In what order do the trades work?
Demolition first, then framing changes, plumbing and electrical rough-in, and an inspection before the walls close. Then waterproofing, flood test, tile, and finally glass, vanity and fixtures. Running them out of order means cutting finished work. We schedule each trade for the day it can finish, with no gaps and no overlaps.
Do old pipes get replaced when the walls are open?
Often. Galvanized supply lines clog from the inside, and old valves are the likeliest part to fail behind new tile. We check the shower valve, supply stops and the visible drain. We replace what looks tired, because opening a finished wall later costs far more than replacing a pipe now.
How do you avoid waiting on deliveries?
We order tile, glass, vanity and fixtures before demolition, then check them on arrival. Hurricane season and port delays can stretch lead times, so we plan with margin. A bathroom with no toilet or shower, waiting for one backordered fixture, is the delay owners remember.
What electrical work does the code require?
Receptacles near water need GFCI protection, and bathroom receptacles need a 20 amp circuit. Any light inside the shower must be rated for damp or wet locations. A fan, a light and an LED mirror often add up to a new circuit. The electrical work is inspected with the plumbing.
How do you keep dust out of the house?
We seal the doorway with plastic and a zip door, run an air scrubber, cover the path out and shut off the AC return in the work area. South Florida homes often share one air handler, so a dusty return would carry demolition dust everywhere. We vacuum daily and remove debris each day.
Can I keep my existing vanity or tub?
Sometimes. A solid vanity can be reused if it fits the new layout and the plumbing lines up. A tub is harder, because it sits in the waterproofing and its drain is set. A cast iron tub in good shape can be kept and the surround rebuilt. We say what is worth saving.
Is terrazzo practical on bathroom walls?
Yes, when it is sealed and detailed correctly. Terrazzo tile or poured wainscot resists water but needs a sealer and a proper cap at the top edge. It scratches less than soft stone, but strong acids dull it. Pair it with tile above, as in the compact bath here, to cut cost and weight.
Does a freestanding tub need a reinforced floor?
A filled soaking tub with a person in it can weigh 600 pounds or more. On a slab, that is rarely a concern. On a wood-framed upper floor we check the joists and may add support. The tub drain and filler must also line up with the framing below, so we set them before closing the floor.
