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In Boise, your home is your retreat after a day in the foothills or on the Greenbelt. But if your bathroom feels cramped or outdated, it is hard to relax. Whether you are modernizing a historic bungalow in the North End or updating a master suite in Harris Ranch, your bathroom needs to be functional and durable enough to handle the demands of the high desert climate.
Mr. Remodel connects you with the top remodeling contractors in the Treasure Valley. We partner with registered and insured contractors who understand Idaho building codes. The experts in our network know how to navigate everything from replacing old galvanized pipes to installing the water softening systems needed to combat Boise's hard water.
Get a free, no-obligation quote from a trusted Boise bathroom remodeler.
Why Boise Homeowners Use Mr. Remodel
1. Hard Water Solutions
Boise has some of the hardest water in the country. This leads to limescale buildup that destroys glass shower doors and faucets. The contractors we connect you with specialize in installing water softeners and using specific spot-resistant glass coatings. This keeps your new shower looking clean without constant scrubbing.
2. Historic North End Expertise
Renovating a bathroom in a historic district like the North End or Warm Springs requires care. You often have limited space and strict preservation rules if you move a window. Our partners are experienced in maximizing small layouts and sourcing vintage-style fixtures that respect the character of your 1920s home.
3. Verified DOPL Registration
Idaho law requires contractors to be registered. Every pro in our network holds a valid registration with theIdaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). This ensures they carry the required insurance to protect your property during the renovation.
Average Cost of Bathroom Remodeling in Boise
Construction costs in the Treasure Valley have stabilized but remain higher than rural Idaho due to demand. Below are estimates for typical projects in Ada County.
|
REMODEL TYPE |
AVERAGE COST |
TYPICAL PROJECT SCOPE |
TIMELINE |
|
Cosmetic Update |
$8,000 to $12,000 |
New vanity, toilet, paint, and fixtures. Keeping the existing layout. |
1 to 2 Weeks |
|
Tub-to-Shower |
$10,000 to $16,000 |
Removing the old tub and installing a walk-in shower with a tile surround. |
2 to 3 Weeks |
|
Full Gut |
$18,000 to $28,000 |
New plumbing lines to replace galvanized pipes, subfloor repair, and tile. |
3 to 4 Weeks |
|
Master Suite |
$35,000 to $60,000+ |
Moving walls, dual vanities, freestanding tub, high-end stone. |
4 to 6 Weeks |
Common Bathroom Challenges in the Treasure Valley
1. Galvanized Pipe Failure
Many homes built in Boise before 1970 still use galvanized steel pipes. Over time, these pipes rust from the inside. This causes low water pressure and rusty water. The pros in our network almost always recommend replacing these lines with PEX or copper during a remodel to prevent future leaks.
2. Cold Tile Floors
Boise winters are chilly. Stepping onto a cold tile in January is unpleasant. The experts we recommend often suggest installing radiant floor heating. This is an energy-efficient upgrade that keeps your bathroom comfortable without cranking up the furnace.
3. Limescale Buildup
The mineral content in our water eats away at standard fixtures. A cheap faucet might corrode in just a few years. Our partners recommend high-quality brass fixtures and installing a whole-home water conditioner to protect your investment.
4. Small Layouts
Many historic homes in the North End or older neighborhoods have cramped layouts. Our experts specialize in maximizing this space by installing pocket doors or using floating vanities and vertical storage to open up the floor plan.
Tub to Shower Conversion vs. Full Master Remodel
This is a common choice for homeowners in Meridian and Eagle.
Option A: Tub-to-Shower Conversion
- Best For: Homeowners planning to age in place or who simply never take baths.
- Pros: It replaces a high-step tub with a safe, low-threshold shower. It makes the room feel bigger and is easier to clean.
- Cons: You lose the bathtub. Families with small children or dogs usually need at least one tub in the house.
Option B: Full Gut Remodel
- Best For: Homes in the Bench or Foothills with extra space.
- Pros: You can create a spa environment with dual sinks and a separate water closet. This adds significant resale value in high-end neighborhoods.
- Cons: It is expensive and invasive. It often requires stealing space from a closet or adjacent bedroom.
Expert Advice: If you have stiff joints or safety concerns, a Conversion is the best functional upgrade. If you are updating for resale in a luxury neighborhood, a Full Master Remodel offers the best return on investment.
How Mr. Remodel Works
We handle the red tape so you can focus on the tile choices.
- Permit Management: The contractor handles the plumbing and electrical permits with Boise Planning and Development Services.
- Subcontractor Coordination: A bathroom remodel involves plumbers, electricians, and tilers. The general contractor schedules them all so the project runs smoothly.
- Final Inspection: The contractor ensures the work passes all city inspections before the final walk-through.
Serving the Entire Treasure Valley
Mr. Remodel connects you with pros across Ada and Canyon counties.
- Boise Neighborhoods: North End, Warm Springs, The Bench, Harris Ranch, Southeast Boise, West Boise, Quail Hollow.
- Surrounding Cities: Meridian, Eagle, Kuna, Star, Nampa, Caldwell, Garden City.
FAQ: Bathroom Remodeling in Boise
Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom in Boise?
Yes. You need a permit if you are moving plumbing fixtures, changing electrical wiring, or moving walls. Simple cosmetic changes like painting or swapping a toilet usually do not require one. You can verify permit rules at theBoise City Building Division.
Does a contractor need a license in Idaho?
Idaho requires contractors to be registered rather than licensed, but plumbers and electricians must hold specific trade licenses. You should always verify your contractor is registered with theIdaho DOPL and that their subs are fully licensed.
How do I handle hard water spots on my new shower?
The best defense is a water softener. If that is not in the budget, ask your contractor about "baked-on" glass coatings that repel water. Also, using a squeegee after every shower is the most effective low-cost habit to prevent buildup.
Can I add a bathroom to my basement?
Yes, but you need to check your sewer depth. Many older Boise homes have sewer lines that are higher than the basement floor. This means you will need to install a sewage ejector pump to push waste up to the main line. The experts we connect you with can inspect your basement to see if this pump is necessary before you start digging.
What is the best flooring for Boise bathrooms?
We recommend heated porcelain tile. Boise winters are cold, and tile floors can feel freezing in the morning. Porcelain is waterproof and durable, and installing an electric radiant heat mat underneath is a relatively low-cost upgrade that adds huge comfort during the winter months.
Get Your Free Boise Bathroom Remodeling Quote
Don't let a cramped layout or rusty pipes ruin your morning routine. Whether you need a simple update in Meridian or a historic restoration in the North End, Mr. Remodel is your link to the best pros in the valley.
Ready to upgrade your home? Request Your Free Quote Today.