Bathroom remodeling in Houghton
Houghton is a lakeside Kirkland neighborhood of mostly single-family homes, with a history that goes back to a shipbuilding town. Bathroom projects here often center on primary suites, showers with a view of daily life on the water, and, because of the shoreline, a careful look at permits. Call (425) 555-0172 to speak with a local bathroom remodeling contractor.
About bathroom remodeling in Houghton
Houghton overlooks Lake Washington south of downtown Kirkland. It was named for lumberman Willard Houghton, incorporated as a town in 1948 with 1,065 people recorded in the 1950 Census, and was annexed by Kirkland in 1968, the first community in Washington with a neighborhood council. Lake Washington Shipyards once built ships for the U.S. Navy on the waterfront, on the site that is now the Carillon Point business park. Houghton Beach Park and Marsh Park sit on the lake, and Watershed Park lies next to the interstate. The area is mostly single-family homes.
Because of the shoreline, a Houghton remodel often involves more questions about rules than one inland. For an overview of what any project involves, see bathroom remodeling in Kirkland.
Shower remodel in Houghton
Spa-style walk-in showers for primary baths
Primary bathrooms in larger single-family homes have room for oversized walk-in showers with benches, niches and multiple shower heads. See shower remodeling for the building blocks.
Moisture control near the water
Homes near the lake live with higher humidity and rain. A shower rebuild is a good moment to confirm the exhaust fan is sized and vented properly, as described in bathroom ventilation in the Pacific Northwest.
Tub-to-shower conversion in Houghton
Larger conversions in the same footprint
A conversion in a roomy bathroom can leave space for a bench, a wider entry and a second showerhead. See tub-to-shower conversion.
Keeping a soaking tub elsewhere
In homes with more than one bathroom, converting a secondary tub to a shower while keeping a soaking tub in the primary bath is a common way to balance both uses.
Bathtub replacement in Houghton
Freestanding and soaking tubs
A freestanding tub is a natural centerpiece in a larger primary bath. It needs floor support, a filler rough-in and clearance on all sides. See bathtub replacement for materials and sizing, and remember that water weighs about 8.3 pounds per gallon.
Tub-shower combinations in guest baths
For secondary bathrooms, an acrylic tub with a new tiled or paneled surround is a practical upgrade that doesn't change the room.
Accessible bathroom remodel in Houghton
Aging in place near the lake
Adding a curbless shower, grab-bar blocking and comfort-height fixtures lets a household stay in a long-time home. See accessible bathroom remodeling.
Multi-level homes
Where bedrooms are on an upper floor, a main-level bathroom with a roll-in shower is often the most valuable accessibility project.
Bathroom tile and flooring in Houghton
Stone and large-format tile
Larger bathrooms suit large-format porcelain and natural stone. Stone needs sealing, and large tiles need a very flat substrate. See bathroom tile and flooring.
Heated floors in primary baths
Radiant electric floors are a popular addition in primary suites. See electric vs. hydronic heated floors.
Vanities and countertops in Houghton
Double vanities for primary suites
Wide primary baths have room for 60- to 72-inch double vanities with generous counter space. See vanities and countertops.
Countertops that handle humidity
Quartz and sealed granite resist moisture. Our guide to quartz vs. granite helps you choose.
Permits and shoreline rules in Houghton
Houghton is part of the City of Kirkland, where interior remodels, drywall removal and plumbing or electrical changes need a permit. The city also states that exemptions from permits don't apply in critical areas such as flood-hazard, wetland, steep-slope or shoreline zones. Houghton's lakeshore means some properties may fall inside one of those areas, so check the city's property search tool or call the Development Services Center before assuming a project is exempt. Our guide on bathroom remodel permits in Kirkland explains the rules.
Nearby areas
Houghton borders downtown Kirkland and lies south of Juanita, the other Kirkland neighborhood we cover in detail. Homeowners farther north around the lake may want to read about Kenmore and Bothell.