A bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in your home, but it's also one of the most complex to remodel. Plumbing, electrical, ventilation, waterproofing, tile and glass all have to come together in a tight space, and they have to hold up to water every single day.
Syracuse Construction builds custom bathroom remodels in Syracuse and Central New York, from statement powder rooms to full primary suites. Here's what to know before you start.
- Types of bathroom remodels
- What affects bathroom remodel cost
- Popular design ideas
- What happens behind the walls
- Bathroom remodel timeline
- Choosing a bathroom remodel contractor
- Frequently asked questions
Types of Bathroom Remodels
- Powder room refresh: new vanity, lighting, mirror, paint or wall treatment and flooring.
- Hall or kids' bathroom update: durable tile, a new tub or shower, storage and easy-clean surfaces.
- Full primary bathroom remodel: a custom tile shower, double vanity, upgraded lighting and sometimes a new layout.
- Tub-to-shower conversion: replacing a little-used tub with a walk-in shower.
- Accessible and aging-in-place bathrooms: low or curbless shower entries, grab bars, wider doors and better lighting.
What Affects Bathroom Remodel Cost
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Size and scope | A powder room and a full primary bath are very different projects. |
| Moving plumbing | Keeping the toilet, shower and sink in place usually costs less than a new layout. |
| Shower type | A custom tile shower costs more than a liner system but offers unlimited design options. See our guide to tile showers vs. acrylic liners. |
| Tile and glass | Large-format tile, patterns and frameless glass add labor and material cost. |
| Cabinetry and counters | Custom vanities and stone tops cost more than stock options. |
| Hidden conditions | Water damage, rot or outdated wiring found during demolition must be fixed. |
Popular Design Ideas
- Walk-in and curbless showers with frameless glass
- Large-format tile with fewer grout lines and a clean, modern look
- Built-in niches and benches for storage and comfort
- Patterned floors like hexagon or marble-look tile
- Double vanities and quartz or marble countertops
- Layered lighting: recessed lights, sconces and a lit mirror
What Happens Behind the Walls
The parts of a bathroom you never see decide how long it lasts:
- Waterproofing: tile and grout aren't waterproof on their own. A proper membrane behind the tile and under the shower floor keeps water out of the walls.
- Ventilation: an exhaust fan vented to the outside prevents mold, peeling paint and moisture damage.
- Plumbing and electrical: new valves, drains and GFCI-protected circuits brought up to code.
- Blocking: solid wood framing added behind the walls so grab bars, glass and heavy vanities can be anchored securely, now or later.
Older homes: In homes built before 1978, painted surfaces may contain lead. Our team includes a Certified Lead Paint Renovator, so demolition is done safely.
Bathroom Remodel Timeline
- Design and selections: layout, tile, fixtures, vanity and lighting.
- Ordering: we confirm lead times so materials are on site before demolition.
- Demolition and repairs to anything found behind the walls.
- Rough plumbing and electrical, followed by inspections.
- Waterproofing and tile.
- Vanity, fixtures and lighting.
- Custom glass, measured after tile and installed last.
Choosing a Bathroom Remodel Contractor
Ask how they waterproof showers, how they vent the exhaust fan, who does the plumbing and electrical, and whether they handle permits. Ask to see finished bathrooms, not just photos of tile. Our project managers coordinate every trade from demolition to the final glass, so you have one point of contact. Read our tips on choosing a contractor and see more on our bathroom remodeling page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
It depends on the scope. A powder room refresh moves quickly, while a full primary bathroom with a custom tile shower, new plumbing layout and frameless glass takes longer. Custom glass is measured after tile is installed, so it adds time at the end. We give you a schedule before demolition starts.
What affects the cost of a bathroom remodel in Syracuse?
The biggest factors are size, whether plumbing is moved, the type of shower (custom tile or a liner system), tile selections, custom glass, cabinetry and countertops, and any water damage or outdated wiring found behind the walls in older homes.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel?
Work that changes plumbing, electrical or structure typically requires a permit and inspections. We handle permits and inspections as part of the project.
Can you convert a tub to a walk-in shower?
Yes. Tub-to-shower conversions are one of the most popular bathroom updates. We can build a custom tile shower with a low or curbless entry, a niche, a bench and frameless glass in the space where the tub was.
Can I use my home while the bathroom is being remodeled?
Most families do, especially if there's a second bathroom. We protect floors and contain dust, and we schedule work to keep any time without a working bathroom as short as possible.
Related Services
Plan Your Bathroom Remodel
From powder rooms to primary suites, we design and build custom bathrooms across Syracuse and Central NY.
Request a Free ConsultationOr call 315-751-0540
