A complete bathroom remodel replaces everything in your bathroom. Professional bathroom remodelers often times remove all old fixtures, plumbing, electrical, flooring, and walls. Then they rebuild with new plumbing systems, electrical circuits, insulation, flooring, fixtures, vanities, lighting, and storage. This can take 6 to 12 weeks and cost around $15,000 to $70,000 depending on bathroom size and materials chosen.
The Big Picture: What "Complete" Really Means
When bathroom remodelers talk about a complete remodel, they mean gutting your bathroom down to the bare walls. Everything comes out. Then they rebuild it from scratch.
This is much bigger than simple updates like:
Painting walls
Changing faucets
Adding new towels
Replacing a mirror
A complete remodel touches every system in your bathroom. It takes 6 to 12 weeks and costs much more than small updates. But the results completely transform your space.
What Gets Torn Out First
Everything Has to Go - The first step is demolition
Professional bathroom remodelers remove:
All fixtures like toilets, sinks, and tubs
Cabinets and vanities
Mirrors and lights
Flooring down to the subfloor
Wall tile and often the drywall too
Old plumbing and electrical wiring
This step can take 2 to 5 days depending on your bathroom size. Most homeowners are shocked at how much comes out. Your bathroom will look like an empty shell.
Finding Hidden Problems
Once everything is removed, problems often show up. Experienced bathroom remodelers commonly find:
Water damage behind walls
Old wiring that needs updating
Mold or mildew issues
Plumbing that doesn't meet current codes
Structural problems with floor joists
Seattle remodeling projects often uncover these issues because many homes are older. Most contractors recommend adding 20% to your budget for surprises.
The Foundation Work That You Don't See
New Plumbing Throughout
Bathroom remodelers completely redo your bathroom's plumbing system. Water supply lines get replaced with modern materials. Most contractors upgrade old pipes for better water pressure and to prevent future leaks.
Drain lines may get moved or upgraded depending on your new layout. If you're changing where things go, pipes need to move to new locations. Better drain systems get installed for improved flow. New shut off valves get installed for each fixture. This makes future repairs much easier for you.
Electrical System Upgrades
Modern bathrooms need more electricity than old ones. New circuits get added for high power items like heated floors or luxury shower systems. Most contractors add dedicated circuits for bathrooms.
Safe outlets get installed throughout the space. These special outlets prevent electrical shock around water. Building codes require them in all bathrooms now. Wiring for new lights, fans, and smart features gets added too.
Many homeowners want:
Charging stations for phones and devices
Audio systems for music
Smart controls for lights and fans
Structural Improvements
Often structural work is needed during complete bathroom remodeling. Floor joists may need reinforcing to support heavy new fixtures or flooring.
Subfloor gets replaced if water damage occurred. A solid foundation prevents future problems.
The Shell: Walls and Insulation
Moisture Protection Systems
Bathrooms deal with lots of water and humidity. Professional bathroom remodelers install vapor barriers behind shower walls. These stop moisture from getting into your walls.
Waterproof membranes go in shower floors and walls. This protection goes behind your finished surfaces. Think of it like invisible protection that keeps water from damaging your home's structure.
New Insulation
Most older bathrooms have pretty poor insulation.
New insulation will:
Keeps your bathroom warmer in winter
Reduces noise between rooms
Helps prevent condensation problems
Saves energy on heating and cooling
Ventilation Systems
Good air flow prevents mold and mildew. Complete bathroom remodeling includes powerful exhaust fans sized correctly for your space. Bigger bathrooms need stronger fans. Ductwork gets installed that actually goes outside. Some old fans just blow air into the attic.
Smart controls that turn fans on automatically when moisture levels get high are becoming popular. This helps prevent moisture problems without you having to remember to turn the fan on.
Flooring: From Bottom to Top
Subfloor Preparation
The floor under your new flooring needs to be perfect. Level surfaces are important so your new floor doesn't crack or look uneven.
Proper slope toward drains in shower areas ensures water flows to the right place. Strong support that won't bounce or sag under heavy materials is essential.
Heated Floor Systems
Radiant floor heating is popular in bathroom remodeling projects. Heating systems under your floor make cold bathroom floors warm and comfortable.
This upgrade makes a huge difference on winter mornings.
New Flooring Materials
Many choices are available for complete bathroom remodeling:
Waterproof tiles that look like wood or stone
Natural stone options for a luxury feel
Large format tiles with fewer grout lines
Luxury waterproof flooring that feels warm underfoot
Walls and Surfaces
Tile Work
Wall tile installation is a big part of most bathroom remodeling projects. Shower surrounds can use various tile options and patterns. Accent walls with special materials create focal points. Built in storage niches look much better than hanging accessories.
Paint and Finishes
Areas that don't get tile need special bathroom paint. These finishes resist humidity and clean easily. Primers that prevent peeling and bubbling are important. Paint formulas designed for high moisture areas last much longer than regular paint.
Fixtures: The Parts You See Every Day
Bathtubs and Showers
Your bathing area gets completely replaced during bathroom remodeling. Popular options include:
Walk in showers that make small bathrooms look bigger
Soaking tubs that create a spa like feeling
Combination units for families with young children
Multiple water features for a luxury experience
The choice depends on your family's needs and available space.
Toilets
New toilets in complete bathroom remodeling often include modern features. Water saving models use less water than older toilets. Comfort height designs are easier for most people to use. Quiet closing seats and other modern features add convenience.
Some homeowners choose smart toilets with advanced functions like:
Heated seats
Automatic flushing
Built in bidets
Sinks and Vanities
Your vanity area gets completely rebuilt during bathroom remodeling. Single or double sinks depend on space and family needs. More storage with better drawer systems and organizers helps keep things organized.
Improved lighting around mirrors makes grooming tasks easier. Durable countertops that resist stains and scratches last for many years.
The vanity often becomes the focal point of your new bathroom.
Lighting: Bright Ideas for Better Function
Layered Lighting Systems
Good bathroom lighting uses multiple sources:
Overhead lights for general room illumination
Task lighting around mirrors for grooming
Accent lighting to highlight features
Natural light through windows or skylights
We always recommend combining several types of lighting for the best results.
Modern Controls
Smart lighting controls are becoming standard in bathroom remodeling:
Dimmer switches for different brightness levels
Motion sensors that turn lights on automatically
Timer switches for exhaust fans
App controls for remote operation
These features add convenience and can save energy too.
Storage: Solving the Space Problem
Built In Solutions
Complete bathroom remodeling creates storage that wasn't there before:
Medicine cabinets recessed into walls
Built in shelves in shower areas
Linen closets with pull out shelves
Vanity storage with dividers and organizers
Most contractors can add much more storage than you might think possible.
Creative Storage Ideas
Popular storage solutions include:
Tall cabinets that go up to the ceiling
Open shelving mixed with closed cabinets
Hidden storage behind mirrors or in unused spaces
Built in hampers to prevent floor clutter
Good storage planning makes your bathroom much more functional.
Technology: Smart Features for Modern Living
Smart Home Integration
High tech features in new bathrooms are becoming more popular:
Audio systems built into fans
Smart mirrors with built in displays
Heated towel bars with app controls
Voice controls for lights and temperature
These features can make your bathroom feel like a high end spa.
Timeline: How Long Everything Takes
Phase 1: Planning and Permits (2 to 4 weeks)
Before any work starts:
Design finalization
Permit applications
Material ordering
Project scheduling
Phase 2: Demolition and Infrastructure (1 to 2 weeks)
The messy part includes:
Removing everything from old bathroom
Updating plumbing and electrical systems
Addressing structural issues
Preparing new foundation work
Phase 3: Walls and Major Installations (2 to 3 weeks)
Building back up involves:
Framing any new walls
Installing insulation and wall systems
Completing flooring and wall finishes
Installing major fixtures like tubs and showers
Phase 4: Fixtures and Finishes (2 to 3 weeks)
The final touches include:
Installing vanity and toilet
Connecting and testing all fixtures
Installing lights and mirrors
Paint and final cleanup
Cost Reality: What to Expect
Budget Guidelines by Home Value
Smart bathroom remodeling spending typically follows certain ranges:
Conservative approach: 3% to 5% of home value
Balanced approach: 5% to 8% of home value
Investment approach: 8% to 12% of home value
Hidden Costs to Remember
Every bathroom remodeling project has extra costs like permits and inspections, a temporary bathroom setup during the construction, or increased meal costs from eating out
When Complete Bathroom Remodeling Makes Sense
Best Situations for Full Renovation
You should consider complete bathroom remodeling when:
Your bathroom is over 20 years old with no updates
You have serious problems like leaks or mold
The layout doesn't work for your family's needs
You plan to stay in your home for 5+ years
Return on Investment
Bathroom remodeling typically returns 60% to 70% of your investment when you sell. But the daily enjoyment and improved function often make the project worthwhile even if you never see full financial return.
In competitive markets like Seattle, updated bathrooms help homes sell faster and for higher prices. Buyers expect modern bathrooms and will pay more for homes that have them.
Choosing Professional Bathroom Remodelers
What to Look For
Good bathroom remodelers have the right licenses and insurance for your area, experience with complete renovations, references & reviews from recent customers, and clear contracts spelling out what's included
The biggest one: Warranties on both work and materials
Questions to Ask
Before hiring bathroom remodelers, ask:
How many complete remodels have you finished this year?
Can you provide references from similar jobs?
What's included in your warranty and how long does it last?
How do you handle unexpected problems?
What's your typical timeline for projects like mine?
The Value Beyond Money
Daily Life Improvements
Ways a complete remodel makes your life better:
Better function makes morning routines faster
More storage keeps everything organized
Improved lighting makes grooming tasks easier
Modern fixtures work better and break down less
Beautiful spaces make you happier at home
Energy Savings
New fixtures and better insulation save money monthly:
Modern lights use much less electricity
Efficient fixtures cut water usage significantly
Better insulation reduces heating and cooling costs
Modern exhaust fans prevent expensive moisture damage
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping permits to save money
Choosing fixtures before planning layout
Not budgeting for surprises
Ways to plan for a Complete Bathroom Remodel
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Be clear about what you want whether that's fixing current problems, improving / fixing something that's currently bugging you, or just updating how it looks to make it new and modern
Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget
Calculate what you can comfortably spend:
Check your home's current value
Decide on your percentage range
Add extra for unexpected costs
Confirm financing if needed
Step 3: Research Professional Bathroom Remodelers
Get quotes from several contractors and make sure to check licenses and insurance
Read reviews and get references
Compare detailed written estimates
And make sure to ask about timelines and warranties
The Bottom Line
Complete bathroom remodeling touches every single part of your bathroom. From the plumbing and electrical systems you can't see to the beautiful fixtures and finishes you use every day, everything gets upgraded or replaced.
This level of renovation takes significant time and money. But for homeowners who plan to stay in their homes, the combination of improved function, daily enjoyment, and increased home value makes complete bathroom remodeling a smart investment.
The key is working with experienced bathroom remodelers who understand the complexity of these projects. They help you navigate decisions, manage timelines, and avoid costly mistakes.
Whether your bathroom needs updating for function, style, or both, understanding what gets renovated in a complete remodel helps you plan and budget for the transformation you want. With proper planning and the right team, your new bathroom will serve your family well for many years to come.
Viorel Focsa
Viorel Focsa is an expert general contractor who owns and operates multiple washington home service companies over the past 7 years. Viorel has been operating and running FDC Construction, FDC Glass Group, and FDC Real Estate all while helping hundreds of homeowners turn their dream living spaces into reality.