Designed for homeowners planning a bathroom remodel in Fox Lake, this glossary covers waterproofing systems, shower geometries, vanity sizing, ADA requirements, electrical code, and every term Fox Lake Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro will reference during your project.
A bonded sheet membrane waterproofing system applied to the substrate before tile. Combined with KERDI-DRAIN, it creates a fully waterproof shower assembly that exceeds ANSI A118.10. Industry gold standard for tile shower waterproofing.
A foam-board waterproofing product line (panels, drains, niches) that creates a 100% waterproof shower assembly faster than KERDI. Used interchangeably with Schluter on premium walk-in shower installations.
Removing an existing alcove tub and replacing it with a low-curb or curbless walk-in shower — including new rough plumbing, waterproofing, tile, and glass. Typical timeline: 5–7 working days.
A shower without a tub, designed with a low or zero curb, custom tile, optional bench and niches, and frameless glass enclosure. Premium feature in modern bathroom remodels.
A walk-in shower with no curb at all — the floor flows continuously into the shower pan via a linear drain. Required for ADA-compliant roll-in showers and increasingly popular for aging-in-place design.
A long, narrow shower drain (12"–60") installed at one end of the shower. Allows for single-slope tile installation with large-format tiles, and is essential for curbless showers.
A shower glass enclosure with no metal framing — held in place by clips, hinges, and 3/8" or 1/2" tempered safety glass. Premium look that's easier to clean than framed showers.
The bathroom's main cabinet + countertop + sink unit. Ranges from a 24" single-sink for guest baths to 72" double-sink luxury units. Common materials: shaker-style maple, MDF with painted finish, or solid wood with quartz/marble tops.
Quartz (engineered stone) is non-porous, stain-resistant, and never needs sealing — ideal for bathrooms. Granite is natural stone with unique veining but requires periodic sealing. Both deliver a 25+ year lifespan.
A toilet with a 17"–19" seat height (vs. 14"–15" standard). Easier on knees and required for ADA compliance. Almost universal in modern bathroom remodels.
All the in-wall and in-floor plumbing work: water supply lines, drain & vent piping, P-traps, and shut-off valves — installed before drywall and tile. Done by our licensed in-house plumbers per the IPC (International Plumbing Code).
The U-shaped pipe under every fixture's drain that holds a small amount of water to block sewer gases from entering the home. Required by code on every sink, tub, and shower.
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter outlet required by the NEC (National Electrical Code) within 6 feet of any sink. Trips instantly on a fault to prevent shock. Standard in every bathroom outlet.
An electric radiant floor heating system (cable mat or loose cable embedded in thinset under the tile). Adds a $1,500–$3,500 upgrade and pairs perfectly with porcelain or stone tile.
A building permit required by your municipality whenever a bathroom remodel touches plumbing, electrical, or structural framing. We pull all permits and schedule rough-in, plumbing, and final inspections on your behalf.
A bathroom designed to the Americans with Disabilities Act standards: 36" doorways, 60" turning radius, curbless shower with grab bars, comfort-height toilet, roll-under vanity, and lever-handle faucets.
A broader, aesthetic-first version of accessible design — features like curbless showers, comfort-height toilets, and 36" doorways are integrated invisibly so the bathroom serves everyone (children, parents, aging-in-place homeowners) without looking institutional.
An ENERGY STAR-rated bathroom exhaust fan (typically 50–110 CFM) ducted directly to the exterior — not to the attic. Required by code in any bathroom without an operable window. Prevents mold and protects the drywall and paint.
A recessed shelf built into the shower wall to hold shampoo, soap, and razors. We tile the back and sides to match the shower walls. Standard sizes: 12"×12" single, 12"×24" double, or full-height vertical.
Our promise: for as long as you own the home, if anything we installed fails due to our workmanship — leaks, cracked grout from improper substrate, fixture installation issues — we make it right at no charge. Separate from manufacturer warranties on fixtures.
Schedule a free in-home design consultation. Fixed-price quote within 5 business days, lifetime workmanship warranty, in-house licensed trades.
