Gresham’s Trusted Bathroom Renovation Contractor — Waterproofed Right, Tiled to Last
Most Gresham bathroom tile failures are not a tile problem — they are a waterproofing failure. The grout that is your shower's only moisture barrier eventually becomes permeable.
Water passes through, reaches the framing behind the tile, and creates the same hidden structural damage that VResh repairs behind improperly installed siding — only inside your home. VResh installs a continuous waterproof membrane (Schluter Kerdi or RedGard) over the full shower area before any tile is set. Grout is the finish surface. The membrane is the moisture barrier. Vlad personally oversees every Gresham bathroom project. Licensed OR #241979. Free written estimates. (503) 272–6436.
VResh is owner-operated. Vlad is on every Gresham bathroom renovation — you know who is accountable for the waterproofing quality and the outcome.
Why Gresham Bathrooms Need Renovation Now
Gresham's position in the eastern Portland metro — with year-round ambient moisture from Johnson Creek and Columbia Gorge wind-driven rain — means that waterproofing failures turn into structural damage faster than in drier climates. Bathrooms built in the 1970s and 1980s are now 40–50 years old and reaching the end of their functional lifespan.
The 1970s Gresham Shower System — Designed to Fail Over Time
Original tile showers relied on grout as the primary moisture barrier, with tile installed directly over drywall or early cement board. Over time, grout becomes permeable, especially at corners and floor transitions. Once water passes through, the substrate becomes saturated and the framing behind begins to absorb moisture — often long before visible damage appears.
What Demolition Reveals Behind the Tile
During demolition of 1970s–80s bathrooms, VResh consistently finds saturated cement board, mold on the backside of wall assemblies, and occasionally compromised framing. These conditions are not due to poor maintenance — they are the expected result of outdated waterproofing systems that did not include continuous membranes.
Aging-in-Place Upgrades for Gresham Homeowners
Many Gresham homeowners are planning to stay long-term. Modern bathroom renovations now include accessible upgrades such as curbless showers, reinforced walls for grab bars, comfort-height fixtures, and improved layouts. These upgrades improve safety, usability, and long-term home value.
What VResh Actually Does on a Gresham Bathroom Renovation
A bathroom renovation done correctly starts with waterproofing — not with tile. Here is what VResh installs on every Gresham bathroom project.
Pre-Demo Walkthrough and Scope Agreement
Walk through the existing bathroom with the homeowner. Define what stays and what changes. Then demolition begins — removing tile, fixtures, and finishes to expose the full condition behind the walls.
What VResh Finds During Gresham Bathroom Demo
- Saturated cement board or drywall behind original tile — the most common finding in 1970s–80s bathrooms.
- Mold behind the substrate — requires proper remediation, not surface treatment.
- Soft or compromised framing — requires structural repair before rebuilding.
- Outdated plumbing valves — older systems are not code-compliant and must be upgraded.
Substrate and Waterproofing System
Install cement board or waterproof board over all framing in wet areas. Seal seams and apply a continuous waterproof membrane across all surfaces before tile installation.
Why This Step Matters
- Grout is not waterproof — it becomes permeable over time.
- Waterproofing must exist behind the tile, not on the surface.
- Prevents long-term moisture damage and mold growth.
Tile Installation and Finishing
Tile is installed over a fully waterproofed system using proper techniques for durability and longevity.
- Full mortar coverage and back-buttering for large tiles
- Grouting after proper curing
- Penetrating sealer for protection
- Flexible silicone at all movement joints
Fixtures, Trim, and Final Walkthrough
Install all final components and complete system testing.
- Vanity, toilet, shower enclosure, mirror
- Plumbing connections and leak testing
- Ventilation upgrades if required
- Final walkthrough and workmanship warranty
Bathroom Renovation Services VResh Provides in Gresham
VResh handles the full range of Gresham bathroom renovation scopes — from targeted updates to complete rebuilds.
Full Tile Shower Rebuild
Demolition of existing tile and shower system, inspection and repair of substrate and framing, installation of continuous waterproof membrane system, tile setting over properly waterproofed substrate, custom shower glass enclosure or frameless door. This is the most common scope on Gresham's 1970s–80s bathrooms where the original grout-only waterproofing has failed.
Vanity and Fixture Replacement
New vanity cabinet and countertop, new sink and faucet, new toilet, new mirror or medicine cabinet. VResh coordinates plumbing connections through long-term licensed trade partners and installs all cabinetry and countertop directly. Vanity replacement without full tile work is one of the highest-impact bathroom updates at a moderate cost.
Full Bathroom Remodels
Complete demolition, structural repair, rough plumbing, rough electrical (GFCI circuits, vent fan), waterproofing, tile, vanity, fixtures, and trim. VResh manages all trade coordination — you work with one primary contractor through the full project.
Accessible Bathroom Upgrades
Roll-in showers with curbless entries, reinforced wall blocking for grab bars (blocking installed during renovation for future bar installation without wall tear-out), barrier-free shower pans, comfort-height toilets, and widened doorways. VResh designs accessible bath modifications as part of complete renovations or as targeted projects for aging-in-place needs.
Bathroom Renovation Requirements for Gresham Homes
Lead Paint Consideration
Bathroom renovations in Gresham's pre-1978 homes may disturb lead-painted surfaces on walls, trim, and around existing fixtures if structural or layout changes are involved. VResh is EPA Lead-Safe Certified and follows RRP protocols when painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes are disturbed during bathroom renovation work.
Building Permits for Bathroom Renovation in Gresham
Full bathroom renovations involving plumbing relocation, new electrical circuits, or structural changes require permits. Like-for-like fixture replacements and cosmetic tile updates typically do not. The Gresham City Hall, Building Permits Division handles building permits for all renovation work within city limits — 1333 NW Eastman Pkwy, Gresham, OR 97030; phone: 503–618-2845; hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm. Gresham uses an online permit submission portal; inspections are available Monday–Thursday only. VResh handles the Gresham permit process on your behalf.
What Bathroom Renovation Costs in Gresham, OR
Bathroom renovation cost depends heavily on scope. General planning ranges for Gresham projects:
| Bathroom Renovation — General Cost Ranges (Labor + Materials) | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Vanity and fixture replacement (no tile work) | $2,500–$6,000 |
| Full tile shower rebuild (demolition, waterproof membrane, new tile) | $6,000–$14,000 depending on tile and size |
| Full bathroom remodel — tile, vanity, toilet, fixtures | $18,000–$40,000 |
| High-end primary suite renovation — custom shower, freestanding tub, double vanity | $40,000–$80,000+ |
| Powder room update | $3,000–$8,000 depending on tile and fixtures |
(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 FAQs — Gresham, OR
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.
Serving Areas
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
Southwest Washington
Extended Service Areas
Request Your Free Bathroom Renovation Estimate in Gresham
Whether it is a full tile shower rebuild on a 1975 Gresham primary bathroom, a vanity and fixture update on a secondary bath, accessible modifications for aging-in-place needs, or a free assessment of whether your shower tile failure is a surface repair or a waterproofing rebuild — VResh responds same-day or within 24 hours.