Bathroom Remodeling

Every bathroom remodel is different, and the factors below create the variation. We do not publish prices because the range between a cosmetic refresh and a full gut renovation is too wide to be useful without knowing your specific situation.

(i) Scope of work — a cosmetic refresh that keeps existing plumbing in place costs significantly less than a functional remodel that moves fixtures, and both cost less than a full gut renovation that rebuilds from the subfloor up.

(ii) Plumbing changes — relocating a toilet, shower, or vanity requires moving drain lines and supply lines inside walls and floors. Each fixture relocation adds cost because it involves opening and repairing finished surfaces around the new routing.

(iii) Tile scope and material — the amount of tile, the material selected, the pattern complexity, and whether custom cuts, niches, benches, or accent work are involved. A full shower surround with floor-to-ceiling tile is substantially more work than a standard tub surround.

(iv) Fixture and finish level — standard vanities, faucets, and lighting versus custom cabinetry, specialty fixtures, frameless glass enclosures, and premium hardware. Material choices are the widest cost variable that homeowners directly control.

(v) Waterproofing requirements — the extent of substrate replacement, membrane application, and drain work needed to properly waterproof the wet areas.

(vi) Accessibility features — curbless shower construction, structural blocking for grab bars, wider doorways, and specialized fixtures add scope and cost but are often the most valuable long-term investment in the project.

(vii) Hidden conditions — subfloor rot, outdated plumbing, inadequate electrical, or previous remodel work that was done incorrectly. These are discovered during demolition and can widen the scope and cost.

The estimate conversation is where we get specific. Share your address, photos of the current bathroom, and what you want the room to do differently so we can give you a realistic picture.

Cornerstone is based in Roy, Utah, and our primary service area covers Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake counties. Most of our bathroom remodeling projects are in these three counties, where we know local building requirements and common home construction patterns well.

We also consider bathroom projects in other parts of Utah when the scope, project economics, and travel logistics make sense for both sides. If your property is outside our primary counties, reach out and we will let you know whether it is a fit.

Why do bathroom remodels often feel more involved than homeowners expect? Because bathrooms concentrate plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, tile, and ventilation into a small footprint where every trade depends on the one before it. Waterproofing has to be complete and tested before tile goes on. Plumbing and electrical rough-in have to be done before walls are closed. And demolition almost always reveals conditions that were invisible behind the old fixtures — subfloor rot from slow leaks, outdated plumbing that needs replacement, or previous work that was not done correctly. The room is small, but the coordination required to rebuild it properly is not.

What usually drives the price of a bathroom remodel the most? Plumbing changes and tile scope are typically the two widest cost variables. Moving a toilet, shower, or vanity to a new location requires rerouting drain and supply lines inside walls and floors. Tile cost varies with material, coverage area, pattern complexity, and custom details like niches, benches, and accent work. After those two, fixture and finish level — standard versus premium — is the factor homeowners have the most direct control over.

Can I convert my bathtub to a walk-in shower? In most cases, yes. A tub-to-shower conversion replaces the bathtub with a walk-in shower built within the same footprint. The work involves removing the tub, adjusting drain location and plumbing connections, installing a properly sloped and waterproofed shower base, and building the shower surround. If the home has only one bathtub, consider whether removing it affects resale — some buyers expect at least one tub, especially in family-oriented homes.

What does an accessible or aging-in-place bathroom remodel include? The most impactful accessibility features are a curbless or low-threshold shower entry, properly anchored grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower, built-in shower seating, non-slip flooring, anti-scald water controls, and lever-style faucet handles. Wider doorway clearance for walkers or wheelchairs and improved lighting are also common. These features can be added during any scope level of remodel — from targeted safety upgrades to a full gut renovation.

How important is waterproofing in a bathroom remodel? It is the single most important quality-control step. Every surface that will see water — shower walls, shower floor, tub surround, and the floor area around the toilet and vanity — needs a waterproofing membrane applied over the proper substrate before tile or finish materials are installed. Failures at this stage cause leaks that travel behind walls and under floors where damage accumulates invisibly for months before it surfaces as staining, soft spots, mold, or structural rot. We test shower pan waterproofing before any tile is installed.