A bathroom remodel can be a fixture update, a tub-to-shower conversion, or a full gut. The most important part is hidden: a complete waterproofing system behind and under the tile, and a bath fan vented outdoors. Moving fixtures usually requires permits and licensed plumbing and electrical work. Ask how hidden damage will be priced before you sign.
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Bathrooms pack plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and waterproofing into a small space, so the work you can't see after it's finished matters as much as the tile you pick. A well-built bathroom keeps water where it belongs for decades. A poorly built one can hide leaks and rot behind beautiful finishes.
Typical bathroom projects
- Tub-to-shower conversions. Replacing a little-used tub with a walk-in shower, often with a curbless or low-curb entry.
- Shower and tile replacement. Tearing out old tile or fiberglass surrounds and rebuilding with a modern waterproofing system.
- Vanity, toilet, and fixture updates. New vanities, faucets, lighting, and mirrors within the existing layout.
- Full remodels. Gutting the room, relocating fixtures, and sometimes borrowing space from a closet to enlarge the bath.
- Accessibility upgrades. Grab bars with proper blocking, wider doorways, comfort-height toilets, and handheld showers for aging in place.
Waterproofing is the most important step
Tile and grout are not waterproof on their own. A properly built shower uses a waterproof membrane or a correctly sloped and lined shower pan behind and beneath the tile. Ask each contractor which waterproofing method they use, whether it's a complete manufacturer system, and whether they flood-test the shower pan before tiling. It's a fair question, and a good contractor will answer it easily.
Ventilation and Georgia humidity
Atlanta's humid summers make bathroom moisture harder to clear. A bath fan vented to the outside, not into the attic, and sized for the room helps prevent mildew, peeling paint, and damage to the ceiling and framing. A fan on a timer or humidity sensor makes it more likely to run long enough after showers.
What to check when you open the walls
Older Metro Atlanta homes sometimes reveal surprises once a bathroom is torn out: rotted subfloor around a toilet, galvanized supply pipes, older drain lines, or past leaks into the framing. Ask how hidden damage will be handled and priced before work starts, so a discovery becomes a documented change order rather than an argument. If your home predates 1978, ask whether the contractor is EPA RRP-certified for work that disturbs old paint.
Permits and licensing
Moving fixtures, adding circuits, and changing plumbing generally require a permit from your city or county, with inspections before walls are closed. Georgia generally requires a state residential contractor license for residential jobs above a dollar threshold (currently $2,500 under state law), and plumbing and electrical work must be done by appropriately licensed trades. You can check a contractor's license on the Georgia Secretary of State's verification site.
Smart hiring steps
- Get itemized written estimates that list the waterproofing system, tile, fixtures, and any allowances.
- Keep deposits modest and tie payments to progress, like passing rough-in inspection and finishing tile.
- Confirm who orders fixtures and tile, and how long they take to arrive.
- Plan for how your household will manage if this is the only full bath.
- Hold back final payment until the punch list is done and you have lien waivers.
Thinking about a new bathroom? Request a remodeling contractor and describe the room you're working with.
Frequently asked questions
Is tile waterproof on its own?
No. Tile and grout let some water through. A properly built shower relies on a waterproof membrane or a correctly built shower pan behind and beneath the tile.
Can I convert my tub to a walk-in shower?
Usually, yes. Tub-to-shower conversions are common. The drain may need to be moved or changed, and a curbless design may require lowering the floor framing, so ask what your bathroom allows.
Why does my bathroom stay damp after showers?
Often the fan is undersized, not vented outside, or not run long enough. In Georgia's humid climate, a properly vented fan on a timer or humidity sensor helps prevent mildew and damage.