The Complete Bathroom Remodel Checklist

A bathroom remodel is the renovation that pays back the most per square foot, but it is also the one most likely to go over budget and over schedule. The reason is that bathrooms involve the highest density of trades (plumbing, electrical, tile, drywall, carpentry, paint) in the smallest space, and one delay cascades into all the others. A clear checklist before swinging the first hammer keeps the project tight.

Phase 1: Planning

• Set the budget with a 20 percent contingency
• Decide which fixtures stay and which go
• Confirm the floor plan (especially if moving plumbing)
• Pull permits required by your municipality
• Order the long lead items first (vanity, tub, shower glass, custom tile)
• Schedule trades 4 to 8 weeks ahead

Phase 2: Design Decisions

Make every product decision on paper before any demolition. Changes mid project are 3 to 5 times more expensive than changes on paper.

• Vanity size and style (browse bathroom vanities)
• Tub vs shower vs both
• Tile (floor, walls, backsplash) and grout colours
• Faucet finish and matching hardware
• Mirror style and size
• Toilet (skirted vs traditional, comfort height vs standard)
• Lighting fixtures (vanity, ceiling, accent)

Phase 3: Demolition

Strip everything down to studs. Document any wet rot, mould or surprises with photos for the insurance and building department. Save reusable items (medicine cabinet hardware, doorknobs) if planning to source match.

Phase 4: Rough In

Plumbing first, then electrical. The rough plumbing should pass inspection before any drywall goes up. Add wall blocking now for: grab bars, towel bars, heavy mirrors, wall mounted vanities, recessed shower niches.

Phase 5: Tub and Shower

The tub goes in early so it can be protected during the rest of the work. Freestanding bathtubs ship in fragile packaging and should stay in their crate until the floor is finished.

Phase 6: Drywall and Tile

Greenboard or cement board around any wet areas. Tile floor first, then walls. Grout 24 hours after tile. Seal grout 72 hours after grouting.

Phase 7: Trim and Paint

Baseboards, door casings, paint. Bath specific paint resists humidity better than standard wall paint.

Phase 8: Fixture Install

1. Vanity (and counter)
2. Faucets and drains
3. Toilet (last, so the bathroom can be sealed for paint)
4. Mirror (browse bathroom mirrors)
5. Lighting and exhaust fan
6. Towel bars and accessories

Phase 9: Final Cleanup

A bathroom remodel produces dust everywhere. Run a HEPA commercial vacuum on the entire room, including walls and ceiling, before the homeowner returns. Steam cleaning grout lines after the seal cures pulls any remaining install grime out of the surface.

Common Pitfalls

• Ordering fixtures last and waiting weeks for backordered items
• Skipping wall blocking for grab bars (impossible to add later)
• Insufficient ventilation (causing mould 6 months in)
• Trim work before paint cures (causes finish marks)
• Forgetting an inspection step (delaying close out)

A complete bathroom remodel takes 4 to 8 weeks for a 5 by 8 foot bathroom and 6 to 12 weeks for a primary bath. The checklist keeps every trade on track and the homeowner informed. Skipping the planning phase is the single biggest source of overruns. Plan twice, demo once.