Tiled tub and shower surround with framed sliding glass doors

Bathroom Remodeling

A bathroom built to handle water.

Waterproofing behind the tile, updated supply and drain lines, and exhaust vented to the exterior. The parts you never see are the parts that decide how long it lasts.

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What makes a bathroom remodel last twenty years?

The difference between a bathroom that lasts twenty years and one that rots out in five is what sits behind the tile. Covenant Builders installs proper waterproofing behind wet-wall surfaces, updates supply and drain lines where needed, and vents exhaust fans to the exterior rather than into the attic.

Overview

What sits behind the tile

The difference between a bathroom that lasts twenty years and one that fails in five is almost entirely behind the finishes. Grout is not waterproof and tile assemblies are expected to pass some moisture. What stops that moisture reaching the framing is a dedicated waterproofing layer, installed before the tile and impossible to add later.

Many older homes across the Twin Ports have bathrooms built before that was standard practice, which is why soft floors around toilets and rot at the base of shower walls are such common findings once demolition starts.

Covenant Builders project in the Twin Ports

Scope

What a bathroom remodel includes

Demolition and disposal
Subfloor and framing repair where rot is found
Waterproofing layer behind all wet-wall surfaces
Supply and drain line updates where accessible
Exhaust fan vented to the exterior with an insulated duct
Tile, fixture and finish installation
Coordination of licensed trades where required

The difference between a bathroom that lasts twenty years and one that fails in five is entirely behind the tile.

Covenant Builders

How it is done

Moisture management, then finishes

Covenant Builders crew at work in the Twin Ports

Wet walls get a proper waterproofing layer before any tile goes on. Supply and drain lines are updated where they are reachable, since an open wall is the only cheap time to do it. Any rotted subfloor or framing found during demolition is repaired rather than covered.
The exhaust fan is vented to the exterior through the roof or a sidewall, with an insulated duct and a damper. Venting a bathroom fan into the attic dumps warm moist air directly against the underside of the roof deck, where it condenses. It is one of the most common causes of deck rot and attic mold in this climate, and it is entirely avoidable.
Tile work then follows its own pace, because setting materials and grout need cure time before the next stage. Rushing that is what produces the cracked grout lines and loose tile that show up a year later.

Recent work

Bathroom Remodeling projects

Finished bathroom
Tiled tub and shower surround
Vanity and storage

Where we work

Bathroom Remodeling across the Twin Ports

Each service area page covers all twelve services and what makes building there different.

What homeowners say

Work that earns the referral.

Reviews left by Covenant Builders customers on Google.

“Went with Covenant Builders as they were the least expensive of 3 estimates. They did the roof on my house and garage in one 12 hour day with high quality products. Their cleanup was also great. I literally found just one nail after they were done. Roof looks great and so far has been leak free.”
Matthew ZemlerRoof replacement · via Google
“Jared was great to work with. Out of all the contractors that gave a bid on doing the roof of my house, he did the best inspection to help minimize surprise costs. He is professional, polite, and respectful. I had a great experience working with him!”
Abby DuggerRoof replacement · via Google
“I had an excellent experience from start to finish with Jared and Covenant builders. The estimate process was easy to understand; I new exactly what I was getting and what I would be paying for it, no pressure at all. The work crew was efficient and took extra care not to damage my garden. I look forward to saving monry on my homeowners insurance with class 4 rated shingles.”
Karen St. GeorgeRoof replacement · via Google

Read the reviews on Google

FAQ

Bathroom Remodeling questions

How is the shower waterproofed?

With a dedicated waterproofing layer behind the tile, not by relying on the tile and grout. Grout is not waterproof and tile assemblies are expected to let some moisture through. The layer behind them is what keeps water out of the framing, and it is the part you never see and cannot inspect later.

Where should the exhaust fan vent to?

Outside, through the roof or a sidewall, with an insulated duct and a damper. Venting a bathroom fan into the attic dumps warm moist air directly against the underside of the roof deck, where it condenses. It is one of the most common causes of deck rot and attic mold in cold climates.

Can a tub be converted to a walk-in shower?

Usually yes. The drain has to move and the floor framing sometimes needs modification to accommodate a lower or curbless entry. Worth noting that removing the only tub in a house can affect resale in a family market, so it is a decision worth making deliberately.

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

A full remodel typically runs a few weeks. Tile work in particular cannot be rushed, because setting materials and grout need their cure time before the next stage. Fixture lead times can extend the schedule, which is why selections are made before demolition rather than during.

What causes the soft spot in the floor around a toilet?

Almost always a failed wax ring or flange letting water seep under the flooring over a long period. By the time the floor feels soft the subfloor has usually rotted and sometimes the joists have too. It needs opening up to see the extent, and repairing the structure is part of the job.

Other services

One contractor for the whole house.

All twelve services

Ready to talk about bathroom remodeling?

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