Bathroom Renovation Guide

Whether you’re updating a powder room, tackling a full bathroom remodel or both at the same time, having a clear plan can save time, money, and stress. This guide walks through everything to keep top of mind: what matters most, tools to use, key steps, and what to think about beyond the renovation itself.

Things to Remember Before You Start a Bathroom Renovation

1. Function Comes First

Before aesthetics, think about how the bathroom is actually used:

• Who uses it (kids, guests, adults)?

• How many people are using it daily?

• Morning rush vs. evening wind-down?

• Storage needs?

A beautiful bathroom that doesn’t function well will frustrate you daily.

2. Bathrooms Are Systems, Not Just Rooms

Bathrooms rely on plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and waterproofing working together. Cutting corners here leads to long-term issues like mold, leaks, and repairs behind walls.

Invest in:

• Proper waterproofing

• Quality plumbing fixtures

• Spacing between elements

• Proper lighting location for ultimate clear reflection

• Adequate ventilation

3. Decisions Add Up Fast

Tiles, grout, hardware, lighting, mirrors — bathrooms require more decisions than you expect. Expect some decision fatigue and build systems to manage it. Find a good retailer to help piece all tiling together, create mood board and ensure your contractor see your vision.

Tools to Use During a Bathroom Renovation

Using the right tools (digital and physical) can dramatically reduce stress.

Helpful Tools:

• Pinterest – for inspiration and visual clarity (create one focused board)

• Canva or Google Slides – mood boards and finish comparisons

• Notes app / Google Docs – track decisions, finishes, and measurements

• Contractor checklists – timelines, trades, dependencies

• Sample boards – tile, countertop, paint, and hardware samples together

Seeing everything side by side helps avoid mismatched finishes.

Most Important Pieces of a Bathroom Renovation

1. Layout

If the layout works, avoid changing it — moving plumbing is one of the biggest cost drivers. Focus on improving flow and storage within the existing footprint when possible.

2. Vanity & Storage

Storage makes or breaks a bathroom:

• Drawers over cabinets

• Built-in organizers

• Medicine cabinets with depth

A functional vanity is worth prioritizing. Also when you start looking at vanities, it will be overwhelming because they all seem to look the same! Stay focused on what you need, read reviews, choose more local delivery when possible and when you find what you want, stop looking.

3. Shower & Tub

Key considerations:

• Walk-in vs. tub/shower combo

• Shower base or tiled with ledge

• Tile size and slip resistance

• Built-in niches (add them early in planning)

• Type of shower/bathroom hardware whether shower head or double function

4. Lighting

Bathrooms need layered lighting:

• Overhead lighting

• Task lighting at the mirror (over mirror or sconces on either side)

• Optional accent lighting

Good lighting changes everything.

5. Fixtures & Hardware

Choose fixtures early so plumbing rough-ins are correct. Stick to one finish for a cohesive look and easier maintenance. Make sure you take your hardware's out of the boxes to ensure your finishes match, sometimes brushed nickel differs from location to location.

Step-by-Step Bathroom Renovation Process

Step 1: Define Your Scope

• Cosmetic refresh or full gut?

• Budget range

• Timeline expectations

Step 2: Design & Plan

• Finalize layout

• Select tile (shower/tub, floor and behind vanity)

• Select fixtures and hardware

• Select vanity

• Select lighting

• Order materials early (lead times matter)

Step 3: Demo & Rough-Ins

• Demolition

• Plumbing, electrical, framing

• Waterproofing inspection (critical step)

Step 4: Install Finishes

• Tile

• Vanity

• Fixtures

• Lighting and mirrors

Step 5: Final Touches

• Paint

• Hardware

• Accessories

• Final inspections

Things to Keep Top of Mind During the Renovation

• Always order extra tile (10–15%)

• Choose grout that’s practical, not just pretty

• Ask questions early — changes later cost more

• Expect delays and build in buffer time

Beyond the Renovation: Living With Your New Bathroom

Once complete:

• Keep care instructions for materials

• Use proper cleaning products

• Address small issues early (caulking, seals)

A well-planned bathroom should last years with minimal upkeep.

Bathroom renovations can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to be chaotic. Clear planning, thoughtful decisions, and realistic expectations go a long way. Focus on function, invest in the unseen elements, and give yourself grace — renovations are as much mental projects as physical ones.