Bathroom remodeling Get what is behind the tile right
Bathroom remodeling packs plumbing, electrical, waterproofing and ventilation into one small room that gets wet every day. Whether you are planning a full bathroom remodel or a single bathroom renovation job like a new shower, what is hidden behind the tile decides how long the room lasts. Start with the job that matches your project. Call 804-566-7669.
How it works
- Call 804-566-7669Your call connects to an independent contractor in your area.
- Talk it throughSay what you want done, the age of the house and when you hope to start.
- Get it in writingScope, schedule and price on paper before any work starts. Then you decide.
Bathroom jobs
Pick the job closest to yours for what it involves, what decides it, and when to call.
1What bathroom remodeling covers
A bathroom remodel can be as small as swapping a vanity and toilet or as large as gutting the room to the studs and moving every fixture. Most projects fall somewhere in between: a tired tub becomes a shower, cracked tile gets replaced, or a fan that never worked finally gets vented outside. The size of the job is set less by the finishes you pick and more by whether drains, walls and wiring have to move.
A useful way to sort your project is by what stays put. If the toilet, sink and shower drain stay where they are, you are usually looking at a fixture swap or a tile and waterproofing job. If you want a bigger shower, a zero-threshold entry, or a bathroom where there was none, the work reaches into the floor framing, the drain lines and often the permit office, and the schedule grows with it.
Whatever you choose, the parts you cannot see do the real work. A shower needs a continuous waterproof layer behind the tile, the subfloor has to be sound and stiff, and the exhaust fan has to push moist air outdoors. When old tile comes off, hidden water damage or rot is common, so leave room in your plan for repairs you will not know about until demolition.
2What decides it
Planning a bathroom remodel?
3Before you hire
Ask these before you sign anything.
- Ask what waterproofing they useA good answer names a specific membrane or pan system and explains how seams, corners and the drain are sealed.
- Ask who pulls the permitThe person doing the work should usually handle permits and inspections; be wary of anyone who suggests skipping them.
- Ask how they handle hidden damageFind out how rotted subfloor or framing found during demolition will be priced and approved before it is fixed.
- Ask where the fan will ventThe duct should end at a roof or wall cap outdoors, not in the attic, a soffit cavity or a wall.
- Get the scope in writingA written scope listing fixtures, tile, waterproofing, trades involved and who supplies materials prevents most disputes.
Planning a bathroom remodel?
Talk to a local contractor about it today.
4Questions
What happens when I call?
Your call to 804-566-7669 connects to an independent local contractor. Describe the project, ask your questions, and decide whether you want a quote. Calling does not commit you to anything. iLikeToFix earns a referral fee when a call connects; here is how that works.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A cosmetic update with the same layout can take a week or two. A full remodel often runs a few weeks, and projects that move drains, change framing or use custom tile take longer. Inspections between rough-in and closing up walls, tile curing times and special-order fixtures are the usual reasons a schedule stretches, so ask for a timeline that includes those waits.
Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom?
In most places, a permit is needed for new or moved plumbing, new electrical circuits, and changes to walls. Replacing a vanity or toilet in the same spot often does not need one, but this varies by city and county. Your local building department can tell you what applies, and a contractor who works in your area usually knows the rules.
Can new tile go over old tile?
Sometimes, on a floor or wall that is flat, solid and dry, but it is rarely a good idea in a shower. Tiling over old shower tile hides any water damage behind it, adds weight, and changes how the new tile meets the valve, drain and edges. Most contractors remove old shower tile so they can inspect the wall and install a proper waterproof layer.
What should I do first in a bathroom remodel?
Decide whether any fixture needs to move, because that sets the scope, the trades involved and whether a permit is needed. Then pick the shower system and fixtures, since rough-in plumbing depends on them. Tile, paint and accessories come last. Ordering fixtures early helps avoid delays once walls are open.
Why does my bathroom smell musty after showers?
A musty smell often points to moisture that is not leaving the room: a fan that is undersized, not vented outdoors, or not run long enough. It can also signal water getting behind tile or under the floor. If you see staining, soft spots or growth, read about mold and water damage before you remodel.
More remodeling guides
Bathroom remodeling start with one call
Talk to a local contractor. Calling does not commit you to anything.