The Bathroom Remodel, Specified
Bathroom renovations are small in square footage and large in variables. Plumbing rough-in, waterproofing, tile, glass, ventilation, electrical. A primer on what each decision costs — and which ones you should never skip.
What a Real Bathroom Remodel Costs in 2026
Case Studies, Room by Room
A Brooklyn Primary Bath, Completely Reimagined
A primary bathroom that went from three functional rooms to one continuous wet room — with detailed notes on the waterproofing spec, the drain placement, and the single glass panel that holds it all together.
See the case studyA Texas Primary Bath Built for Two
A dual vanity, a freestanding tub, a curbless shower, and the specific fan spec that keeps the whole room quiet at 6:00 a.m.
See the case studyThe $11K Powder Room That Changed the Entry
The under-$15K powder room redo that delivered the highest visible impact per dollar of any project on the site last year. Start here if the budget is tight.
See the case studyAn LA Bathroom, Floor Relocated
Moving a toilet three feet sounds simple. In a second-story bathroom over a finished ceiling, it’s a project. A full account of what that move cost — and why it was worth it.
See the case studyA Kids’ Bath That Actually Fits Two Kids
Two kids, one bathroom, one morning. The layout and fixture decisions that made this Charleston family’s school-day schedule work.
See the case studyA Guest Bath, Refreshed for Under $10K
A guest bath that didn’t need a renovation — just a careful, deliberate refresh. The three decisions that did most of the work.
See the case studyThe Bathroom Remodel Playbook.
Our 32-page Playbook covers plumbing rough-in, waterproofing standards, tile selection, lighting layers, and the decision sequence that prevents costly rework. Free for subscribers.
Get the Playbook