Bathroom Remodel Reference
Why this matters
Bathroom remodels are major service revenue for plumbers + tile contractors + general contractors. Project requires sequencing across trades + careful waterproofing. The contractor who understands the workflow delivers customer satisfaction on schedule. This is the field card.
Bathroom remodel project phases
- Demo + prep (remove fixtures, flooring, drywall, tile). 2. Rough-in plumbing (relocate/replace supply + drain). 3. Rough-in electrical (outlets, lighting, fan, GFCI). 4. Rough-in HVAC (bath exhaust fan duct). 5. Insulation + drywall (wet-area green board/cement board). 6. Tile prep + install (floor, walls, shower). 7. Plumbing finish (fixtures, faucets, toilet). 8. Electrical finish (outlets, lights, fan controls). 9. Paint + trim (walls, door/window casing). 10. Final fixtures + accessories (mirrors, shelving, towel bars).
Typical bathroom remodel scope
Full gut + remodel: 2 - 3 weeks.
Mid-level (existing layout, new fixtures + finishes): 1 - 2 weeks.
Cosmetic (paint, vanity, fixtures only): 3 - 5 days.
Permits required
Plumbing: relocation of fixtures, new lines.
Electrical: GFCI, new outlets, new lighting.
Building: structural changes, wall removal, window install.
Mechanical: bath exhaust fan + ducting.
Per IRC: permit + inspection at rough-in + final.
Plumbing rough-in considerations
Supply (hot + cold): 1/2" PEX OR copper. Drain lines: lav 1-1/4 OR 1-1/2"; tub/shower 2"; toilet 3" (4" preferred). Vents: 1-1/2" OR 2" per IPC trap arm rules. Shower drain location critical to layout. Tub drain location per tub spec. Toilet flange location: 12" rough-in standard (10" + 14" alternatives). Faucet rough-in box pre-set tile back.
Wet area waterproofing
Per ANSI A118.10: tile + grout don't waterproof; need waterproofing membrane.
Common waterproofing systems:
- Schluter Kerdi: orange polyethylene membrane; thinset applied.
- RedGard: liquid roll-on; cures to elastomeric.
- Hydroban: liquid; similar.
- Wedi board: foam tile substrate with integral waterproof.
- Cement board (Durock, Hardibacker): water-resistant but not waterproof alone; needs additional membrane.
Shower pan:
- Pre-formed (PVC / fiberglass): single-piece tub pan.
- Mortar bed + liner: traditional; PVC liner + slope; cement bed; tile.
- Schluter Kerdi-Shower-Kit: pre-formed foam + integrated membrane.
Niche / shower seat: waterproof per OEM; integrate with shower waterproofing.
Curbless / linear drain shower: trend; advanced waterproofing required.
Tile selection (covered in tile + grout selection)
Floor tile: porcelain typical; durable + water-resistant.
Wall tile: ceramic OR porcelain; many styles.
Shower floor: mosaic tile (small for drainage) OR matte porcelain.
Grout: unsanded for narrow joints (< 1/8"); epoxy for shower (premium).
Accent tile + niche: decorative element.
Electrical (per NEC 210.8 + NEC 410)
GFCI required: all bath outlets (NEC 210.8).
Dedicated 20A circuit: for bath outlets (NEC 210.11.C.3).
Lighting: typical 15A circuit OR shared.
Bath fan: typically 15A OR shared.
Whirlpool tub (if installed): dedicated GFCI + AFCI 20A circuit per NEC 680.
Wet-rated fixtures: in shower + tub area.
Damp-rated: above shower.
Bath exhaust ventilation
Per IRC M1505: 50 CFM continuous OR 100 CFM intermittent.
Sized to bath: 1 CFM per sq ft (< 100 sq ft); 100+ CFM master bath.
Quiet (≤ 1 sone preferred).
Duct: vent outside (never attic OR soffit).
Backflow damper at termination.
Switch control: timer, motion, OR humidity-sensing.
Connect to lights (common): convenient.
Common bathroom fixtures + accessories
Vanity: pre-fab OR custom; with sink + countertop. Sink types: drop-in, under-mount, vessel, pedestal. Toilet: standard, comfort-height, dual-flush, smart. Tub + shower: standard combo, walk-in shower (trend), soaker tub, whirlpool, free-standing. Shower head: standard, rain head, hand-held, multi-spray. Mirror + medicine cabinet. Towel bars + hooks. Accessibility: grab bars, comfort-height toilet, walk-in shower.
Common bathroom mistakes
Skipping waterproofing membrane (water damage in 1 - 3 years). Wrong wet-area material (drywall in shower; mold + rot). Vent fan to attic (mold). Skipping GFCI (code violation + safety). Skipping permit (insurance + resale issue). Drainage slope wrong (water pools). Tile substrate inadequate (cracks; pops loose). Skipping niche / seat waterproofing.
Tile install workflow
1. Substrate prep: cement board OR Schluter Ditra membrane.
2. Waterproofing membrane: applied per OEM.
3. Layout planning: from center; balanced cuts.
4. Tile setting: thinset; level + plumb; spacers.
5. Cure 24 - 48 hr.
6. Grouting: matched to tile + joint width.
7. Cure 24 - 48 hr.
8. Seal grout (if cementitious; not epoxy).
Drainage + slope
Shower floor: slope 1/4" per ft toward drain (linear drain may slope all one direction).
Bath floor: typically level; tile floor.
Toilet flange height: flush with finished floor (some shim 1/4" - 1/2" allowed).
Tub drain: per tub spec.
Lighting
Primary: ceiling-mounted; bright + general.
Task: at vanity (sconces OR overhead); for grooming.
Mood / decorative: dimmable; sconces; chandelier (large bath).
Recessed (can lights): damp-rated within shower.
LED: required by some codes; long life + low energy.
Vanity install
Pre-fab vanity: most residential; quicker.
Custom: built-in look; pricier.
Counter material: laminate (low-cost), engineered stone, granite, marble, quartz.
Backsplash: tile, slab counter material wrap-up, OR none.
Customer education during project
Daily updates: photos + progress.
Customer decisions needed: fixture brands, tile patterns, paint colors.
Timeline expectations: realistic 2 - 4 weeks; weather + shipping affect.
Change orders: documented + signed if scope changes.
Final walkthrough + punch list: identify any remaining items.
Customer ROI
Bathroom remodel ROI (per Cost vs Value Report): 55 - 75% recoup at sale.
Master bath remodel: lower ROI (less universal).
Smaller remodel (cosmetic): higher % ROI.
Customer value: function, comfort, design, aging-in-place features.
Common contracting issues
Scope creep: customer adds during project; document + change order.
Tile-around-fixtures: precise cuts; templates help.
Subcontractor coordination: plumber, electrician, tile setter, painter must sequence.
Inspection scheduling: plan into timeline.
Cleanup + customer impact: minimize disruption.
Truck stock for bathroom remodel
References
- ANSI A118.10 (waterproofing membrane standards)
- IRC R702 (wet area requirements)
- NEC 210.8 + 210.11.C.3 (bath GFCI + dedicated circuit)
- ICC + IRC bathroom permits
- Manuall internal: Tile + Grout Selection, Bath Exhaust Fan Ratings