Bathroom Remodeling Guide for Boulder County

A practical guide to planning, budgeting, and building a beautiful, durable bathroom. We focus on the details Boulder County inspectors and homeowners care about: waterproofing, ventilation, safety, and a clean finish.

Modern bathroom remodel with tile shower and vanity

1) Plan the Layout Around Plumbing and Ventilation

Start with the fixtures you must have (shower/tub, vanity, toilet) and align them with existing plumbing where possible to manage costs. Ensure proper exhaust ventilation to the exterior—this is a frequent inspection point and critical for longevity.

Clearances That Matter

Toilet: 30" min width (15" from center to each side), 24" clear in front
Shower: 30"x30" minimum clear interior, 80" min height
Door swings: Ensure doors do not conflict with fixtures or safety egress

Pre-Design Checklist

Measure room, note window/door locations, ceiling height, vent path
Identify must-haves (niche, bench, heated floors, storage, lighting)
Confirm water heater capacity and electrical panel space for add-ons
Photograph existing conditions (plumbing, framing, ventilation)

2) Build a Waterproofing System, Not Just Tile

We recommend modern waterproofing membranes (Schluter Kerdi, Laticrete Hydro Ban, or equivalent) for showers and wet walls. These systems reduce risk and pass inspections reliably when installed to spec.

Use a single, continuous system from pan to walls
Flood test pans per code and manufacturer guidelines
Seal transitions (niche corners, valve penetrations) carefully

Shower Pan Best Practices

Maintain 1/4" per foot slope to drain; verify with a level
Use preformed inside/outside corners at niches and benches
Set linear drains per manufacturer tolerances and plan tile layout early

3) Material Choices That Last

Porcelain tile (through-body or glazed) outperforms most ceramics for durability. For countertops, quartz is a low-maintenance option with wide color availability. Use solid-surface or porcelain thresholds and shelves for longevity.

Floors: porcelain tile with anti-fracture membrane where needed
Shower floors: smaller mosaics for slip resistance and slope compliance
Cabinetry: moisture-resistant plywood boxes and sealed edges

Heated Floors

Plan dedicated circuit and thermostat location before rough-in
Embed mats in self-leveling compound for flatter tile installation
Use a floor sensor and test resistance before and after install

4) Electrical & Lighting for Comfort and Safety

Update GFCI/AFCI as required, add dedicated circuits for heated floors or bidet seats when planned, and use layered lighting (ceiling, vanity, and shower).

Vanity: 2700–3000K, 90+ CRI, cross-light faces (sconces or backlit mirrors)
Shower: wet-rated recessed or surface fixtures, sealed trims
Night lighting: low-level toe-kick with motion sensor for safety

5) Timeline & Inspections

Expect typical phases: demo, rough plumbing/electrical, inspection, waterproofing, tile, finish carpentry, fixtures, final. We schedule and coordinate inspections with the city to keep momentum.

Sample Week-by-Week Flow

Week 1: Demo, framing tweaks, rough-in plumbing/electrical
Week 2: Rough inspection, drywall/backer, waterproofing
Week 3: Tile install and grout, cabinet set
Week 4: Tops, plumbing/electrical trim, glass measure
Week 5: Glass install, punch, final inspection

Accessibility & Aging-in-Place

Reinforce walls for future grab bars (3/4" plywood or blocking)
Consider curbless showers and wider doorways where feasible
Choose lever handles and anti-scald valves for ease and safety

Allowances & Budget Tips

Group selections early (tile, fixtures, vanity, glass) to lock lead times
Reserve 10–15% contingency for framing/electrical surprises
Value engineer with layout reuse and smart material upgrades

Care & Maintenance

Seal grout if not epoxy; follow manufacturer schedule
Use pH-neutral cleaners; avoid abrasives on glass and finishes
Run exhaust fan during showers and 20 minutes after