How Fairfield Approaches Remodeling a Bathroom - What You Need to Know Before Starting

Kevin Davis • August 15, 2025
Remodeling a bathroom is one of the best ways to increase the comfort, function, and value of your home. But it’s also one of the most complex projects you can take on. Behind the walls and under the floors, there’s a lot happening—and getting it right from the start makes all the difference.

At Fairfield, we believe in a process that takes what feels overwhelming and breaks it into manageable, confident steps. With our showroom and in-house design team, we help you plan thoroughly, avoid surprises, and bring your vision to life—beautifully and functionally.

Here’s how we approach bathroom remodeling from demo to design—and everything in between:
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1. Start With a Full Gut: Get to the Studs and Subfloor

Before any design decisions are made, we start with a full demolition down to the studs and subfloor. It’s more work upfront, but this is how we uncover critical issues that could otherwise compromise your remodel. This includes:

• Water damage or mold
• Ventilation problems
• Air quality concerns
• Outdated electrical or plumbing

Starting fresh gives your bathroom remodel a solid, safe foundation—and gives your investment the best shot at lasting another 50 years.
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2. Pick Your Color Palette Early

Before diving into materials and finishes, select a color palette. A unified palette ensures every choice—from tile and flooring to paint and fixtures—works together harmoniously. Without this, it’s easy to end up with mismatched elements that feel disjointed or accidental.
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3. Plan for Smart Storage

Storage is essential, especially in bathrooms where space is often limited. Thoughtful planning makes the space both beautiful and practical. Some of our go-to ideas include:

• Recessed or surface-mounted medicine cabinets – sleek, functional, and timeless
• Open shelving or recessed built-ins – perfect at eye level and great for grooming essentials
• Vanities with drawers – far more efficient than cabinet doors
• Linen closet – often the biggest boost to bathroom storage
• Outlet shelves – ideal for phones, watches, or toothbrushes, with power right below
• Nanotape shelving – a no-drill, stick-on option for storing products at eye level without compromising tile

Our goal is to help you keep daily items accessible—without cluttering your countertops.
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4. Mirror and Lighting: More Important Than You Think

Lighting and mirrors do more than just look nice—they’re essential for function, grooming, and the perception of space. Here’s what we recommend:

• Use large mirrors to bounce light and open up the room
• Choose bulbs with a color temperature of 3500K–4000K to simulate natural daylight
• Use sconces on either side of the mirror or mirrors with integrated lighting to reduce shadows
• Add dimmers to adjust the mood from bright and functional to soft and relaxing
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5. Choose Finishes That Match Your Cleaning & Maintenance Routine

Gorgeous finishes are great—until they become a maintenance headache. Some materials demand more upkeep than others. Keep this in mind:

• Higher maintenance: Matte black, polished chrome, gold
• Lower maintenance: Brushed nickel, stainless steel

And when it comes to grout and tile:

• White or black grout shows dirt and water spots quickly
• Mid-toned colored grout hides stains and is far easier to keep looking clean
• Natural tile requires yearly sealing and maintenance

Pro Tip: Apply a glass treatment like EnduroShield to your shower glass. It reduces soap scum buildup and cuts cleaning time for years. Also adding a handheld showerhead helps ease cleaning routines.
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6. Electrical Outlets and Switches

Bathrooms demand smart, safe electrical planning. Outlets should always be GFCI protected and placed where they’ll be useful—without getting in your way. We recommend:

• Place outlets for hair tools, toothbrushes, and smart mirrors strategically
• Install outlets inside drawers or cabinets to keep cords and clutter off your counters
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7. Don’t Skimp on Ventilation

Ventilation isn’t optional—it’s essential. A quality fan helps protect your remodel from mold and moisture damage. We recommend:

• Choosing a fan properly sized for the room
• Using a 6” duct to ensure quiet, powerful airflow
• Venting directly to the exterior (never into the attic)
• Installing a timer switch to run the fan after you leave, helping normalize humidity levels
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8. Add Function with Niches

Storage can be built right into your shower—and when done well, it’s both beautiful and practical.

• Shower niches keep bottles off the floor and within easy reach
• A shave niche (a small footrest built into the wall) is a great alternative if you don’t have a bench
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9. Prioritize Safety

Shower floors should be as safe as they are stylish. The best option is:

• Small format tile with plenty of grout lines for slip resistance
• Yes, it requires a bit more maintenance—but the added traction is worth it
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10. Consider Spa-Like Heated Floors

Few upgrades feel more luxurious than heated floors—especially in winter. But they offer more than just comfort:

• They help regulate humidity and speed up drying time
• They can be extended under the shower bench, making every part of the space cozy and dry
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Final Thoughts: Invest in Quality, Plan with Purpose

There’s a saying in remodeling: “If you buy cheap, you buy twice.” A well-done bathroom remodel is one of the most valuable upgrades you can make—but only when it’s executed thoughtfully and thoroughly.

At Fairfield, we start with structure and function, then build beauty on top. The result? A space that’s tailored to your lifestyle, designed to last, and easy to enjoy—day after day, year after year.

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