Among all home improvement projects, bathroom remodeling consistently delivers some of the highest returns on investment, both in measurable resale value and in the daily quality of life it provides. Industry data routinely shows that mid-range and upscale bathroom remodels recover 60 to 75 percent of their cost in added home value, and in competitive markets like Little Rock and Conway, a beautifully updated primary bath can be a decisive factor for buyers. But the real reason Central Arkansas homeowners invest in bathroom remodels is simpler: they want to stop apologizing for a bathroom that no longer reflects who they are, and they want to start every morning in a space that feels like a deliberate choice rather than a leftover.
The spa-at-home trend that accelerated through the early 2020s has not faded; if anything, it has matured into a more refined aesthetic sensibility. Central Arkansas homeowners today are asking for frameless glass shower enclosures with linear drains, freestanding soaking tubs positioned as focal points, heated tile floors, floating vanities with under-cabinet lighting, and fixture finishes in matte black, brushed gold, and unlacquered brass. Ash Construction has been executing these projects since 2007, and our specific expertise in waterproofing, the unglamorous but absolutely critical foundation of any long-lasting bathroom, is what separates our work from less thorough competitors. A beautiful bathroom that develops water intrusion behind the tile is not a success; it is a delayed disaster.
Bathroom Remodeling Services We Offer
Ash Construction handles bathroom projects across the full spectrum of scope and budget, from focused guest bath refreshes to complete master suite transformations involving layout changes, plumbing relocation, and custom tile work throughout.
Master Bath Remodel
The primary bathroom is the project where homeowners most often invest most heavily in their vision. Our master bath remodels typically involve full demolition to the studs, complete waterproofing of shower and wet areas, new plumbing rough-in as needed, custom tile throughout, vanity replacement, fixture upgrades, and often the addition of a soaking tub or freestanding tub where space allows. We treat these projects as design exercises as much as construction projects, helping you develop a coherent aesthetic that makes the space feel intentional from every angle.
Hall & Guest Bathroom Update
Secondary bathrooms serve different users with different expectations, family members, guests, children, and the right improvements here are about durability, function, and clean design rather than luxury finishes. We update hall bathrooms with new vanities, toilets, tub surrounds, and flooring that are attractive, easy to maintain, and built to withstand heavier daily use. These projects typically run faster and at significantly lower cost than master bath remodels while delivering meaningful visual and functional improvements.
Walk-In Shower Conversion
Converting a standard tub/shower combo or a basic shower stall into a custom walk-in shower is one of the most impactful single-scope bathroom projects we perform. A properly built walk-in shower with barrier-free or low-profile entry, full-height tile walls, a linear drain or custom tileable shower pan, and a frameless glass enclosure transforms the character of the entire bathroom. We build these showers to last: every one receives a multi-layer waterproofing system before any tile is installed.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Many homeowners have a primary bathroom with a jetted tub they have not used in years and a cramped shower they use every day. Converting that underused tub to an expanded shower reclaims significant square footage and dramatically improves the daily-use experience. We handle the full scope: plumbing rerouting, subfloor modification, shower pan installation, waterproofing, tile, glass enclosure, and fixture installation. This conversion typically requires permits and a licensed plumber, which we manage entirely.
Accessibility Modifications
Aging-in-place bathroom modifications are among the most meaningful projects we undertake. We install ADA-compliant grab bars in locations that are structurally anchored in blocking rather than drywall, build roll-in showers with zero-threshold entry and fold-down bench seating, replace standard toilets with comfort-height models, widen doorways, and improve lighting for safety and visibility. These modifications can be completed with attractive, dignified aesthetics that do not signal medical necessity. a grab bar can be a beautiful brushed nickel fixture rather than an institutional chrome bar.
Bathroom Additions
Adding a new bathroom where one does not currently exist. converting a large closet, annexing unused square footage, or building out as part of an addition. is a project we handle with full structural, plumbing, and electrical scope. A home with insufficient bathroom count for its size and bedroom number is competitively disadvantaged in the resale market; adding a bath is one of the highest-ROI structural improvements available to Central Arkansas homeowners.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Central Arkansas?
Bathroom remodeling costs are driven by three primary factors: the size of the space, the scope of work (cosmetic vs. full demolition), and the finish level of materials specified. The ranges below reflect total project costs including all labor, materials, plumbing, electrical, and tile work for typical Central Arkansas projects.
| Project Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Hall Bath Update — new vanity, toilet, tub surround, flooring, fixtures | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Master Bath Mid-Range — full demo and rebuild, custom shower, mid-grade tile, new vanity | $18,000 – $40,000 |
| Luxury Master Suite Bath — custom tile throughout, freestanding tub, frameless glass, heated floors, premium fixtures | $45,000 – $90,000+ |
Tile & Materials: What We Recommend for Central Arkansas Bathrooms
Material selection in a bathroom is more consequential than in almost any other room because the environment is wet, steam-heavy, and subject to temperature fluctuation. Every material we specify must perform in these conditions, not just look good at the showroom.
Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile
Both porcelain and ceramic tile are appropriate for bathroom applications, but they are not equivalent. Porcelain tile is denser, less porous, and more resistant to moisture absorption than ceramic, making it the superior choice for shower floors, shower walls, and bathroom floors in high-moisture environments. We specify porcelain for all wet-area applications and commonly use it on bathroom floors and walls throughout. Ceramic tile has appropriate applications in lower-moisture areas and at lower price points, but it should never be specified on shower floors or walls without understanding its limitations.
Large-Format Tile
Large-format tile, panels of 24x48 inches and larger are now commonly available, has become one of the defining aesthetic elements of contemporary bathroom design. Fewer grout lines create a cleaner, more expansive visual that makes smaller bathrooms feel larger. Large-format tile in shower installations requires a flatter substrate (minimum variation of 1/8 inch over 10 feet versus the standard 1/4 inch tolerance) and more careful installation technique, but the result is worth the additional craft investment. We have the experienced tile setters necessary to install large-format tile correctly.
Heated Floors
Radiant electric floor heating has become a popular upgrade in Central Arkansas bathrooms, particularly in master baths where the morning routine is a daily experience worth optimizing. We install Schluter DITRA-HEAT systems as our preferred platform. the uncoupling membrane beneath the heating element protects the tile from substrate movement while the thermostat-controlled system provides precise temperature control. Heated bathroom floors cost $10–$15 per square foot installed and add meaningful daily comfort during Arkansas's cooler months.
Shower Glass Options
Frameless glass shower enclosures are the current standard of excellence in master bathroom design. They use 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch tempered glass with minimal metal hardware, allowing the tile work to take center stage and creating an open, airy shower that is easier to clean than framed alternatives. Semi-frameless enclosures use heavier channel framing around the perimeter with minimal hardware on the glass panels. they are a cost-effective middle ground. Framed enclosures are appropriate for secondary bathrooms and budget-focused projects. We work with local glass fabricators to make sure precise measurement and clean installation for all enclosure types.
2026 Bathroom Trends in Central Arkansas
Design trends in bathroom remodeling have shifted meaningfully over the past few years, and Central Arkansas homeowners are tracking them closely. Here is what we are seeing most frequently in our current project inquiries and completions:
Freestanding Soaking Tubs. The freestanding tub positioned as a focal point. against a feature wall of large-format stone-look tile, centered under a wall-mounted faucet. remains one of the most requested primary bath features. Popular body styles range from classic clawfoot-inspired silhouettes to the clean, sculptural oval and rectangular forms associated with contemporary design. Manufacturers including Victoria + Albert, MTI, and BainUltra offer options at a wide range of price points.
Warm Earth Tones. The all-white bathroom dominated for over a decade, but the current direction is warmer: sand, terracotta, warm gray, greige, and deep sage are replacing bright white as the palette of choice. Zellige tiles (handcrafted Moroccan ceramic with subtle variation), travertine-look porcelain, and warm-toned limewash plaster accent walls are all appearing in our current project mix. This shift pairs well with unlacquered brass, brushed gold, and warm matte black fixture finishes.
Walk-In Showers with Bench Seating. Functional comfort is increasingly non-negotiable in primary bath design. A properly designed shower bench, whether a full-width tiled ledge or a wall-mounted teak or marble seat, improves the daily shower experience and adds accessibility value. We design bench depth and height to be genuinely usable rather than decorative, and we waterproof beneath and around all bench surfaces as thoroughly as we waterproof the shower floor.
Floating Vanities. Wall-mounted vanities with exposed legs or a full floating appearance have gained significant market share from traditional floor-standing vanities. They create a visual sense of floor space, simplify floor cleaning, and pair well with under-cabinet LED strip lighting that creates a soft ambient glow at night. In smaller bathrooms, a floating vanity can make a meaningful visual difference in how spacious the room feels.
Matte Black Fixtures. Matte black finished faucets, shower systems, towel bars, and accessories have moved from trend status to mainstream adoption in Central Arkansas bathrooms. They pair particularly well with white or light-toned tile, creating high-contrast detail that reads as designed rather than default. Matte black fixtures do require slightly more attentive cleaning than brushed nickel to prevent water spot visibility, but the aesthetic payoff makes the trade-off worthwhile for most homeowners.
Our Bathroom Remodel Process
Bathroom remodeling is one of the most technically demanding residential renovation scopes because of the intersection of plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, and finish work in a small space. Our process is disciplined and sequential for good reason: steps that are skipped or rushed in bathrooms cause problems that are expensive to repair years later.
Demolition
We remove existing fixtures, tile, flooring, vanities, and in a full gut remodel, drywall and cement board down to the studs. Demolition reveals the actual condition of framing, subfloor, and plumbing. sometimes what is behind the existing tile tells an important story about what needs to be corrected before anything new is installed. We document and photograph all conditions before proceeding.
Waterproofing
This is the step that most homeowners never see and that most distinguishes quality bathroom contractors from less careful ones. We install a complete waterproofing system at all wet areas. shower walls, shower floor, and the transition zone between wet and dry areas. Our preferred system is Schluter KERDI for wall surfaces and KERDI-DRAIN or linear drain assembly at the shower floor. All seams, corners, and penetrations receive waterproofing membrane and sealant. This system is redundant: even if grout eventually cracks (which it will, in time), the tile substrate beneath is impermeable. This step is inspected before tile installation.
Tile Installation
Our tile setters work methodically, establishing level and plumb reference lines before the first tile is set. Layout planning, determining where full tiles land and how cuts fall at edges, is done before installation, not in the field. Shower floor tile requires a minimum 1/8-inch-per-foot slope to the drain, achieved through the setting bed. Grout joint width and type are specified to complement the tile size and design style. Wall tile follows with consistent joint alignment. Large-format tile is back-buttered in addition to trowel-applied adhesive to make sure full coverage.
Fixture & Plumbing Installation
With tile complete and cured, our licensed plumber sets all fixtures: shower valve trim, shower head, handheld wand, body sprays if specified, tub faucet, toilet, and vanity faucets. We install all drain connections, supply line connections, and test every fixture for proper function and leak-free operation before walls are closed. Shower glass is measured and ordered for fabrication during the tile phase to minimize scheduling gaps.
Finish Work & Final Punch List
Vanity installation, mirror or medicine cabinet mounting, towel bar and accessory installation, paint, and glass enclosure installation complete the project. We conduct a thorough internal review of every element before scheduling the homeowner walkthrough. All tile grout joints are inspected for completeness and uniformity; all fixtures are tested; all trim is checked for alignment and secure mounting. The final walkthrough is your opportunity to review the work with us and identify anything that needs attention before we consider the project complete.
"Our master bathroom had not been touched since the house was built in 1994. Ash Construction took it down to the studs and built us something we are genuinely proud of. The shower they built is beautiful and completely watertight. they showed us the waterproofing membrane before tiling and explained exactly why they do it that way. Eighteen months later there is not a single issue. We should have done this ten years ago."
Robert & Karen T., Benton, Master Bath Remodel 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A focused hall bathroom update typically runs 2 to 3 weeks. A full master bathroom gut and remodel runs 4 to 7 weeks depending on the complexity of tile work, any plumbing relocation, and material lead times. Projects that involve custom glass enclosures should factor in the 2 to 3 week fabrication window after tile is complete. The biggest time variable outside the contractor's control is material availability. specialty tile ordered from distributors can have lead times of 4 to 8 weeks, which is why we place material orders immediately after project contract.
Do you handle all plumbing work, or do I need to hire a separate plumber?
We manage all plumbing work through licensed plumbing subcontractors who are part of our regular trade team. You do not need to hire or coordinate with any separate contractors. we handle all scopes including plumbing, electrical, and tile through our project management. All plumbing work is permitted and inspected by the applicable municipality. Our licensed plumbers carry their own insurance and licensing, which we verify and maintain documentation on.
What waterproofing systems do you use in shower construction?
We use Schluter Systems products. primarily KERDI membrane for shower walls and KERDI-DRAIN or KERDI-LINE (linear drain) at shower floors. as our standard waterproofing specification. The Schluter system bonds directly to cement board or drywall, creating a continuous waterproof layer beneath the tile that performs independently of grout and tile integrity. We also use foam shower bases (Schluter KERDI-SHOWER-ST) for mortar-free barrier-free shower floor constructions, which provide precisely formed slopes to the drain and a ready-to-tile surface that is inherently waterproof.
Can you add a bathroom in a space that does not currently have plumbing?
Yes, though the cost and complexity depend significantly on where the new bathroom is located relative to existing plumbing stacks and drain lines. Bathrooms located above or adjacent to existing plumbing chases are relatively straightforward to add. Bathrooms in locations that require long horizontal drain runs or that are below the existing sewer line elevation require more involved solutions (sewage ejector pumps for below-grade applications, for example). We assess the plumbing implications during the initial site visit and include a realistic scope of the required plumbing work in our estimate.
Bathroom remodeling is often the entry point to a broader renovation conversation. If you are considering updating multiple rooms in your home, our Kitchen Remodeling team uses the same coordinated design and trade partner approach to deliver consistent quality across every space. For homeowners considering a bathroom addition as part of a larger footprint expansion, see our Additions & Expansions page for a full overview of what that type of project involves.
Ready to Remodel Your Bathroom?
Whether you are planning a focused hall bath update or a full luxury master suite transformation, Ash Construction brings the same commitment to craftsmanship, waterproofing integrity, and project management excellence to every bathroom project in Central Arkansas. Call us at 501-430-4410, email us at ashconstructionar@gmail.com, or click below to schedule your free in-home consultation.