Bathroom Renovation Checklist

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Plan

Take before photos

Document current bathroom from all angles in good lighting for future comparison.

Assess existing space

Measure room dimensions, note window and door placement, check structural elements.

Hire general contractor

Interview 3-5 licensed contractors. Check references, insurance, and past bathroom work.

Finalize budget

Break down costs: labor, materials, fixtures, tile, and contingency. Add 15-20% buffer.

Pull permits

Obtain required permits for plumbing, electrical, and structural work from local building department.

Select all materials

Choose tile, vanity, fixtures, lighting, paint colors, and accessories before demo starts.

Demo

Protect adjacent areas

Seal off bathroom with plastic sheeting. Cover floors and nearby furniture with drop cloths.

Remove all fixtures

Disconnect and remove toilet, vanity, tub/shower, mirrors, lighting, and accessories.

Demo tile and surfaces

Remove old floor tile, wall tile, backerboard, and damaged drywall. Expose studs.

Check structural integrity

Inspect exposed framing, subfloor, and joists for water damage, rot, or necessary repairs.

Rent dumpster or arrange disposal

Old tile, fixtures, and debris are heavy. Plan for 10-15 cubic yards of waste removal.

Rough Work

Plumbing rough-in

Relocate or install new supply lines, drain pipes, and vent stack for new layout.

Electrical rough-in

Run new wiring for lights, outlets, exhaust fan, and heated floors if planned.

Frame any new walls

Build walls for closet, separate shower enclosure, or layout changes with 2x4 studs.

Install backer board

Attach cement board or Hardie board to walls in wet areas. Use proper screws and spacing.

Waterproof

Install shower pan or liner

Install mortar bed shower pan or PVC liner. Must slope 1/4" per foot toward drain.

Apply waterproof membrane

Paint on liquid membrane or install sheet membrane on all wet areas per manufacturer specs.

Waterproof corners and seams

Reinforce all inside corners, outside corners, and wall-to-floor transitions with membrane fabric.

Flood test shower pan

Plug drain, fill pan with 2-3 inches of water, wait 24-48 hours, check for leaks below.

Tile Work

Plan tile layout

Dry-lay tiles to minimize cuts, balance pattern, and determine starting point.

Install wall tile

Apply thinset mortar, set tiles with spacers, work in small sections from bottom up.

Install floor tile

Set floor tile with proper thinset, ensure slope to drain in shower, use anti-fracture membrane.

Grout all tile

Mix grout to peanut butter consistency, pack into joints, clean excess, seal when cured.

Caulk all transitions

Use silicone caulk (not grout) where tile meets tub, corners, and changing planes.

Fixtures

Install vanity

Set vanity level, attach to wall studs, connect plumbing, install countertop if separate.

Install toilet

Set new wax ring, position toilet over flange, bolt down, connect water supply, test.

Install tub or shower fixtures

Install shower valve, tub spout, shower head, and trim pieces per manufacturer instructions.

Install faucet

Mount faucet to vanity or countertop, connect supply lines, test for leaks.

Finish

Hang mirrors

Install vanity mirror or medicine cabinet securely to wall studs or with proper anchors.

Install light fixtures

Attach vanity lights, recessed lights, or pendant fixtures. Ensure GFCI protection near water.

Add accessories

Mount towel bars, toilet paper holder, robe hooks, and other hardware to studs when possible.

Paint walls and ceiling

Use bathroom-specific paint with mildew resistance. Apply primer first on new drywall.

Final inspection

Schedule final building inspection, test all fixtures, check for leaks, verify everything functions.

Take after photos

Document completed bathroom from same angles as before photos to appreciate transformation.

Need more?

Bathroom Update 1-2 weeks Bathroom Refresh 2-5 days Bathroom Remodel 3+ months