Bathroom Remodel Gresham MI Checklist: Design, Budgeting & Common Errors

A bathroom remodel can be thrilling at first, yet it becomes daunting without careful planning. Whether you’re making small fixture updates or a total overhaul, this guide lays out the key steps, design ideas, and budgeting advice to achieve the right mix of function and style. We’ve sourced expert insights to help you avoid pricey mistakes and create a bathroom that upgrades your routine and raises your home’s value.

 

How would your day change if your space were built around your lifestyle and needs?

 

As 53% of homeowners in Gresham plan renovations annually, improving core spaces has become a strategic choice for today’s homes. At American Home, we’ve spent six decades guiding families toward designs that unite style and function. From bathroom remodel Gresham MI to kitchen renovations, we turn ideas into reality.

 

Our team in Greater Lansing works with you as collaborators on every job. We start by understanding your vision, then guide layout planning and material selection. That way, your new space fits your taste and performs the way you need.

 

What makes us different is our true end-to-end service. From the first sketch to the final install, we handle every detail carefully. Our ties with top manufacturers mean premium materials and solid warranties for long-term confidence.

Key Information

Whether replacing fixtures or redesigning layouts, we provide precise craftsmanship in every detail of your Bathroom Remodel Gresham project. Discover how intentional design can increase your home’s value and enrich your everyday life.

10 Modern Bathroom Design Ideas

Trending Styles With Pros & Cons

Use contemporary details to transform your bathroom into a stylish, practical haven. Consider these ten popular design ideas for your bathroom remodel Gresham MI, and review the pros as well as the possible cons.

Walk In Showers

Walk-In Showers

A curbless walk-in shower smooths circulation and helps a modern bathroom feel more spacious and accessible. It puts statement tile front and center and uses clear glass or partial walls to maximize light. Great for small footprints or aging-in-place remodels. Pro tip: slope the pan 1/4 inch per foot and add linear drains to keep lines clean.

Advantages

Downsides

Floating Vanities

Floating Vanities

A wall-hung vanity saves floor area, creating airy lines and a modern aesthetic. It makes compact baths feel larger, simplifies floor cleaning, and looks great with under-cabinet LED that creates a floating effect. Ideal for contemporary bathroom remodels with straight plumbing runs. Pro tip: use a reinforced cleat and confirm stud positions before choosing width and basin material.

Pros

Cons

Heated Flooring

Heated Flooring

Radiant floors deliver smooth, hidden warmth underfoot, removing the cold-tile sting and raising comfort in a modern bathroom. Ideal for bathroom remodels seeking spa-like calm without showing heaters. Works under tile, stone, or luxury vinyl. Pro tip: pair a programmable thermostat with its own GFCI circuit; use electric mats in small baths, and hydronic systems for larger spaces.

Benefits

Restrictions

Freestanding Tubs

Freestanding Tubs

Freestanding tubs center the room with sculptural shape, delivering a spa-style focal point. They improve sightlines and allow flexible placement, ideal for spacious baths or layouts with a feature window or accent wall. Verify the floor structure and plan a floor-mounted filler or wall stub-outs. Pro tip: allow 4–6 inches of clearance to make cleaning easier.

Benefits

Downsides

Smart Bathroom Technology

Smart Bathroom Technology

Modern connected fixtures—touchless faucets, smart mirrors with built-in defoggers, bidet seats, thermostatic shower systems, and leak sensors—deliver convenience, cleaner use, and efficiency. With presets, automation, and usage stats, you can curb water and energy waste. Best in baths with reliable Wi-Fi and solid ventilation. Pro tip: plan outlet locations and low-voltage runs up front; use IP-rated, Matter-compatible hardware that still offers manual overrides.

Pros

Drawbacks

Large Format Tiles

Large Format Tiles

Go big with porcelain slabs or 24×48 (600×1200 mm) tiles to make a modern bathroom feel larger while reducing grout lines and maintenance. They give seamless continuity across floors and walls—great for walk-in showers. Ensure a dead-flat substrate and proper lippage control. Pro tip: use a 1/3 offset, leveling clips, and back-butter; seal grout and opt for slip-rated finishes.

Benefits

Limitations

Double Vanities

Double Vanities

A two-sink vanity streamlines busy schedules, giving everyone a basin and storage while increasing counter space and visual balance. It carries an upscale look and anchors longer walls in modern baths. Ideal for layouts 60 in (1524 mm) or wider with straightforward plumbing. Pro tip: go with drawer-forward bases and offset traps so you keep full-depth, usable storage.

Strengths

Restrictions

Accent Walls

Accent Walls

A feature wall creates immediate focus and depth, allowing you to highlight texture, color, or pattern without overpowering a modern bathroom. Choose tile, stone veneer, microcement, or moisture-rated wood slats behind the vanity, freestanding tub, or in the shower (with proper ratings). Pro tip: take the finish to full height and layer wall-wash or sconce lighting to boost dimension.

Advantages

Drawbacks

Accessible shower remodel East Lansing MI

Curbless Showers

A zero-threshold, curb-free shower creates a smooth transition, making a modern bath feel more open and safer for all. Carry floor tile into the shower for a crisp, spa look and simple entry—ideal in small layouts or aging-in-place plans. Pro tip: recess the subfloor, set a wall-line linear drain, and maintain 1/4-in-per-foot pitch with continuous waterproofing.

Strengths

Limitations

Natural Elements

Natural Elements

Use wood tones, stone, and organic textures to soften hard surfaces and warm up a modern bathroom remodel. Think rift-sawn oak vanities, pebble or tumbled-stone floors, limewash walls, and plants for a calm feel. Balance the palette with moisture resistance and streamlined lines to keep it from reading too rustic. Pro tip: seal natural materials correctly and add ventilation; choose composite or porcelain lookalikes in wet spots.

Pros

Restrictions

Need guidance choosing the right design elements?

At American Home, our designers will help you choose the right mix of features for your bathroom remodel Gresham, tailored to your style, layout, and budget.

The 7-Step Bathroom Remodeling Process

Knowing the bathroom remodel process helps you plan well and set realistic expectations. Below is a breakdown of the usual steps to transform your bathroom, with estimated timeframes for each phase.

Step 1
Step 1 Planning And Design
Step 1

Planning and Design

Start by pinpointing your needs, establishing a budget, and developing a design plan. Keep function, storage demands, and aesthetics in mind. Browse magazines, websites, and showrooms to refine and focus your vision.

Step 2
Step 2 Demolition
Step 2

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.

Step 3
Step 3 Plumbing And Electrical Work
Step 3

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.

Step 4
Step 4 Structural Changes And Drywall
Step 4

Structural Changes and Drywall

For bathroom remodels that include wall changes or room expansion, tackle structural work first. Follow with moisture-resistant drywall (greenboard) and cement board for all tiled surfaces. Always ensure proper waterproofing in wet zones.

Step 5
Step 5 Tile Installation
Step 5

Tile Installation

Installing tile on floors, shower surrounds, and backsplashes takes time, but it can transform the space. Your pattern’s complexity and the bathroom’s size will set the schedule. Build in extra time so the tile can cure properly.

Step 6
Step 6 Fixture And Cabinet Installation
Step 6

Fixture and Cabinet Installation

With surfaces prepared, it’s time to install the vanity, toilet, shower, bathtub, and storage cabinets. This phase activates the space as the major elements are placed into your new plan.

Step 7
Step 7 Finishing Touches
Step 7

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 full bathroom remodel Gresham MI usually takes 3–6 weeks from start to finish, depending on the scope and any unexpected issues. Working with experienced professionals can help keep your project on schedule.

Ready to kick off your bathroom transformation?

At American Home, our design team in Gresham helps you navigate remodeling and craft a bathroom that suits your needs and preferred style.

About American Home: Exceptional Kitchen & Bath Design

At American Home, we pair personalized service with deep technical know-how to craft spaces that inspire. Through careful planning and creative vision, our team turns ordinary rooms into functional art.

 

For years, American Home was our dream. It became the perfect complement to American Flooring, giving our customers everything needed to bring their dream home to life in Gresham MI.

Customer-Focused Service & Free Consultations

We begin every bathroom remodel Gresham project by listening. A free first consultation helps us learn your needs before we suggest solutions. This way, your vision drives each choice—from layout ideas to materials.

 

“Homeowners find that American Home completes the puzzle,” say industry partners Ed and Yvonne Weaver. Working with our partners, we deliver comprehensive design help that eases complicated projects.

60+ Years of Proven Design Expertise

With six decades of combined knowledge, our designers in Gresham approach spatial challenges creatively. This expertise empowers us to:

 

  • -Maximize functionality in compact areas
  • – Balance current trends with a timeless look
  • -Source premium materials within budget parameters

 

With complimentary estimates, we reduce financial barriers to great design. Whether updating a bath or reworking core living areas, our process focuses on your lifestyle needs and increases property value.

bathroom sink and mirrors in a before and after comparison

Bathroom Remodel Budget Breakdown

Understanding the potential costs involved in a bathroom remodel Gresham MI helps you plan effectively and avoid budget surprises. The following table provides a breakdown of typical expenses across different budget levels.

 

Careful financial planning turns renovation plans into achievable outcomes. We help homeowners choose wisely, balancing upfront costs and lasting value. Whether updating a powder room or reshaping a master suite, understanding the finances makes sure your project matches both your lifestyle and market realities.

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

Budget Remodel (~$15,000–$25,000):$1,000–$2,000
Mid-Range Remodel (~$25,000–$55,000):$2,000–$3,500
Luxury Remodel (~$55,000+):$3,500–$5,000

Plumbing

Budget Remodel (~$15,000–$25,000):$2,000–$3,500
Mid-Range Remodel (~$25,000–$55,000):$3,500–$7,000
Luxury Remodel (~$55,000+):$7,000–$15,000

Electrical

Budget Remodel (~$15,000–$25,000):$1,000–$2,000
Mid-Range Remodel (~$25,000–$55,000):$2,000–$4,000
Luxury Remodel (~$55,000+):$4,000–$8,000

Flooring

Budget Remodel (~$15,000–$25,000):$1,500–$3,000
Mid-Range Remodel (~$25,000–$55,000):$3,000–$6,000
Luxury Remodel (~$55,000+):$6,000–$12,000

Shower/Tub

Budget Remodel (~$15,000–$25,000):$2,000–$4,000
Mid-Range Remodel (~$25,000–$55,000):$4,000–$8,000
Luxury Remodel (~$55,000+):$8,000–$20,000

Vanity & Countertop

Budget Remodel (~$15,000–$25,000):$1,200–$2,500
Mid-Range Remodel (~$25,000–$55,000):$2,500–$5,000
Luxury Remodel (~$55,000+):$5,000–$15,000

Toilet

Budget Remodel (~$15,000–$25,000):$200–$500
Mid-Range Remodel (~$25,000–$55,000):$500–$1,000
Luxury Remodel (~$55,000+):$1,000–$3,000

Lighting & Ventilation

Budget Remodel (~$15,000–$25,000):$500–$1,000
Mid-Range Remodel (~$25,000–$55,000):$1,000–$2,500
Luxury Remodel (~$55,000+):$2,500–$5,000

Tile Work

Budget Remodel (~$15,000–$25,000):$2,000–$3,500
Mid-Range Remodel (~$25,000–$55,000):$3,500–$7,000
Luxury Remodel (~$55,000+):$7,000–$15,000

Fixtures & Hardware

Budget Remodel (~$15,000–$25,000):$500–$1,500
Mid-Range Remodel (~$25,000–$55,000):$1,500–$3,000
Luxury Remodel (~$55,000+):$3,000–$8,000

Permits

Budget Remodel (~$15,000–$25,000):$300–$800
Mid-Range Remodel (~$25,000–$55,000):$800–$1,500
Luxury Remodel (~$55,000+):$1,500–$2,500

Design Fees

Budget Remodel (~$15,000–$25,000):$0–$1,500
Mid-Range Remodel (~$25,000–$55,000):$1,500–$4,000
Luxury Remodel (~$55,000+):$4,000–$10,000

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 projects run about $25,000 on average nationwide, but the scope can change the final number. Older homes often benefit from a 10-20% contingency to cover unexpected structural fixes. Our designers set priorities and offer cost-effective alternatives for secondary selections.

Smart Financing Options and Cost-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.

 

Thoughtful material reuse and refinishing of fixtures can cut costs by 15–25%. We direct spend toward high-impact items such as waterproofing and energy-efficient systems. These decisions improve daily comfort and help safeguard your property’s resale value.

Budget-Friendly Tips:

 

  • -Keep the existing layout to minimize plumbing changes
  • -Refinish rather than replace when possible (tubs, cabinets)
  • – Blend high-end and budget materials wisely
  • – Consider open shelving in place of custom cabinetry
  • – Shop floor models and remnant materials to save
  • – Split the project into phases if budget constraints are significant

Sustainability Spotlight: Eco-Friendly Bathroom Solutions

An eco-conscious bathroom can keep its style and function intact. With smart, sustainable choices, you can lower your footprint and enjoy a beautiful, efficient space.

Water Saving Fixtures

Water-Saving Bathroom Fixtures

Recycled & Sustainable Materials

Recycled & Eco-Friendly Materials

Energy Efficient Solutions

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Sustainable Practices

Eco-Friendly Practices

Guide to Green Product Certifications

 

Check for these certifications as you choose bathroom products:

 

5 Bathroom Remodel Mistakes You Should Avoid

Careful planning doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing—a bathroom remodel Gresham can still go wrong. Stay aware of these common pitfalls to prevent costly mistakes and deliver a successful project.

1. Poor Ventilation Planning

Poor ventilation is among the most frequent and troublesome errors in bathroom design. Without proper airflow, moisture builds up, causing mold, mildew, peeling paint, and damaged fixtures.

2. Faulty Measurements

Taking incorrect measurements can result in poorly fitting fixtures, limited door clearance, and uncomfortable layouts. These errors often mean expensive fixes.

3. Subpar Lighting Design

Inadequate lighting design in many remodels leads to spaces that feel too dim, too bright, or impractical for daily grooming routines.

Tips to Prevent This:

Prevention Tips:

Avoidance Tips:

4. Neglecting Storage Needs

Beautiful bathrooms can quickly become cluttered and dysfunctional when storage requirements aren't adequately addressed during the planning phase.

5. Insufficient Waterproofing

Bathrooms face their worst problems from water damage, which is both expensive and destructive. Poor waterproofing can cause structural damage, mold, and renovation collapse.

Prevention Tips:

Prevention Guidelines:

Avoid Pricey Mistakes With Professional Guidance

Our professional bathroom remodel team in Gresham MI helps you sidestep pitfalls and guarantees your project is done right the first time.

Design Is in The Details
Our Process

Kitchen Perimeter

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.

Kitchen Perimeter

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.

Kitchen Perimeter - products

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.

Embark on Your Bathroom Remodel Gresham Journey Here

A bathroom remodel Gresham MI succeeds with careful planning, smart design, and skilled execution. By learning the process, exploring design choices, setting a realistic budget, and steering clear of common mistakes, you’re on track to create a bathroom that improves daily life and raises your home’s value.

 

Remember that professional guidance can make the difference between a stressful renovation and a smooth, rewarding experience. Whether you’re planning a simple update or a complete transformation, the right team can help you navigate challenges and bring your vision to life. Contact American Home and begin your Gresham bathroom remodel today!

Logo New (small)

Ready to Start Transforming Your Bathroom?

Begin today on your dream bathroom journey. Our experienced design team in Gresham is prepared to help create a space where beauty, function, and value all come together.

Common Bathroom Remodel FAQs

Modernizing a tub-shower combo improves use and draws buyers looking for spa-inspired bathrooms. At American Home, we prioritize durable choices such as porcelain tile and frameless glass doors, which lift design appeal and strengthen ROI through better marketability.

In Gresham, replacing old fixtures generally takes 2–4 weeks, depending on layout updates and material readiness. We use 3D design tools to finalize selections early, helping to prevent cabinetry or tile delays.

Definitely. At American Home, we emphasize smart upgrades like tub refinishing and ceramic tile accents. Our team delivers transparent estimates and financing options, including home equity plans, to fit your financial needs.

Yes – we handle permits and required construction paperwork with licensed pros. This ensures your walk-in shower or accessibility project complies with local codes for safety and resale.
Porcelain tile is the best flooring choice for moisture resistance and versatile style. For comfort underfoot, we also install luxury vinyl planks with textured, slip-resistant stone-like finishes. See more at American Flooring.

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.

As soon as hidden issues are found, our project managers consult with you and adjust plans accordingly. We include contingency allowances up front to handle plumbing or subfloor fixes without stalling the project.

Explore the Possibilities…

Kitchen 5 - Contact

Kitchens

The heart of the home and the foundation of our company

Bathroom 6

Bathrooms

Essential to the home and the perfect places to create unique spaces

American Home Slide 2

More

Built-ins, laundry rooms and mud rooms are among the possibilities