Sacramento Bathroom Remodel: 9 Steps to Do It Right (The First Time)
When it comes to home renovations, no room offers a better return—or exposes more problems—than the bathroom. A poorly executed remodel in this high-moisture, high-use space can lead to leaks, mold, and expensive fixes down the road.
As Mike Holmes would say: “If you’re going to do it, do it right.”
Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning and executing your Sacramento bathroom remodel with durability, safety, and value in mind.
✅ Step 1: Set a Realistic Budget
Start with the truth:
Cosmetic remodels: $10K–$20K
Mid-range gut-and-replace: $25K–$40K
High-end or expansion: $45K–$70K+
Include a 10–15% contingency for surprises—especially in older Sacramento homes, where plumbing and electrical may need upgrades.
✅ Step 2: Assess Functionality
Before picking tile, evaluate how the bathroom actually works:
Do you need a tub or just a walk-in shower?
Is storage a constant battle?
Is the current layout wasting space?
Form should follow real-life function, not just aesthetics.
✅ Step 3: Plan for Moisture Management
This is where most homeowners go wrong.
In Sacramento’s climate, moisture control is essential.
Use cement board, not drywall, behind shower walls
Install a high-capacity, quiet exhaust fan
Ensure proper slope to drains
Apply waterproof membranes before tile
Cutting corners here means mold later.
✅ Step 4: Hire a Licensed Contractor
Sacramento building codes require permits for most bathroom remodels.
Choose a contractor who:
Is licensed and insured in California
Has experience with Sacramento-specific code compliance
Understands structural, plumbing, and electrical systems—not just cosmetic finishes
This is not the place to DIY what you don’t fully understand.
✅ Step 5: Select Long-Lasting Materials
Look for durability and performance:
Porcelain or ceramic tile (not soft stone)
Quartz or solid-surface counters
Solid-core doors
Mold-resistant paint and grout
It’s not about expensive—it’s about smart and durable.
✅ Step 6: Update Plumbing and Electrical
Outdated infrastructure = guaranteed problems.
Replace old copper or galvanized pipes with PEX or updated copper
Upgrade to GFCI outlets
Consider dedicated breakers for heated floors or towel warmers
Add modern shutoff valves
Fix these now, while walls are open—it’s cheaper and smarter.
✅ Step 7: Focus on Lighting and Ventilation
A well-lit bathroom is safer and more functional.
Use layered lighting: overhead, vanity, and shower
Choose fixtures rated for wet or damp locations
Add natural light if possible (skylights or transom windows)
Make sure ventilation runs outside, not just into the attic
✅ Step 8: Finish With Safety and Code in Mind
Pay attention to:
Non-slip flooring
Grab bar reinforcement, even if you don’t install them now
Shower curbs or curbless entry
Accessible layouts (especially in aging homes)
A safe bathroom is a smart bathroom.
✅ Step 9: Final Inspection and Walkthrough
Don’t skip this.
Confirm proper drain slope
Check tile grout and sealant coverage
Test all fixtures and fans
Ensure code compliance with your inspector
Only sign off when it’s done right. Not almost right.
✅ Final Thought
A Sacramento bathroom remodel is more than tile and tubs—it’s a system of plumbing, protection, performance, and personal style. Cutting corners might save money today, but it costs far more tomorrow.
Do it once. Do it right. And enjoy peace of mind that lasts.
🧰 CALL TO ACTION
Planning your bathroom remodel in Sacramento?
Our licensed team follows Mike Holmes’s “Make It Right” philosophy—down to every sealant and stud. Let’s build it strong, safe, and stylish.