Stages of a Bathroom Renovation

A step-by-step guide covering all the essential stages of a bathroom renovation to help you plan and execute your project smoothly.

The bathroom is where our day begins and ends, making it a key part of any home.¹ If you love showers or just enjoy daily routines there, redoing it can be thrilling and scary. When my husband Ralf and I started planning, I envisioned an urban zen style.¹ But I turned down his idea of white subway tiles. Many redo their bathrooms after feeling they chose too simply.¹ I was set on a clear plan to avoid mistakes.

Key Takeaways

Bathroom renovations can be a big cost, even for small areas, running into thousands of dollars.¹
Many homeowners choose to have one remodeler for their project to oversee all parts.¹
The specific steps and order in bathroom remodeling change based on each project’s needs.¹
Fixing plumbing, electricity, and structure are key for a win in your bathroom remodel.¹
Planning well and having a dependable team can make handling the renovation less tough.²

Envisioning Your Dream Bathroom

Starting your bathroom renovation means knowing the design and function you want. Think about the vibe – is it modern or classic? This sets the tone for your project.³ You’ll need to think about everything from the faucet design to the wallpaper style, down to the floor tiles and door hardware.³

Creating an Inspiration Board

After deciding on your bathroom’s vibe, make an inspiration board. This board can be physical or digital, filled with pictures and colors you love. Look through magazines and websites to find what speaks to you.³

Considering Layout Changes

Next, think about how you can better the layout for function and flow.³ This could mean changing where things sit or adding more storage. Even small changes can make your bathroom much better to use.

Imagining your ideal bathroom is key to starting. It ensures your space looks great and suits your needs.⁴ The NKBA says a full remodel could cost between $10,000 to $15,000.⁴

Planning and Budgeting

Starting a bathroom renovation needs careful planning and budgeting. This ensures everything goes smoothly. The first source I found stressed the importance of planning early to cut renovation costs.⁵ They mentioned talking to the contractor about possible changes in layout. This was to check if the changes were doable and to estimate costs and time.

Determining Your Renovation Budget

The cost of remodeling a bathroom can change a lot. It depends on size, materials, and how much you change.⁵ It’s smart to set aside extra money, about 10-20% more than you think you’ll need. This covers any surprised costs.⁵ Where you live and the contractor’s skills also affect costs. For complicated work, you need experts.⁵

Obtaining Necessary Permits

Getting permits before big renovations is crucial. It makes sure your project meets the law, preventing problems later. This can avoid issues or delays later on.

Sourcing Materials and Fixtures

Choosing good materials is key to a successful, cost-effective renovation. Big changes, like moving plumbing, can raise the costs a lot.⁵ It’s smart to get several bids to check for fair prices. This also means keeping up with current costs of materials and labor.⁵

Doing some parts yourself, like tearing down walls, can save money.⁵ But, for big changes, always use licensed professionals.⁵ Spend your money first on the parts you use most, and then on looks. Storage solutions can keep your space neat and functional.⁵

Demolition and Preparation

The first step in renovating your bathroom is crucial. You remove old parts to make way for the new. The author’s bathroom redo involved taking out the tub and moving the shower’s position. They also found a better use for space above their washer and dryer.⁶

Removing Existing Fixtures and Finishes

Demolition starts with pulling out old bathroom pieces. You might have to remove the sink, toilet, or shower, along with tiles and other old items. The second source suggests many tools for demolition, like pliers and hammers.⁷

Remember to stay safe while tearing things down. Wear a mask, gloves, goggles, and strong shoes.⁷ Turning off water and power beforehand is also very important. It helps prevent accidents and flooding.⁷

Addressing Any Structural Issues

Your contractor might warn you about structural issues like doors not opening smoothly or shower controls badly placed.⁶

Fixing these issues early makes the rest of the renovation smoother and avoids big problems later. It’s a good idea to have a dumpster ready for the waste too. It makes cleanup faster and easier.⁶⁷

The right approach to demolition and preparation is key for a great bathroom remodel. Use advice and tools from these sources for a successful renovation. With this knowledge, tackle your renovation project with confidence and direction.

Plumbing and Electrical Work

Deciding on DIY or hiring for plumbing and electrical jobs is key in a bathroom renovation.⁵ Plumbing updates might be needed for fixtures moved to new locations. This usually means changing the existing plumbing.⁵ For a modern touch, electrical updates are critical. They’re needed for powerful devices and to ensure safety with special outlets.⁵

Relocating Plumbing Lines

A bathroom renovation often involves moving shower and plumbing lines.⁵ For example, when changing the vanity, you must move its water line based on the new faucet’s position. This shows how buying the vanity first can help get the plumbing right.⁵

Upgrading Electrical Wiring

Getting permits is a must for any big changes, including electrical work.⁵ Safety is very important, so always wear the right gear and make sure the area is well-ventilated when ripping things apart.⁵ Talking to experts and checking the structure before updating the bathroom’s frame is also vital.⁵

Plumbing and Electrical Work Considerations	Key Insights
Plumbing Relocations	Shower lines may need to be relocated, and vanity water lines should be prioritized to ensure proper plumbing placement.⁵
Electrical Upgrades	Electrical updates are essential for modern bathrooms to support high-powered devices and ensure safety with GFCI-protected outlets.⁵ Permits and professional consultation are crucial when making structural or electrical changes.⁵
Safety Precautions	Wearing protective gear and ensuring proper ventilation during demolition are vital safety measures.⁵

Homeowners can make their bathroom not just beautiful but also safe and legal by planning the plumbing and electrical parts well.⁵ Start with these crucial areas early to prevent delays and problems later on.⁵

Framing and Drywall Installation

After tearing down and prepping, the next big thing in bathroom renovation is fitting new drywall. It’s noted to take long, as each piece must be cut to fit just right. This is around shower walls, vanities, and more.

For a strong and moisture-resistant surface, experts suggest using cement board for shower or tub walls. Then, coat it with something like Redgard to stop water harm.

Setting up the frame and putting up drywall is key for a solid and good-looking bathroom renovation. A careful approach helps avoid big problems later. It also sets the stage for your bathroom transformation journey.

Tiling and Flooring

When the author and Ralf started their bathroom renovation, picking the right tiles and flooring was key.⁸ They went to Fitzgerald Tile in North Reading to find tiles matching their urban zen style. They chose large, cement-like tiles for the bathroom floor.⁸ For the shower, they picked tiles that went well together, making the design flow.

Selecting Tile and Grout Options

Selecting tiles is a big job, needing attention to both looks and practical details like grout and trim.⁸ The author and Ralf carefully planned where each tile would go. They made sure the designs lined up perfectly to avoid any mistakes.

Installing Shower Pan and Wall Tiles

⁸ Tiling is a precise and slow process. It needs proper preparation, like using RedGard to prevent cracks.¹ Cement boards are best for places that get wet, like showers, because they stop water damage.⁸ Professionals plan every step, using tools to keep everything straight and even.

Laying New Flooring

⁸ Changing the structure is often needed in bathroom renovations. This can involve moving plumbing and such work is best handled by general contractors.⁸ Features like soaking tubs may need special support to hold the heavy weight.

⁸ Problems can come up during construction, affecting time and money. This shows how important it is to be ready for anything.¹ Renovating a bathroom is usually harder and more expensive than other projects, depending on the materials used and the work’s extent.

bathroom renovation stages

Now that the demolition and prep work phase is ending, the focus shifts. It’s time to install new fixtures, a fresh vanity, and lighting. This part is vital for making your dream bathroom real.

Installing New Fixtures

In the author’s experience, changing the bathtub to a walk-in shower was a big deal.⁹ The bathroom looked newer and smarter. It also fixed the issue of unused space above the washer and dryer.

The author wanted to move the vanity and toilet. But, the cost was too high for the gain. So, these fixtures stayed where they were.⁹

Vanity and Cabinetry Installation

The author chose top-notch materials for the vanity and cabinetry.⁹ The vanity had beautiful quartz, marble, or granite on top. The cabinets were made of hardwood, laminates, or particleboard.

It took 1-2 days to install these.⁹ This quick installation meant a better-looking and functioning bathroom.

Lighting and Electrical Fixtures

Good lighting and electric work are must-haves for any bathroom. The renovation involved better wiring and new lights that fit the design.⁹ This makes the space look better and improves how it feels to use it.

Focusing on key items like fixtures, storage, and lighting changed the bathroom a lot. Now, it’s a sleek, modern place to be.

Finishing Touches

After the major bathroom renovation stages, it’s time for finishing touches. Homeowners will focus on events like walls painting and window curtains. Also, adding wall art and storage can make a bathroom feel complete.

Painting and Wallcoverings

Painting walls is easy and makes a huge difference in the bathroom’s look. Picking a neutral or bold color can make the room feel right. Adding wallpaper with patterns or textures also gives the bathroom something extra. It makes the space more interesting.

Adding Decorative Elements

Decorative items like cool mirrors and nice lights can make a big impact. So can choosing the perfect artwork. Fun storage and organizers help with both looks and keeping the bathroom tidy.

Working on these finishing touches is key. They help create a bathroom that not only looks great but also feels like home. The last part means cleaning up and checking every detail. This ensures the bathroom is truly ready for use and looks its best.

Conclusion

The first source gave us a detailed look at the author’s journey with their bathroom renovation. They dreamed of an “urban zen” feel but faced hurdles in finding the right help and materials.¹⁰

Yet, by carefully planning their remodel, the author controlled their expenses and avoided fixing mistakes.¹⁰ Their renovation, which included big changes like a walk-in shower, took the usual 2-6 weeks.¹¹ The most demanding part, the wet area, needed the most focus for a smooth remodel, as the source highlights.¹⁰

The author’s dedication to every detail and teamwork with the contractor were key to the project’s success.¹⁰ They stuck to a great plan and relied on skilled workers to guide them through the process and dodge costly blunders.¹⁰ In the end, their story is a great guide for anyone starting a similar renovation journey.

FAQ

What is the author’s favorite part of their daily routine?

The author loves the showers in their bathroom. It’s where they start and end their day.

What specific design style did the author want for their bathroom?

The author aimed for their bathroom to have an urban zen look and feel.

What did the author’s husband initially suggest for the bathroom tiles?

At first, Ralf suggested white subway tiles. The author didn’t like the idea, calling it too simple.

Why did the author want to get the blueprint nailed down from the start?

The author wanted to avoid redoing their bathroom. They heard many stories about costly do-overs.

What kind of finish did the author want to achieve for their bathroom?

They were looking for a cement-look finish. But, finding a contractor familiar with this was hard in Massachusetts.

How did the author approach planning the bathroom layout changes?

They talked with their general contractor. They made sure any layout changes were possible and within budget.

What were some of the key changes made during the author’s bathroom renovation?

Major changes included removing the bathtub and moving the shower. They also fixed space above the washer.

What issues did the general contractor identify during the renovation?

The contractor warned about the door not opening fully because of the ceiling. They recommended against putting the shower control on the back wall to avoid cold water surprises.

What plumbing work was involved in the author’s bathroom renovation?

The renovation required moving the shower lines and updating plumbing for the vanity and washer.

What is the recommended material for shower or tub walls in a DIY bathroom remodel?

Using cement board instead of drywall is advised for shower walls. Add a waterproofing membrane like Redgard to prevent water damage.

Where did the author and their husband go to select tiles for their bathroom?

They chose tiles at Fitzgerald Tile in North Reading.

What other changes did the author consider for their bathroom renovation?

They thought about moving the vanity and toilet but decided not to. The costs didn’t seem worth it, so they left them where they were.

What are some of the finishing touches that can be added after the major fixtures and finishes have been installed?

After the big things are in place, you can add final touches. This includes painting, window treatments, and wall art.