Bathroom Remodeling · Old Town, IL
Bathroom Remodeling in Old Town, IL
Bathroom Remodeling for homeowners in Old Town, Chicago. Old Town bathrooms are often small, where walk-in showers and custom vanities make the most of the space.
Old Town, IL
Bathroom Remodeling in Old Town: Primary Baths, Shower Remodeling, Tub-to-Shower Conversion, Vanity
Old Town, centered on Wells Street, has historic Victorian cottages and row houses on quiet side streets. Old Town's historic homes have tight footprints and older construction that has to be worked around carefully.
Old Town bathrooms are often small, where walk-in showers and custom vanities make the most of the space. Guardian Surface Pros plans the whole bathroom with you — layout, materials, fixtures and lighting — and builds it in the right order so the finish work sits on a solid base. Learn more on our main bathroom remodeling page, or see everything we do in Old Town.
Waterproofing is the part that matters most
The number one cause of bathroom failures is water getting behind tile. A tiled shower is not waterproof on its own — grout and tile let moisture through. What keeps it out of the walls is the system underneath: a proper shower pan sloped to the drain, and a waterproof membrane or board system on the walls. On curbless showers and steam showers, the waterproofing has to go further, often across the whole floor.
When we open up an older bathroom, we often find the reason the owner is remodeling: soft subfloor around the toilet, rot behind the tub, or mold behind a tile surround that was set on drywall. That gets fixed before anything new goes in.
Vanities, storage and counters
A double vanity is standard in most primary bathrooms, but two sinks are not always the best use of the wall. A single sink with more counter and drawer space often works better. Floating vanities make a small room feel larger and make the floor easier to clean. Built-in medicine cabinets, a linen tower and drawers with dividers take care of the clutter that ends up on the counter.
Quartz is the go-to vanity top for the same reasons as in the kitchen. Marble works well in powder rooms and low-traffic baths.
Choosing the right scope for your Old Town bathroom
| Project size | What is usually included | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Powder room | Vanity, toilet, lighting, mirror, flooring and wall finish | Guest-facing rooms that need impact |
| Hall bath | Tub or shower, vanity, tile, fixtures and ventilation | Kids' and guest baths that are worn out |
| Primary bath | Walk-in shower, double vanity, freestanding tub, heated floors, layout changes | Owner's suites and full renovations |
Thinking about the kitchen too? We also handle kitchen remodeling in Old Town, and many owners do both in one project.
Bathroom Remodeling near Old Town
We also do bathroom remodeling in Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, West Loop and Bucktown.
Bathroom Remodeling in Old Town: questions
Do you do bathroom remodeling in Old Town?
Yes. Old Town is in our regular service area. Call or text (630) 888-2161 to set up a walkthrough.
What bathroom projects are most common in Old Town?
Old Town bathrooms are often small, where walk-in showers and custom vanities make the most of the space.
Should I keep a bathtub for resale?
In most homes it makes sense to keep at least one tub somewhere in the house, which is why many owners convert the primary bath to a large shower and keep a tub in a hall bath.
Can you add heated floors?
Yes. Electric radiant heat goes under the tile during the remodel and runs on its own thermostat.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel?
Most remodels that change plumbing or electrical need one. Requirements vary by town, so it is part of the planning conversation for your project.
Can you keep my bathroom usable during the remodel?
A full remodel takes the room out of service. If it is the only bathroom in the house, tell us early so we can plan the sequence around that.
What tile is best for a shower floor?
Small tile such as mosaic or penny tile follows the slope to the drain and gives better grip. With a linear drain, larger tile can work.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A hall bath or powder room takes less time than a primary bathroom with layout changes. Tile work and waterproofing have cure times that cannot be rushed. Once the scope is set we give you a schedule with the estimate.
Can you work in my condo building?
Yes. We plan around building rules for hours, elevator reservations, insurance paperwork and deliveries.
How it works
How your Old Town bathroom remodel runs
- WalkthroughWe look at the bathroom, check for water damage signs and talk through what you want.
- Design and scopeLayout, shower or tub, vanity, tile, fixtures and lighting are set in writing.
- EstimateA written estimate that lists what is included, room by room.
- DemoThe old bathroom comes out and any hidden damage is shown to you before it is repaired.
- Rough-in and waterproofingPlumbing, electrical, ventilation and the shower waterproofing system go in.
- Tile and finishTile, vanity, fixtures, glass, accessories and a final walkthrough with you.
Bathroom Remodeling in Old Town, IL
Guardian Surface Pros serves Old Town, Chicago and nearby towns.
Phone: (630) 888-2161
Planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel?
Call or text us to set up a walkthrough. Send a few photos of the space and we will come prepared.