Bathroom Remodeling in Ellenwood, GA

In most bathrooms the shower is the biggest change and the biggest source of trouble when it is built poorly. That is why Precision Remodeling begins bathroom remodeling in Ellenwood with the shower layout, the ventilation that clears its steam and the tile that will cover it. The vanity, lighting and storage are planned next, then the hidden conditions under the floor and behind the walls.

Shower layout and ventilation

The layout sets the size of the shower, the side the entry is on and where the controls go. Putting the valve near the entrance lets you start the water without standing under it. A bench, a niche and a handheld sprayer each change the framing and plumbing, so they are decided now rather than once the walls are closed.

Ventilation is planned alongside. We trace the exhaust path from the existing fan to wherever its duct ends. A duct that stops in the attic, sags or runs a long way with several bends leaves humid air in the room, which shows up as peeling paint and mildew on grout. Correcting the route and choosing a fan sized for the room usually takes place during rough-in.

Tile choices and where the tile ends

Tile on shower walls, shower floors and the main floor can be the same or different. Small mosaics on the shower floor follow the slope and give traction, while larger porcelain on the main floor reduces grout lines. Natural stone needs sealing; porcelain does not.

Every tile edge needs a plan. Where floor tile meets the hallway, a threshold or metal profile bridges the height difference. Where wall tile ends short of the ceiling, a bullnose piece or a trim profile gives a finished edge. For more on tile work, see our tile installation page for Ellenwood.

The floor and the walls behind the tile

We press on the floor for soft spots and movement before demolition and look again once the subfloor is exposed. Tile needs a stiff base; any rotted or springy areas are replaced and fastened. Floor transitions are measured at this point too, so the finished height works with the next room.

Once the walls are open, the studs and plates near the shower and toilet are probed for decay and checked with a level, and the existing pipes are measured against the planned fixtures. Blocking is added for grab bars, glass hinges and heavy mirrors.

Vanity, lighting, storage and hardware

The vanity size is settled early so the lights and mirror can be centered on it. Lights mounted beside the mirror give even light for grooming, and a ceiling light handles the rest. Storage might come from vanity drawers, a recessed medicine cabinet or a niche. Hardware and accessories, including towel bars, hooks and the paper holder, should be chosen before the walls close so backing can be placed, and they look best in one finish with the faucet.

Three counties, three permit offices

Ellenwood spans parts of DeKalb, Clayton and Henry counties, so the permitting office depends on the address. For homes in unincorporated DeKalb County, permits come from the Planning & Sustainability Department, which accepts a plumbing permit only when a plumbing contractor holding a state license submits it; an address inside an incorporated city goes to that city’s office instead. Clayton County’s building permit section issues plumbing permits for residential repairs, remodels and new construction and checks that contractors hold Georgia licenses before issuing permits. Henry County’s Building & Plan Review Department takes residential permit applications through the county’s SAGESGov system, along with a combined residential permitting checklist.

What the estimate should say

A written estimate should name the old finishes coming out, the parts of the room you are keeping, and every new material along with how it will be installed. It should also cover protection, cleanup and exclusions, and explain how changes are priced if hidden damage appears.

The order of work runs from protection and removal to rough plumbing, wiring and the fan duct, then waterproofing, tile and the planned tile transitions, followed by the vanity, fixtures, glass and trim. Before the final review, the glass is opened and closed, the fan is run, and the door is swung to confirm it clears the vanity and toilet.

Frequently asked questions

Which county handles permits for an Ellenwood address?

It depends on where the property sits, because Ellenwood spans parts of DeKalb, Clayton and Henry counties. Each county has its own permitting office: Planning & Sustainability in DeKalb, the building permit section in Clayton and Building & Plan Review in Henry. Your property tax records show which county the home is in.

Why does the shower valve location matter?

A valve placed directly under the showerhead means reaching through cold water to turn it on. Placing it near the entry, or on the wall beside the door, lets you adjust the temperature first. The valve location is set during rough plumbing and is costly to move once tile is installed, so it should be decided early in the plan.

Can my existing bathroom fan be reused?

Sometimes. If the fan is quiet, sized for the room and vents outdoors through a sound duct, it may only need a new grille. Many older fans are undersized or noisy, though, and some vent into the attic. Since the ceiling is often accessible during a remodel, replacing the fan and correcting the duct is usually practical at that stage.

Tell us about the shower you want

Call 404-409-4448 to describe the bathroom you would like to change and, if you know it, which county your Ellenwood address is in. We can visit to measure and walk through the conditions with you, then send a written estimate.