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Compare your bathroom remodel quotes with confidence. This glossary covers the materials, systems and code requirements that determine whether a remodel lasts 30 years or 5 — written for Des Plaines homeowners.
A bonded sheet membrane waterproofing system applied to the substrate before tile. Combined with KERDI-DRAIN, it creates a fully waterproof shower assembly that exceeds ANSI A118.10. Industry gold standard for tile shower waterproofing.
A foam-board waterproofing product line (panels, drains, niches) that creates a 100% waterproof shower assembly faster than KERDI. Used interchangeably with Schluter on premium walk-in shower installations.
Removing an existing alcove tub and replacing it with a low-curb or curbless walk-in shower — including new rough plumbing, waterproofing, tile, and glass. Typical timeline: 5–7 working days.
A shower without a tub, designed with a low or zero curb, custom tile, optional bench and niches, and frameless glass enclosure. Premium feature in modern bathroom remodels.
A walk-in shower with no curb at all — the floor flows continuously into the shower pan via a linear drain. Required for ADA-compliant roll-in showers and increasingly popular for aging-in-place design.
A long, narrow shower drain (12"–60") installed at one end of the shower. Allows for single-slope tile installation with large-format tiles, and is essential for curbless showers.
A shower glass enclosure with no metal framing — held in place by clips, hinges, and 3/8" or 1/2" tempered safety glass. Premium look that's easier to clean than framed showers.
The bathroom's main cabinet + countertop + sink unit. Ranges from a 24" single-sink for guest baths to 72" double-sink luxury units. Common materials: shaker-style maple, MDF with painted finish, or solid wood with quartz/marble tops.
Quartz (engineered stone) is non-porous, stain-resistant, and never needs sealing — ideal for bathrooms. Granite is natural stone with unique veining but requires periodic sealing. Both deliver a 25+ year lifespan.
A toilet with a 17"–19" seat height (vs. 14"–15" standard). Easier on knees and required for ADA compliance. Almost universal in modern bathroom remodels.
All the in-wall and in-floor plumbing work: water supply lines, drain & vent piping, P-traps, and shut-off valves — installed before drywall and tile. Done by our licensed in-house plumbers per the IPC (International Plumbing Code).
The U-shaped pipe under every fixture's drain that holds a small amount of water to block sewer gases from entering the home. Required by code on every sink, tub, and shower.
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter outlet required by the NEC (National Electrical Code) within 6 feet of any sink. Trips instantly on a fault to prevent shock. Standard in every bathroom outlet.
An electric radiant floor heating system (cable mat or loose cable embedded in thinset under the tile). Adds a $1,500–$3,500 upgrade and pairs perfectly with porcelain or stone tile.
A building permit required by your municipality whenever a bathroom remodel touches plumbing, electrical, or structural framing. We pull all permits and schedule rough-in, plumbing, and final inspections on your behalf.
A bathroom designed to the Americans with Disabilities Act standards: 36" doorways, 60" turning radius, curbless shower with grab bars, comfort-height toilet, roll-under vanity, and lever-handle faucets.
A broader, aesthetic-first version of accessible design — features like curbless showers, comfort-height toilets, and 36" doorways are integrated invisibly so the bathroom serves everyone (children, parents, aging-in-place homeowners) without looking institutional.
An ENERGY STAR-rated bathroom exhaust fan (typically 50–110 CFM) ducted directly to the exterior — not to the attic. Required by code in any bathroom without an operable window. Prevents mold and protects the drywall and paint.
A recessed shelf built into the shower wall to hold shampoo, soap, and razors. We tile the back and sides to match the shower walls. Standard sizes: 12"×12" single, 12"×24" double, or full-height vertical.
Our promise: for as long as you own the home, if anything we installed fails due to our workmanship — leaks, cracked grout from improper substrate, fixture installation issues — we make it right at no charge. Separate from manufacturer warranties on fixtures.
