Before You Start
Planning a bathroom remodel in Dayton
Cost, time, permits, waterproofing and wall materials are the questions that come up before most remodels, and each has its own guide.
The right scope depends on how the bathroom is used, what no longer works, and whether comfort, storage, accessibility or resale comes first. Read what applies, then call and we talk it through.
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What a bathroom remodel costs
Scope and fixtures set the price of a bathroom remodel more than floor area; the materials chosen and the amount of work decide the rest. We quote the whole job in writing before work starts, so the number you plan around is the number you pay.
bathroom remodel cost
How long the work takes
Most bathroom remodels take one to three weeks of work once materials are on hand. Moving the drain or waiting on an inspection adds days; a surround replacement that keeps the fixtures where they are needs fewer.
bathroom remodel timeline
Permits for plumbing and electrical changes
A permit is most often needed when the remodel moves plumbing, changes electrical circuits or alters the structure. Swapping a fixture in its place is a different matter, and the guide walks through both.
bathroom remodel permit
Waterproofing behind the shower tile
The waterproofing membrane and shower pan under the tile are what keep water out of the walls and floor, whatever finish goes on top. Finishes are only part of what makes a bathroom last; waterproofing, drainage, ventilation and the rough-in protect what is underneath.
shower waterproofing
Shower wall panels or tile
Panels such as "cultured marble" give seamless walls that clean easily and come in many colors, while tile offers more patterns and takes longer to install. Which one suits you depends on how the shower gets used and cleaned.
shower wall panels vs tile
Choosing a bathroom remodeling contractor
You should look for insurance, a written estimate that lists materials, labor, timeline and payment schedule, and photos of similar finished projects.
Check these five things before you sign anything:
- Insurance: ask for proof of liability and workers' compensation cover.
- A written estimate with nothing left to a handshake; walk away from anyone vague about costs.
- A timeline with the stages in order, so you know when the bathroom is out of use.
- A payment schedule written into the estimate, not agreed later.
- Examples of similar projects, and the chance to ask the owners how they went.