Bathroom Renovation in Portland, OR

Tile Showers and Surrounds. Vanity and Fixture Replacement. Full Bathroom Remodels. Accessible Bath Upgrades. Proper Waterproofing Always. Licensed OR #241979.

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Bathroom renovations involve the highest moisture exposure of any interior project — and the consequences of improper waterproofing are exactly the kind of hidden structural damage VResh has spent years repairing behind improperly installed exteriors. A tile shower installed without a proper pan liner or membrane, a tub surround where grout is the only moisture barrier, or a shower floor that slopes toward the wall rather than the drain is creating the same moisture infiltration problem as a window without a sill pan — only inside the house. VResh Construction waterproofs bathrooms correctly, every time.

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(503) 272-6436 — Call or Text, Available 24/7

We answer calls and texts at any hour. For storm damage, active leaks, or structural emergencies, calling directly is the fastest path to a response.

Bathroom Renovation Services

Tile Shower Installation

A tile shower built correctly starts long before the first tile — it starts with a properly waterproofed substrate (cement board or foam panel system), a properly sloped shower floor (1/4 inch per foot minimum toward the drain), a correctly installed drain assembly, and a continuous membrane at the pan that extends up the walls.

We set tile over this foundation. Grout is not a waterproof material — it is the finish surface over a waterproofed substrate. Tile showers that use grout as the moisture barrier will fail within 5–10 years and require demolition and rebuilding.

We install ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tile in all shower formats — floor-to-ceiling surround, half-wall with glass panel above, niche shelving, and custom layouts.

Vanity and Fixture Replacement

Vanity replacement — a new vanity cabinet, countertop, sink, and faucet — is one of the highest-impact bathroom updates at a moderate cost.

We coordinate with plumbing trade partners for supply and drain connection work and handle all cabinet installation, countertop, and mirror/medicine cabinet work directly.

We work with the vanity and fixture supplier of your choice, or can recommend options for your budget and bathroom dimensions.

Accessible Bathroom Upgrades

We design and install roll-in showers, curbless shower entries, grab bar blocking (reinforced wall framing for future grab bars), barrier-free shower pans, comfort-height toilets, and widened doorways for wheelchair access.

For aging-in-place planning, we assess the existing bathroom layout and advise on modifications that improve accessibility without requiring full renovation.

Full Bathroom Remodels

A full bathroom remodel involves demolition of existing tile and fixtures, inspection of the substrate and framing for moisture damage (common in bathrooms with old grout-only waterproofing), repair of any structural damage, and a complete rebuild from substrate to finish.

Full remodels require coordination of rough plumbing, rough electrical (GFCI circuits, vent fan), waterproofing, tile, fixtures, and trim — all of which VResh manages either in-house or through long-term trade partners.

Why Waterproofing Is the Foundation of Every Bathroom Renovation

Bathroom renovation failures — tile that loosens, grout that cracks, walls that develop mold behind the tile — are almost always waterproofing failures. The substrate behind the tile is wet, repeatedly, from splashing and steam. A proper waterproofing system is not a nice-to-have — it is what separates a bathroom renovation that looks great at 15 years from one that develops visible problems at 5.

What We Use — Continuous Waterproof Membrane

VResh installs a continuous waterproof membrane (Schluter Kerdi, RedGard, or equivalent) over the full shower and tub surround before any tile is installed. This membrane runs from the drain up the walls and over all transitions.

Why Proper Waterproofing Behind Tile Matters

Tile grout is not waterproof — it is water-resistant at best and becomes permeable over time. The waterproofing layer must be behind the tile, not at the tile surface.

We do not tile over standard drywall, even in areas that are not directly wetted. We use cement board or waterproof board (Schluter Kerdi-Board) as the substrate for all tile work in wet areas.

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Client's Talk

We have a wealth of experience working as main building contractors on all kinds of projects, big and small, from home maintenance and improvements to extensions, refurbishments and new builds.

Bathroom Renovation Process

#
Item
What We Do — And Why It Matters
1
Scope consultation and design
Walk through the existing bathroom. Define what stays and what changes. Identify tile selections, fixture specifications, vanity, and any layout changes. Written scope before work begins.
2
Demolition
Remove existing tile, fixtures, and finishes. Inspect substrate behind tile for mold, moisture damage, and structural issues. This is where surprises live — moisture that has been entering behind old tile for years. We document findings in writing before proceeding.
3
Mold remediation (if found)
If mold is present in the substrate, follow proper remediation protocol before installing new materials — not just primer and new tile over mold-stained substrate.
4
Rough plumbing
Relocate drain, supply, and shower valve if the layout changes. Upgrade valves to pressure-balanced (code-required in new installations) if existing valves are old single-handle.
5
Substrate installation
Install cement board or waterproof board over all wall framing in wet areas. Tape and waterproof all seams and transitions.
6
Waterproof membrane
Apply continuous waterproof membrane over the full shower and tub area before tile setting. Test for integrity before proceeding to tile.
7
Tile setting
Set tile using appropriate thinset for the substrate and tile type. Large-format tile requires back-buttering and a fully supported mortar bed. Grout lines to match design specification.
8
Grouting and sealing
Grout all tile joints after thinset has fully cured. Apply penetrating sealer to grout and natural stone tile surfaces. Caulk all transitions (floor-to-wall, curb, niche edges) with flexible caulk — not grout.
9
Vanity, toilet, and fixture installation
Install vanity cabinet and top, toilet, shower door or enclosure, mirror, and all accessories. Connect all plumbing.
10
Drywall and paint
Install drywall and paint all non-tile surfaces. Install exhaust fan if upgrading.
11
Final inspection and walkthrough
Complete punch list and walk through with homeowner. Test all plumbing for leaks. Confirm all fixtures operate correctly.

Serving Portland Metro Area

VResh Construction provides window replacement, siding installation, roofing, dry rot repair and full exterior renovation services throughout the Portland metro area and Southwest Washington.

Portland Metro — Oregon

Portland, OR
Oak Grove, OR
Cedar Mill, OR
King City, OR
Happy Valley, OR
Clackamas, OR
Milwaukie, OR
Gresham, OR
Wood Village, OR
Scappoose, OR
Sandy, OR
Newberg, OR
Estacada, OR
Lake Oswego, OR
Beaverton, OR
Hillsboro, OR
Tigard, OR
Sherwood, OR
West Linn, OR
Oregon City, OR

Southwest Washington

Vancouver, WA
Battle Ground, WA
Woodland, WA
Camas, WA
Ridgefield, WA
Washougal, WA
Kalama, WA

Extended Service Areas

Longview, WA
Kelso, WA
Salem, OR
Seaside, OR
Lincoln City, OR
Long Beach, WA
OUR FAQS

Bathroom Renovation FAQs — Portland Homeowners

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Portland, OR?
A vanity and fixture replacement without tile work typically runs $2,500–$6,000. A full tile shower rebuild (demolition and new installation) typically runs $6,000–$14,000 depending on tile selection and shower size. A full bathroom remodel with new tile, vanity, toilet, and fixtures in a typical Portland primary bathroom usually runs $18,000–$40,000. High-end primary suite renovations with premium tile, custom shower, and freestanding tub can run $40,000–$80,000+.
Why do tile showers fail and need to be rebuilt?
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The most common reason is missing or improper waterproofing behind the tile. Many showers rely only on cement board and grout to manage moisture, but grout is not waterproof. Water eventually passes through grout joints and reaches the framing behind the tile. Over 5–15 years this repeated moisture exposure causes structural damage, which requires full demolition and rebuilding with a proper waterproof membrane system.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
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A vanity replacement typically takes 1–2 days. A tile shower rebuild usually takes 7–14 days because several layers require curing time. A full bathroom remodel generally takes 2–5 weeks depending on the scope of work, custom materials, and tile installation complexity.
Do bathroom renovations require permits?
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Full bathroom renovations involving plumbing relocation such as moving the toilet or relocating the shower drain, or significant electrical changes, usually require permits. Like-for-like fixture replacements typically do not require a permit. Permit requirements are assessed during the estimate stage and handled on the homeowner’s behalf when necessary.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Portland, OR? (Typical ranges)
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A basic bathroom update with new tile in an existing shower, new vanity, and fixtures typically runs $8,000–$18,000. A full master bathroom renovation with a new walk-in tile shower, freestanding tub, double vanity, and heated floor typically runs $25,000–$55,000. Powder room updates usually run $3,000–$8,000 depending on tile and fixture selections.
How long does a bathroom renovation take for a full remodel?
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A basic bathroom renovation with no layout changes usually takes about 2–3 weeks. A full master bathroom renovation with custom tile work and layout changes can take 4–6 weeks. Tile selection and delivery time can impact the schedule, especially for custom or large-format tile.
My tile grout is cracking and some tiles are loose — is that a repair or renovation?
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Cracking grout and loose tiles are usually signs of substrate or waterproofing failure rather than a grout problem. If moisture has damaged the backing material behind the tile, simple re-grouting will fail again quickly. In some cases, small localized repairs are possible, but if the substrate behind a full shower wall is compromised, a full re-tile with proper waterproofing is the best long-term solution.