The shower or tub no longer works
Compare tiled showers, panel systems, low-threshold entries and complete tub-to-shower conversions before accepting a one-size-fits-all proposal.
Madison and Dane County bathroom planning
Madison Bath Works helps homeowners define bathroom-remodeling scope, compare realistic planning ranges and request contact from an independent local provider suited to the project.
Madison and Dane County coverage
Sourced planning ranges
Permit and scope guidance
Written-scope comparison
Start with the problem
The shower or tub no longer works
Compare tiled showers, panel systems, low-threshold entries and complete tub-to-shower conversions before accepting a one-size-fits-all proposal.
The room wastes space
Fixture dimensions, recessed storage, door movement and lighting often matter more than decorative extras in compact Madison bathrooms.
Moisture keeps returning
Persistent condensation can point to fan capacity, duct routing or concealed water-management problems that new finishes alone will not correct.
The room needs to remain usable
Low thresholds, blocking, reachable controls, seating and slip resistance work best when planned as one system.
Scope-led planning
01
Plan a shower rebuild around waterproofing, drainage, safe entry and the level of maintenance you want.
02
Compare conversion systems, thresholds, drainage changes and the resale implications of removing a bathtub.
03
Understand low-threshold and curbless options, doors, seating, controls and the construction beneath the finish.
04
Plan clearances, support, controls, seating and slip-resistant surfaces around the person who will use the room.
05
Use layout, storage, fixture sizing and lighting to make a compact bathroom work without crowding circulation.
06
Coordinate larger wet areas, two-person storage, lighting, ventilation and comfort upgrades as one complete plan.
07
Plan tile around substrate preparation, movement, waterproofing, layout and long-term maintenance.
08
Compare electric radiant systems, controls, floor buildup and operating considerations before tile is installed.
09
Address fan capacity, noise, controls, duct routing and exterior termination instead of treating condensation as a finish problem.
A better-prepared first consultation
Know the scope first
Estimate the likely budget before the sales appointment.
Published planning ranges
| Project level | Initial range | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|
| Wet-area replacement | $8,000–$18,000 | Tub or shower area and limited adjacent work |
| Partial update | $15,000–$30,000 | Selected fixtures and finishes with much of the room retained |
| Full remodel | $30,000–$50,000 | Coordinated demolition, wet area, vanity, floor, lighting and finishes |
| High complexity | $45,000–$75,000+ | Layout changes, custom work or larger rooms |
These are educational planning ranges, not quotes. Plumbing relocation, custom glass or cabinetry, concealed damage, electrical work and accessibility requirements can move the total.
Coverage
Middleton combines older homes near its downtown with established subdivisions and newer Middleton Hills housing. Bathroom planning therefore ranges from compact hall baths with nonstandard dimensions to larger primary suites where storage, walk-in showers and heated tile floors are common priorities.
Fitchburg spans established neighborhoods beside Madison, later suburban development and rural-edge properties. A useful bathroom plan must distinguish older compact layouts from newer builder-grade wet areas and larger primary-suite upgrades.
Sun Prairie's rapid growth sits alongside ranch, split-level and other established housing. That supports distinct projects: practical hall-bath conversions in older neighborhoods and upgrades to builder-grade showers, ventilation and storage in newer homes.
Verona has an older village core and fast-growing subdivisions. Bathroom projects range from compact rooms with limited plumbing flexibility to larger primary suites where curbless showers, two-person storage and radiant floor heat can be designed from the start.
Direct answers
Use approximately $15,000–$30,000 for a substantial partial update and $30,000–$50,000 for many full remodels as an initial planning range. Layout changes, custom work and concealed repairs can push higher.
Work involving building alterations, plumbing, electrical systems or mechanical ventilation may require permits and inspections. Confirm the complete scope with City of Madison Building Inspection before construction begins.
Focused wet-area work may take days on-site, while a full remodel commonly requires several weeks after design, selections, permits and ordering. Ask for preconstruction and on-site schedules separately.
No. A one-day bath generally focuses on the tub or shower area. A full remodel can coordinate the wet area, flooring, vanity, lighting, ventilation and several trades.
No. Madison Bath Works provides planning information and connects homeowners with independent providers. Verify provider identity, insurance, qualifications, scope, warranties and contract terms before hiring.
Provide the ZIP code, room dimensions, current fixture layout, desired shower or tub arrangement, accessibility needs, preferred timing, realistic budget and useful photos.
Start with the scope
Describe the room, compare the likely cost and prepare for a more useful contractor conversation.