A great bathroom doesn’t just look new—it stays dry, feels fresh, and cleans up easily. In West Des Moines homes, the best remodels start with a waterproof shower assembly, right-sized ventilation, and tile/grout choices that fit your lifestyle. This guide covers planning, systems and materials, installation basics, care, and what to expect with a coordinated bath remodel. Bathroom Remodeling →
Key Takeaways
- Waterproofing first, tile second: choose a continuous membrane system and verify it before tile.
- Ventilation matters: a properly sized, quiet fan on a timer/humidity sensor keeps moisture in check.
- Tile & grout choices drive maintenance—porcelain + high-performance grout = easier care.
- Plan niches, benches, and glass early so layout and slopes work together.
- Coordinate selections and trades to keep schedules predictable and finishes clean.
What to Expect → | Our Process →
Plan Your Bath (Before You Pick Tile)
- Layout & clearances: Confirm door swing, shower size, toilet clearance, and vanity depth so everything breathes.
- Shower type: Walk-in with glass, curbless for accessibility, or tub/shower combo—each affects slopes and waterproofing.
- Storage & power: Place niches on “dry” walls when possible; add outlets in drawers/medicine cabinets for devices.
- Lighting: Pair bright, accurate task light at the mirror with ambient and a dim night setting.
- Glass lead time: Final measurements happen after tile—plan this into the schedule.
Showers: Build It to Stay Dry
- Pan & walls: Use a bonded sheet or liquid membrane system for a continuous, tile-ready surface.
- Pre-slope: Pan slopes ~¼” per foot to the drain before tile—non-negotiable.
- Seams & penetrations: Overlap/tape seams; seal all valves, fasteners, and niches so water can’t migrate.
- Benches & sills: Slope every horizontal surface into the shower; wrap membranes fully.
- Flood test: Water-test the pan (typically 24 hours) before tile to verify the seal.
Custom Pieces → | Trim Carpentry →
Ventilation: Quiet, Effective, Automatic
- Fan sizing: Choose CFM for the room size (and a higher rating for bigger showers/steam).
- Controls: Use a timer or humidity sensor so the fan runs the full 20 minutes after a shower.
- Ducting: Short, straight duct runs to the exterior reduce noise and boost actual airflow.
- Make-up air: Ensure a small door undercut so the fan can draw air through the room.
Tile, Grout & Surfaces: Beauty That’s Practical
- Tile types: Dense porcelain on floors and walls for durability; mosaics for shower floors to follow slope.
- Grout: High-performance or epoxy grouts resist stains and reduce sealing needs; silicone at plane changes instead of grout.
- Scale & layout: Balance large-format walls with smaller floor tile; align courses to sills, niches, and glass clips for clean cuts.
- Slip resistance: Choose appropriate floor tile textures/ratings for wet zones.
- Vanities & tops: Durable tops (quartz, porcelain slab) with sealed edges keep water out.
Bathroom Remodeling → | Custom Pieces →
Install Basics: What “Crafted” Looks Like
- Substrate prep: Flat, plumb walls; true corners; correctly set drain height.
- Membrane continuity: Wrap corners/niches; meet sheet overlap or liquid mil-thickness specs.
- Movement joints: Soft joints at all plane changes; perimeter breaks behind base/cove tiles.
- Setting & grout: Consistent joints and alignment; full thinset coverage; silicone at changes of plane.
- Protection & cleanup: Floor/wall protection and daily cleanup are standard.
Care & Timeline
- Everyday care: Squeegee glass/tile after showers; run the fan 20 minutes; wipe niches/bench weekly.
- Cleaners: pH-neutral cleaners for tile and grout; avoid harsh acids/bleach on epoxy.
- Sealing: Many modern grouts don’t require sealing—follow manufacturer guidance if yours does.
- Typical durations: Demo & prep 1–3 days; waterproofing + flood test 2–3 days; tile 2–5 days; grout, glass measure/install, and punch follow. Full bath remodels add time—locking selections early keeps schedules tight.
What to Expect with Reese Builders
- One, cohesive plan: Waterproofing, tile layout, glass, lighting, and ventilation coordinated from day one.
- Visible craftsmanship: Straight lines, even joints, sloped horizontals, and tidy transitions.
- In-house capability: Carpentry, built elements, and finish coordination for a seamless result.
- Clear communication: Milestones, flood testing, glass lead times, and site protection outlined up front.
Helpful Links from Our Blog
- Home Remodeling Timelines in Des Moines →
- Why Reese Builders Is Central Iowa’s Choice for Luxury Home Remodeling →
- Bringing Homes Into the Now: Remodeling 90s Builds & Historic Gems →
Ready for a bathroom that feels fresh—and stays that way?
Tell us your shower style (curbless, linear drain, or classic), tile preferences, and storage needs. We’ll design a waterproof, low-maintenance bath you’ll love.
FAQs
Q: Do I really need a flood test before tile?
A: Yes—24 hours confirms the pan is watertight so fixes are simple now, not costly later.
Q: What’s the quietest type of bath fan?
A: Properly sized, low-sone fans on a timer or humidity sensor—installed with short, straight ducting—are quiet and effective.
Q: Are large-format tiles slippery?
A: On shower floors, use mosaics or textured tiles for grip. Large-format works well on walls and main floors with the right finish.
Q: Sheet membrane or liquid—what’s better?
A: Both work when installed correctly. Sheets help ensure thickness; liquids shine on complex shapes. A continuous seal is the priority.
Q: How long does a typical bathroom remodel take?
A: A focused shower project can be ~1–2 weeks on site plus glass lead time; a full bathroom remodel runs longer. Early selections keep timelines tight.
