RenovationRouteDenver 80218
Bathroom Remodeling in Capitol Hill & Cheesman Park
Upgrade your 1900s-1950s bathroom while preserving historic character. Connect with licensed local contractors who specialize in Denver's vintage home conversions.
80218 Market Insights
Why Capitol Hill Bathroom Remodels Require Special Expertise
Historic Home Challenges
Most homes built 1900-1950 with original bathrooms: pedestal sinks, clawfoot tubs, cast-iron pipes, and knob-and-tube wiring. Plumbing/electrical upgrades add $5k-$10k to base costs.
Small Footprints
Capitol Hill bathrooms average 40-70 sq ft (vs modern 100+ sq ft). Contractors must maximize space with corner sinks, wall-mounted toilets, and tub-to-shower conversions.
Historic District Considerations
Some 80218 homes are in Wyman Historic District. Exterior changes require Landmark Preservation approval. Interior work doesn't need special permits, but contractors must match existing trim/detailing.
Modern Function, Historic Character
Denver buyers want updated bathrooms (heated floors, frameless showers) with period details (subway tile, hex floors, vintage fixtures). Balance is critical for resale.
Local Pricing
80218 Bathroom Remodel Cost Breakdown
Prices reflect historic home complexity and Capitol Hill's competitive market. Expect 20-30% higher costs than Denver suburbs due to plumbing/electrical challenges.
Historic Bath Refresh
$18,000 - $28,000
Modern Vintage Upgrade
$28,000 - $45,000
Luxury Historic Master
$45,000 - $75,000+
Where Your Money Goes
Typical 80218 Bathroom Remodel Budget
Plumbing Upgrades: $5,000 - $12,000
THE BIGGEST COST. Replacing 100-year-old cast-iron pipes and adding modern drains/supply lines runs $5k-$8k. If knob-and-tube wiring needs removal, add another $3k-$5k for electrical. Permit inspections required.
Tile & Flooring: $4,000 - $10,000
Classic subway tile (3x6 or 4x6) runs $8-$15/sq ft installed. Hex floor tile (2" or 3") costs $12-$18/sq ft. Premium materials like Carrara marble or zellige add $5k-$8k.
Fixtures & Vanity: $4,000 - $12,000
Period-style fixtures (oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel) run $1,200-$2,500. Custom vanities (36"-48") cost $2,500-$6,000. Clawfoot tub refinishing: $800-$1,500. New clawfoot: $1,500-$3,500.
Labor & Permits: $6,000 - $15,000
Licensed contractors in Denver charge $75-$110/hr. Historic home specialists charge premium ($90-$125/hr). Permits cost $400-$1,000. Labor accounts for 35-40% of total budget.
Connect with Local Contractors
Licensed contractors with historic home experience. We hold payments in escrow.
Project Timeline
How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take in 80218?
6-9 Weeks Average
Historic home bathroom remodels take longer than modern homes due to plumbing/electrical surprises (cast-iron pipes, knob-and-tube wiring). Budget extra time for inspections and material lead times.
Design Phase: 2-3 Weeks
Historic home specialists help balance modern function with period character. Expect tile selections (subway, hex, zellige), fixture choices (clawfoot vs walk-in shower), and layout optimization for small spaces.
Demolition & Surprises: 2-3 Weeks
Demo takes 3-5 days. Plumbing/electrical upgrades (cast-iron to PEX, knob-and-tube removal) add 7-10 days. Expect surprises: rotted subfloors, outdated venting, concealed pipes. Permits and inspections required.
Installation: 3-5 Weeks
Tile work (shower, floor, walls) takes 5-8 days including cure time. Vanity/fixture install (5-7 days), trim/paint matching existing historic details (3-5 days). Final inspection adds 2-3 days.
Capitol Hill Bathroom Remodel FAQs
Do I need permits for a bathroom remodel in Denver?
Yes. Denver requires permits for plumbing, electrical, and structural work. Cost: $400-$1,000 depending on scope. Contractors pull permits as part of their service. Inspections required for rough-in and final. NOTE: If your home is in Wyman Historic District, interior work doesn't need Landmark Preservation approval—only exterior changes do.
Why do Capitol Hill bathroom remodels cost so much?
Three reasons: (1) Plumbing/electrical upgrades in 100-year-old homes cost $5k-$12k (replacing cast-iron pipes, knob-and-tube wiring), (2) Small footprints require custom solutions (corner sinks, wall-mounted toilets), and (3) Denver contractors with historic home experience charge $90-$125/hr vs $65-$85/hr for standard work. Expect 20-30% premium over suburbs.
Should I keep my clawfoot tub or convert to a shower?
Depends on space and lifestyle. If you have only 1 bathroom, consider tub-to-shower conversion ($4k-$6k) for daily use. If you have 2+ bathrooms, refinish the clawfoot ($800-$1,500) to preserve historic charm. Denver buyers love original clawfoot tubs in Capitol Hill homes.
Can I use my bathroom during the remodel?
No. The bathroom will be unusable for 6-9 weeks. Plan to use another bathroom in your home. If you only have one bathroom, consider staying with family or renting short-term housing during weeks 3-6 (heaviest construction).
How does RenovationRoute protect me?
We hold your payments in escrow and release funds as milestones are completed (demolition, plumbing rough-in, tile work, fixture install, final walkthrough). If hidden issues arise (rotted subfloors, surprise plumbing), we help negotiate fair change orders. All contractors must be licensed, insured, and maintain 4+ star ratings.
What bathroom style is best for Capitol Hill resale?
Modern Vintage: Updated function (walk-in showers, heated floors, frameless glass) with period details (subway tile, hex floors, pedestal sinks, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures). Avoid ultra-modern (floating vanities, concrete) or overly trendy styles. Buyers want bathrooms that feel original but work like new.
Ready to Start
Post your project and connect with local contractors who specialize in historic Denver homes. We hold payments in escrow.