Bathroom Remodeling, From Bare Studs to Final Caulk
A full bathroom remodel strips the room back to the framing, repairs whatever the water has done, and rebuilds the wet areas so they stay dry behind the tile. Because a bathroom is small and packed with plumbing, even a modest room involves several trades working in a strict order.
Describe the job and add your city. Free to request, no obligation.
Waterproofing is the part you never see and the one that decides how long the room lasts. Shower walls and floors need a proper membrane behind the tile, a sloped base and a sealed drain, not just cement board and grout. The same visit is the right moment to replace old supply valves and drain lines, add blocking in the walls for future grab bars, and fix an exhaust fan that does not move enough air.
The household usually loses the room for a few weeks. If it is the only bathroom, say so in your request, because the schedule can be planned so the toilet and shower are back as early as possible.
What the work includes
- Demolition of tile, tub or shower, vanity, toilet and damaged drywall or subfloor
- New or updated supply and drain lines, shut-off valves and shower valve
- Waterproofing membrane and sloped shower base
- Tile for floor, walls and shower, with grout and sealing
- Vanity, sink, faucet, toilet, mirror and accessories
- Lighting, outlets and an exhaust fan vented to the outside
- Tub or shower fixtures, glass or curtain rod
- Paint, trim and cleanup after the last trade
When a bathroom needs more than new paint
Grout is dark and crumbling, and tiles sound hollow or move when pressed
The floor is spongy around the toilet or the tub edge
Mirrors fog for an hour because the fan is weak or vents into the attic
Paint blisters on the ceiling or walls beside the shower
The tub or shower is chipped, stained or leaks into the room below
The layout is cramped, with a door that hits the vanity or toilet
How the work goes, step by step
Tell us about the room
Share dimensions, photos, who uses the bathroom and any problems such as leaks, mold or poor ventilation.
Visit and check
A specialist measures the room, looks at the plumbing and fan, and checks what is under the old flooring where possible.
Choose layout and finishes
Fixtures, tile and the shower or tub type are chosen with the price of each option shown.
Quote in writing
The quote lists every trade, the waterproofing method, allowances, permits and the days the room is out of use.
Work and inspection
Trades follow in sequence, the shower is checked before tiling, and a walkthrough closes the job.
What changes the price
- Room size and layout
- A small bath with the toilet, tub and vanity left in place costs much less than one where fixtures are moved.
- Shower or tub style
- A basic acrylic tub insert, a tiled shower with a niche and a glass enclosure sit at different levels.
- Tile choice
- Large porcelain, mosaics and natural stone differ in material cost and in setting time, and patterns add labour.
- Plumbing relocation
- Moving a toilet or drain means cutting the floor and sometimes the ceiling below.
- Hidden damage
- Rot around old tubs and rusted drain lines are common finds, so ask how they are priced.
- Building type
- Condos can require approvals, limited work hours and protection of common areas.
What a good quote spells out
- How the shower or tub area is waterproofed, named in the quote, not just cement board
- Whether the shower is flood tested or checked before tile goes on
- Fan size and where it vents, since many fans exhaust into the attic
- Allowances for tile, vanity, faucets and lighting, each with a dollar figure
- How many days the bathroom is unavailable, and what happens if hidden damage is found
Bathroom Remodeling: questions people ask
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A full remodel typically takes a few weeks on site. Waiting for custom glass, a special vanity or tile adds time, so ordering is usually done before demolition.
Does the plumbing have to be replaced in a bathroom remodel?
Not always, but if the walls are open it is cheap to swap old valves and worn supply lines. A quote should say what is replaced and what is reused.
Is cement board enough behind shower tile?
Cement board resists water but is not waterproof on its own. A membrane or waterproof board system with sealed seams is what keeps the wall framing dry.
Can the bathroom stay usable during the work?
The room being worked on cannot. If it is your only bathroom, plan a temporary arrangement and ask the specialist to schedule the plumbing work first so a toilet is available sooner.
Other Lustral services
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