If you’re diving into bathroom remodeling in Austin, TX, you’ll want every edge you can get— especially if you’re aiming for professional, long-lasting results. After all, bathroom remodels make up nearly 30% of all home renovations? It’s no surprise—a great bathroom not only boosts your home’s value but also your everyday comfort.
Everything You Need to Know About Remodeling a Bathroom
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a contractor starting out, you should know the following things that most people ignore in the beginning. These will save you time, reduce callbacks, and help you deliver exceptional work.
1. Use Floor Leveler for Uneven Floors
One of the first things you’ll discover during pre-remodel prep in bathroom remodeling in Austin, tx is that floors are rarely perfectly level. Instead of fighting against uneven subfloors, just pour a floor leveler. It makes for a smooth, flat surface that is perfect for the installation of any tile, especially mosaic tile, which is hard on a bumpy base.
This simple solution is also convenient when constructing a shower pan with a solid, level base, which means everything diverts in the appropriate direction and remains watertight.
Bonus Tip: Offer your clients an upsell—heated flooring. It’s an easy add-on when using the floor leveler. Just lay the heating wires, pour the leveler overtop, and you’re ready to tile.
2. Use a Tile Leveling System
A top-notch bathroom remodeling guide would never skip this. Using a tile leveling system like the Perfect Level Master clip-and-wedge system helps eliminate lippage between tiles, which is especially important for large-format tiles. These systems even work wonders on smaller tiles, despite what you might think — the result is a smooth, flat surface that looks professionally installed every time.
A tile leveling system not only improves the finished look of your tile but also makes the installation a lot easier and more efficient, especially if you’re doing it yourself or on a constrained time period.
It keeps tiles perfectly aligned so the adhesive will cure and not have to be adjusted constantly for redos. Trust us, once you use a leveling system, you’ll never go back to eyeballing it.
3. Don’t Forget Blocking
If you’ve ever had callbacks for wobbly towel bars or failed grab bar installations, you know the pain. The fix? Install blocking behind walls before the drywall goes up. It’s crucial for mounting accessories like
- Grab bars
- Shower doors
- Towel hooks and racks
Proper blocking ensures everything stays sturdy and lasts the life of the bathroom. Especially when you install grab bars, safety is key—blocking is non-negotiable. This is why, in our bathroom remodeling services, we prioritize safety and longevity by integrating this into every remodel we handle.
4. Choose a High-Quality Thinset
When you’re laying tile in bathroom remodeling in Austin, TX, your thinset can make or break the job. Go with a non-sag, high-quality thinset like Rex. It’s got a nice, fluffy, pancake-like consistency that spreads easily and holds its position—perfect for walls and vertical mosaics.
Unlike cheaper thinsets that dry out fast or crumble under pressure, Rex gives you up to three hours of pot life, which is a lifesaver when you’re making cuts or setting complex tile layouts.
If you’re working on waterfall features or heavy wall mosaics, even better options like Ardex X77 offer serious holding power, preventing tile from sliding while setting. This attention to detail is just one way Austin Remodeling Expert ensures exceptional tile results.
5. Pre-Mount Mosaic Tiles
One major trick that saves hours of frustration is pre-setting mosaic tiles the night before. Use Kerdi-Band, quarter-inch foam board, or even cement board to mount mosaics ahead of time. This lets you:
- Align everything perfectly
- Avoid recessed or uneven borders
- Speed up the final install
Perfect for intricate designs like recessed niches, this method gives you a flat, pre-mounted tile sheet you can simply thinset into place. With us, you get custom detail work that looks like it belongs in a showroom.
6. Use Painter’s Tape for Vanity Plumbing
If you’re installing a premium vanity, don’t let a messy plumbing cut ruin it. Simply paint or tape the area before cutting. This prevents splintering or chipping around the plumbing holes — a small but professional touch your client will notice.
This trick is especially useful when working with high-gloss or veneered finishes, which can easily chip if you’re not careful. Using painter’s tape creates a cleaner edge and acts as a visual guide while cutting. It’s a simple, low-cost step that adds a polished, pro-level look to your final install — and can save you from costly mistakes or replacement panels.
7. Master the Caulking Game
Caulking might be the last step in bathroom remodeling in Austin, TX, but it’s one of the most important for a polished finish. A few quick tricks:
- Spray the caulk joint (with something like Windex or a caulk spray) before smoothing. It prevents smearing and gives a clean, professional look.
- Caulk before grouting areas like mosaic trim to save time and avoid mess.
- Fill the tub before caulking around—this allows the tub to expand fully and ensures a longer-lasting seal.
Whether we’re finishing off a tub surround, shower, or vanity backsplash, these small touches make a huge difference. We don’t just remodel bathrooms—we perfect them.
8. Hire the Right Contractor (Seriously)
This isn’t the job for a “friend of a friend” who once did drywall. You need a licensed, insured, and experienced bathroom remodeler who understands Austin’s building codes, permit process, and climate quirks. A good contractor can make or break your project.
Get at least three quotes, check references, and ask to see past work—especially projects completed in Austin. A contractor who knows the local market will be familiar with what works in Austin homes and can help you avoid common remodeling pitfalls.
Plan, Learn, and Build Your Dream Bathroom
Here at Austin Remodeling Expert, we specialize in turning your bathroom vision into reality. From smart pre-remodel prep to clean and efficient bathroom demo, we bring experience and craftsmanship to every project. Whether you want to install heated floors, upgrade to large-format tiles, or design a custom shower layout — our team has the tools, techniques, and expertise to do it right. Next, we not only do bathroom remodeling but also kitchen remodeling, and complete home remodeling.
If you’re ready to simplify the process of bathroom remodeling in Austin, TX, and get results that truly last, we’re here to help. Let’s build something beautiful together.
Contact Austin Remodeling Expert today—and let’s start your bathroom transformation!