Bathroom remodelers glossary
Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a bathroom remodeler provider in Connecticut.
- What is a bathroom remodel permit?
- A building permit issued by a Connecticut municipality for bathroom renovations that involve plumbing relocations, electrical work, or structural modifications; cosmetic updates like painting or fixture replacement typically do not require permits.
- What is a change order?
- A change order is a signed written agreement that modifies the original remodeling contract by adding, removing, or altering work scope, costs, or completion dates after construction has started.
- What is a comfort height toilet?
- A comfort height toilet has a bowl that sits 17-19 inches off the floor, compared to the standard 15-16 inches, making it easier to sit down and stand up.
- What is a Connecticut home improvement contractor (HIC) license?
- A Connecticut HIC license is a state registration that permits contractors to legally perform residential remodeling work, including bathroom renovations, on properties within the state.
- What is a curbless shower?
- A curbless shower is a shower entry with no curb or threshold, built flush with the bathroom floor using sloped flooring and integrated drainage to direct water safely away.
- What is a design-build remodeler?
- A design-build remodeler is a single firm that provides both design and construction services, eliminating the need to hire separate designers and contractors.
- What is a floating vanity?
- A vanity cabinet mounted directly to the bathroom wall with no legs or base touching the floor, suspended by concealed brackets anchored to wall studs or reinforced framing.
- What is a frameless glass shower door?
- A frameless glass shower door is a hinged or sliding glass enclosure made from thick tempered glass with minimal metal framing, using only structural hardware at hinges, handles, and the base.
- What is a freestanding tub?
- A freestanding tub is a bathtub installed independently of surrounding walls, positioned in the center or open area of a bathroom, with finished sides visible from all angles and typically fed by a floor-mounted faucet.
- What is a GFCI outlet?
- A ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet is an electrical outlet that detects dangerous ground faults and cuts power within milliseconds to prevent electrocution, required by building code in bathrooms and other wet areas.
- What is a mortar bed (mud-set tile)?
- A mortar bed (mud-set tile) is a traditional method of setting floor tiles on a thick, sloped bed of sand and cement rather than thin adhesive, typically used in showers to create proper drainage.
- What is a P-trap?
- A P-trap is the U-shaped bend in drain piping beneath sinks and fixtures that retains water to create a seal preventing sewer gases from entering the building.
- What is a shower pan liner?
- A waterproof membrane installed beneath a shower's mortar bed that stops water from penetrating into the subfloor and framing.
- What is a vapor barrier?
- A vapor barrier is a thin moisture-blocking material, typically plastic sheeting or kraft paper, installed behind drywall in bathrooms and other wet areas to prevent water vapor from penetrating insulation and framing.
- What is a waterproofing membrane?
- A waterproofing membrane is a sheet or liquid-applied barrier, such as Kerdi or RedGard, installed behind tile and fixtures to prevent water penetration to the underlying framing and walls.
- What is an ADA-compliant bathroom?
- An ADA-compliant bathroom meets accessibility standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, including specific clearances, grab bar placement, and fixture heights designed to accommodate users with mobility challenges.
- What is an EPA lead-safe certified renovator?
- An EPA lead-safe certified renovator is a contractor who has completed the EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) program training and passed the exam to legally disturb painted surfaces in homes built before 1978.
- What is cement backer board?
- Cement backer board is a rigid, water-resistant panel made from cement and fiberglass used as a substrate for tile in wet areas like bathrooms and shower surrounds.
- What is exhaust fan CFM rating?
- CFM (cubic feet per minute) is the standard measurement of how much air an exhaust fan moves per minute, with bathroom fans typically requiring 1 CFM per square foot of room size.
- What is grab bar blocking?
- Grab bar blocking is solid wood or metal reinforcement installed inside walls before drywall and tile to provide secure anchor points for grab bars.
- What is PEX piping?
- PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is a flexible plastic tubing used to carry hot and cold water supply lines in residential plumbing systems.
- What is radiant floor heating?
- Radiant floor heating is an in-floor system that uses electric cables or heated water tubes beneath bathroom tile to warm the space, activated by a thermostat.
- What is rough-in plumbing?
- Rough-in plumbing is the phase where water supply lines and drain/vent pipes are installed inside walls and floors before fixtures and finishes are installed.
- What is WaterSense certification?
- WaterSense is an EPA labeling program that identifies toilets, showerheads, faucets, and other fixtures that use at least 20% less water than federal standards while maintaining performance.