If you own a home in the city of Chicago, chances are you have a vintage bathroom. Let’s be honest, some of these bathrooms are super unique! However, after decades of use, possibly improper use of materials, and poor construction or compliance practices, the word vintage is starting to feel more like, outdated.
Perhaps you want to update the plumbing without losing the charm of your mid-century commode, or maybe you want to throw charm out the window and start from scratch?
Remodeling your vintage Chicago bathroom can be especially challenging if you love your hexagonal mosaic floor tiles, heavy clawfoot tubs, pastel or jewel-toned wall tiles with contrasting trim, and built-in ceramic soap dishes…
Some of the immediate challenges with these remodels is finding the right parts, making sure it lines up with your budget and maintaining the overall aesthetics.
Bathroom remodels are not cheap, quick or easy. However, having the correct information and hiring an experienced plumbing contractor will give you the resources you need to make the project as seamless as possible.
Service Charges and Installation: What It Really Costs to Remodel Your Bathroom in Chicago
We know you want to talk about prices. Here is an honest, comprehensive price range for what you can expect to pay for a vintage bathroom remodel in the Chicago area.
Baethke Plumbing Vintage Remodel Cost Breakdown
| Service Category | Estimated Price Range | What It Covers |
| Initial Diagnostic Fee | $150 – $350 | Trip fee, basic site evaluation, and written project quote. |
| Standard Fixture Installation | $450 – $1,200 per item | Hooking up a standard sink, faucet, toilet, or simple shower trim kit. |
| Minor Relocation / Re-Route | $1,500 – $3,500 | Moving a drain or water line a few feet away within the same wall cavity. |
| Complete Bathroom Re-Pipe | $15,000 – $20,000+ | Tearing out all old steel/cast iron and running all-new copper and waste lines. |
This table is our guide to the average cost for your remodel, however every vintage bathroom is unique. So the best way to get an accurate price for your bathroom is to speak with an expert. (Note: Permit fees are not included in price quotes)
Chicago Building Factors That Affect Bathroom Remodeling Price and Labor
Whether you are a new homeowner in Chicago or seasoned veteran, you understand the distinct and specific features of your building. Many buildings have layouts, design elements and infrastructure which can be challenging when facing a bathroom remodel. Below are a few examples of things we have encountered in the past which can affect the remodeling process.
Old Walls
Many walls in old Chicago buildings are constructed of materials such as lath, wire and plaster. This can increase demolition, labor time and costs.
Framing Structure
Oftentimes the wood frames in these vintage bathrooms have been built with untreated or scrap wood which is damaged or needing to be replaced by a carpenter.
Old Plumbing
Your plumbing technician could encounter rotting pipes during the remodel. These pipes will need to be replaced before the walls are sealed back up. During the vintage bathroom remodel process you will most likely experience one of the issues above.
Aging buildings will always present unforeseen challenges like old plumbing, plastered walls, and outdated infrastructure. It is good to keep these things in mind before entering into the project to limit the shock value of surprise expenses.
The First Crucial Step In Your Vintage Bathroom Remodel
Before you start smashing through your bathroom drywall, we need to do an inspection. The inspection will include a complete diagnostic of your main sewer line pipes, ventilation systems and overall structural integrity of the space. This will ensure all labor and material costs can be agreed upon before the renovation is started.
DON’T: Start Demolition Blindly
Some of you may want to pick up that sledgehammer and start pounding away to get a jump start on the demo and save a few bucks… This is probably the most common mistake people make in the remodeling process. In a 100-year-old Chicago home, your waste lines are likely made of old cast iron or clay. These materials crack, shift, and fill with tree roots over time. If you build a gorgeous new bathroom on top of a failing main drain line, you will regret it. You will end up tearing up your brand-new tile later to fix a sewage backup.
DO: A Diagnostic Sewer Camera Inspection
Before you start your bathroom remodel, a general inspection of all your pipes and main sewer line should be done. The inspection allows you to see the exact condition of the pipes. This will let you know if any additional contracting costs exist, which will help you budget for the whole project. Expect to pay between $250 and $500 for a thorough camera diagnostic inspection. This inspection can save you thousands of dollars on emergency repairs later. Spending the money for a professional inspection will help save you time and money in the long run.
You can’t fix what you can’t see! Other hidden issues like leaks, improper repairs or building materials, failing code compliances could be hiding behind your walls. Scheduling an inspection is a great way to eliminate any deeper issues which could slow the project down or increase costs.
City of Chicago Permits for Bathroom Remodeling
Before the permit process starts, you need to determine if your remodel work is cosmetic or structural. Your handy inspection from above should give you that answer. Once you determine the type of remodeling for your vintage bathroom, then you can proceed to permit application process.
How to Get a Permit
Gather Required Documents
- Scope of Work: Written description of all plumbing, electrical, and building changes.
- Drawings/Plans: Scale floor plans or architectural drawings (required for layout or structural changes).
- Photos & Forms: Existing condition photos and required owner/contractor affidavits.
- Contractor Info: License numbers for any hired plumbers or electricians (Chicago requires licensed trade professionals for utility work)
Apply and Pay Online
- Log into the Chicago Department of Buildings online portal.
- Fill out the application details and upload your digital documents.
- Pay the calculated permit fee online, which varies based on estimated project costs.
Schedule Inspections
- Wait for permit approval (Express can be same-day or fast; Standard takes weeks).
- Print and post the permit placard on-site during construction.
- Schedule required city building and plumbing inspections upon completion
DON’T: Start Construction Without a Permit
Sure, you can remodel your bathroom without a permit, but you could be adding MORE time and money to this project if things don’t go according to plan. Securing a permit with the city will legally protect you from any construction issues which may occur. The city of Chicago has its own specific plumbing code, and it is separate from the National Model Codes.
DO: Get a Permit
Do not skip the permit process. If you do unpermitted plumbing work with non-compliant materials, you will face big issues. You could face city fines, fail a home inspection during resale, or see an insurance company deny a future water damage claim. Building code violations handled through the Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) generally range from $200 to $1,000 per violation per day, up to a $50,000 maximum.
Permits are imperative in the remodeling process. They legally protect you, the building contractors and they ensure the work being done is compliant and up to modern day standards. Most licensed plumbing contractors (like Baethke Plumbing) can even pull the proper permits for you, which will help you focus on the fun parts of the project!
Bathroom Fixtures
In Chicago, licensed plumbers cannot legally install uncertified fixtures. Many vintage bathrooms have non-compliant fixtures because they simply haven’t been replaced in years. Furthermore, these cheaper, uncertified items often feature non-standard thread sizes which could lead to more expensive solutions down the road.
DON’T: Buy Cheap, Uncertified Fixtures Online
If you do decide to replace your original fixtures with new ones, it is highly recommended these fixtures are code compliant. Knock-off vintage-style fixtures cost a fraction of the price of name-brand items. However, many of these cheaper fixtures lack Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or ASME certification.
DO: Source Commercial-Grade, Certified Pieces
When picking out products, look for high-quality items from trusted manufacturers. A licensed Baethke Plumbing technician will have brands (we are authorized Kohler and Insinkerator dealers) and options available for you to make sure you are installing certified and quality products during your installation.
If you decide to go shopping for the fixtures on your own, always check with your plumbing contractor before you hit the buy button. This will ensure your fixtures are up to code and logistically the right fit for the project.
Re-Piping and Replacing Water Lines
Your pipes and water lines will be the keystone of your vintage bathroom remodel. Some older pipes in Chicago can contain harmful amounts of lead. These pipes should always be replaced as soon as possible. Leaks and line ruptures can create significant damage to your home. An expert plumbing contractor will always recommend replacing old or damaged pipes.
DON’T: Skip the Pipe Upgrades
The urge to save money by replacing only the visible sections of pipe will be there. But almost every professional plumbing technician will advise against it. If you hook up brand-new copper pipes directly to old, galvanized steel pipes, you create a chemical reaction called galvanic corrosion. After this occurs the connection point will rust causing pipes to leak, and rupture. And this is the last thing you want after spending the time and money to upgrade your beautiful vintage bathroom!
DO: Budget for Full Upgrades
Many vintage Chicago homes will need some form of piping upgrades. Since you already have the walls open, you paid for the inspection, permits and fixtures, there’s no reason not to upgrade the pipes to more modern materials. We suggest you plan for this in your budget; best case scenario is the pipes have been recently upgraded, and you will have extra money in your budget in case other issues come up during the remodel.
Your personal health, and the health of your building’s infrastructure will be high priorities for you and your expert plumbing technician. Although pipe replacement may be one of the more tedious and costly parts of your vintage remodel, it is essential to the process.
Ventilation and Draining
No part of your bathroom remodel should be overlooked, especially when it comes to venting and draining. These two systems must be separate from each other, but some older buildings may have them tied together.
DON’T: Ignore the Vent Stack Setup
If you move your toilet or shower during a remodel without updating the vent system, your drains will run slowly or smell like sewage. It is important to note the city of Chicago does not allow “wet-venting” (a process that ties a vent into a drain line).
DO: Proper Dedicated Venting Lines
A proper vent install will run dedicated vent lines up through your roof or tie them properly into the main architectural stack. Correct draining and ventilation done by an expert plumber will guarantee air and water are properly flowing in and out of your “new” vintage bathroom.
Additional Bathroom Remodeling Contractors
Plumbing remodels are intended to renovate the plumbing and plumbing related products, services and materials only. Additionally, you may need to hire an architect, drywall, flooring or title contractors to start and finish any non-plumbing labor, depending on the size and scale of the overall remodel.
Checklist: Vintage Bathroom Remodel Overview
- Schedule a camera inspection before starting demolition work.
- Pull the correct permits with the City of Chicago.
- Verify all fixtures carry certified UPC or ASME stamps.
- Remove all old, galvanized pipes to avoid metal corrosion issues.
- Install a dedicated exhaust fan for proper room ventilation.
- Budget for realistic local labor rates to ensure quality work.
Getting Started With Your Vintage Chicago Plumbing Remodel
A vintage Chicago bathroom remodel is a wonderful lifestyle upgrade and sound investment, preserving historical beauty while adding modern utility. However, cutting corners on labor and products will cost you double in the long run. We know this after 30 years of experience on jobs like these.
In our expert opinion it is always best to do things the right way and not the cheap way. Expect the realities of local building codes, use high-quality materials, and hire licensed, experienced experts who understand all the nuances of this extensive project.
Even if you decide to use another Chicago plumbing contractor besides Baethke Plumbing for your vintage bathroom remodel, please make sure they check all the boxes above to ensure quality and compliance of their work. And please remember, cheaper doesn’t always mean better, especially when it comes to your home.
When you are ready to start the first steps of your vintage bathroom remodel please let us know and we can schedule an inspection for you today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I keep my original vintage pipes to save money?
- DON’T keep original galvanized steel or lead pipes. Vintage Chicago homes often have original galvanized iron water lines or lead plumbing. Over decades, galvanized pipes rust from the inside out, choking your water pressure and causing leaks. Lead poses serious health risks.
- DO swap them out entirely. When the walls are open during demolition, replace everything back to the main stack with modern copper pipes. It is much cheaper to replace them now than to tear up your new tile later.
Q: I want to move my toilet and shower to a new wall. Is that a good idea?
- DON’T assume you can easily shift the layout. Vintage floors use thick wood joists (structural support beams) that are difficult to cut into without weakening your house. Furthermore, if you live in a classic Chicago multi-unit building or condo, your plumbing relies on a shared, vertical plumbing stack. Shifting a toilet too far from this stack is often structurally impossible or incredibly expensive.
- DON’T place plumbing lines on an exterior brick wall. Chicago winters are freezing. Pipes running against an outside wall will freeze and burst.
- DO keep the footprint if possible. Keeping your toilet, sink, and tub in their original spots saves thousands of dollars. If you must move them, ensure the new drains run parallel to your floor joists.
Q: What are the material rules for Chicago plumbing?
- DON’T assume standard PVC or PEX plastic is allowed everywhere. While many suburbs allow plastic drain lines (PVC) and plastic water lines (PEX), the City of Chicago has traditionally had strict rules favoring copper for water supply and cast iron or copper for drains in many residential scenarios.
- DO check current local amendments. Chicago updated some code rules to allow PEX or PVC in specific smaller residential projects, but limitations still apply. Always consult a professional who understands current Chicago-specific building codes so you do not fail your rough-in inspection.
Q: How can I save the historic charm while upgrading the system?
- DON’T throw away high-quality vintage hardware. Original cast iron clawfoot tubs or heavy porcelain sinks are incredibly durable and highly sought after.
- DO restore and adapt. You can have a professional re-glaze an old clawfoot tub right in your home. You can also purchase modern, code-compliant faucet conversion kits designed to fit the antique hole drillings of vintage fixtures.
Q: Do I really need a permit for a bathroom remodel in Chicago?
- DON’T work without a permit or hire an unlicensed handyman. Chicago takes its plumbing inspections very seriously. If you get caught remodeling without a permit, the city can halt your project, issue heavy fines, and force you to tear out finished tile to show the plumbing lines.
- DO apply for the correct permits. A simple replacement of existing fixtures might qualify for the city’s “Easy Permit Process,” but moving lines or altering walls requires a full architectural or trade permit. Ensure you hire a Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Chicago Plumbing Contractor who will pull the permits for you
