Remodeling a bathroom in St. George
A bathroom remodel in St. George involves the usual trades, but the water here and Utah's contractor rules shape a few decisions in particular.
Utah's $7,000 line
Utah law exempts alteration, repair and remodeling work with a contracted value under $7,000, labor and materials included, from contractor licensing. Most full bathroom remodels cost more than that, so the contractor needs a Utah license from the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Even on smaller jobs under $7,000, work on a plumbing or electrical system must be done by an electrical or plumbing contractor holding a Utah license. Ask the remodeler which license they hold, who will do the plumbing and electrical, and check each license with DOPL.
Hard water
St. George's water comes from springs and wells in the Navajo Sandstone and Kayenta Formation aquifers and from surface water bought from the Washington County Water Conservancy District. The city says most Southern Utah water is hard because of naturally occurring calcium and magnesium, and suggests softener settings of 13 to 24 grains per gallon. Untreated, that water spots glass shower doors, scales showerheads and leaves deposits on tile and grout.
A softener helps more than any finish. When choosing fixtures, ask about shower glass with a protective coating, faucet finishes that hide spots, and showerheads with flexible nozzles that you can wipe clean. Darker tile and grout show mineral deposits more.
Ventilation
Even in a dry climate, a shower puts a lot of moisture into a small room. Ask for an exhaust fan sized for the room and ducted to the outdoors. In summer, attic heat is extreme; a fan duct that runs through the attic should be sealed and insulated.
Showers and accessibility
Many bathroom remodels replace a tub with a walk-in shower. If you're planning to stay in the home as you age, ask about a curbless or low-threshold entry, blocking in the walls for future grab bars, a handheld showerhead and a bench. Those are inexpensive to add during a remodel and costly later. Ask how the floor will be sloped to the drain so water stays in the shower.
Waterproofing
Tile isn't waterproof; the membrane behind it is. Ask what waterproofing system the contractor uses, whether it covers the full shower walls and floor, and whether they flood-test the pan before tiling.
Comparing bids
Ask for bids with the same scope: demolition, plumbing, waterproofing, tile, fixtures, glass, electrical, ventilation and trim. Ask who pulls permits, how long the room will be out of use, and what happens if they find damage behind the walls. Tie payments to completed stages.