Bathroom Remodel Five Points Corner MI Checklist: Design, Budgeting & Common Errors
Every bathroom remodel starts with excitement, yet it can turn stressful fast without a solid plan. Whether you’re swapping fixtures or redoing the whole room, this guide covers the key steps, design choices, and budgeting tips to help you build a space that balances function and style. We’ve pulled advice from industry pros so you can dodge costly errors and craft a bathroom that improves your daily routine and boosts your home’s value.
How would your day change if your space were built around your lifestyle and needs?
With 53% of homeowners in Five Points Corner taking on projects every year, refreshing key spaces is one of the smartest investments for modern living. At American Home, we’ve spent six decades crafting environments that balance beauty and practical use. From bathroom remodel Five Points Corner MI to kitchen renovations, we make your plans happen.
In Greater Lansing, our team handles each project collaboratively. We listen first to your goals, then bring expertise in layout planning and materials. The result is a space that matches your style and functions better every day.
We’re distinguished by our all-in-one service. From first ideas to final installation, we take care of every detail. Partnerships with top brands provide premium materials and warranties, giving you long-lasting peace of mind.
Key Information
- Over six decades of specialized design experience in Five Points Corner MI
- Client-focused approach from concept through completion
- Effortless mix of style and day-to-day function
- Full-service one-stop renovation solutions
- Premium materials with manufacturer-backed guarantees
Whether refreshing fixtures or reshaping layouts, we deliver technical skill across every stage of your Bathroom Remodel Five Points Corner project. Explore how thoughtful design can raise your home’s value and improve your quality of life.
10 Modern Bathroom Design Ideas
Popular Looks With Pros & Cons
Walk-In Showers
Go curbless with an open-entry shower to streamline flow and make a modern bathroom seem larger and easier to access. It showcases standout tile and supports seamless glass or low walls to spread light. A smart pick for compact layouts or aging-in-place bathroom remodels. Pro tip: slope the pan 1/4 inch per foot and include linear drains for sharp lines.
Advantages
- Delivers a spacious, open feel
- Easier access for all ages
- Quicker to clean than traditional showers
- Highly customizable with multiple tile options
Drawbacks
- May require more waterproofing
- Might feel cooler without complete enclosure
- Higher installation cost than standard showers
- Water splashes onto floor
Floating Vanities
Mounting the vanity on the wall lifts cabinetry off the floor, delivering clearer sightlines and a minimal, modern feel. Small baths read as larger, floors are easier to clean, and under-cabinet LEDs add a floating glow. Suited to contemporary bathroom remodels with straight plumbing runs. Pro tip: anchor to a reinforced rail and map stud locations before deciding on width and sink material.
Upsides
- Makes the room feel like it has extra floor space
- Floor cleaning is easier
- Sleek, modern appearance
- Personalized height for better comfort
Limitations
- Offers less storage than floor models
- Requires solid backing in the wall
- More expensive than standard vanities
- Weight capacity concerns for heavy countertops
Heated Flooring
Underfloor radiant heat gives invisible, even warmth, stopping that cold-tile shock and making a modern bathroom more comfortable. It’s ideal for bathroom remodels wanting spa vibes without visible units. Works beneath tile, stone, or luxury vinyl. Pro tip: run a programmable thermostat on a dedicated GFCI; electric mats are best for small baths, while hydronic setups shine in bigger zones.
Pros
- Luxurious comfort, especially in cold climates
- Even heat distribution
- Supplemental heating that uses less energy
- Invisible system that doesn't affect design
Limitations
- Significant upfront installation cost
- Increases overall project timeline
- May require professional maintenance
- Costly to fix after tiling
Freestanding Tubs
Choose a freestanding tub to showcase sculptural form and create a spa-like centerpiece. It opens sightlines and permits flexible placement, great for large baths or layouts with a feature window or accent wall. Confirm the floor structure and plan for a floor-mounted filler or wall stub-outs. Pro tip: keep 4–6 inches of clearance for easy cleanups.
Advantages
- Creates a dramatic focal point
- Available in various styles and materials
- Quicker to clean around than built-in tubs
- Can fit in spaces where built-ins won't work
Cons
- Higher price point than standard tubs
- May need special plumbing considerations
- Limited storage for bath products
- Heavy—requires floor reinforcement
Smart Bathroom Technology
Connected fixtures—think touchless faucets, smart mirrors with defoggers, bidet seats, thermostatic showers, and leak sensors—add convenience, hygiene, and efficiency to a modern bathroom remodel. You’ll get presets, automation, and usage insights that curb water and energy waste. Best in spaces with reliable Wi-Fi and ventilation. Pro tip: plan outlets and low-voltage runs early; choose IP-rated, Matter-compatible gear with manual overrides.
Strengths
- Enhanced convenience and functionality
- Saves water and energy
- Customizable user experiences
- Modern, forward-looking appeal
Restrictions
- Higher up-front cost
- May require professional installation
- Technology may become outdated
- Potential for technical issues
Large Format Tiles
Expansive porcelain slabs and 24×48 (600×1200 mm) tiles help a modern bathroom read larger, with fewer grout lines and less upkeep. They deliver clean, continuous surfaces from floors to walls, especially in walk-in showers. Verify a dead-flat base and manage lippage carefully. Pro tip: run a 1/3 offset, use leveling clips, and back-butter; seal grout and select slip-rated finishes.
Pros
- Fewer grout lines for easier cleaning
- Provides a seamless, spacious look
- Contemporary, high-end look
- Compatible with underfloor heating
Downsides
- Installation is more challenging
- Higher waste factor during installation
- May call for subfloor reinforcement
- Fewer patterns than small tiles
Double Vanities
A double-sink vanity streamlines busy routines, giving each person a basin and storage while expanding counter space and symmetry. It reads upscale and anchors larger walls in modern bathrooms. Best in layouts 60 in (1524 mm) or wider with straightforward plumbing. Pro tip: favor drawer-heavy bases and offset traps to keep full-depth, usable storage.
Advantages
- Cuts morning congestion
- Gives personalized storage space
- Adds value to master bathrooms
- Delivers a balanced, symmetrical design
Downsides
- Demands more space than single vanities
- Higher cost for fixtures and installation
- Extra plumbing requirements
- More cleaning (two sinks)
Accent Walls
Add a feature wall to bring instant focus and depth, so you can showcase texture, color, or pattern without crowding a modern bath. Consider tile, stone veneer, microcement, or moisture-rated wood slats behind the vanity, a freestanding tub, or inside a shower (with the right ratings). Pro tip: continue the finish to the ceiling and stack wall-washing or sconce lights to enhance depth.
Pros
- Instant focal point, no full remodel
- Add bold elements
- Simpler than full-room updates
- Adds personality and character
Drawbacks
- May feel dated as trends change
- Can feel crowded in small spaces if too busy
- Specialty materials may increase costs
- Might hurt resale when it’s too personalized
Curbless Showers
A curbless, zero-threshold shower creates a seamless transition, helping a modern bath feel larger and safer for all ages. Running the floor tile into the shower gives a clean, spa vibe and easy access—ideal for compact layouts or aging-in-place projects. Pro tip: recess the subfloor, place a wall-line linear drain, and keep a 1/4-in-per-foot slope with continuous waterproofing.
Upsides
- Accessible for all ages
- Creates a seamless, contemporary look
- Makes the bathroom appear larger
- Easier cleaning with no curb to trap dirt
Drawbacks
- More advanced waterproofing requirements
- May need to lower the subfloor
- More expensive to install
- Requires precise slope for proper drainage
Natural Elements
Bringing in wood tones, stone, and organic textures softens hard surfaces and adds warmth to a modern bathroom remodel. Think rift-sawn oak vanities, pebble or tumbled-stone floors, limewash, and plants for visual calm. Balance with moisture resistance and simple lines to avoid rustic heaviness. Pro tip: seal natural materials properly and add ventilation; use composite or porcelain lookalikes in wet zones.
Upsides
- Creates a soothing, spa-like atmosphere
- Timeless appeal that transcends trends
- Adds warmth and texture to the space
- Connects indoor space with nature
Restrictions
- Special maintenance needed
- Wood/stone moisture-prone
- Costlier than synthetics
- May darken or patina over time
Need help finding the right design elements?
At American Home, our design experts can help you select the perfect combination of features for your bathroom remodel Five Points Corner based on your preferences, space, and budget.
The 7-Step Bathroom Remodeling Process
Grasping the bathroom remodel process lets you plan ahead and keep expectations realistic. The outline below covers the standard steps to redo your bathroom, along with estimated timeframes for every stage.
Planning and Design
In this vital first step, identify what you need, build a budget, and map out a design plan. Weigh functionality, storage goals, and style preferences. Pull inspiration from magazines, sites, and showrooms to shape your vision.
Demolition
This phase involves removing existing fixtures, flooring, and sometimes walls. Proper demolition requires careful planning to avoid damaging plumbing, electrical systems, or structural elements. For smaller updates, selective demolition may be sufficient.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
Once demo is done, crews begin the plumbing and electrical rough-in. They move or add water lines, drains, and outlets to fit your updated layout. This step calls for qualified pros to satisfy code.
Structural Changes and Drywall
If your bathroom remodel includes moving walls or expanding the space, structural work happens now. This is followed by installing moisture-resistant drywall (greenboard) and cement board for tiled areas. Proper waterproofing is essential in wet areas.
Tile Installation
Laying tile on floors, shower walls, and backsplashes is a lengthy yet impactful phase. The timeline depends on how complex the pattern is and how large the bathroom is. Plan for added curing time.
Fixture and Cabinet Installation
Once surfaces are prepared, installation of the vanity, toilet, shower, bathtub, and storage cabinets begins. This phase brings your bathroom to life as the major components take their place in your new design.
Finishing Touches
During the last stage, we install hardware, lighting fixtures, mirrors, shower doors, and accessories. Paint touch-ups plus a final clean prepare the space for use. This is when your vision truly comes to life.
A complete bathroom remodel Five Points Corner MI typically takes 3-6 weeks from start to finish, depending on the scope of work and any unexpected challenges. Working with experienced professionals can help ensure your project stays on schedule.
Ready to begin your bathroom transformation?
At American Home, our design team in Five Points Corner can help you navigate the remodeling process and create a bathroom that perfectly suits your needs and style preferences.
About American Home: Exceptional Kitchen & Bath Design
At American Home, personalized service meets top-tier technical knowledge to create spaces that inspire. Our team uses detailed planning and creative vision to transform ordinary rooms into functional art.
For the past several years, American Home has been our dream. It was the ideal complement to American Flooring, offering our customers all they need to realize their dream home in Five Points Corner MI.
Customer-Centered Experience & Free Consultations
We always begin a bathroom remodel Five Points Corner project by listening. Our free consult helps us grasp your needs before we suggest a plan. That approach keeps your vision in charge—from layout ideas to material selections.
“American Home completes the puzzle for homeowners,” say industry partners Ed and Yvonne Weaver. Through collaborations, we deliver comprehensive design services that simplify complex renovations.
Over 60 Years of Expert Design Experience
Our designers in Five Points Corner combine six decades of collective knowledge to solve spatial challenges creatively. This expertise lets us:
- – Get the most functionality from compact areas
- – Pair modern trends with lasting appeal
- -Source premium materials within budget parameters
We ease financial barriers to quality design with complimentary estimates. Whether it’s a bath update or a new take on key spaces, our process prioritizes your lifestyle and grows property value.
Bathroom Remodel Budget Breakdown
Understanding the potential costs involved in a bathroom remodel Five Points Corner MI helps you plan effectively and avoid budget surprises. The following table provides a breakdown of typical expenses across different budget levels.
Smart budgeting turns renovation goals into real results. Our team guides homeowners through investment choices with clear advice, weighing upfront costs against long-term value. From a powder room refresh to a master suite rework, knowing the financial factors keeps your project aligned with lifestyle needs and the market.
| Expense Category | Budget Remodel (~$15,000–$25,000) |
Mid-Range Remodel (~$25,000–$55,000) |
Luxury Remodel (~$55,000+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition & Disposal | $1,000–$2,000 | $2,000–$3,500 | $3,500–$5,000 |
| Plumbing | $2,000–$3,500 | $3,500–$7,000 | $7,000–$15,000 |
| Electrical | $1,000–$2,000 | $2,000–$4,000 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Flooring | $1,500–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Shower/Tub | $2,000–$4,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | $8,000–$20,000 |
| Vanity & Countertop | $1,200–$2,500 | $2,500–$5,000 | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Toilet | $200–$500 | $500–$1,000 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Lighting & Ventilation | $500–$1,000 | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Tile Work | $2,000–$3,500 | $3,500–$7,000 | $7,000–$15,000 |
| Fixtures & Hardware | $500–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,000 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Permits | $300–$800 | $800–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Design Fees | $0–$1,500 | $1,500–$4,000 | $4,000–$10,000 |
Demolition & Disposal
Plumbing
Electrical
Flooring
Shower/Tub
Vanity & Countertop
Toilet
Lighting & Ventilation
Tile Work
Fixtures & Hardware
Permits
Design Fees
Understanding Costs and Important Investment Factors
Labor often makes up nearly half of renovation budgets. The rest comes from material choices and fixture upgrades. We deliver detailed estimates showing where every dollar goes, from plumbing adjustments to tile installations.
Mid-range bathroom projects average $25,000 nationally, but scope can shift the final total. Older homes often need a 10-20% contingency for unexpected structural work. Our designers prioritize the must-haves and propose cost-effective options for secondary items.
Smart Financing Choices and Money-Saving Tips
Home equity loans remain popular for their competitive rates and tax benefits. We also guide clients through HELOC options and personal loan structures. For cash purchases, phased installations help manage cash flow without compromising design integrity.
By reusing materials and refinishing fixtures, you can trim costs by 15–25%. We allocate budget to high-impact needs—waterproofing and energy-efficient systems. These selections raise daily comfort and preserve your property’s resale value.
Money-Saving Tips:
- – Keep the current layout to limit plumbing changes
- – When possible, refinish rather than replace (tubs, cabinets)
- – Strategically mix high-end and budget materials
- – Go with open shelving rather than custom cabinetry
- -Shop floor models and remnant materials for discounts
- – Split the project into phases if budget constraints are significant
Sustainability Spotlight: Eco-Friendly Bath Solutions
Designing a bathroom that’s environmentally responsible doesn’t mean you lose style or usability. Sustainable options help cut your footprint and still give you a beautiful, efficient space.
Water-Smart Fixtures
- Low-Flow Showerheads: Modern options provide excellent pressure while using just 1.5-2.0 GPM (compared to 5+ GPM for older models)
- Dual-Flush Toilets: Provide dual flush volumes for liquid and solid waste, saving thousands of gallons each year
- Touchless Faucets: Lower water waste by turning on only when needed, with built-in aerators delivering added savings
Recycled Materials & Sustainable Options
- Recycled Glass Tiles: Beautiful, durable options made from post-consumer glass
- FSC-Certified Wood: Cabinetry and shelving sourced from responsibly managed forests
- Recycled Countertops: Counter surfaces made with recycled paper, glass, or plastic composite materials
- Natural Linoleum: Biodegradable flooring crafted from renewable materials
Energy-Efficient Solutions
- LED Lighting: Up to 75% more efficient than incandescent bulbs with a significantly longer lifespan
- Tankless Water Heaters: Heat water on demand, eliminating standby energy losses
- Proper Insulation: Cuts heat loss and prevents condensation problems
- Smart Controls: Programmable controls that optimize energy use for lighting, ventilation, and heating
Eco-Friendly Practices
- Material Repurposing: Refinishing existing fixtures or donating usable items
- Local Sourcing: Cutting transport emissions by choosing locally produced materials
- Low-VOC Products: Paints, sealants, and adhesives with reduced harmful emissions
- Proper Disposal: Responsible recycling and disposal of construction debris
Eco-Friendly Product Certification Guide
Look for these certifications when selecting bathroom products:
- -WaterSense: EPA program certifying water-efficient products
- -ENERGY STAR: Identifies energy-efficient appliances and fixtures
- -FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Certifies responsibly sourced wood products
- -Greenguard: Ensures products have low chemical emissions
- -Cradle to Cradle: Recognizes products made with safe materials that can be recycled
5 Common Bathroom Remodel Mistakes to Avoid
Despite careful planning, a bathroom remodel Five Points Corner can run into trouble. By spotting these common pitfalls early, you can sidestep expensive errors and finish with a successful upgrade.
1. Poor Ventilation Planning
One of the biggest and most harmful mistakes in bathroom design is inadequate ventilation. Without enough airflow, moisture gathers, triggering mold, mildew, peeling paint, and damaged fixtures.
2. Wrong Measurements
If measurements are inaccurate, fixtures may not fit, doors may lack clearance, and spaces may feel cramped. Correcting these mistakes can be costly.
3. Insufficient Lighting Design
Poorly planned lighting in bathroom remodels often results in dim rooms, harsh glare, or lighting that doesn’t work well for grooming tasks.
Prevention Tips:
- Choose a properly sized exhaust fan, ensuring at least 1 CFM per square foot of bathroom space
- Confirm the fan vents to the exterior, not into an attic or wall cavity
- Consider humidity-sensing fans that run automatically when needed
- If possible, include a window for natural ventilation
Prevention Tips:
- Measure multiple times before ordering materials or fixtures
- Adhere to clearances: 30" toilet spacing, 30" shower entry, and 21" sink clearance
- Consider door swing paths and ensure they don't interfere with fixtures
- Use painter’s tape to outline layouts on the floor before installation
Tips to Prevent This:
- Add layered lighting with ambient, task, and accent
- Install proper task lighting at the vanity (side-mounted fixtures reduce shadows)
- Add natural light sources in areas where privacy is maintained
- Use dimmers to adjust lighting levels for different needs
- Select suitable bulb color temperatures (2700K–3000K warm, 3500K–4000K neutral)
4. Overestimating Storage Space
Beautiful bathrooms can quickly become cluttered and dysfunctional when storage requirements aren't adequately addressed during the planning phase.
5. Poor Waterproofing
The most damaging and expensive issue in bathrooms is water damage. Failing to waterproof properly can lead to structural failure, mold, and ruined renovations.
Prevention Tips:
- Inventory your bathroom items before designing storage solutions
- Add both open and closed storage
- Utilize vertical space with tall cabinets or shelving
- Choose medicine cabinets that recess into walls
- Incorporate built-in niches in shower and tub areas
Prevention Guidelines:
- Use proper waterproofing membranes for shower and tub areas
- Install the shower pan properly with the right slope for drainage
- Pick suitable materials for wet areas (cement board rather than standard drywall)
- Apply quality grout sealer to all tile installations
- Consider hiring waterproofing specialists for critical areas
Avoid Expensive Mistakes With Professional Guidance
With our expert bathroom remodel team in Five Points Corner MI, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and ensure the project is completed correctly the first time.
Design Is in The Details
Our Process
The Consultation
We begin the process by meeting in our showroom to discuss your vision. Once we understand exactly what you are looking for we will meet at your home to measure and get to know how you and your family utilize your home to help us design a space that will meet you and your families needs and wants. This information is vital to the design process as our designers begin visualizing your space.
The Vision
Using the most advanced technology available in the industry, we begin the design process. Once the initial design has been completed, our team will create 3D color renderings to help you visualize your new space before you make your final decision.
The Finishes
We provide a wide variety of cabinets, countertops, decorative hardware, and other products to complete the look and feel you’re dreaming of . Whether your style is contemporary, traditional, rustic, or somewhere in between, we have the finishes to create any style.
Exceeding Expectations
Homeowners
The American Home Experience
We take pride in creating beautifully functional spaces that are tailored to fit our homeowner’s desired aesthetic and lifestyle. Our team designs in 3D and assist in coordinating all of the colors and textures to bring your space to life.
Creating Partnerships
Builders & Contractors
We’re Part of Your Team
It is our goal to provide our builders and contractors, or their clients, with the same level of service given to our homeowners. We specialize in design and products only, so we’ll never be your competition.
Start Your Bathroom Remodel Five Points Corner Journey Today
A successful bathroom remodel Five Points Corner MI requires careful planning, thoughtful design, and quality execution. By understanding the process, exploring design options, establishing a realistic budget, and avoiding common mistakes, you’re well on your way to creating a bathroom that enhances your daily routine and adds value to your home.
Professional expertise can be the difference between a frustrating remodel and a successful one. From minor updates to major transformations, the right team guides you past challenges and brings your vision to life. Contact American Home now to start your Five Points Corner bathroom remodel!
Are You Ready to Transform Your Bathroom?
Begin today on your dream bathroom journey. Our experienced design team in Five Points Corner is prepared to help create a space where beauty, function, and value all come together.
FAQs About Bathroom Remodeling
How does remodeling a tub-shower combo add to home value?
Upgrading a tub-shower combo raises functionality and attracts today’s buyers who want spa-like bathrooms. At American Home, we rely on durable finishes such as porcelain tile and frameless glass doors that heighten style and ensure long-term ROI through greater marketability.
What’s the typical timeline for replacing outdated fixtures?
In Five Points Corner, most projects take 2–4 weeks depending on layout changes and material availability. We streamline the process with 3D design tools to finalize selections early, minimizing delays in cabinetry or tile orders.
Can you stay within tight budgets without reducing quality?
Yes. At American Home, we center on impactful yet affordable upgrades such as tub refinishing or ceramic tile accents. We provide straightforward cost breakdowns and financing options, including home equity, so your project fits your budget.
Are permits for wet room conversions handled by your team?
What are the best flooring materials for resisting moisture in humid bathrooms?
How do lighting choices impact small-space designs?
Using layered LED setups provides depth and practicality. Recessed ceiling lights combined with vertical sconces cut shadows around mirrors, ensuring safer routines and visually enlarging smaller spaces.
