Case Study · 7 min read · 2026-03-18
Before/after: $45K bathroom remodel in Annapolis
In late 2025 we completed a primary bathroom remodel in Annapolis Historic District. Final budget: $45,300. Timeline: 6 weeks. Here's the full breakdown of what the homeowners chose, why, and what it cost.
The starting point
1962 colonial in the Murray Hill section of Annapolis. 8'×11' primary bath with a builder-grade tub, 1980s vanity, original cast-iron pipes, and a single-pane casement window. Tile was beige 4×4 from the original build.
Homeowners (couple, mid-50s, planning to age in place) wanted: walk-in shower no curb, freestanding tub, double vanity, heated floor, modern but warm aesthetic that still felt period-appropriate to the home.
Design decisions
Layout: Kept the existing footprint. Tub and shower swapped positions (tub to outside wall under the window, walk-in shower along inside wall). Vanity wall expanded by 18" by removing a small linen closet (replaced with tall storage tower in shower wall).
Tile: Carrara marble subway in shower (3×6 set herringbone), matte penny round on shower floor, 12×24 honed marble on the room floor with electric radiant heat below. All from Daltile.
Plumbing: Kohler Purist line — wall-mount lav faucets, thermostatic shower with rain head and handheld, Toto Aimes one-piece toilet. Brass finish throughout.
Vanity: Custom 60" double, painted Benjamin Moore Hale Navy, brass cup pulls, Cambria quartz counter, undermount oval lavs.
Lighting: Visual Comfort sconces above the mirror, recessed in shower, pendant over the tub.
Cost breakdown
- Demolition + disposal: $2,400
- Plumbing (rough + finish): $7,800
- Electrical (rough + finish, radiant floor wiring): $3,200
- Tile labor: $5,600
- Tile + stone material: $7,400
- Fixtures (faucets, shower, toilet): $4,800
- Vanity (custom): $5,200
- Counter (Cambria quartz): $1,900
- Lighting: $1,400
- Drywall + paint: $1,800
- Permits + inspections: $480
- Project management + warranty reserve: $3,320
Total: $45,300
Timeline
Week 1: Demolition, structural assessment, plumbing rough-in.
Week 2: Electrical rough, radiant floor wire, framing for shower bench.
Week 3: Drywall, waterproofing membrane (Schluter Kerdi), tile prep.
Week 4: Tile install (shower walls + floor + room floor).
Week 5: Vanity install, counter template + install, fixture install.
Week 6: Punch list, county final, signed warranty package, walkthrough.
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