Should I replace old pipes during a bathroom remodel?
If they are galvanized supply lines or worn cast-iron drains and the walls are already open, usually yes. It costs far less now than after the new tile is in.
Older and historic Austin homes
Bathroom Remodels in Older and Historic Austin Homes
Austin's older neighborhoods have bathrooms with good bones and tired systems behind the walls. Once the tile comes off, you often find old drain lines, outdated wiring and floors that are no longer level. Bailey & Bear plans for those finds instead of treating them as surprises.
★ 5.0 · 57 Google reviews · Owner-run · City of Austin permits pulled and managed · Written fixed-scope quote before work starts
★ 5.0from 57 Google reviews in Austin, TX — see reviews
Owner-runone accountable owner from walkthrough to final walk
PermitsCity of Austin permits handled for you
Written quoteline-item scope before work starts
Older-home bathrooms use our published $18,000–$40,000 full remodel range as a starting point. Replacing old drain or supply lines is part of the plumbing share, about 10–15% of a typical bathroom budget, and we price it as its own line once the walls are open.
Call 512-689-8346 for a free walkthrough and a written quote.
What we usually find in older Austin bathrooms
Old galvanized supply pipe that has narrowed inside, cast-iron drains that have scaled or cracked, wiring without grounding near water, and no exhaust fan. The floor under a tub has often settled or taken water damage over the years.
None of that is visible on the walkthrough, so our quote separates the known scope from the likely scope. Once the room is open, we show you what we found and confirm the change in writing before we do it.
3rd Street: restoring an older home
On 3rd Street (January 2020), a kitchen and bath remodel in an older home, the outdated electrical and plumbing were replaced along with new tile, fixtures and hardware. Doing that work while the walls were open saved the owner a more expensive repair later.
Keeping the character
Many older-home owners want a bathroom that looks like it belongs in the house: subway or hexagon tile, a pedestal or furniture-style vanity, period-style fixtures. We can do that with modern waterproofing behind it.
If the house is in a local historic district, exterior changes such as a new window or a new vent through the siding can need review. We check the address before we plan any exterior change. See whether your remodel needs a permit.
At a glance
Older Home Bathroom Remodel numbers
| Item | What this page states |
|---|---|
| Full remodel starting range | $18,000–$40,000 (published) |
| Plumbing share | About 10–15% |
| Lighting and electrical share | About 5–8% |
| Hidden conditions | Confirmed in writing after demolition |
| Permit | Required when plumbing or electrical is replaced or moved |
Ranges come from Bailey & Bear's published Austin cost guides. Your exact number comes from a free walkthrough and a written line-item quote.
Real Bailey & Bear bathrooms
More from our Austin projects
Each photo is from a completed Bailey & Bear project with its own page in our project gallery.
Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
Will you find surprises in my older home's bathroom?
Often. Our quote separates the known scope from likely conditions, and we confirm any change in writing before doing it.
Do I need historic approval to remodel a bathroom in Austin?
It depends on the address and the scope. Exterior changes such as a new window or vent in a local historic district can need review, so we check the address before planning any exterior work.
Can you keep the vintage look?
Yes. Period-style tile, vanities and fixtures can go in front of modern waterproofing and plumbing.
Keep planning
Related bathroom projects
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Bathroom Addition
Bathroom additions and expansions, Austin.
Start with the overview: bathroom remodeling in Austin · bathroom remodel cost in Austin
Remodeling an older home's bathroom?
Free walkthrough and a written, line-item quote from an owner-run Austin remodeler.