How to Plan a Bathroom Remodel: A Step-by-step Guide

Planning remodeling projects helps you stay on track with the scope of the work and the budget, as well as envision the final product. The planning or pre-construction phase often takes longer than the actual construction, but putting in the time before you swing a single hammer will make the work go more smoothly. If you aren’t sure how to plan a bathroom remodel or don’t know where to start, use the following steps as a guide. 

Establish a Budget

Knowing how much you can afford is critical to selecting materials, defining the project scope, and choosing contractors. Remember to add 10% to 20% to your estimated cost to cover unplanned expenses. 

Research 

Spend time looking for inspiration to determine what you want for your bathroom in terms of styles, colors, and layout. Now is the time to decide if you want to make minor cosmetic changes, like painting, replacing bathroom fixtures, and installing new flooring, or whether the project will involve completely gutting the space and taking down bathroom walls to create a new floor plan. 

Choose Materials 

Once you know what you want, you can start selecting materials. Your designer or contractor can help you compare options and make the best decisions for your taste and budget. For example, if you’re designing a walk-in shower, you will need to select a shower enclosure and materials for shower walls, which can vary significantly based on whether you choose custom tile or a prefabricated shower. 

Acquire Permits 

Your bathroom remodeling contractor can help determine and acquire the necessary permits before work starts. 

Establish a Timeline and Work Schedule 

Before work begins, your designer and contractor will establish an estimated timeline for the project, including demolition, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work, and finish work. Factors like delivery estimates for materials and tile installation can extend the time until completion by several weeks.