Bathroom Remodel Checklist

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Dream & Plan

Define your vision & priorities

Start with the why. What do you want this space to feel like? Spa retreat? Family bath?

Identify must-haves vs. nice-to-haves

List absolute requirements separately from dream features to prioritize when budget gets tight.

Assess current functionality issues

Document every problem: poor lighting, inadequate storage, ventilation, water pressure.

Consider accessibility & aging in place

Think long-term. Curbless showers, grab bars, and comfort-height toilets add value.

Plan storage requirements

Inventory everything that needs a home: towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, linens.

Take comprehensive before photos

Document every angle, including inside cabinets, ceiling, and problem areas in good lighting.

Design

Hire a bathroom designer or architect

For major remodels, professional design saves money by avoiding costly mistakes and code issues.

Create detailed floor plan & elevations

Map plumbing, electrical, lighting, ventilation, and heated floor zones precisely to scale.

Finalize shower/tub configuration

Decide between tub/shower combo, separate shower and tub, or shower-only with bench.

Plan vanity size & sink configuration

Single or double sinks? Floating or floor-mounted? Ensure adequate counter space on both sides.

Design custom storage solutions

Built-in niches, recessed medicine cabinets, drawer dividers, and pull-out organizers.

Select all tile & finish materials

Choose floor tile, shower tile, accent tile, grout colors, and ensure they coordinate perfectly.

Budget

Get 3-5 detailed written estimates

Compare itemized bids from licensed contractors. Lowest price rarely equals best value.

Build realistic budget with line items

Allocate: 20% labor, 20% plumbing/electrical, 30% tile/materials, 20% fixtures, 10% contingency.

Add 15-25% contingency buffer

Surprises are guaranteed: hidden water damage, outdated wiring, asbestos, structural issues.

Establish payment milestones

Never pay everything upfront. Tie payments to completed work stages, not calendar dates.

Explore financing options if needed

Compare: home equity loan, HELOC, personal loan, or 0% contractor financing for 12-18 months.

Hire Pros

Select licensed general contractor

Verify license, insurance, bonding, and recent bathroom-specific references before signing.

Book licensed plumber for rough-in

Plumbing is critical. Don't cut corners. Expect $3,000-$6,000 for complete bathroom replumb.

Hire licensed electrician

GFCI outlets, proper ventilation, vanity lighting, heated floors require licensed electrical work.

Find experienced tile installer

Tile quality makes or breaks bathroom aesthetics. View their portfolio and check references.

Review and sign detailed contract

Contract should specify materials, timeline, payment schedule, change order process, and warranties.

Permits

Pull building permit

Required for structural changes, moving plumbing/electrical. Protects you and adds resale value.

Obtain plumbing permit if required

Separate permit often needed for major plumbing changes like moving drain stacks or water lines.

Secure electrical permit for new circuits

Adding circuits, moving outlets, or upgrading electrical requires permits and inspections.

Set up temporary bathroom facilities

Arrange alternate bathroom access for 4-12 weeks. Consider family members' schedules and needs.

Order all long-lead items immediately

Custom vanities, special order tiles, and fixtures can take 8-16 weeks. Order early to avoid delays.

Demo

Complete demolition to studs

Remove all fixtures, cabinets, tile, drywall, and flooring. Inspect for hidden damage or issues.

Address any structural or moisture issues

Repair rotted subfloor, damaged studs, or mold before proceeding. This is your chance to fix it right.

Install new plumbing rough-in

Run supply lines, drain pipes, vent stack, and shower valve. Pressure test everything before closing walls.

Run electrical & install backer boxes

Wire for lights, fan, outlets, heated floors. Install blocking for future grab bars and mount hardware.

Install waterproofing membrane in wet areas

Apply RedGard, Schluter Kerdi, or equivalent to shower walls, tub surround, and floor areas.

Schedule rough-in inspections

Building inspector must approve plumbing, electrical, and framing before covering walls.

Tile

Install shower/tub surround tile

Start with shower walls. Layout matters—center focal wall and plan cuts on less visible areas.

Install floor tile with proper slope

Bathroom floors must slope toward drain (if applicable) and away from walls to prevent water pooling.

Add accent tile or feature walls

Mosaic niches, decorative borders, or statement walls elevate the design. Plan these before setting tile.

Apply grout and seal all surfaces

Choose grout color carefully—it impacts the overall look. Seal grout and natural stone to prevent staining.

Install custom shower niche or shelving

Built-in storage should be waterproofed, tiled, and positioned for easy reach from shower.

Fixtures

Install vanity and countertop

Level and secure vanity to wall studs. Install countertop, then plumber connects sink and faucet.

Install toilet and ensure proper seal

Comfort-height toilets (17-19 inches) are easier on knees. Set with new wax ring and test for leaks.

Install shower fixtures and trim

Attach shower head, hand shower, trim kit, and glass door. Test water pressure and temperature.

Install bathtub if included in design

Freestanding tubs are statement pieces. Built-in tubs require tile surround and waterproofing.

Install vanity faucets and accessories

Match finishes across all fixtures. Install pop-up drains, P-traps, and supply lines without leaks.

Install vanity and ambient lighting

Layer lighting: vanity sconces at face height, recessed ceiling lights, and accent lighting for ambiance.

Finishing

Hang mirrors and medicine cabinets

Large mirrors amplify light and space. Ensure secure mounting into studs or proper wall anchors.

Install towel bars, hooks, and accessories

Toilet paper holder, towel bars, robe hooks—install into studs or use proper anchors for tile.

Paint ceiling and any non-tiled walls

Use semi-gloss or satin bathroom paint with mildew resistance. Proper ventilation prevents peeling.

Add final luxury touches

Heated towel rack, aromatherapy diffuser, plants, artwork, luxury linens elevate the spa experience.

Complete contractor punch list

Walk through with contractor to identify and fix any issues: grout touch-ups, caulk gaps, adjustments.

Take after photos and enjoy

Document your beautiful new spa bathroom. Take same angles as before photos to appreciate the transformation.

Related Checklists

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