Bathroom Remodeling in Chicago, IL
Remodeling a bathroom in Chicago requires a contractor who understands the specific framing, plumbing, and structural quirks of older South and Southwest Side neighborhoods. Whether you live in a classic brick bungalow in Beverly, a sturdy Georgian in Mount Greenwood, or a raised ranch near Midway Airport in Garfield Ridge, updating your bathroom improves daily function while preserving the character of your property. Inside Out Home Solutions brings veteran-owned discipline and precise craftsmanship to every stage of your renovation.
Outdated layouts, aging galvanized pipe runs, and cramped footprints often hold these spaces back from their full potential. Our team handles complete tear-outs down to the studs, addressing hidden water damage and subfloor issues before installing durable tile, modern vanities, updated ventilation, and custom shower enclosures tailored to how your household lives.
Chicago homes
Why bathrooms work in Chicago is its own thing
Homes across Ashburn, Morgan Park, and Clearing—especially those surrounding landmarks like Ridge Park and Marquette Park—frequently feature the standard 5x7 Chicago bungalow bathroom layout. These original spaces often contain heavy cast-iron tubs set against steel-mesh plaster walls that require specialized demolition techniques to remove safely without compromising adjoining rooms. If you are adding a second bath in the basement, low ductwork and ceiling heights require deliberate planning around drainage slopes and fixture clearance. We navigate these structural realities directly, rebuilding the wet wall, leveling settling floors, and integrating modern plumbing assemblies that meet current Cook County codes.
Common projects
What we're asked for in Chicago
Full Bathroom Rebuilds
We strip the room down to bare framing, replacing deteriorated subfloors, updating old cast-iron or galvanized lines, and squaring walls for clean tile installation. Every rebuild includes upgraded exhaust venting, moisture-resistant drywall, and precision-set tile from floor to ceiling.
Tub-to-Shower Conversions
Replace a cumbersome alcove tub with a spacious, low-threshold walk-in shower built over a custom waterproofed pan system. We install solid surface or porcelain tile surrounds, modern pressure-balanced valves, and sleek glass doors designed to maximize tight 5x7 footprints.
Custom Vanities & Storage Solutions
Chicago bathrooms often lack functional storage, leading to cluttered countertops. We install space-efficient vanities, recessed medicine cabinets, and custom built-in niches that provide ample organization without obstructing door swings or walkways.
Accessible Walk-in Showers
Create a safer bathing environment with barrier-free shower entries, integrated bench seating, and securely anchored grab bars. Our layouts prioritize clear floor space and non-slip textured tile while maintaining an upscale, cohesive aesthetic.
Scope
What's typically included
- Demolition and haul-away
- Framing and subfloor repair
- Waterproofing and tile setting
- Plumbing and electrical coordination
- Vanity, mirror and lighting install
- Final punch list and cleanup
Questions
Chicago homeowners often ask
How do you handle heavy cast-iron tubs and plaster walls during demolition?+
We utilize controlled demolition techniques to break down heavy cast-iron tubs and cut through wire-mesh plaster without damaging the surrounding structural framing. Our crew isolates the workspace with dust barriers and protects your flooring from the work zone to the exit.
Can a walk-in shower fit into a standard 5x7 Chicago bungalow bathroom?+
Yes, a walk-in shower fits cleanly into the standard 60-inch tub alcove found in most Chicago bungalows and Georgians. By removing the tub and installing a low-profile pan, custom glass panel, and recessed wall niches, the room feels significantly larger while retaining its original footprint.
What needs to be done about older plumbing lines in homes near the Ridge Historic District?+
During demolition, we inspect the existing supply and waste lines for corrosion, lead, or galvanized pipe bottlenecks. We tie in modern PEX supply lines and PVC drain lines to ensure proper water pressure and reliable drainage for your new fixtures.
Is it possible to add a full bathroom in a South Side basement with low ceilings?+
Yes, though it requires strategic planning around ceiling joists, ductwork, and below-slab plumbing lines. We evaluate existing sewer line depths and clearance heights to select appropriately scaled fixtures and shower pans that maximize overhead space.
Ready to modernize your bathroom while respecting the structural character of your Chicago home? Call Inside Out Home Solutions at (630) 200-6207 to discuss your project and schedule an initial on-site consultation.
Bathroom Remodeling in Chicago — let's take a look
Tell us what you're picturing and we'll walk the space with you. Straight answers, itemized numbers, no pressure.