Paradise Journal

Planning a Bathroom Remodel: A North Shore Homeowner's Guide

A bathroom remodel is one of the highest-return projects you can do — and often faster and less disruptive than a kitchen. Here's how to plan a bathroom remodel on the North Shore, from budget to the details that matter most.

What a bathroom remodel costs

  • Powder room: $8,000–$18,000 — vanity, fixtures, tile, lighting.
  • Full / hall bath: $18,000–$35,000 — tub or shower, tile, vanity, plumbing fixtures.
  • Primary suite bath: $35,000–$75,000+ — curbless or spa shower, double vanity, heated floors, custom tile.

How long it takes

Most bathrooms take 3 to 6 weeks of on-site work after design and material selection. Moving plumbing or building a custom shower adds time. We give you a schedule before demolition starts.

Where to spend — and where to save

Worth the investment

  • Waterproofing and tile work — the part you can't see is what protects the part you can.
  • A quality shower — frameless glass, a built-in niche, and a comfortable bench.
  • Lighting and ventilation — layered light and a quiet, properly sized fan.

Easy to save

  • Keep plumbing where it is when the layout already works.
  • Use statement tile as an accent rather than everywhere.

Aging-in-place, done beautifully

Curbless showers, grab bars, and wider doorways don't have to look clinical. We design accessible bathrooms that still feel high-end — increasingly requested across Winnetka and Highland Park.

The bathrooms that age best are the ones designed around how you actually use the space — not just how it photographs.

Permits and the North Shore

As a licensed design-build remodeler, we pull permits and coordinate licensed plumbers and electricians, and handle inspections — so you have one accountable team start to finish.

Ready to start? Book a free consultation at our Lake Forest showroom or call (847) 681-9000.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How much does a bathroom remodel cost on the North Shore?
Powder rooms run about $8,000–$18,000, full baths $18,000–$35,000, and primary suite baths $35,000–$75,000+, depending on tile, fixtures, and whether plumbing is moved.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
Most bathroom remodels take 3 to 6 weeks of on-site work after design and material selection; larger primary baths or jobs that relocate plumbing take longer.

Planning a project on the North Shore?

Book a free design consultation at our Lake Forest showroom. We respond within one business day.

Schedule a consultation
Call (847) 681-9000