual inspection at CountBricks.com/consultation—most calls take under 15 minutes, and you’ll hang up with a detailed action plan.
When the Tran family purchased a mid-century Eichler in Cupertino, they loved the post-and-beam ceilings but worried about the sagging bathroom floor. CountBricks performed a virtual walkthrough the same afternoon, detecting moisture readings of 28%—far above the 16% safety threshold.
• AI Takeoff in 12 minutes: The voice-guided session generated a 14-line estimate, including replacement of two compromised joists.
• Permit Acceleration: Cupertino’s eTRAKiT portal can delay projects by weeks. Our platform auto-filled forms and secured approval in three business days.
• On-Site Efficiency: Demo, joist sistering, new subfloor, waterproof membrane, and hex-tile install finished in five working days—two days faster than the city average.
• Verified Savings: Bulk-rate plywood and Schluter membrane saved the client $612 compared to local retail receipts we logged for benchmarking.
1. Prioritize Moisture Testing: Cheap repairs fail if hidden humidity persists. CountBricks includes calibrated meters on every truck.
2. Align Fixture Upgrades: The Trans swapped their 1960s wall-hung toilet during subfloor work, avoiding a second plumbing permit.
3. Capture Warranties Digitally: Our portal stores manufacturer certificates and labor warranties, simplifying future resale disclosures.
Whether your home is an Eichler, Tudor, or downtown condo, CountBricks streamlines the path from discovery to completion. Schedule a complimentary video call or upload plans at CountBricks.com/consultation and experience data-driven residential construction built for the Bay Area’s pace.
