Rotted subfloor below tub or shower pan
Found on roughly 30% of North Shore bathroom demos in pre-1990 homes. Subfloor replacement adds $400-$1,200; structural repair if joists also affected adds another $800-$2,500.
Many older homes have original cast-iron tubs and pedestal sinks that charm but lack the storage and functionality modern families need — our team preserves period character while adding contemporary features. In Wilmette, where Colonial and Tudor homes span the 1920s-2020s era, this specialized knowledge isn't optional — it's essential. With homes valued at $625 000 and a community that prizes quality, Wilmette residents choose CrestLine for bathroom renovation because we combine tub-to-shower conversion and curbless shower installation expertise with deep North Shore experience.
We've served Wilmette and North Shore since 2009, working with Schluter DITRA waterproofing, Kohler fixtures, and other premium products. Village of Wilmette Building Division — we handle all permits and inspections.

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Book Free EstimateAffluent lakefront suburb known for the Baha'i Temple, excellent schools (New Trier Township), and tree-lined streets. Homes range from historic estates to modern builds. Homeowners invest heavily in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor living spaces.
This is exactly why bathroom renovation in Wilmette requires a contractor who understands the community. At $625 000 median home value and housing stock from the 1920s-2020s era, the margin for error is small and the expectations are high.
Our licensed crew brings 15+ years of North Shore experience to every bathroom renovation project. We've worked in Colonial and Tudor homes throughout this area and understand the building codes, permit processes, and architectural nuances that define Wilmette.
Every project starts with an in-home consultation where we assess your specific needs — not a generic quote. Because Wilmette homes have unique characteristics, cookie-cutter solutions don't cut it.
A bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home, yet it is often the last to be updated. If you are still living with builder-grade tile, a worn fiberglass tub surround, or a vanity that lacks storage, a professional bathroom renovation can dramatically improve your daily routine and add measurable resale value. In Chicagoland's competitive real estate market, an updated master bath is consistently listed among the top three features buyers look for.
Whether you're near the only Baha'i House of Worship in North America or anywhere in Wilmette, we arrive with the same commitment to quality and professionalism.
From first call to final walkthrough — here's how we deliver bathroom renovation in Wilmette.
We evaluate your existing bathroom layout, plumbing locations, ventilation, and structural conditions. You share your vision and we discuss what is achievable within your budget.
We present tile, vanity, fixture, and countertop options with samples. You receive a fixed-price proposal with a day-by-day timeline and no hidden costs.
Existing surfaces are removed, plumbing is relocated or upgraded as needed, and waterproof membranes are installed in all wet areas before any tile work begins.
Floor and wall tile are set, the vanity and countertop are installed, and all plumbing fixtures, lighting, mirrors, and accessories are connected and tested.
We walk through the completed bathroom, verify every detail, and ensure plumbing, electrical, and ventilation meet code before handing over the finished space.
Village of Wilmette Building Division — permits required for most structural work, electrical, and plumbing.







Recent bathroom renovation projects completed across North Shore. View full portfolio →
Increases home value — bathrooms deliver 60-70% ROI at resale
Waterproof membrane systems prevent costly moisture damage
ADA-compliant options for aging-in-place comfort
One contractor handles plumbing, tile, electrical, and finishes
Dust barriers and daily cleanup keep your home livable during the project
Premium fixture brands with manufacturer warranties
We work in some of Chicagoland's most prestigious residences and understand that Wilmette homeowners expect a team that protects hardwood floors, respects period architecture, and communicates proactively through every phase of your bathroom renovation project.
Wilmette homes deserve top-tier materials. We use trusted national brands and source premium products that match the quality expectations of this North Shore community. Every material choice is discussed with you before work begins.
Village of Wilmette Building Division — permits required for most structural work, electrical, and plumbing. We handle all permits and inspections as part of our service, ensuring your bathroom renovation project is fully compliant with no surprises.
Wilmette is a premium Tier 1 market — pricing reflects higher material standards, historic home complexity, and the white-glove craftsmanship North Shore homeowners expect.
Wilmette (ZIP 60091) sits adjacent to Kenilworth, Glenview, Northfield in the heart of Chicago's North Shore. Home to the only Baha'i House of Worship in North America — a defining feature that shapes everything from bathroom reno material expectations to permit requirements in this market. The bathroom renovation work we deliver here is sized to Wilmette's colonial and tudor housing stock, the median $625K property value, and the specific aesthetic vocabulary buyers in Wilmette consider non-negotiable. This isn't bathroom reno pricing copy-pasted from suburban Chicago — it reflects what we've actually delivered for Wilmette homeowners across the ZIP 60091 corridor.
Service area: We deliver this service across all of Wilmette (ZIP 60091) and adjacent communities including Kenilworth, Glenview, Northfield, Evanston. Service area covered: every block in Wilmette proper plus surrounding North Shore neighborhoods within a 30-mile radius of Chicago.
Below is a line-by-line breakdown of typical bathroom renovation costs in Wilmette, adjusted for the Tier-1 premium market. These ranges come from CrestLine's actual project data across North Shorein the last 24 months. Your final fixed-price proposal will lock specific numbers based on your home's scope.
| Line item | Wilmette range |
|---|---|
| Demolition + waterproof prep | $1 200 – $2 500 |
| Plumbing rough-in | $2 100 – $5 500 |
| Tile (floor + shower walls) | $3 200 – $9 800 |
| Vanity + countertop | $1 400 – $6 300 |
| Toilet + faucet + fixtures | $900 – $3 200 |
| Shower glass enclosure | $1 200 – $4 000 |
| Electrical: GFCI + lighting + fan | $900 – $2 500 |
| Heated floor (optional) | $1 400 – $2 800 |
| Paint + trim | $700 – $1 600 |
| Permits + inspections | $300 – $700 |
| Project management + cleanup | $1 400 – $3 200 |
The honest answer most North Shore contractors won't tell you up front: bathroom renovation projects in Wilmette's 1920s-2020s colonial housing stock have predictable failure modes. Here's what we look for during the on-site walkthrough and how we handle each one with transparent change-order pricing if it appears.
Found on roughly 30% of North Shore bathroom demos in pre-1990 homes. Subfloor replacement adds $400-$1,200; structural repair if joists also affected adds another $800-$2,500.
Universal concern in pre-1960 Wilmette Colonial homes. We inspect the visible stack at demo. Full stack replacement runs $1,800-$4,500 and is best done while the wall is open anyway.
Roughly 1 in 6 North Shore bathrooms we open have plumbing vent code violations from prior amateur work. We re-vent to current code as part of any plumbing rough.
Many pre-2010 showers used hot-mop or paper liner that's now failed. We always remove and rebuild with Schluter Kerdi or RedGard system — even if "just replacing tile."
Wilmette typical permit issuance: 7-14 business days. We submit same-day upon contract signing.
Most North Shore Tier-1 properties don't have HOAs, but condo boards in multi-unit buildings serve a similar function.
Material selection drives 40-60% of project cost and 100% of long-term satisfaction. Our default recommendations for Tier-1 premium Wilmette homes — refined across North Shore projects:
Category 01
Recommended brands (Tier 1 (Premium))
Large-format porcelain marble-look (Florim, Imola) or natural Carrara
Wilmette primary baths expect 24x48 large-format. Speaks luxury.
Category 02
Recommended brands (Tier 1 (Premium))
Brizo Levoir or Litze with rain head, hand-held, and body sprays
Multi-function spa-style showers are standard expectation in Tier-1 primary baths.
Category 03
Recommended brands (Tier 1 (Premium))
Toto Drake or Aquia (comfort-height), Kohler Memoirs or Highline, or American Standard Champion
Comfort-height (17-19" seat) is now expected across all tiers. Toto Drake leads in flush performance.
Category 04
Recommended brands (Tier 1 (Premium))
Custom built-in (paired with custom kitchen cabinets) or premium (Wood-Mode bath, Restoration Hardware)
Tier-1 Wilmette primary baths usually go custom-matched to home aesthetic.
Bathroom Renovation pricing scales with city tier. If your project sits near a city border, the difference can be 10-15%. Here's how Wilmette compares to nearby communities for the same bathroom reno scope:
This page
$9 200 – $46 000
Tier 1 — Premium
Nearby
$9 200 – $46 000
Tier-1 premium market
Nearby
$9 200 – $46 000
Tier-1 premium market
Pricing reflects standard scope; final pricing locks at on-site walkthrough based on your specific home conditions and material choices.
We don't disappear at final walkthrough. Here's the maintenance schedule we recommend for the first 5 years — including the items we return for free under our 1-year workmanship warranty.
Week 1
Verify all valves, drains, and seals after first 72 hours of normal use. Adjust trim if any settles.
Month 1
Grout seal application (we apply at project completion; first re-seal at 12 months recommended).
Month 3
Exhaust fan check — ducting can develop condensation in Chicagoland winter. We adjust insulation around duct run if needed.
Year 1
Free warranty walkthrough. Re-grout any micro-cracks (common at floor-to-wall transitions).
Year 2-3
Re-seal grout (DIY or our paid maintenance visit). Replace shower silicone caulk if discolored.
Year 5
Re-caulk shower at floor-to-wall and door-to-floor seams. Check that drain still flows quickly.
“Guest bathroom remodel — new vanity, toilet, tile floor, and tub surround. CrestLine finished in five working days. The tile pattern they suggested really makes the small space feel bigger. Professional from the estimate through final walkthrough.”
“Our master bathroom went from cramped and dated to a spa-like retreat. Walk-in shower with frameless glass, heated floors, double vanity — everything we wanted. CrestLine's attention to detail on the tile work was incredible.”
“Hired CrestLine for a powder room update — new pedestal sink, fresh tile, and updated fixtures. The space looks completely different. Minor scheduling hiccup at the start but otherwise a smooth experience.”
Get a free, no-obligation estimate for bathroom renovation in Wilmette from Chicagoland’s trusted home improvement team. Licensed, bonded & $2M insured.