Bathroom Renovation in Montclair NJ: What Homeowners Need to Know

Montclair homeowners face unique opportunities and challenges when renovating bathrooms. With a rich mix of Victorian, Colonial, Tudor, and Craftsman homes—many built between 1890 and 1940—bathroom renovations here require balancing modern functionality with period-appropriate character.

As bathroom renovation specialists serving Montclair for over a decade, La Vaca General Contractors has learned what works in this distinctive community. Here's your complete guide to bathroom renovations in Montclair.

Why Montclair Bathroom Renovations Are Unique

Historic Home Considerations

More than 60% of Montclair homes were built before 1960, with many dating back to the late 1800s. These beautiful homes come with specific bathroom challenges:

Small Bathroom Footprints: Original bathrooms were typically 5x7 feet or smaller. Many Montclair homeowners want to expand into adjacent closets or bedrooms to create more spacious master baths.

Outdated Plumbing: Galvanized pipes, cast iron drains, and undersized water lines are common. Most renovations require complete plumbing replacement to modern copper or PEX systems.

Structural Quirks: Balloon framing, plaster walls, and unexpected floor joists mean we often discover surprises during demolition. Budget 15-20% contingency for older Montclair homes.

Preservation Sensibility: Montclair homeowners appreciate their homes' architectural character. We often preserve original tilework, clawfoot tubs, or vintage fixtures while updating surrounding spaces.

Neighborhood-Specific Design Preferences

Different Montclair neighborhoods have distinct renovation styles:

Upper Montclair: Homeowners often prefer classic, timeless designs with marble, subway tile, and traditional fixtures. Budgets typically range $35,000-$75,000 for master bath renovations.

Watchung area: Mix of modern and traditional, with emphasis on spa-like features—heated floors, rainfall showers, soaking tubs. Average budgets: $30,000-$60,000.

South End: More contemporary styles, with bold tile choices, floating vanities, and modern fixtures. Projects typically range $25,000-$55,000.

Montclair Heights: Varied styles reflecting the eclectic neighborhood character. Homeowners embrace unique tile patterns, vintage-inspired fixtures, and creative solutions for small spaces.

Popular Bathroom Renovation Projects in Montclair

Master Bathroom Transformation

The most requested project: converting a cramped 1920s bathroom into a luxurious master suite.

Typical Scope:

• Expand bathroom into adjacent closet or small bedroom
• Remove tub, install large walk-in shower with bench and multiple shower heads
• Double vanity with ample storage
• Heated tile floor
• Modern lighting and ventilation

Average Cost: $45,000-$85,000

Timeline: 6-8 weeks including permits

Recent Example: We transformed a 6x8 bathroom in a 1925 Tudor on Lorraine Avenue. By incorporating an adjacent linen closet, we created a 9x10 master bath with a stunning 5-foot shower featuring subway tile to ceiling, a freestanding soaking tub, and custom double vanity. Total investment: $62,000.

Vintage Bathroom Restoration

Preserving character while adding modern function.

Typical Scope:

• Restore or replicate original tile
• Refinish or replace clawfoot tub
• Update plumbing and electrical to code
• Maintain period-appropriate fixtures and lighting
• Add modern amenities discreetly (heated floors under vintage tile, LED lighting in period fixtures)

Average Cost: $28,000-$55,000

Timeline: 5-7 weeks

Recent Example: A 1910 Victorian on Park Street had original hexagonal floor tile and a gorgeous clawfoot tub. We carefully preserved these elements, updated all behind-the-wall plumbing, added a rainfall shower attachment, installed a period-appropriate pedestal sink, and restored the original beadboard wainscoting. Investment: $38,000.

Small Bathroom Maximization

Making the most of limited square footage.

Typical Scope:

• Strategic layout to improve flow
• Wall-mounted toilet and floating vanity to create visual space
• Large-format tile (makes space feel bigger)
• Glass shower door instead of curtain
• Recessed storage and medicine cabinets
• Excellent lighting design

Average Cost: $18,000-$35,000

Timeline: 3-5 weeks

Recent Example: A 5x7 bathroom in a Cooper Avenue Colonial felt cramped and dated. We reconfigured the layout, installed a corner shower with frameless glass, added a wall-mounted toilet, and created a custom floating vanity with drawers. The same square footage now feels twice as large. Investment: $24,500.

Montclair Bathroom Renovation Costs

Based on our recent projects in Montclair:

Small Bathroom (5x8 or smaller): $18,000 - $35,000

• New tile floor and shower/tub surround
• Updated vanity and sink
• New toilet
• Lighting and mirror
• Paint and ventilation fan
• All plumbing and electrical updates

Medium Bathroom (8x10): $28,000 - $55,000

• Complete demo and rebuild
• Custom or semi-custom vanity
• Quality tile throughout
• Walk-in shower or tub/shower combo
• Upgraded fixtures and lighting
• Heated floor option
• Ventilation and exhaust

Large Master Bath (10x12+): $45,000 - $85,000+

• Luxury finishes and fixtures
• Separate shower and soaking tub
• Double vanity with custom cabinetry
• Premium tile and stone
• High-end lighting design
• Heated floors
• Layout reconfiguration if needed

These ranges reflect actual costs for permitted, professionally completed projects in Montclair. Prices include:

• Licensed contractor labor
• All materials
• Permits and inspections
• Disposal and cleanup
• Project management

Montclair Permit Requirements

The Montclair Building Department requires permits for virtually all bathroom renovations beyond cosmetic updates. Here's what you need to know:

When You Need a Permit

• Moving or adding plumbing fixtures
• Any electrical work
• Structural modifications
• Replacing water heater
• Installing new ventilation fans (if running new ducting)

When You Might NOT Need a Permit

• Painting
• Replacing toilet or vanity in same location
• Updating mirror or lighting fixture (if no new wiring)
• Installing new flooring over existing (no subfloor work)

Important: Even minor projects often trigger permit requirements in Montclair. We always check with the Building Department before starting work.

Montclair Permit Process

1. Application: Submit plans and specifications to Building Department at Montclair Town Hall (205 Claremont Avenue)

2. Review: Typically 2-3 weeks for approval (can be longer during busy season)

3. Inspections Required:

   • Rough plumbing inspection (before closing walls)
   • Rough electrical inspection (before closing walls)
   • Final inspection (project completion)

4. Cost: $150-$800 depending on project scope

As licensed contractors, La Vaca handles all permit applications, scheduling inspections, and ensuring compliance with Montclair building codes.

Common Code Requirements

• GFCI outlets required within 6 feet of water sources
• Ventilation: Fan must exhaust to outside (not attic), minimum 50 CFM for bathrooms under 100 sq ft
• Water heater: If replacing, must meet current efficiency standards
• Grab bars: If aging-in-place modifications, specific backing and installation requirements
• Ceiling height: Minimum 7 feet (challenging in some older Montclair homes with sloped ceilings)

Design Trends in Montclair Bathrooms

What's Popular in 2025

Classic Subway Tile: Never goes out of style. White 3x6 subway tile with various grout colors (charcoal gray is trending).

Statement Floors: Patterned cement tile, geometric porcelain, or classic black-and-white hexagonal tile.

Spa Features: Rainfall showerheads, bench seating in showers, heated floors, towel warmers.

Natural Materials: Marble, natural stone, wood-look tile for warmth.

Mixed Metals: Combining matte black fixtures with brass or gold accents.

Freestanding Tubs: When space allows, these create a focal point and luxury feel.

Floating Vanities: Create visual space, easier to clean floors, modern look that works in traditional homes.

Large-Format Tile: 12x24 or larger reduces grout lines and makes spaces feel bigger.

What Montclair Homeowners Avoid

• Overly trendy colors (resale consideration)
• Carpeted bathrooms (common in 1970s-80s)
• Cultured marble (dated look)
• Popcorn or heavily textured ceilings
• Single-pane glass block windows
• Laminate countertops in upscale homes

Timeline Expectations

A typical Montclair bathroom renovation follows this timeline:

Week 1: Design finalization, material selection, permit application

Weeks 2-3: Permits processing, material ordering

Week 4: Demolition, rough plumbing and electrical, framing modifications

Week 5: Inspections, shower pan and waterproofing, tile setting begins

Week 6: Tile completion, vanity and fixture installation

Week 7: Final electrical, painting, finishing details

Week 8: Final inspection, punch list, project completion

For larger master bath renovations with structural changes, add 2-3 weeks. Small powder room updates can be completed in 3-4 weeks.

Working with La Vaca in Montclair

We've completed over 150 bathroom renovations in Montclair, from modest powder room updates to luxurious master suite transformations. Here's what our Montclair clients appreciate:

Local Expertise: We know Montclair's building department, understand the community's aesthetic preferences, and have solved every kind of old-house challenge.

Respect for Your Home: We protect your floors, minimize dust, and maintain a clean job site. Many of our clients remain in their homes during renovations.

Transparent Communication: You'll always know what's happening, what to expect next, and how the budget is tracking.

Licensed and Insured: Fully licensed in New Jersey, insured, and experienced with Montclair's permitting process.

Quality Craftsmanship: We take pride in tile work that's perfectly aligned, fixtures that function flawlessly, and finishes that last.

Next Steps

Thinking about a bathroom renovation in your Montclair home? The best first step is a conversation. We'll visit your home, discuss your vision and budget, and provide a detailed estimate.

We serve all Montclair neighborhoods and understand the unique character of homes throughout town. We also work in nearby communities including West Orange, Bloomfield, and Glen Ridge.

Call La Vaca General Contractors at (201) 212-4917 to schedule your free consultation. Let's transform your bathroom while respecting your home's character.