Bathroom Renovation in Hillsborough

Primary bathroom renovations in Hillsborough take 8-12 weeks of construction. Historic homes with lead paint or asbestos remediation may add 1-2 weeks. Guest bathrooms and powder rooms take 4-6 weeks. Custom stone fabrication lead times (4-6 weeks) should be factored into the overall project timeline.

Yes — many Hillsborough bathrooms, especially in pre-war homes, are undersized by today's standards. We enlarge bathrooms by borrowing space from adjacent bedrooms or closets, which avoids exterior changes and ADRB review. If a bump-out or addition is needed, we manage the full ADRB approval process.

We study the home's architectural style and period details — molding profiles, proportions, materials, hardware — and design bathrooms that feel like they belong. For a 1930s Tudor, that might mean arched shower entries and iron fixtures. For a 1950s colonial, clean lines and marble wainscoting. The result is a bathroom that feels both new and authentically part of the home.

In Hillsborough homes built before 1970, we strongly recommend replacing supply lines (often galvanized steel) and drain lines (often cast iron) while walls are open. This is a one-time opportunity to prevent future plumbing failures that could cause water damage. The incremental cost is typically $3,000-$8,000 — a wise investment in a home of this caliber.

Electric radiant heat mats installed under tile or stone are our standard recommendation. Some Hillsborough homes have existing hydronic radiant systems — if functional, we can integrate the bathroom into that system. New electric systems cost $3,000-$5,000 depending on bathroom size and include programmable thermostats.

Freestanding soaking tubs are one of the most requested features in our Hillsborough bathroom renovations. We install Victoria + Albert, Bain Ultra, and MTI tubs with floor-mounted fillers in polished nickel or unlacquered brass. We verify floor structure can support the filled weight (typically 800-1,200 lbs) and reinforce framing as needed.