How to Remodel a Bathroom (2024)

1

Plan and Budget

Research and thoroughly plan your DIY bath remodel. Budgeting is crucial to keeping your project on track.

• Set your expectations. Determine what you’re changing and what will remain the same. Think about the layout and overall design.
• Establish a reasonable budget and timeline. Like any remodel, a bathroom renovation is an investment. If you’re doing the work yourself, allow more time for each step. Account for delayed products and the fact that it’ll probably take you more time to complete a task.
• Identify and hire professionals. Think about hiring contractors for technical work such as the plumbing and electrical.
• Take accurate measurements. Make sure to include the space needed for opening drawers or cabinets. Decide how high or low any lighting can be. If buying tile, double-check that pieces are the same size. If buying a vanity, consider how adding a sink will add or decrease your countertop height.
• Be prepared to use a generator to power tools and other bathrooms.
• Provide a safe, dry place where ordered supplies can be stored during the remodeling project.
• Determine how construction trash will be removed and hauled away.
• Get any building permits. Find out the city codes and apply for any permits early.

2

Choose a Bath Design

Designing your new bathroom can be fun and satisfying. The first step to a practical and functional design is determining a color scheme, fixtures, finishes and more. Here’s a few design basics to get you inspired:

• Determine where fixtures go. Relocating any fixtures like a tub or a toilet will require rerouting plumbing. Since this is a smaller space, consider what the focal point will be when you open the door.
• Pick a color scheme. White is a classic choice because of its clean, fresh look. Dark greens or blues add richness. Bright colors like yellow elevate the mood.
• Pay attention to details. From polished chrome to matte black finishes, faucets and hardware bring dimension to your design. Bath accessories can match or contrast your color scheme.
• Choose the best furniture for your budget. Quality cabinetry, tubs and sinks can instantly make your bath feel luxurious and worth the investment. Include storage options such as shelves or roomy vanity drawers.
• Make lighting work harder. Plan your lighting so it is both decorative and functional. Consider adding task lighting around both sink areas and in the shower.
• Choose flooring and wall coverings. Select natural stone or classic ceramic tile. Nonslip flooring for baths is available in tile and hardwood looks. Paint is a great option for walls, but a water-resistant wallpaper can work too.
• Indulge a bit. A bathroom’s smaller space means you can splurge a bit and still stay in budget. Heated floors can be affordable for less than 100 square feet. Drawer chargers make mornings easier. Smart showers and tubs save energy and add convenience.

3

Demolition

Once planning is complete and materials ordered, it’s time to remove any tile, flooring and fixtures. Make sure to wear safety goggles and hard toe shoes. Here are a few other things to do before picking up a sledgehammer.

• Take out all accessories and any other objects that are not fixed.
• Turn off any electricity to the bathroom at the main breaker box.
• Shut off the water supply.
• Take out and store anything you’re replacing. Put a protective drop cloth over fixtures that you’re keeping.
• Be aware of any load bearing walls before you begin.
• If you remove the toilet, use a rag to plug the waste pipe.
• Take any baseboards or moldings off carefully. Mark them so they are easier to re-install.

4

Plumbing

Once the room is clear, the plumbing rough-in begins. At this phase you will lay the groundwork for the fixtures. During the plumbing rough-in is when to:

• Install a new shower pan or tub.
• Replace shower controls for the shower head.
• Run a water line extension for dual shower heads or overhead rain shower.
• If you’re planning to move any fixtures, reroute or lay new plumbing pipes.

5

Electrical

After the plumbing is complete, the electrical rough-in begins. Here’s when basic electrical changes and fixes happen. During the electrical rough-in:

• Consider replacing 15-amp wiring with a 20-amp circuit to accommodate hair dryers and other appliances.
• Relocate or install additional outlets – including GFCI receptacles for those outlets located near water – and light switches so they line up with the new vanity.
• Add hookups for any lighting in the shower, around the vanity and ceiling lights.
• Move the vent fan closer to the shower for more effective operation.

6

Prep for Grab Bars (Optional)

7

Put Up Drywall

After you’ve done all your plumbing and electrical work, you can close up your walls.

• Install a cement board and vapor barrier in damp areas in the shower stall or tub.
• Cement board is resistant to moisture and is a good backer for wall tile.
• Use drywall for other walls.

8

Paint

9

Lay Tile

Bath remodels usually require a lot of tile work. Make sure to allow time to complete this phase of the project. Here’s some tips on making this part of your bathroom renovation go smoother:

• Tile the shower walls or bathtub enclosure first.
• Install the wall tile and then work on the floor tile.
• Use grout for both. Choose a grout that matches or complements the tile.
• Caulk the corners.

Tip: When determining how much tile you need, don't guesstimate, calculate. Know exactly how much you need with our project calculators.

10

Install Showers & Tub

11

Install Exhaust Fan & Lighting

12

Add Vanity & Sink

You are now in the home stretch on your bathroom remodel. Position the new vanity into place and trace its outline on the wall.

• Use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark them.
• Level the vanity and shim at the floor if necessary.
• Measure, mark and drill holes for drain and supply pipes.
• Install the sink and faucet.
• Once the vanity is in place, hook up the plumbing to the new fixtures.

13

Install Toilet

14

Add Storage & Bath Accessories