Bathroom Remodeling Built From the Studs Out—Built for Lasting Water Protection.
Pretty tile is easy to spot on day one. What determines how your bathroom performs ten years from now is the subfloor framing, plumbing rough-ins, and properly installed waterproofing systems you’ll never see. At Level 5 Builders, we build bathrooms the right way—backed by a defined budget that only you can exceed.
Proudly serving homeowners who value real craftsmanship across Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, Marietta, Kennesaw, Decatur, Fayetteville, and Peachtree City.
Beauty Is on the Tile. Longevity Is Behind It.
Ask any experienced builder what they find when they tear out a seven-year-old "budget" bathroom remodel, and the story is almost always the same: soft, rotted subfloors around the shower curb, black mold behind damp cement board, and hairline cracks in the floor grout because the joists underneath weren't reinforced.
Why does that happen so often? Because water is relentless, and too many remodelers rely on tile, grout, and caulk to keep water out of your walls. Here is the truth every homeowner should know: tile and grout are not waterproof—they are water-resistant.
At Level 5 Builders, our name comes from the highest standard of surface finish in the construction trade—where zero imperfections can hide. For over 25 years, we’ve applied that exact same standard to what goes behind your bathroom walls. We aren't perfect by any stretch, but we refuse to cut corners on the structural and waterproof systems that protect your home.
The Level 5 Bathroom Standard: What We Do That Others Skip
We don't do cosmetic "cover-ups" or slap new tile over questionable drywall. Every full bathroom remodel we build follows a strict, gut-to-studs protocol:
Full Demolition to Studs & Subfloor Remediation: Before we rebuild anything, we strip the bathroom down to the bare studs and subfloor decking. If an old leaking shower pan or wax toilet ring caused wood rot, we cut it out and sister fresh structural joists so your new floor is dead-level and rock-solid.
Schluter®-KERDI Bonded Waterproofing Systems: We protect shower wet zones with Schluter®-KERDI sheet-applied waterproofing membranes, compatible drain connections, and carefully sealed seams, corners, and niches. Proper installation and flood testing in accordance with manufacturer requirements help protect your wall cavities and subfloor from water intrusion.
True Recessed Curbless (Zero-Entry) Showers: Want a clean, modern walk-in shower without a step-over curb—either for sleek aesthetics or long-term aging in place? We don't "fake" it with a clumsy tile ramp. We engineer and recess the structural floor joists beneath the shower pan so the drain slope is built seamlessly into the floor.
Upgraded Plumbing Valves & Supply Lines: While the walls are open, we replace aging or corroded pipes with modern PEX/copper lines, install pressure-balanced or thermostatic shower valves at the exact height that fits you, and ensure drain slopes meet strict plumbing code.
Real Humidity Control & Radiant Floor Heating: A great bathroom shouldn't fog up the mirrors or peel the ceiling paint. We install whisper-quiet, properly CFM-rated exhaust fans vented straight to the exterior (never dumped into your attic), and can integrate programmable electric floor warming right beneath your tile.
What Does a Quality Bathroom Remodel Really Cost?
If you’ve started gathering quotes for a bathroom remodel, you’ve probably noticed that prices are all over the map. A guy in a pickup truck might quote $9,500 because he plans to lay tile directly over old drywall and reuse your old plumbing valves—while a high-end showroom quotes $110,000 for imported stone.
We believe in giving straightforward, realistic numbers so you can plan with confidence. When you hire a licensed, insured general contractor to gut, waterproof, permit, and rebuild a bathroom properly, investments typically fall into these three tiers:
1. Hall or Guest Bath Full Gut Remodel
Realistic Investment Range: $22,000 – $35,000
Typical Build Timeline: 3 – 5 Weeks
What’s Included: Full gut to the studs; subfloor inspection & leveling; new cast-iron/acrylic soaking tub or custom Schluter-waterproofed shower conversion; quality wood vanity with quartz/granite top; new toilet & plumbing valves; updated lighting & exterior-vented exhaust fan; porcelain tile floors; and a true Level 5 drywall and paint finish.
2. Primary Bathroom Transformation (Same Layout)
Realistic Investment Range: $38,000 – $65,000
Typical Build Timeline: 5 – 7 Weeks
What’s Included: Full gut of a large primary bath; removing that oversized 1990s tiled garden tub deck to expand the walk-in shower; full Schluter waterproofing system with custom niche & bench; heavy frameless glass enclosure; freestanding soaking tub (if desired); double vanity with upgraded electrical; heated tile floors; and dedicated project management.
3. Structural Primary Suite Reconfiguration
Realistic Investment Range: $65,000 – $95,000+
Typical Build Timeline: 7 – 10 Weeks
What’s Included: Moving partition or load-bearing walls between the bathroom, closet, or bedroom to create a better layout; cutting into the concrete slab or re-routing crawlspace main drain stacks to relocate toilets and showers; recessed curbless zero-entry wet room framing; custom cabinetry; and full mechanical/structural permitting.
A Defined Budget Only You Can Exceed: We don't underbid a job just to get our foot in the door and hit you with "surprise" change orders once your bathroom is torn apart. Because we inspect thoroughly up front and define every material allowance clearly, your budget is locked in unless you decide to add scope or upgrade materials along the way.
Master Tile Setting Meets Stress-Free Project Management
Even the best waterproofing in the world won't matter if the finished tile work looks rushed. Our craftsmen treat tile layout like finish carpentry:
Planned Tile Layouts (No Awkward "Sliver Cuts"): Before we mix a single bag of thin-set mortar, we laser-line your walls to center patterns, align grout joints cleanly from the floor up the walls, and frame shower niches so they land evenly on full tile courses.
Respect for Your Home: We know how disruptive it is to have trades working inside your personal living space. We lay down heavy-duty floor protection from your front door to the bathroom, seal off doorways with zippered dust containment, and clean up the jobsite at the end of every workday.
One Dedicated Project Manager: You never have to wonder who is showing up at your house or chase down subcontractors. Your Level 5 Project Manager coordinates the demo crew, plumbers, electricians, tile setters, and glass installers on a clear, predictable schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Remodeling
Can we get rid of our giant 1990s built-in garden tub and make our shower bigger?
Absolutely—in fact, that is the single most popular bathroom project we build! Those huge, carpeted or tiled corner tub decks eat up an incredible amount of square footage. By removing the deck, we can usually double the size of your walk-in shower and still leave plenty of breathing room for a sleek freestanding soaking tub or extra linen storage.
Why does a gut-to-studs bathroom remodel take 4 to 6 weeks instead of 5 days?
Doing it right takes proper sequencing. Between full demolition, framing adjustments, rough plumbing and electrical inspections, installing flood-tested waterproofing, custom tile setting, waiting for custom-measured frameless tempered glass to be fabricated, and final trim-out, rushing a bathroom in a few days means skipping critical curing and waterproofing steps.
How can we reduce mold and mildew in our new shower over time?
Properly installed Schluter waterproofing, sealed membrane connections, and flood testing help protect the structure behind your tile. A properly sloped shower pan promotes drainage, while high-performance grout and an exterior-vented exhaust fan help manage moisture. Regular cleaning, drying wet surfaces, and using the exhaust fan remain essential; no shower system can guarantee a permanently mold-free bathroom.
Ready for a Bathroom Built Right the First Time?
If you want a bathroom remodel that feels just as solid, dry, and effortless ten years from now as it does the day we finish, let’s have an honest conversation about your space. No pushy sales tactics—just real answers, clear pricing, and experienced craftsmanship.
