Everything you need to plan and know before starting a DIY bathroom renovation
Thinking about giving your bathroom a much-needed makeover?
Whether you’re updating outdated finishes or doing a full gut renovation, staying organized is the key to a stress-free and successful remodel.
This step-by-step bathroom renovation checklist will walk you through every phase—so nothing gets missed along the way.
Let’s turn that bathroom into the relaxing, functional retreat you’ve been dreaming of.
Step-by-Step Bathroom Renovation Checklist
Pre-Renovation Planning
Before you actually start your bathroom renovation you need to make a few key decisions. It’s important to decide these things before you start in order to save time and money.
1. Define your Renovation Goals
Decide what type of improvements you are going to make, style upgrade, improved storage, layout changes, complete gut and remodel.
This step is important because it will help you define a budget, timeline, and whether you will need to hire any outside help.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
Did you know the average cost to renovate a bathroom is $6,600 to $17,600, with a national average around $12,000.
Those estimates are obviously not talking about small bathroom makeovers or simple bathroom updates.
It really just depends on the scoop of your renovation. We tackled a half bathroom makeover a few years ago for just over $1,000. Before that I did a quick and easy cosmetic bathroom makeover for just $100!
Our current bathroom makeover though is a complete gut and remodel and we will be well into the thousands by the time we are done. For this bathroom renovation we created a $20,000 budget we are trying to stay in.
Always remember when creating a budget to add 10-20% for unexpected costs. It’s always better to have budgeted too much than too little.
3. Decide: DIY, Hire Pros, or a Mix of Both?
Depending on what your renovation will include you may or may not want to bring in the professionals.
Some bathroom renovation tasks are easily DIY-able like painting, swapping out faucets, updating light fixtures.
Some bathroom renovation tasks are a little bit more complicated but if you are decently handy and can learn from YouTube you will most likely be able to tackle. This includes things like tiling the floor, replacing a vanity, adding a backsplash or wall paneling.
In our current bathroom makeover we are doing everything ourselves except cutting the stone that will be going around our new bathtub. A lot of these projects we have never tackled before but we have been studying hard to try and learn because bringing in professionals is a big budget hit.
That being said, never attempt to do anything you are absolutely not comfortable with.
4. Measure Everything
Measure absolutely everything in your bathroom and keep those measurements in a notes file on your phone for quick access.
Some things to measure are: vanity area, floor/shower tile square footage, mirror area, ceiling height, total area of the bathroom, etc.
Having these measurements on hand are necessary for design and planning.
5. Research Local Permits and Building Codes
Necessary permits and building codes should always be checked at your state/county level.
These include things like:
Bathrooms need at least one wall receptacle outlet within 36 inches of each lavatory basin’s edge.
All bathroom receptacles require GFCI protection.
Outlets should be on a dedicated 20-amp circuit.
Bathrooms and toilet rooms need ventilation via an openable window with a screen or a mechanical system.
Always be sure to apply for any necessary permits and to always work within your areas building codes.
6. Create a Rough Timeline
It’s always a good idea to create a rough timeline of your bathroom renovation before you start. Obviously life happens and sometimes timelines get pushed back but it’s still good to have at least some estimate.
Consider things like:
Time it takes to order/ship new hardware, tile, vanities, etc.
Contractor availability and job time estimates
How vast the demo process will be/dumpster delivery
Upcoming vactions or time when you won’t be able to work on the project
Always figure in a little more time than you think the project will take. It’s always better to finish a renovation before the deadline than after.
For our bathroom renovation we created rough time line of three months. We are currently two weeks in and so far moving along steadily.
7. Take “before” Photos
Even if you don’t plan on sharing these before photos with anyone else you will want to have them. It’s so rewarding to see how much progress you made!
Design & Style Direction
1. Choose a Design Style
Shop my favorite bathroom vanity finds here!
Choosing a design style for your bathroom will help you in making all the other selections that you have to choose during a bathroom renovation.
Some common bathroom design styles are, traditional, modern, farmhouse, and spa like.
There are a lot of other design styles to choose from as well but my advice is to follow suite with the design style of your home. Then research that design style and see what paint colors and hardware finishes are generally used.
2. Pick a Color Scheme
Again, try choosing colors that will flow naturally with your homes current color palette.
The color will also depend on the mood you want to go for in the bathroom. If you want a light and airy spa like bathroom choose lighter colors. If you are going for bold choose darker, deeper toned colors.
No matter what, always sample the colors in your actual bathroom. Remember colors never look the same as they do on the paint chip. You need to test them in your rooms natural light.
3. Select Finishes and Materials
Shop my favorite bathroom tile combinations here!
This is the time to choose things like tile, countertop, flooring, etc.
For flooring ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular for their durability, water resistance, and easy maintenance.
Laminate, quartz, solid surface, tile, and natural stone are common choices for countertops, with options like granite and quartz being particularly popular for their durability.
Hardware finishes also have a wide range depending on the style you are going for. Don’t forget it is okay to also mix and match hardware finishes. Not everything needs to be the same color.
4. Plan Layout and Storage Solutions
If you are undertaking a bathroom renovation that includes relocating certain features remember to take into consideration current plumbing.
Moving plumbing across the room can be a big job and add a lot of money and time to your budget.
If at all possible, opt to leave the layout similar and just replace the fixtures and hardware in those locations.
5. Use a Design Board to Bring Your Vision Together
Shop our bathroom design board here!
I always start every renovation with a design board.
It is the best and easiest way to make sure all my choices flow together nicely.
I like to use Canva to create my design board, I just add screenshots of all my choices and paint pallet to it.
It doesn’t have to be fancy, just something to reference and keep your design choices organized.
Pro tip: Save your ideas on a Pinterest board for quick reference!
Demolition and Prep
Finally it’s time to actually start working on the bathroom renovation!
Remember to wear all the appropriate protective equipment like gloves, safety glasses, and masks when necessary.
(As we tackle each of these projects I will link a tutorial or video to how we completed it)
Here is the order that each phase of demo and prep should take place in:
Turn off water and electricity
Remove old fixtures, tile, flooring, and drywall (as needed)
Safely dispose of debris
Check for mold, rot, or water damage
Prep subfloor and walls for the next phase
During our bathroom renovation we had to completely removed and replace the subfloor because it was so water damaged. Luckily we figured that into the budget because we were aware there was some water damage, but it was definitely more extensive than we thought…
Plumbing and Electrical
Next it’s time to tackle the electrical and plumbing.
(As we tackle each of these projects I will link a tutorial or video to how we completed it)
This is the order the plumbing and electrical should be tackled:
Reroute or update plumbing if you’re changing the layout
Add or move outlets and light fixtures
Install new fan or ventilation system
Schedule inspections if required in your area
Don’t forget to only tackle projects you are comfortable with.
Another option if you want to try DIY-ing these tasks on your own is to hire a professional to come and confirm you work. This will be much cheaper and give you piece of mind.
Walls, Floors and Waterproofing
Now that the plumbing and electrical is taken care of, we can move onto the wall, flooring, and waterproofing.
(As we tackle each of these projects I will link a tutorial or video to how we completed it)
Here’s the order these bathroom renovation tasks should take place:
Install cement board or moisture-resistant drywall
Waterproof shower and tub areas
Add heated flooring elements
Lay floor tiles or waterproof flooring
Tile walls if needed (and don’t forget the grout)
Paint with a mildew-resistant bathroom paint
Install Fixtures and Features
This portion of a bathroom renovation is when everything starts to come together.
(As we tackle each of these projects I will link a tutorial or video to how we completed it)
Here is the order these bathroom fixtures and features should be installed in:
Install vanity and sink
Mount the toilet
Add shower/tub hardware
Hang mirrors, towel racks, and shelves
Hook up lighting and plumbing
Remember to test any newly added hardware for leaks.
Add Finishing Touches
Finally it’s time to button up the bathroom renovation and add all the finishing touches.
Add decorative storage or open shelving
Lay down rugs and mats
Style with plants, candles, art, or baskets
Touch up paint and caulk
Snap those “after” photos!
Final Walkthrough and Clean-Up
The tough stuff is done, now it’s time to do your final walk-thru and clean-up anything you used.
Test water pressure and electrical
Fix minor imperfections
Deep clean every surface
Celebrate—you did it!
Want the Free Step-by-Step Bathroom Renovation Checklist?
I’ve created a free downloadable version of this checklist in a cute, clean design—perfect to print and check off as you go.
Click here to grab the Bathroom Renovation Checklist PDF
DIY Bathroom Renovation
Let me know what you think of this bathroom renovation checklist and what kind of bathroom renovation you are planning on tackling!
In the meantime, don’t forget to follow along as our bathroom renovation unfolds.
You Might Also Like These Bathroom Projects:
Small Bathroom Remodel on a Budget: Vintage Bathroom Reveal
The Best Black and White Tiles for a Bathroom
Bathroom Remodel Ideas On A Budget: $100 Bathroom Makeover Reveal
Painting Tile the Easy Way: Bathroom Makeover
0
