Planning a Bathroom Remodel
Bathrooms are small, wet, and unforgiving. What is behind the tile matters more than the tile.
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A bathroom is the densest room in a house: plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and waterproofing in forty square feet. Most bathroom failures are waterproofing failures, and they show up years later as rot in the framing below.
Get the invisible parts right
- A continuous waterproofing system in the shower — sheet or liquid membrane, properly lapped, not just cement board
- Correct slope to the drain, verified before tile goes down
- A proper pre-slope under any traditional mortar bed
- Blocking in the walls for grab bars, now, even if you install them later
- An exhaust fan sized to the room and ducted to the outside, never into the attic
- GFCI protection on all outlets
- Water-resistant backer board rather than standard drywall in wet areas
Layout realities
Plumbing location drives cost. Moving a toilet requires relocating a three-inch drain and often opening the floor below; moving a vanity is comparatively easy. In small bathrooms, converting a tub to a curbless shower can dramatically improve usable space and accessibility, but requires floor structure that can accommodate the drop.
Budget ranges
| Level | Typical cost | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | $3,000 – $8,000 | Paint, fixtures, mirror, light, toilet, vanity swap |
| Mid-range remodel | $15,000 – $30,000 | New tile, tub or shower, vanity, flooring, fan, same layout |
| Full remodel with layout change | $30,000 – $60,000+ | Moved plumbing, structural work, custom tile and glass |
Where to spend
- Waterproofing and the shower pan — the one place where failure is catastrophic
- A quality exhaust fan, quiet enough that people actually run it
- A well-made faucet and shower valve from a brand with available replacement cartridges
- Comfortable lighting at the mirror, from both sides rather than overhead only
Where to save
- Large-format simple tile instead of intricate mosaic, which is labor-intensive to install
- A stock vanity with an upgraded top
- Standard toilets from major manufacturers — performance is excellent at moderate prices
- Keeping the existing layout
Frequently asked questions
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
Three to six weeks for a standard remodel, longer if plumbing moves or if custom glass and tile are involved.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel?
Almost always if plumbing or electrical changes. A pure cosmetic swap often does not. Confirm with your building department.
Is a tub necessary for resale?
Having at least one tub in the home is generally advisable for families with young children. Converting a secondary bathroom's tub to a shower is usually fine.
