Building It Right — What 20+ Years of Bathroom Remodels Have Taught Me

After two decades in this line of work, bathrooms are still the projects that teach me the most. They may be small, but they pack in every challenge imaginable: plumbing, electrical, tile, waterproofing — all in a tight space. When it’s done right, it’s a thing of beauty. When it’s not, you’ll know fast.

A recent project drove that point home. We were updating a shower to meet handicap-accessible standards when we found mold hiding behind the walls. The waterproofing from the previous remodel had failed. It meant a full tear-out and rebuild — not what anyone wants to hear, but absolutely necessary. In the end, we delivered a bathroom that’s safe, healthy, and built to last. And that’s what every homeowner deserves.

1. Fix the Structure Before the Style

Most people start with tile samples and paint colors, but what matters most is what’s behind the walls. Old pipes, weak framing, or poor ventilation can destroy a beautiful bathroom in a few years. Take care of the basics first — it’s the foundation of everything else.

Pro Tip: Always have your contractor inspect plumbing and electrical before you start finishes. Fixing issues early saves thousands later.

2. Layout Is Everything

Bathrooms have to balance function and comfort. Too often, people try to squeeze too much into too little space. If it looks great but feels cramped, it’s not working. Small layout tweaks — like flipping a door swing or shifting a toilet — can make all the difference. I always tell clients: walk through it before we build it. Seeing how the space flows in person beats any drawing.

3. Invest in Waterproofing

If there’s one rule I’ll stand by forever, it’s this: bad waterproofing ruins good work. You can repaint walls, but you can’t hide a leak. Use high-quality waterproof backer boards, membranes, and sealants. It’s not glamorous, but it’s what protects your investment.

4. Choose Practical Materials

Pretty is easy; practical takes experience. Porcelain tile outlasts natural stone. Quartz countertops resist water and stains better than marble. The right grout and sealant make cleaning easier and prevent damage. Pick materials you’ll enjoy living with — not just looking at.

5. Light It Right

Lighting can make your bathroom feel like a spa — or a cave. Layer it: overhead lights for general brightness, sconces for mirrors, and accent lights for warmth. I always recommend warm LEDs; they make skin tones and tile colors look natural.

6. Don’t Forget Ventilation

If there’s one thing that silently kills a good bathroom remodel, it’s humidity. Invest in a quiet, powerful fan. Run it during showers and for 15 minutes after. It’s not exciting, but it’s what keeps mold and moisture from coming back.

7. Expect Surprises

Every bathroom hides a story — sometimes it’s an old leak, sometimes it’s wiring from the 1970s. Keep a little flexibility in your budget (10–15%) and mindset. Surprises are part of remodeling, not signs that things are going wrong.

Final Thoughts

The bathrooms we remember aren’t the ones that went fastest — they’re the ones built right. Take your time, use quality materials, and work with people who care about the details. Because when it’s done right, a good bathroom won’t just look beautiful — it’ll work perfectly every single day for years to come.

See you in the next one,

Scot Gerber

Owner of Barger Property Services