Use this handy bathroom renovation checklist when you’re planning a bathroom remodel to get the most out of your project, with the fewest surprises.

Bathroom renovations can seem overwhelming when you start to get into the planning. There are so many options, so many things to consider, and so many different types and sizes of bathrooms. Whether you are going to do it yourself, hire a professional, or some combination of the two, it’s important to always start with a plan. And this bathroom renovation checklist will help you get that planning phase right.

Set Your Bathroom Remodel Priorities

The first step is to get clear on your priorities for the room. That means understanding the function and what’s important to you.

Is this a small, guest bathroom that will get little use and doesn’t need a lot of storage? Or is it a main bathroom shared with children where you may need privacy separation so someone can shower while someone else brushes their teeth? Figure out what is and is not working with the current layout.

Are you working on a timeline you need to stick to? Are there accessibility considerations?

Make a list of everything that’s important to you so you can keep referring to it as you plan in order to make sure nothing gets missed and any compromises are recognized.

Create a Bathroom Renovation Budget

The average cost for a bathroom renovation done in Canada is $13,393 according to Homestars, but the range is huge. You can spend as little as $2,000 on a small powder room renovation or dip into the six figures for an elaborate, high-end master bathroom project.

Whatever your project looks like, it’s important to set a realistic budget. Use a simple spreadsheet to record your estimated budget. Things to include:

• Fixtures
• Lighting
• Tiles
• Plumbing
• Flooring
• Countertop
• Paint
• Labour

You can get some basic numbers with a little online research. There’s also a list of some common expenses in this article.

Also consider whether or not your new design will demand any changes to your plumbing or electrical or if you can use existing pipes and wiring. Changes to either of these will mean bringing in a professional and add to the cost even if hiring a pro was your plan anyway.

Choose a Colour Palette and Design Style

The internet is a great place to start researching the look and feel you want your new bathroom to have. Let loose and look all the different styles and options and find one, or a few, that fit with your aesthetic.

Having a set colour scheme and overall design idea will help your narrow your search for items like tile, fixtures, and flooring.

Choose Your Bathroom Fixtures

Once you have your design theme chosen, you can start choosing fixtures that fit. Your budget will guide you on price and you can shop around to find the perfect ones to fit both budget and design.

Choose Your Flooring & Tile

If you’re replacing your flooring and/or tiles you’ll want to make sure they work together and fit with the overall aesthetic. If you can, get some samples of several options for each and bring them home. Set them in the room and get a feel for how they look together.

There are even several online virtual design tools that will let you try different designs using your smartphone or tablet. They can be pretty cool to see how different design options would look in your space.

Plan the Logistics

If you’re using a professional, get your quotes and find out when they are available to start and how long the work will take. If you’re doing some or all of the work yourself, check on the availability of material and schedule your time accordingly.

Create a timeline for your project so you know what happens when. For example, don’t plan to install the tile floor before you install your shower unit.

Plan for the Unexpected

There are a number of things that might throw a curve ball into your plans even with the best bathroom renovation checklist and planning. Here are a few to consider and have a contingency plan/budget for:

• Wood rot
• Mold
• Old plumbing or wiring
• Insect infestations

Using Your Bathroom Renovation Checklist

Use your bathroom renovation checklist to make the most of your renovation planning and you’ll be in good shape to keep things on track, on budget, and avoid surprises.

If you’re renovating your bathroom to get your house or condo ready to sell, you should check out our Property Concierge program. We’ll use our money to renovate your home and you don’t pay until we sell it. That means more money for you on the sale with no upfront costs, and only one company to deal with through the entire process. How’s that for a bathroom renovation checklist!

If you’re interested just ask for a free, no-obligation consultation.