Bathroom Remodeling in Howard County, MD
PRG Home Improvement remodels bathrooms across Howard County, from original Columbia villages to new Fulton and Clarksville homes (MHIC #113057). A full remodel in the same footprint with a new tiled shower typically costs $15,000 to $30,000. PRG files the permit with Howard County DILP and schedules the rough-in and final inspections.
Bathroom Remodeling Projects in Howard County
Howard County Bathrooms, Community by Community
In Columbia's original villages — Wilde Lake, Harper's Choice, Oakland Mills, Long Reach, Owen Brown and the rest, built 1967–1990 — many bathrooms still carry their first tile. The typical project is a gut renovation that replaces original 4x4 tile and a single vanity with a curbless shower and double sinks.
In suburban Ellicott City — Waverly Woods, Turf Valley, Fontana Village, Dunloggin — the work centers on primary-bath remodels in 1980s–90s colonials. In Clarksville and Fulton (Maple Lawn, River Hill) the homes are newer and larger, and owners replace builder-selected finishes within the first few years.
Finish expectations across the county run higher than average — designer tile and quartz tops are the norm rather than the upgrade — so Howard County bathrooms tend to land in the upper half of each tier.
Howard County Bathroom Permits (DILP)
Howard County permits run through the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP), a separate agency from Anne Arundel County with its own forms and reviewers. A permit is required for any plumbing relocation, electrical circuit change or structural alteration; like-for-like fixture replacement does not need one. Straightforward residential permits approve in 2–3 weeks, and the building permit fee for bathroom scope is typically $100–$350.
In the Old Ellicott City historic district, a bathroom project that changes the outside of the house — a new window or exterior vent — also goes to the Historic Preservation Commission before DILP acts on the application. Our Howard County permit guide walks through the process.
Curbless Showers and Tub-to-Shower Conversions
Replacing an original tub with a walk-in or curbless shower is one of the most common bathroom projects in the original Columbia villages. Curbless pans, linear drains, benches and large-format tile add labor, which is why they sit toward the top of the typical tier or in the high tier. Every shower gets a bonded waterproofing membrane. For the conversion alone, see the tub-to-shower conversion cost guide.
Bathroom Remodeling Cost in Howard County
PRG's installed prices, the same tiers as the cost guide.
| Tier | Project | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Cosmetic refresh, same footprint, tub or shower keptNew vanity, top and faucet, toilet, lighting, mirror, accessories and paint; the tub or shower surround stays or is resurfaced. | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Typical | Full remodel in the same footprint with a new tile shower or tubEverything removed to the studs where the shower is, a new tiled shower or tub-shower with bonded waterproofing, tile floor, new vanity, fixtures, lighting and exhaust. | $15,000–$30,000 |
| High | Layout change or master bath with relocated plumbing and premium finishesWalls, drains or the toilet move; a curbless or large custom shower, freestanding tub, double vanity, heated floor, frameless glass and new circuits. | $35,000–$90,000 |
Permit Office and Inspections
Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP)
Building permit fee: $100–$350
- Howard County requires a permit for any plumbing relocation, electrical circuit change or structural alteration; like-for-like fixture replacement does not need one.
- Plumbing and electrical inspections are scheduled at rough-in, before the walls are closed, and at final.
- Plumbing rough-in. When drains or supplies move: the inspector checks the new piping, venting and the shower pan test before waterproofing and tile cover it.
- Electrical rough-in. When circuits are added or moved: wiring for lighting, heated floor, fan and GFCI-protected outlets, inspected before drywall.
- Framing inspection. Only when walls, doors or windows change.
- Final inspection. Fixtures connected, GFCI and fan operation, and the finished work matching the permit.
Bathroom Remodeling by Town
Each town page covers its own neighborhoods, housing stock and local projects.
Bathroom Remodeling in Howard County: FAQ
- How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Howard County?
- A full bathroom remodel in the same footprint with a new tiled shower typically costs $15,000 to $30,000 installed by PRG; Howard County projects tend to land in the upper half because of higher finish expectations. A cosmetic refresh starts around $5,000, and a layout change or master bath reaches $90,000. See the bathroom remodel cost guide.
- Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom in Howard County?
- Yes for any plumbing relocation, electrical circuit change or structural alteration; no for like-for-like fixture replacement. Permits go through Howard County DILP, typically approve in 2–3 weeks, and cost $100–$350 for bathroom scope. In the Old Ellicott City historic district, exterior changes such as a new window or vent also go to the Historic Preservation Commission.
- Can an original Columbia bathroom get a curbless shower?
- Yes — replacing original 4x4 tile, a single vanity and a tub with a curbless shower and double sinks is one of the most common bathroom projects in the original Columbia villages. The curbless pan and linear drain add labor, so plan on the upper half of the typical tier or the high tier.
- Which Howard County towns does PRG work in?
- Columbia, Ellicott City, Fulton, Clarksville, Elkridge and Savage, plus North Laurel on the Howard County side of the county line. The towns with their own bathroom remodeling pages are listed on this page.
Get a Free In-Home Estimate
The owner measures, checks the plumbing and electrical, and writes a line-item quote with stated allowances.
Who Will Run Your Project
Anton Sergeev — Owner & Lead Craftsman
- MHIC #113057 — licensed & insured in Maryland. Verify license →
- Hands-on in construction since 2010 — electrician, property management, then custom home builders. MHIC licensed since 2017.
- Anton personally performs or supervises the critical finish work on every project — you work with the owner from estimate to final walkthrough.
- Trusted, licensed subcontractors are brought in only for specialized trades such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and concrete.
- 1-year workmanship warranty on our labor, with manufacturer warranties on materials passed through to you.
"Anton has done many jobs for us, including bathroom remodel, cabinet installation, built-ins, painting, fan and light fixture installation. I cannot say enough about him! He is communicative, creative, neat, and completes projects in a timely manner. I can't wait for him to do more projects for us!"
— Kelly Aziz, Odenton, MD · Verified Google review
We typically respond within 2–4 hours during business days. What happens next:
- We call you to discuss your project
- We schedule a free in-home consultation
- You receive a detailed written estimate