Renovating a Bathroom - What to Do First?
Considering a bathroom remodel and wondering about the first steps? As a bathroom contractor, I h...
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How to Plan a Bathroom Remodeling Project: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Planning a bathroom remodel can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, it doesn’t have to be. With plumbing, layout, design, and budget all in play, it’s essential to map out your plan before swinging the first hammer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each phase of the process, from early inspiration to final installation, sharing the same steps and insights I use on real projects. Whether it’s your first bathroom renovation or you’re a seasoned DIYer, these expert tips will help streamline your project from start to finish.
Set Clear Goals and Budget
As a bathroom remodeling contractor, I can tell you firsthand that setting clear goals and a realistic budget is where every successful project begins. In fact, according to the U.S. Houzz & Home survey, only 36% of homeowners stayed within their remodeling budgets. Another 31% went over, and 29% didn't set a budget at all. That tells you just how easy it is for costs to spiral when you don't plan properly.
That's why your bathroom remodel checklist should always start with the first and most critical step:
Define Your Project Scope
Why it matters: You can't budget for what you haven't clearly defined. A vague or ever-changing scope is the fastest way to blow past your budget.
Pro tip: Try to stick to your bathroom's existing footprint. Moving plumbing or electrical work is where costs can jump significantly.
Once you've nailed down the scope, then—and only then—are you ready to talk numbers.
Get Real with the Average Costs in Your Area
Research local averages for bathroom renovations using tools like MyHomeQuote or HomeAdvisor.
Why it matters: Hiring a bathroom contractor or company in NYC will cost more than in rural Texas or Pennsylvania. Don't use national averages—they are misleading.
Pro tip: Get in touch with 2-3 local contractors and ask for a rough cost-per-square-foot range for bathrooms (they'll usually give you one).
Break Down the Budget Into Clear Categories
Allocate your total bathroom remodel budget into categories:
- abor: 30–40%
- Fixtures & materials: 30–40%
- Plumbing & electrical: 10–15%
- Permits, design, misc.: 10–15%
Why it matters: Knowing where the money goes prevents sticker shock during selections.
Pro tip: Create a simple spreadsheet to track each category - don't keep it in your head.
Prioritize - Then Cut or Add Based on That List
Review your must-haves list from Step 1. Are they covered by your preliminary budget? If not, cut non-essential upgrades.
Why it matters: Keeps you from blowing the budget on aesthetic upgrades before functional needs are met.
Pro tip: Save luxury upgrades for later phases (e.g., upgrade to a frameless shower door next year).
Build in a 15–20% Contingency Fund
When planning your bathroom remodel, add 15-20% of your total budget for unexpected costs (water damage, code upgrades, etc.).
Why it matters: Over 30% of homeowners go over budget because of surprises during the demo.
Pro tip: Put this money in a separate savings account so it’s there but not tempting to spend early.
Get Multiple Quotes – But Don’t Choose the Cheapest
Collect at least three detailed written estimates from licensed contractors. Ask for itemized breakdowns—not lump sums.
Why it matters: You’ll see where prices vary and spot lowball bids. Even a cursory market analysis can help you make a more thought-out decision before hiring a bathroom contractor.
Pro tip: Ask each contractor what might cause your quote to increase. If they can’t answer clearly, be cautious.
Lock in Final Budget After Design Selections
Only finalize your budget after choosing key materials: tile, vanity, fixtures, and lighting.
Why it matters: Product selection is where homeowners often blow the budget due to impulse upgrades.
Pro tip: Choose materials early and confirm lead times to avoid costly delays.
Schedule Wisely to Avoid “Rush Charges”
Plan to remodel in a contractor’s off-season (typically late winter or summer).
Why it matters: Rushed timelines and peak demand can increase labor costs by 9-17%.
Pro tip: A realistic bathroom remodel timeline not only keeps your budget in check but also reduces stress. Avoid squeezing the schedule unless absolutely necessary - good work takes time.
Gather Inspiration and Bathroom Design Ideas
Why it matters: A clear vision cuts down on indecision, avoids mid-project changes, and helps your contractor source materials that match your taste and budget.
Pro tip: Visit local showrooms to see materials in person. Photos can be deceiving - touching tile samples or testing a vanity height can make a big difference in your final choices.
Create a Detailed Plan of Your Bathroom Remodeling
Once you’ve gathered inspiration and narrowed down your design direction, it’s time to get serious about logistics. Many homeowners think they can just “figure it out as they go,” but I can tell you that approach almost always leads to delays, added costs, and a lot of unnecessary stress. If you’re asking yourself, “How do I plan my bathroom remodel the right way?” - this is the step where everything starts to take shape.
Start by mapping out your remodel from start to finish. That means defining the work stages (demo, plumbing, tile, fixture install, final inspection), estimating how long each will take, and making sure key materials are ordered ahead of time. You can even plan a bathroom remodeling online using free tools that let you sketch layouts, build product lists, and compare finishes. These planning tools don’t just help you visualize your space - they help your contractor move forward with fewer questions and less downtime.
Why it matters: Without a clear plan, delays are inevitable. You don’t want your project stalling because a tile shipment is late or because your electrician can’t schedule a last-minute visit. A detailed plan keeps the entire team - designer, contractor, and trades - aligned from day one.
Pro tip: Keep a simple calendar and checklist that tracks each stage of your remodel. Share it with your contractor so you're always on the same page about progress, upcoming tasks, and material delivery dates. A little organization goes a long way.
Hire Bathroom Contractors
Start by interviewing at least three licensed and insured bathroom contractors. Look for professionals with strong reviews, a portfolio of similar projects, and clear communication. Don’t just go with the cheapest bid - look at the full scope of work, timeline, and how transparent they are about potential changes or issues. Remember, your bathroom remodel budget depends just as much on execution as it does on materials.
Why it matters: A skilled contractor doesn’t just do the work - they help you anticipate issues, keep the project on track, and protect your investment.
Pro tip: Ask for a detailed, itemized contract that includes materials, labor, timelines, and payment terms. If a contractor is vague or unwilling to provide this, keep looking. You deserve someone who treats your remodel like a professional project, not a weekend gig.
Obtain Permits and Approvals
Depending on your location and the scope of work, you may need permits for plumbing, electrical updates, structural changes, or anything that affects your home’s systems. The good news? A good bathroom renovation contractor will usually handle this process for you, but it’s still important for you to understand what’s required and to make sure everything is above board before the demo begins.
Why it matters: Skipping permits might save time upfront, but it can lead to major headaches later, like fines, delays, or trouble selling your home. Inspectors can even force you to tear out completed work if it wasn’t properly approved. When you plan a bathroom remodel, this step ensures your project is safe, legal, and protected.
Pro tip: Ask your contractor early on which permits are needed and who’s responsible for securing them. If your contractor downplays this step or tells you to “just do it without,” that’s a red flag. Always protect your investment by doing it the right way.
Purchase Materials and Fixtures
With permits squared away, it’s time to move into selecting and purchasing materials and fixtures. This is where your vision starts coming to life, but it’s also a step that requires thoughtful planning to stay on budget and on schedule.
Start by finalizing your choices for big-ticket items like tile, vanity, shower or tub, faucets, lighting, and flooring. Your contractor can often recommend suppliers they trust and may even get you access to trade pricing. Ordering materials early is key, as some popular or custom pieces can have lead times of several weeks, and waiting on one item can hold up your whole project.
Why it matters: Choosing and ordering materials too late can cause major delays in your bathroom remodeling timeline. Worse, you might feel rushed into last-minute decisions that don’t match your vision or your budget.
Pro tip: Always confirm product availability and delivery timelines before making final selections. Have backup options for items with long lead times, just in case. And if you’re tempted to buy everything online, double-check return policies and dimensions. Seeing items in person when possible is still the best way to avoid surprises once installation begins.
Prepare for the Remodeling
Start by clearing out the bathroom completely. That means removing everything from drawers, cabinets, and countertops. If you plan a master bathroom remodel, set up a temporary alternative - whether that’s another bathroom in the house or even a short-term rental if needed for larger renovations. Also, make sure there’s a clear path from the entrance to the work area for easy access and to protect your flooring from dust and debris.
Why it matters: A well-prepared space helps us get right to work and minimizes disruptions for everyone. It also protects your belongings and home from accidental damage, and keeps the worksite safer and more efficient.
Pro tip: If you have pets or small kids, make a plan to keep them away from the work zone. Remodeling can be noisy, dusty, and stressful, so creating a barrier between the living space and the job site is good for your sanity and safety. The better you prepare, the faster we can get the job done right.
Monitor the Progress
Once demolition starts and construction is underway, don’t just step back and disappear - this is your home, and staying engaged during the remodeling process is incredibly important. As your contractor, I want you to feel informed and confident every step of the way. When you plan a bathroom remodel, you have to ensure things are moving along as expected.
Make it a point to check in regularly with your contractor. A quick walk-through every few days can help catch any issues early, whether it’s a tile layout you didn’t expect or a fixture that doesn’t look quite right in the space. Don’t worry about “hovering.” Trust me, I’d much rather tweak things early than redo something after it’s installed.
Why it matters: Remodeling involves a lot of moving parts. Timely communication helps avoid misunderstandings, keeps quality on track, and ensures we’re aligned with your vision and expectations. Catching small adjustments early can save you time, money, and frustration.
Pro tip: Keep a running list of questions or concerns and bring them up during scheduled check-ins, rather than midday. This keeps the crew focused and gives us a dedicated time to go over details, updates, and decisions together. A little involvement goes a long way toward a smooth finish.
Final Touches
We’ll walk through the space together and go over a punch list: checking caulking, touching up paint, confirming hardware is aligned, and making sure everything is working exactly as it should. It’s also when small details like mirrors, towel bars, robe hooks, and decor get added - these little things can make a big difference in the look and functionality of your bathroom.
Why it matters: Rushing through the final stage can leave you with small annoyances that add up over time, like a loose handle, uneven tile grout, or a leaky faucet. Taking the time to wrap up your bathroom remodel properly ensures lasting satisfaction and avoids having to call someone back for minor fixes.
Pro tip: Keep a notepad handy during the last few days and jot down anything you notice, no matter how small. We want your new bathroom to be perfect, and your input helps us deliver those finishing details exactly the way you imagined.
FAQ
What to do first when renovating a bathroom?
Start by defining the scope of your project, decide exactly what you want to change (fixtures, layout, finishes), and list your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. This helps you create a realistic budget and choose materials before hiring a contractor.
How much is the labor to remodel a bathroom?
For a standard 60 sq. ft. bathroom, expect labor alone to range from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on your location and project complexity.
What is the average timeline for a bathroom remodel of 60 sq. ft.?
A full remodel of a 60 sq. ft. bathroom usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. This includes demolition, plumbing and electrical updates, tiling, fixture installation, and final finishes—assuming no major delays.
Where can you get inspiration and bathroom design ideas?
Check design platforms like MyHomeQuote, Houzz, Pinterest, and Instagram for real project photos, layouts, and material combos. Visiting local showrooms also helps you see products in person and get ideas that match your budget and space.
