Why Bathroom Remodels in Pittsburgh’s Historic Homes Cost More-And Why They’re Worth It
Bathroom remodels are one of the most common home improvement projects-but in Pittsburgh’s historic homes, they come with unique complexities that can drive up costs. If you’ve ever wondered why renovating a bathroom in a 100-year-old home is more expensive than a newer one, here’s
what’s behind it-and why Marvista Design + Build is the right partner to guide you through it.
1. Concrete Floors and Rotted Joists
Many older Pittsburgh homes were built with concrete bathroom floors or were retrofitted over time. These floors can require significant demolition work before any remodeling begins. Plus, years of hidden leaks often lead to rotted subflooring or joists, which must be repaired or replaced before
new materials go in. It’s foundational work-literally-and it’s critical for a long-lasting renovation.
2. Old Cast Iron Plumbing
While cast iron pipes were standard in older homes, they corrode over time, reducing water flow and increasing the risk of leaks. Replacing these pipes with modern PVC or PEX is often necessary during a bathroom remodel. It’s not glamorous work, but it ensures your new bathroom functions flawlessly for decades to come.
3. Knob-and-Tube Wiring and Electrical Updates
Pittsburgh’s older homes often still have outdated knob-and-tube electrical systems-or at best, partial updates. Modern bathrooms require GFCI outlets, proper venting, and lighting upgrades. Bringing these systems up to code is essential for safety, and it’s something we prioritize early in the
design process.
4. No Insulation or Ventilation
Many historic homes weren’t built with insulation in the walls-especially in small rooms like bathrooms. We not only improve comfort and energy efficiency by insulating during a remodel, but we also ensure proper ventilation. This prevents future moisture problems and protects your
investment long-term.
5. Custom Layouts and Design Challenges
Tight footprints, oddly placed windows, and limited plumbing access mean every historic home bathroom remodel needs a tailored solution. At Marvista, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We design smart, elegant layouts that maximize function and respect your home’s original architecture.
Conclusion: Bathroom remodels in historic homes take more time, care, and technical know-how-but the results are worth it. When done right, you get a beautiful, fully updated space that works for modern life without losing the charm of your older home.
Ready to bring new life to your bathroom? Marvista Design + Build is ready to help
