Most people only remodel a bathroom once or twice in their life, so it makes sense to be nervous about it. You're letting a crew into your house, tearing out a room you use every day, and spending real money. The best way I know to take the stress out of it is to tell you exactly what's going to happen before it happens.
Here's how a full bathroom remodel goes with us, step by step. The photos are from master bathrooms we recently remodeled in Eaton and West Alexandria, Ohio.
1. The walkthrough
It starts with me coming out to your house. We stand in the bathroom and talk about what bugs you about it, how you use it, and what you want it to feel like when it's done. I'll measure, look at the floor, check what's under the sink, and ask about your timing and budget.
This is also when you should ask me anything. There's no such thing as a dumb question here. A lot of people don't know if they want a full remodel or just a refresh, and that's exactly what this visit is for.
Tip: Save a few photos of bathrooms you like before I come out. They don't have to be anything fancy. Even "I like this tile" or "I hate that vanity" helps a lot.
2. Your written estimate
After the walkthrough, you get a clear written estimate as a PDF, sent to your phone or email. It lays out what's included so you can see where the money goes. Take your time with it. If something doesn't make sense, call or text me and we'll go through it together.
3. Picking materials and scheduling
Once you're ready to go, we lock in a start date and order materials: tile, vanity, fixtures, glass and anything else on the list. Getting the materials in hand before demo day keeps the job from sitting half-finished while we wait on a delivery.
4. Demo day
This is the loud part. The bathroom comes out down to whatever the plan calls for, and we keep the mess contained to the work area. On a full remodel, that usually means down to the studs and subfloor.
5. What we find behind the walls
Every older bathroom has a story, and demo is when you find out what it is. Slow leaks, soft subfloor, old drain lines and past "fixes" are all common. In one Eaton master bath, there was water damage hiding behind the old shower wall.
If we find something like this, I'll show you, explain what it means and what it takes to fix it right, before any extra work happens. You'll never get a surprise at the end of the job. This is also why a full remodel is often worth it in an older house: it's your one chance to fix the stuff nobody can see.
6. Plumbing, electrical and framing
With everything open, we get the bones right. That means moving or replacing drain and water lines where needed, updating electrical, adding solid backing in the walls where grab bars or a heavy vanity will go, and making sure the floor is flat and solid. If your project needs a permit, we'll go over it with you up front.
7. Walls, waterproofing and tile
Next come the new walls. Anywhere water will hit gets proper waterproofing behind the tile. This is the step you never see once the job is done, and it's the one that decides whether your shower lasts. Then the tile goes in, which is the part most people get excited about.
8. Fixtures, vanity, glass and the details
Paint, vanity, toilet, faucets, lighting, mirrors, trim and shower glass all go in near the end. It's the stage where it starts looking like a bathroom again, and it moves fast.
9. The final walkthrough
Before I call any job done, we walk through it together. Turn on every faucet, open every drawer, look at every corner. If anything isn't right, I fix it. That's the Sterneberg Standard: if it isn't right, it isn't finished. Our work also comes with a 1-year workmanship warranty.
Common questions
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
Most full bathroom remodels take 4 to 6 weeks from demo to the final walkthrough. A smaller refresh, like a new vanity, floor and paint, is usually much quicker. Either way, you'll know the schedule before we start.
Can we stay in the house during the remodel?
Usually, yes. Most people live at home while their bathroom is being remodeled. If it's your only bathroom, bring it up at the walkthrough so we can plan around it.
What if you find damage behind the walls?
I'll show you what we found, explain what it means and what it takes to fix it right, and we'll agree on it before any extra work happens.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Sterneberg Construction is fully insured, and our work comes with a 1-year workmanship warranty.
Thinking about your own bathroom?
If you're not sure where to start, try the 2-minute Project Planner, or request a free walkthrough. I'll come out, look at your space and give you straight answers. No pressure, no sales pitch.
