Luxury Bathroom Remodeling: From Concept to Completion

Cape Cod’s Design-Build Bathroom Specialists Since 2003

Thomas Michael’s Kitchen and Bath have been remodeling bathrooms across Cape Cod for over 20 years. As a licensed design-build firm (HIC #200707), we handle every phase of your project under one roof, from the initial design consultation through the final walkthrough.

With more than 2,000+ kitchen and bathroom projects completed since 2003, our team brings the kind of experience that only comes from working in Cape Cod homes day after day.

So, whether you’re ready to gut an outdated master bath or finally replace a shower that’s seen better days, we’ll guide you through every decision with clear answers and a process you can follow from start to finish.

Why Bathroom Remodeling on Cape Cod Requires Local Knowledge

Cape Cod homes come with their own set of realities that a contractor needs to understand before a single tile is chosen, or a fixture is ordered. Many were built between the 1950s and 1990s, which means aging plumbing, original subfloors, and layouts that weren’t designed with modern families in mind. 

A contractor who hasn’t worked extensively in these homes will often underestimate what’s behind the walls, and homeowners end up absorbing the cost of that surprise.

After 20 years working across the Cape, here’s what we account for on every bathroom remodeling project:

  • Coastal humidity and salt air accelerate wear on materials that hold up just fine inland. Vanity finishes, tile grout, and fixture hardware all need to be selected with the Cape’s climate in mind, not just how they look in a showroom which is what we do.
  • Older plumbing and subfloors are common in homes built before 1990. We assess both during the in-home assessment, so the scope and budget reflect what’s actually there.
  • Historic district requirements in towns like Sandwich and Barnstable affect what changes can be made and how approvals are handled. We manage all permitting across every Cape Cod town, so homeowners don’t have to navigate that process themselves.

This local knowledge shapes every recommendation we make, starting with the services themselves.

No two bathrooms on Cape Cod are exactly alike, and neither are the families using them. Some homeowners come to us with a clear vision; others just know something isn’t working. Either way, we cover the full scope of bathroom remodeling, from targeted updates to complete gut renovations.

1

Full Bathroom Renovations

For bathrooms that have simply outgrown their original design, we take on the full scope. New floors, new showers, new vanities, updated plumbing, all coordinated by one team so nothing gets missed along the way.

2

Walk-In Shower Design and Installation

Walk-in showers are one of our most requested upgrades. We design and install custom tile showers with frameless glass doors, built-in niches, and seating options that fit the specific dimensions of your bathroom rather than a standard template.

3

Tub-to-Shower Conversions and Soaking Tubs

Tub and shower decisions are some of the most personal choices in a bathroom remodel. Whether you want to reclaim floor space with a tub-to-shower conversion or add a freestanding soaking tub as a focal point, we design around how you actually use the room.

4

Vanity and Cabinetry

Storage is one of the most common complaints we hear when it comes to older Cape Cod bathrooms. That’s why we work with semi-custom and custom cabinetry lines to add functional storage without sacrificing the look of the space.

5

Tile Selection and Installation

Tile choices shape how a bathroom feels more than almost any other material in the room. We help clients narrow down options from a wide range of sizes, finishes, and patterns, and we install with the attention to detail that grout lines and wet areas demand.

6

Fixture and Plumbing Upgrades

Fixtures take a beating in a coastal environment, and worn hardware or inefficient plumbing shows up quickly in an otherwise updated bathroom. We work with trusted brands, including Kohler and Miseno, to replace what’s worn or inefficient with fixtures that should be built to last in a coastal environment.

7

ADA-Compliant and Aging-in-Place Design

Many of our clients are planning to stay in their homes long-term and want a bathroom layout that keeps up with them as their needs change. We design and install grab bars, wider doorways, curbless showers, and accessible layouts that work without compromising on how the space looks.

8

Powder Room Updates

Not every project requires a full renovation. A refreshed powder room with a new vanity, updated fixtures, and fresh tile can shift how the whole space reads to anyone who walks in without a major makeover being completed.

A Recent Project: Marion, MA Bathroom Transformation

This project in Marion, MA is a good example of what a full bathroom renovation looks like when every detail is planned from the ground up.

The homeowners wanted a complete transformation, and that’s exactly what we delivered. The renovation project included a new floor, a walk-in custom tile shower with an angled seat, a built-in wall niche, and a sleek glass shower door. White cabinetry was also added along the walls to solve a longstanding storage problem, set against soft grey walls that keep the space feeling clean and bright.

For the vanity, we installed a white double-sink unit with decorative applied molding doors, quartz countertops, two rectangular undermount sinks, and a bank of center drawers for daily storage. A custom storage area with a mahogany solid wood countertop brings warmth to the finished space and gives the room a detail you don’t typically see in a standard remodel.

Kitchen with white cabinets, dark refrigerator, and island with pendant lights.

The Materials We Use and Why They Matter on the Coast

Choosing the right materials for a Cape Cod bathroom isn’t just about style. Salt air, humidity, and the wear patterns of a working coastal home put real demands on finishes, fixtures, and cabinetry. We factor all of that in before we recommend anything.

Material Type Best For Moisture Resistance Maintenance Level Typical Lifespan
Porcelain Tile Floors and showers Excellent Low 20–50+ years
Ceramic Tile Walls and backsplashes Very Good Low 15–30 years
Quartz Countertops Vanity tops Excellent Very Low 20+ years
Plywood Vanity Cabinets Moisture-resistant cabinetry Very Good Low 20+ years
Solid Wood Cabinetry Custom vanities Moderate (requires sealing) Medium 15–25 years
MDF Cabinets Budget vanities Moderate Medium 10–15 years

Here’s what we work with and why:

  • Tile and grout: We source flooring and wall tile through Emser Tile, selecting products rated for high-humidity environments. The tile gets most of the attention, but grout selection and application technique matter just as much in wet areas, and we treat both with the same level of care.
  • Cabinetry: Our vanity and storage cabinetry comes from lines including KraftMaid and Waypoint Living Spaces, both known for moisture-resistant construction that holds up in bathrooms over the long term.
  • Fixtures and sinks: We work with Kohler, Miseno, Franke, and Ruvati, brands with strong performance records in coastal homes where lesser fixtures corrode or fail ahead of schedule.

If you want to see and compare these materials in person before committing to anything, our showroom in East Wareham is set up specifically for that. You can walk through full displays, handle samples, and get a realistic feel for how finishes will look in your home.

Wondering What Your Bathroom Remodel Will Cost?

Our free online calculator gives you a budget range based on your project type, scope, and material preferences. It takes just a few minutes and there is no obligation to move forward.

The Licensed, Certified Team Behind Your Remodel

Knowing who is actually designing and building your bathroom matters, so here is a look at the team leading your project.

Tom Anderson, our owner, has 33 years of experience in kitchen and bathroom remodeling and holds a National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Designer certification. Meagan Marshal, our Production Manager, brings 12 years of design experience and is also NKBA certified. Our Project Manager has over 30 years of construction experience, previously owned and operated his own construction business, and holds a Construction Supervisor’s License (CSL #CSFA-106654).

The business also carries $4,000,000 in general liability insurance and full workers compensation coverage and operates under Home Improvement Contractor license #200707. If you’d like to learn more about the team, you can read the full story on our ‘About’ page.

Liam Kanaley

Office Manager

Meagan Marshal

Production Manager

Ryan Bacchiocchi

Project Manager

How Our Bathroom Remodeling Process Works

A bathroom remodel involves a lot of decisions, and the order in which they happen matters. Here is how we move a project from the first conversation to the finished space.

Free Design Consultation

We start by learning about your bathroom, your goals, and your budget. This can be done in our East Wareham showroom or virtually, whichever works best for you. By the end of the meeting, we will have a clear picture of the next steps.

In-Home Assessment and 3D Design

Our designer visits your home to take measurements and review the space firsthand. From there, we build a detailed 3D rendering of your new bathroom and present a Good, Better, Best budget outline so you can see exactly what your investment gets you at each level.

Contract and Selections

Once the design and budget are approved, we finalize a detailed written contract covering scope, timeline, materials, and cost. No work starts until everything is agreed upon in writing.

Construction Through Final Walkthrough

Our team handles every phase of construction. You have real-time access to project updates through our online project management system, and we do a thorough walkthrough with you at the end to make sure every detail is right.

What to Expect to Invest in a Cape Cod Bathroom Remodel

One of the most common questions we hear during a first consultation is “What is this going to cost?” It’s a fair question, and we’d rather give you a realistic picture upfront than a number that changes once the project gets started.

Bathroom remodeling costs on Cape Cod vary based on the size of the space, the scope of work, and the materials selected. A powder room refresh and a full master bath gut renovation are very different projects with very different budgets. Older homes can also introduce variables like aging plumbing or subfloor conditions that affect the final number.

We’ve put together a detailed Bathroom Pricing Guide on our site that walks through typical cost ranges by project type. It’s a good starting point for understanding what your investment might look like before you ever pick up the phone.

Bathroom with floral wallpaper, a white mirror, and a small ladder shelf holding toiletries.

Proudly Designing and Remodeling Kitchens & Baths Across Cape Cod, Plymouth, and Massachusetts’ South Shore

From waterfront homes on Cape Cod to historic South Shore properties and growing communities throughout Plymouth County, our team helps homeowners create timeless, functional spaces designed for New England living with local expertise you can see in every project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most standard bathroom remodels take between three and six weeks from the start of construction. The timeline depends on the scope of work, material lead times, and whether any surprises arise during demolition, which is common in older Cape Cod homes. We provide a realistic schedule upfront and keep clients updated through our online project management system.
Yes. We manage all permitting for every project, including towns with historic district requirements such as Sandwich and Barnstable. Homeowners do not need to be involved in that process.
Absolutely. Many homes we work in across Cape Cod were built before 1990 and still have original plumbing. During the in-home assessment, we evaluate pipe material, water pressure, drain conditions, and valve locations so any necessary updates are scoped and priced before construction begins.
A renovation typically updates what already exists — new fixtures, fresh tile, or a replaced vanity. A remodel goes further and changes the layout, structure, or function of the space. We handle both and help you determine which approach best fits your home and budget.
Yes. We design and install grab bars, curbless showers, wider doorways, and accessible layouts for clients planning for long-term comfort. These features can be integrated into a full renovation without compromising overall design.
All installation and construction work is backed by a one-year workmanship warranty. Cabinetry carries a Limited Lifetime Warranty through the manufacturer, and other materials are covered by their respective manufacturer warranties. If an issue arises after completion, simply contact our office and we handle it.