Arvada, Colorado
Bathroom Remodeling in
Arvada, CO
Bathroom remodeling in Arvada, CO usually starts with an older bathroom. The median home in Arvada was built in 1979, so a lot of local bathrooms still have their original tub, tile and pipes. We remodel bathrooms all over Arvada, from post-war ranches near Olde Town to newer homes in Candelas and Leyden Rock. Most full remodels here run about $15,000 to $35,000 and take 3 to 6 weeks.
to talk through your bathroom and get a written quote.
Or start with our Arvada bathroom remodel cost guide.
Updated October 2026
The short version:
- Typical cost:about $8,000 for a simple refresh, $15,000 to $35,000 for a full remodel, and $20,000 to $60,000 or more for a large primary bathroom.
- Typical time:1 to 2 weeks for a refresh or tub-to-shower swap, 3 to 6 weeks for a full remodel with permits.
- Permits:the City of Arvada requires one when plumbing, electrical or structure changes.
- Where we work:all of Arvada (80002, 80003, 80004, 80005 and 80007), plus Westminster, Wheat Ridge and Golden.
Costs and timelines
What Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Arvada, and How Long Does It Take?
In Arvada, CO and the rest of the Denver area, most full bathroom remodels cost between $15,000 and $35,000 in 2026. Denver-area costs run higher than national averages, mostly because of labor. The table below shows the ranges we see local cost guides use, with the time each job usually takes.
Ranges, not quotes. Your price depends on size, finishes and what’s behind the walls.
| Project | What it usually includes | Typical cost (Denver area, 2026) | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom refresh | Same layout. New vanity, toilet, faucet, lighting, paint, minor tile repair | About $8,000 to $15,000 | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Small or hall bath remodel | Full tear-out of a 5×8 style bath, new tub or shower, tile, vanity, fan | About $10,000 to $20,000 | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Mid-range full remodel | New shower or tub with waterproofing, tile, vanity, fixtures, lighting, fan | About $15,000 to $35,000 | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Primary bathroom with layout changes | Walk-in shower, double vanity, moved plumbing, custom tile | About $20,000 to $60,000+ | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Tub-to-shower conversion (added to a remodel) | Tub out, waterproof shower base and walls, glass | Often adds $4,000 to $10,000 | 1 to 2 weeks on its own |
These ranges come from Denver-area cost guides published in 2026. Your price depends on the size of the room, what’s behind the walls, and the finishes you pick. You’ll get a written, itemized quote before any work starts.
What pushes the price up?
- Moving plumbing. Relocating a toilet, drain or shower valve adds plumbing labor and often floor or wall work.
- A custom tiled shower with glass. This is usually the biggest single line on the quote.
- What we find behind the walls. Rotted subfloor, old galvanized pipe or outdated wiring is common in Arvada homes built before 1990.
- Layout changes. Moving walls, adding a window or changing the room’s size takes more trades and more permits.
- Premium fixtures and stone. Natural stone and high-end fixtures cost more to buy and to install.
How can you keep the cost down without cutting corners?
- Keep the toilet, sink and shower where they are.
- Pick porcelain tile instead of natural stone. Good porcelain looks like marble at a lower price.
- Use a stock vanity instead of a custom one.
- Keep 10 to 20% of your budget aside for surprises. In older homes, something behind the tile almost always needs attention.
Never cut corners on waterproofing, the exhaust fan, or electrical safety. Those are the parts that protect the rest of the house.
Services
Bathroom Remodeling Services in Arvada
Every service below starts the same way: a look at your bathroom, a clear scope, and a written quote. Pick the one that sounds like your project.
Full Bathroom Remodel
We take the room down to the studs, fix what’s hidden, and rebuild it with new plumbing where needed, proper waterproofing, tile, fixtures, lighting and ventilation. It’s the right choice when a bathroom is both dated and worn out.
Tub to Shower Conversion
We remove an old tub and build a walk-in shower in the same space, with a low or no curb, a waterproof base and solid grab bar backing. This is one of the most common projects for Arvada homeowners who find stepping over a tub wall harder than it used to be.
Walk-In Showers
Tiled walk-in showers with frameless glass, built-in niches and a waterproofing system behind every tile. We’ll walk you through tile sizes, glass options and how to keep it easy to clean.
Tub and Shower Replacement
If the rest of your bathroom is fine, you may only need a new tub or shower. Careful demo keeps the surrounding walls and floor intact so you’re not paying for a full remodel.
Bathroom Vanities and Countertops
A new vanity, quartz or solid-surface countertop, sink and faucet can change how a bathroom looks and works in a few days. We’ll help you pick a size and material that hold up in Colorado’s dry air.
Basement Bathrooms
Many Arvada homes, especially walk-out basements in Candelas and Leyden Rock, were built with plumbing roughed in for a future bathroom. We finish them with attention to two local issues: clay soil that can move a slab, and radon.
Aging-in-Place and Accessible Bathrooms
Low or curbless showers, grab bars anchored into solid wood, non-slip tile, a comfort-height toilet and brighter lighting. These changes help you or a parent stay safe at home longer. More than 21,000 Arvada residents are 65 or older, and this is a big part of what we do.
Primary Bathroom Remodels
Many 1990s and 2000s homes have a big garden tub nobody uses. Swapping it for a walk-in shower and adding a double vanity is one of the most popular primary bathroom upgrades in Arvada.
Small Bathrooms and Powder Rooms
Most older Arvada homes have a 5×8 hall bath. Smart layout, the right vanity size and good lighting make a small room feel bigger without moving walls.
Bathroom Tile and Flooring
Floor and wall tile set over the right base, with a crack-isolation layer where the slab or subfloor tends to move. That matters on Arvada’s clay soil.
Leak and Water Damage Repair
A soft floor by the toilet, a stain on the ceiling below, or loose tile often means a slow leak. We find the source, repair the damage, and rebuild it right so it doesn’t come back.
Before and after
Before and After: Arvada Bathroom Remodels
Photos tell you more than any promise. These bathroom remodels in Arvada show where each project started and how it turned out. Look at the details that matter: straight grout lines, tile that sits flat, clean caulk joints, and a shower curb that’s level with the glass.
Tub to Shower Conversion
Hall Bathroom Remodel
Primary Bathroom Update
Basement Bathroom
Behind the tile
What We Often Find Behind the Tile in Arvada Homes
About three out of four Arvada homes are owner-occupied, and most were built in the second half of the 1900s. Each era of home tends to hide its own problems. Knowing what’s likely back there helps you plan your budget before the first tile comes off.
- 01Before 1970Bungalows and post-war ranches near Olde Town
- 021970s and 1980sRanches and split-levels
- 031990s and 2000sStandley Lake, West Woods and Five Parks
- 042010s and newerCandelas, Leyden Rock and Whisper Creek
Older homes near Olde Town (before 1970)
Olde Town Arvada and the streets around it have early 1900s bungalows and post-war ranches. Some of those post-war homes were built for workers at the former Rocky Flats plant. These bathrooms are often small, with one full bath for the whole house. Common finds:
- Galvanized steel water pipes that rust inside, causing low pressure and brown water
- Heavy mortar-bed tile and cast iron tubs
- No exhaust fan, only a small window
- Lead-based paint (any home built before 1978 may have it)
Federal EPA rules require lead-safe work practices when a renovation disturbs paint in a home built before 1978. Older floor tile and adhesive can also contain asbestos, so testing before demo is a smart step. More on remodeling older ranch bathrooms.
1970s and 1980s ranches and split-levels
This is the biggest group of homes in Arvada, around Lake Arbor, Pomona Lakes and much of central Arvada. Common finds:
- Fiberglass tub-shower inserts that are cracked or stained
- Cultured marble vanity tops
- A soft or rotted subfloor around the toilet from a slow leak at the wax ring
- Exhaust fans that are too weak or vent into the attic instead of outside
- Toilets that use 3.5 gallons or more per flush (newer WaterSense toilets use 1.28 gallons or less)
1990s and 2000s homes
Homes around Standley Lake, West Woods and the Village of Five Parks often have:
- Large garden tubs that rarely get used
- Builder-grade tile with grout that’s starting to crack
- Shower pans and caulk joints reaching the end of their life after 20 to 30 years
Newer homes in Candelas, Leyden Rock and Whisper Creek
Newer homes have fewer hidden problems but plain, builder-grade finishes. Many also have a basement already plumbed for a bathroom. HOA rules may apply to work schedules, dumpsters and parking, so it’s worth checking before a project starts. See how to upgrade a builder-grade bathroom.
Soil, water and weather
How Arvada’s Soil, Water and Weather Affect Your Bathroom
Arvada sits at about 5,348 feet on the Front Range. Clay soil, radon in the ground, cold winters and dry air all change how a bathroom should be built here. Local guides rarely mention these, but they decide how long your new bathroom lasts. For the full story, read our Arvada water, soil and radon guide.
Why does bathroom tile crack in Arvada?
Much of the Front Range sits on expansive clay, often called bentonite. It swells when wet and shrinks when dry. The Colorado Geological Survey calls swelling soil the state’s most significant geologic hazard. When a basement slab or foundation moves, tile and grout lines crack. That’s why we use a crack-isolation membrane under tile where movement is likely, especially in basement bathrooms.
Should you think about radon before adding a basement bathroom?
Yes. Jefferson County is in EPA Radon Zone 1, the highest-risk group. The Colorado health department says about half of Colorado homes test above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. A basement bathroom means cutting into the slab and adding drains, and those openings can let radon in. Test your home before you build, seal every slab opening, and ask about a mitigation system if your levels are high. Jefferson County lists typical mitigation costs of about $1,250 to $1,500.
Is Arvada water hard? Do you need a water softener?
Arvada’s water is soft to moderately hard. The City of Arvada reports an average of about 84 mg/L, or roughly 5 grains per gallon. The city says its water doesn’t need to be softened. You may see some white spots on glass and chrome. A quick squeegee after showers and fixtures with an easy-clean finish handle that. You don’t need to buy a softener just because you’re remodeling.
A few addresses with an Arvada mailing address get water from a different provider, so check your water bill if you’re not sure.
What do cold winters and dry air do to a bathroom?
In Arvada, average overnight lows stay below freezing from November through March. Pipes in outside walls can freeze, so we route or insulate them during a remodel. Cold tile floors make heated floors worth a look. The air is dry most of the year, which can shrink and crack solid wood vanities and trim. Winter is also when long hot showers in a closed-up house cause condensation and mold, if the fan can’t keep up.
Warning signs
Signs Your Bathroom Needs More Than a Quick Fix
Most people don’t start by searching for a remodel. They notice something wrong. Here’s what common signs usually mean. Our bathroom problems guide covers each one in more detail.
| What you notice | What it usually means | How soon to act |
|---|---|---|
| Soft or spongy floor near the toilet | A slow leak has rotted the subfloor | Soon. It keeps spreading |
| Stain on the ceiling below the bathroom | A failed shower pan, drain or supply line | Soon. Water damage grows |
| Cracked tile in a straight line | Floor or slab movement, often from clay soil | Plan a fix. Not usually an emergency |
| Black spots on the ceiling or grout | Mold from weak ventilation | Soon. It’s a health issue |
| Low pressure or brown water | Old galvanized pipes rusting inside | Plan a fix, ideally during a remodel |
| Musty smell in a basement bathroom | Poor ventilation, slab moisture or a dry drain trap | Check it soon |
| Stepping over the tub feels risky | The room no longer fits your needs | Before someone falls |
Step by step
How a Bathroom Remodel Works, Step by Step
A clear plan is what keeps a remodel on budget and on schedule. Here’s how a typical Arvada bathroom remodel goes. For a week-by-week look, see our process and timeline page.
- Call and talk it through. Tell us about your bathroom, what bothers you, and your rough budget.
- In-home visit. We measure, look for signs of leaks and rot, check the fan and wiring, and talk through options.
- Written quote and scope. You get an itemized quote that names the materials, the work, and how any surprises will be priced.
- Permits and ordering. Permits are pulled for any plumbing, electrical or structural work. Tile, fixtures, glass and the vanity are ordered so nothing holds up the job.
- Demo and rough-in. The old bathroom comes out. Hidden damage gets fixed. Plumbing and wiring are updated and inspected.Bathroom out of use
- Waterproofing, tile and fixtures. The waterproofing goes on before any tile, followed by the vanity, toilet, glass and lighting.Bathroom out of use
- Final walkthrough and inspection. We go through every detail with you and finish the final inspection.
Can you still use your bathroom during the remodel?
Not the one being remodeled. Many older Arvada homes have only one full bath, so plan ahead. Shorter jobs like a tub-to-shower conversion usually take 1 to 2 weeks. If it’s your only shower, we’ll talk through the schedule before work starts so you know exactly how long you’ll be without it.
Have a question about your own bathroom? Call (720) 542-6835 and talk to a local remodeler.
(720) 542-6835Working with us
What to Expect When You Work With Us
A remodel goes smoothly when you know what’s coming. Here’s what we commit to on every bathroom job in Arvada:
A written, itemized quote before any work starts. You’ll see the materials, the work and the price, not just a total.
Permits handled. We pull the permits your project needs and schedule the city inspections.
A clear start date and schedule. You’ll know when the work begins, about how long each stage takes, and when you’ll have your bathroom back.
Your home protected. Floors and paths get covered, and dust is kept in the work area as much as possible.
Clean-up every day. The work area is cleaned up at the end of each workday, not just when the job is done.
No surprise charges. If we find rot, old pipes or bad wiring behind the walls, we show you, explain the fix, and agree on the price in writing before doing the work.
Regular updates. You’ll hear from us as each stage finishes, so you’re never left guessing.
A final walkthrough. We go over every detail with you before the job is called done.
Reviews
What Arvada Homeowners Say About Their Bathroom Remodels
The best way to judge a bathroom remodeler is to hear from the people whose bathrooms they redid. Here’s what homeowners across Arvada have told us about their projects.
-
Tub to Shower Conversion
The crew explained what they found behind the old tub before doing anything extra. The new walk-in shower is easy to step into and easy to clean.
Emily R.Arvada, CO -
Full Bathroom Remodel
We got a written, itemized quote and the schedule matched what we were told. Floors and the hallway were covered every day.
James M.Arvada, CO -
Small Bathroom Remodel
Our hall bath is small, but the new vanity and lighting make it feel much bigger. They helped us pick sizes that actually fit.
Sarah K.Arvada, CO -
Leak and Water Damage Repair
They found a slow leak under the toilet, showed us the damage, and agreed the price in writing before fixing it.
David W.Arvada, CO -
Aging-in-Place Bathroom
Grab bars, a low-curb shower and non-slip tile. My mother can use the bathroom on her own again.
Linda P.Arvada, CO -
Basement Bathroom
The basement bathroom was planned around the slab and radon testing from the start. Clean work and clear updates.
Michael T.Arvada, CO -
Primary Bathroom Remodel
We swapped a garden tub we never used for a tiled shower and a double vanity. The tile lines are straight and the glass fits perfectly.
Olivia B.Arvada, CO
Permits
Do You Need a Permit to Remodel a Bathroom in Arvada?
Usually, yes. The City of Arvada requires a building permit for bathroom work that changes plumbing, electrical or structure. Swapping a vanity, toilet or faucet in the same spot usually doesn’t need one.
A few local details:
Licensed trades. Contractors doing plumbing, electrical or mechanical work must be licensed with the City of Arvada, and they’re linked to one permit for the whole project.
Fees. Permit fees are based on the value of the job.
On-site paperwork. The approved plans and permit must be kept on site during the work.
County lines. Most of Arvada is in Jefferson County, with a small part in Adams County. Some homes with an Arvada mailing address are actually in unincorporated Jefferson County, which has its own permit office.
Nearby cities. Westminster, Wheat Ridge and Golden each run their own building departments with their own rules.
Unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance claims and when you sell. Our FAQ page answers more permit questions, and our hiring checklist shows what to ask before you sign.
Choosing a remodeler
How to Choose a Bathroom Remodeler in Arvada
Thumbtack alone lists more than 30 bathroom remodelers in Arvada, so picking one can feel like a gamble. These questions help you find the right bathroom remodeling contractor quickly. Ask every company you talk to, including us.
- Are you licensed with the City of Arvada? Ask for the license number and confirm it with the city.
- Who does the plumbing and electrical? Plumbing should be done by a plumber licensed by the State of Colorado.
- Can I see proof of insurance? Ask for general liability and workers’ comp.
- Who pulls the permit? The contractor should, and inspections should be part of the plan.
- Is the quote written and itemized? It should name the materials and the work, not just a total.
- How are surprises priced? Rot and old pipes are common here. Agree on how they’re handled before work starts.
- How do payments work? Payments should follow finished stages, not one big payment up front.
- What’s the warranty, in writing? Know what’s covered and for how long.
- Can I see photos of past bathrooms and call two references? Real work is the best proof.
- Who’s my main contact, and how often will I hear from you? Clear communication prevents most remodel headaches.
For more detail, read our full guide to hiring a bathroom contractor.
Where to start
Which Bathroom Project Fits Your Situation?
Different homeowners need different things. Here’s where most people in Arvada start.
Stepping over the tub feels risky. Start with a tub to shower conversion and add grab bars and non-slip tile.
The whole room is dated and worn. A full bathroom remodel fixes what’s hidden and updates everything at once.
The bathroom looks fine but the tub or shower is failing. A tub and shower replacement may be all you need.
You’re selling in the next few months. A refresh with a new vanity, lighting, toilet and fresh caulk often does the job. See vanities and countertops.
You just bought a home and the inspector flagged the bathroom. Start with the bathroom problems guide to see what’s urgent and what can wait.
Your basement is already plumbed for a bathroom. A basement bathroom adds space and value, if it’s built for Arvada’s soil and radon.
Service area
Bathroom Remodeling Across Arvada and Nearby Cities
We work in every part of Arvada and in the cities next door. See our full service area for details.
ZIP codes: 80002, 80003, 80004, 80005 and 80007.
Nearby cities: Westminster, Wheat Ridge and Golden.
Whether you live near the Ralston Creek Trail, a few blocks from the Apex Center, or up by Majestic View Nature Center, we’ll come to you for the in-home visit.
Arvada neighborhoods we serve:
- Olde Town and southeast Arvada: Olde Town, plus Allendale, Scenic Heights and Wallace Village, near Grandview Avenue and Ralston Road
- Central Arvada: Lake Arbor, Pomona Lakes, Meadowglen, Club Crest, near Wadsworth Boulevard and Kipling Street
- North Arvada: the Standley Lake area, West Woods and the Village of Five Parks, Spring Mesa
- Northwest Arvada: Ralston Valley and Whisper Creek, Candelas and Leyden Rock, out by Indiana Street
Our office is at 6317 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003, in central Arvada along Wadsworth Boulevard.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Arvada?
Most full bathroom remodels in the Denver area cost $15,000 to $35,000 in 2026. A simple refresh with the same layout can start around $8,000. Large primary bathrooms with layout changes often run $20,000 to $60,000 or more. Older Arvada homes may need extra for hidden rot or old pipes.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A refresh or tub-to-shower conversion usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. A full remodel usually takes 3 to 6 weeks, including permits, inspections and time for materials to arrive. Custom shower glass and special-order vanities can add a few weeks, so we order them early.
Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom in Arvada?
You need a City of Arvada permit for any work that changes plumbing, electrical or structure, such as moving a drain, adding outlets or removing a wall. Replacing a vanity, toilet or faucet in the same spot usually doesn’t need one. Homes in unincorporated Jefferson County go through the county instead.
Can I replace just the tub without redoing the whole bathroom?
Yes. If the rest of the room is in good shape, careful demo lets us remove and replace only the tub or shower and the walls around it. The floor, vanity and other walls stay as they are. It costs far less than a full remodel and is often done within a week or two.
Is $10,000 enough to remodel a bathroom in Arvada?
Often, yes, for a small bathroom where the layout stays the same and you pick mid-range finishes. It’s usually not enough for a custom tiled walk-in shower, moving plumbing, or fixing major hidden damage. A written, itemized quote will show exactly what fits your budget.
Do I need a water softener for my new bathroom?
Usually not. The City of Arvada reports its water averages about 5 grains per gallon, which it calls soft to moderately hard, and says softening isn’t needed. You may see light water spots on glass and chrome. A squeegee and easy-clean fixture finishes take care of that.
Should I test for radon before finishing a basement bathroom?
Yes. Jefferson County is in EPA Radon Zone 1, and about half of Colorado homes test above the EPA action level. Building a basement bathroom means cutting the slab and adding drains, which can open new paths for radon. Test first, seal all slab openings, and add mitigation if needed.
When is the best time of year to remodel a bathroom in Arvada?
Spring and early summer are the busiest months, so schedules fill up and lead times run longer. Late winter is a good time to start, because bathroom work happens indoors and crews often have more openings. Plan two to three months ahead to choose finishes and order materials.
Do you work outside Arvada?
Yes. Besides every Arvada ZIP code (80002, 80003, 80004, 80005 and 80007), we work in Westminster, Wheat Ridge and Golden. Each of those cities has its own permit office and rules, and we plan the job around them.
Ready to Talk About Your Bathroom?
Tell us what’s bothering you about your bathroom, whether it’s a soft floor, a tub that’s hard to step into, or a room that just looks tired. We’ll come out, take a look, and give you a written bathroom remodel quote you can compare with anyone else’s. Calls are no-obligation.
or visit our contact page.