There’s something special about old homes. They have a story to tell—through their woodwork, old tiles, and the kind of craftsmanship you don’t see much anymore. Here in Vermont, it’s common to find homes that are over 100 years old, from cozy farmhouses in the hills to classic Victorians in town. Each one has its own charm and character.
But charm alone isn’t always enough—especially when it comes to your bathroom.
Bathrooms in older homes were built for a different time. They’re often small, not well laid out, and missing the things we expect today—like good lighting, enough storage, or efficient plumbing and heating. You might deal with cold floors, outdated fixtures, or just a space that doesn’t feel comfortable anymore.
At Clar Construction, we help Vermont homeowners update their bathrooms in a way that makes sense. We remodel with care—keeping the best parts of your home’s history, while making the space more useful, comfortable, and energy-efficient.
Our team knows how to blend old and new. Whether it’s adding modern features to a farmhouse bathroom or updating a historic home while keeping its original charm, we make sure your new bathroom feels like it belongs.
In this blog, we’ll show you what it takes to remodel your bathroom with purpose. Whether you’re just getting started or already have ideas, we hope this gives you the inspiration and guidance you need to take the next step.
Remodel Your Bathroom in Vermont with Purpose
Make your bathroom work better—for your home, your life, and Vermont living.
Bathroom remodels are one of the best ways to improve your home. They add value, boost comfort, and make a big difference in how you feel every day. After all, the bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your house, it should be both beautiful and easy to use.
But remodeling a bathroom is about more than just picking out new fixtures or tiles. It’s about creating a space that fits your life. And here in Vermont, that means thinking carefully about your home, your needs, and how to build something that will last.
Vermont homes are unique. Many are old and full of character; farmhouses, cottages, or historic homes with original charm. Others are newer but still need updates to work better for the way you live.
Plus, Vermont winters are cold, and that means your bathroom should be warm, efficient, and built with care. Things like heated floors, good ventilation, and water-saving fixtures matter here.
Key Considerations Before You Start a Bathroom Remodel in Vermont
A bathroom remodel is one of the most impactful home improvement projects you can undertake. Done thoughtfully, it can improve daily comfort, increase energy efficiency, and add long-term value to your home. However, proper planning is essential to ensure the final result aligns with your goals, budget, and the unique characteristics of your Vermont home.
Here are five things to consider before you start your bathroom renovation:
1. Functionality and Intended Use
Begin by defining how the bathroom needs to function. Is this a high-traffic family bathroom, a private en suite, or a guest powder room? Consider the number of users, storage needs, mobility or aging-in-place requirements, and overall comfort. Establishing these goals early ensures the design supports your daily routines and long-term needs.
2. Spatial Layout and Existing Constraints
Assess the current layout of your space and how well it serves your needs. Vermont homes—particularly historic ones—often have compact or awkwardly shaped bathrooms that can limit functionality. Consider whether reconfiguring walls, relocating fixtures, or expanding the footprint will improve usability and flow. A professional design-build team can help you evaluate possibilities within your home’s structural limitations.
3. Infrastructure and Building Systems
What lies behind your walls is just as important as what’s in plain view. Outdated plumbing, aging electrical systems, poor ventilation, and insufficient insulation are common in older homes and must be addressed to ensure safety, efficiency, and code compliance. A thorough inspection during the planning phase allows for accurate budgeting and minimizes unexpected issues during construction.
4. Design Style and Architectural Consistency
Your remodeled bathroom should harmonize with the overall style of your home. Whether your aesthetic leans traditional, modern, or somewhere in between, the design should reflect your personal preferences while respecting your home’s architectural identity. Materials, fixtures, and finishes should be chosen not only for appearance, but for quality, durability, and regional suitability—especially considering Vermont’s seasonal changes.
5. Budget and Project Scope
Establishing a realistic budget early in the process is important. Consider both your total investment and how you want to allocate funds—for example, prioritizing custom cabinetry, upgraded tilework, or energy-efficient fixtures.
A design-build approach streamlines the planning, design, and construction phases, helping you align scope and budget from the outset and avoid costly surprises later.
Key Elements of a Purposeful Bathroom Remodel
A successful bathroom remodel is about more than good looks—it’s about thoughtful choices that improve your daily life, fit your home’s character, and stand up to Vermont’s unique demands.
Here are the essential elements we focus on when helping our clients remodel with purpose:
1. Function-First Layout
At the core of any purposeful bathroom remodel is a layout that works for how you live. That means:
Clear flow between fixtures
Safe and comfortable movement, especially in tight spaces
Logical placement of sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets
In many Vermont homes. especially older homes, we often rework outdated layouts that no longer serve the household. Whether it’s removing cramped walls, widening entries, or repositioning plumbing for better access, a smart layout transforms how a bathroom feels and functions.
2. Storage Solutions for Daily Use
Clutter-free bathrooms are easier to use and more relaxing. Purposeful design includes built-in or well-placed storage that keeps everything within reach but out of sight. We often recommend:
Custom vanities with deep drawers or pull-out shelves
Tall linen cabinets or recessed shelving
Niches inside showers for soaps and bottles
In smaller Vermont homes, every inch counts. That’s where thoughtful cabinetry design and space-saving solutions make all the difference.
3. High-Performance, Eco-Friendly Fixtures
Vermonters care about the environment, and a bathroom remodel is a great chance to make your home more efficient. At Clar Construction, we help homeowners choose smart upgrades that save water and energy—without giving up comfort. Some of the most popular options include:
WaterSense-certified toilets and faucets that use less water
Low-flow showerheads that still give you strong, comfortable water pressure
Energy-saving lights and fans that reduce your power use and keep air fresh
These changes can lower your monthly bills and make your home more eco-friendly. For many of our clients, building a bathroom that’s both beautiful and better for the planet is a top priority—and we’re happy to help make it happen.
4. Lighting and Ventilation Essentials
Proper lighting and ventilation are often overlooked but make a huge impact. Bathrooms need layered lighting to serve different tasks—like bright light for shaving or makeup, and softer light for relaxing baths.
Equally important is ventilation. Vermont’s humid seasons and cold winters mean moisture control is critical to prevent mold and extend the life of your finishes. We recommend:
High-quality exhaust fans vented to the exterior
Energy-efficient windows for natural light and air flow
Dimmable lighting or motion-sensor controls for ease and efficiency
Why Vermont Bathroom Remodeling Require a Different Approach
Remodeling a bathroom in Vermont isn’t the same as remodeling in other parts of the country. Our climate, homes, and values shape how we design and build.
At Clar Construction, we’ve spent over 20 years working on homes across central Vermont—and we know that a successful bathroom remodel here needs to do more than just look good.
Cold Winters Mean Smart, Warm Design
Vermont winters are long and cold, which means comfort and energy efficiency are top priorities. Heated floors, well-insulated walls, and high-efficiency ventilation systems aren’t just nice extras—they’re often essential. Without the right materials and design, bathrooms can become drafty, damp, and uncomfortable during the colder months.
Every Home Has a Story—And a Challenge
Many Vermont homes were built generations ago, and while they’re full of charm, they weren’t designed for modern life. Bathrooms are often small, poorly laid out, or added onto the home later. We often see:
Outdated plumbing and wiring
Awkward layouts with little storage
Drafty windows or poor insulation
On the other hand, newer homes might offer more space but still need help with flow, function, or style. No matter the age of the house, each one comes with its own set of opportunities—and we design with those in mind.
Craftsmanship Matters More in Vermont
In Vermont, homeowners care about quality. They take pride in homes that are built with care, integrity, and attention to detail—and so do we. That’s why custom craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do. Whether we’re replicating historic trim, crafting a one-of-a-kind vanity, or hand-setting tile with exacting care, our team approaches each project with skill, pride, and precision.
We believe in doing things the right way, not the easy way. And our clients expect the same.
Ready to Remodel Your Bathroom with Purpose?
A bathroom remodel is more than just a home upgrade—it’s a chance to create a space that truly works for you. Whether you’re looking to restore a piece of Vermont history, improve daily comfort, or make your home more efficient, a purposeful approach makes all the difference.
At Clar Construction, we’re here to guide you through every step with care, skill, and attention to detail. From thoughtful design to quality craftsmanship, we’ll help you create a bathroom that feels right—not just for today, but for years to come.
Let’s build something lasting together.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a bathroom that reflects your life, your home, and your values.
