Bathroom remodeling Q&A
A few of the questions we field almost every week. Have one that isn't here? Ask us directly.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A powder room refresh usually takes 2–3 weeks. A hall bath is 4–6 weeks. A full primary suite with structural changes runs 6–10 weeks depending on custom cabinetry, tile complexity, and inspection timing. We give you a written schedule at the start and update it each Friday.
What's the typical budget range in the Seattle area?
Materials and labor are only part of it — the biggest cost drivers are moving plumbing, adding radiant heat, and tile complexity. As a rough guide: powder rooms $10–20k, hall baths $25–45k, primary suites $55–120k+. We give you a written range on the first visit and a fixed price once selections are done.
Do I need a permit?
You need a permit anytime you move plumbing, alter framing, or modify electrical circuits. Cosmetic swaps (fixtures in the same location, paint, new mirror) usually don't require one. We pull permits when they're required and coordinate the inspections directly.
Can I keep using the other bathrooms during construction?
Yes. We seal the work zone with plastic and zip walls, keep dust out, and clean up daily. If you're remodeling the only bathroom, we'll sequence the work so it's out of commission for as short a window as possible.
What waterproofing do you use?
We use Schluter Kerdi on shower walls and Ditra on floors as our default. Both are proven sheet systems that we can inspect visually before tile goes up — no guessing about whether a coating cured correctly. On larger jobs we photograph every stage of the waterproofing for your records.
Should we do radiant floor heating?
In the PNW, yes — almost always in a primary bathroom. It's a modest add on a project of this size, and it changes how the room feels every morning. We use Ditra-Heat where it fits so the same layer that heats also uncouples the tile from the substrate.
What kind of ventilation do you install?
A quiet, humidity-sensing fan on its own circuit, vented directly to the outside — never into the attic. Panasonic WhisperGreen is our default. We add a timer or humidity switch so the fan runs long enough to actually dry the room.
Do you handle design, or do I need to bring my own?
Either. Many clients bring inspiration photos and we help make them work in the space. For more complex projects — layout changes, custom vanities, or bespoke tile — we can bring in a designer we've worked with for years.
How do you handle change orders?
In writing, signed by you, priced before the work happens. We never do a change and hand you a bill for it after the fact.
What warranty do you provide?
One year on workmanship. Manufacturer warranties on all materials (tile, fixtures, appliances) pass through directly. If something goes sideways in year one, we come back and fix it.