Remodeling a bathroom can be a daunting task, but with proper planning it can also be an exciting project that breathes new life into your home. A bathroom remodel requires you to make many decisions about layout, fixtures, finishes, storage, functionality and style. Careful planning is key to keeping your bathroom remodel on time, in budget and with results that you’ll love. Follow this comprehensive guide to plan your dream bathroom remodel from start to finish.

Define Your Goals, Needs and Budget

Before drawing up any designs, outline your goals, needs and budget for the remodel. This will help shape the scope of the project and guide your choices. Consider the following:

Goals

• What do you hope to achieve with the remodel? More storage? A relaxing spa aesthetic? Better accessibility?
• Make a list of your top goals to keep the project focused.

Needs

• How do you use your current bathroom and what needs to change? Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t.
• Will the layout need to be adjusted to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers? Plan for aging in place.
• Do you need more storage for towels and toiletries? Double sinks for a busy family? A place to fold laundry?
• Make a list of needs like additional storage, more sinks, improved lighting, etc.

Budget

• Set a realistic budget maximum and minimum for the remodel.
• Get quotes from contractors to determine approximate costs for materials and labor.
• Factor in contingency costs – an extra 10-15% of total budget – for unforeseen issues.
• Adjust scope if needed to meet budget limitations. Focus on the most important goals/needs.

Setting expectations from the start will help you plan a bathroom remodel you can afford that adds real value to your life.

Work With the Existing Space

Take stock of what you’re working with in the existing bathroom. This will influence the layout and scope possibilities for the remodel.

• Evaluate the current space and layout. Can the footprint be expanded or is it fixed?
• Assess plumbing. Where are the water supply and drain lines located? Can they be moved?
• Look at electrical. Is wiring adequate? Are outlets located conveniently?
• Locate potential moisture issues like mold or mildew that should be addressed.
• Consider any load-bearing walls that can’t move.
• Make a note of existing features to keep like classic tile, windows or bathtubs.

Understanding limitations and opportunities within the existing space will allow you to plan realistically.

Decide on a Design Style

Choose an overall aesthetic for the remodeled bathroom. This will guide choices for fixtures, finishes, accessories and details.

• Browse design websites and magazines like Houzz, Dwell and Elle Decor to gather inspiration.
• Collect images of bathrooms with styles, colors and materials you’re drawn to.
• Consider your home’s architecture and character. Modern, traditional, urban, coastal, rustic?
• Decide if you want a unified style or eclectic mix.
• Evaluate current features to keep and adjust style accordingly.
• Create a vision board with your bathroom remodel style ideas.

Define the design style right away since it ties everything together from cabinets and tiles to faucets and mirrors.

Map Out a Layout

Determine an efficient and functional layout for the new bathroom. This will dictate the scope possibilities.

• Draw the existing space to scale with windows, doors and plumbing marked.
• Sketch layout options based on available space. Don’t forget accessibility needs.
• Consider a wet room style without a tub if space is limited.
• Adjust plumbing as needed to optimize flow and function.
• Play with different orientations for sinks, toilets, tubs and showers.
• Plan ample storage like drawers, cabinets and floating shelves.
• Account for good lighting, ventilation and heat sources.

Finalizing the layout early allows you to select materials and fixtures to coordinate.

Choose Fixtures and Features

Carefully select fixtures, finishes and amenities to match your goals, needs and style. Key elements include:

Sinks

• Vessel, pedestal, undermount, or integrated into vanity?
• Materials like porcelain, enamel, stainless steel, stone?
• Single, double or trough sink configuration?

Toilets

• One or two piece construction?
• Round or elongated bowl?
• Standard or comfort height?
• Wall or floor mounted tank?
• Skirted base to conceal plumbing?

Bathtubs

• Built-in alcove tub or freestanding soaking tub?
• Acrylic, enamel cast iron, stone, copper?
• Standard 5 ft or longer options?
• Rectangular, oval or curved shapes?
• Integrated jets or air bubbles for a spa tub?

Showers

• Walk-in or tub/shower combo?
• Tile walls or prefab surround?
• Shower pan material? Tile, fiberglass, acrylic, stone?
• Glass doors or shower curtain? Frameless or framed glass?
• Overhead “rain” showerhead? Also handheld showerhead?

Lighting

• Overhead, sconces, vanity strip and/or natural light?
• General, task and accent lighting? Dimmer switches?

Storage

• Medicine cabinets, under-sink, over toilet and vanities for toiletry storage?
• Linen closets, cabinetry, open shelving and drawers for towels/supplies?

Other Amenities

• Heated floors, towel warmers, and fog-free mirrors?
• High tech bidet or touchless faucets?
• Audio speakers or TV monitors?

Take time selecting quality pieces suited to your needs, style and budget. This greatly impacts the enjoyment of the finished bathroom.

Choose Finishes and Materials

Select attractive and durable finishes and materials to complete the look.

Tiles: Size, shape, pattern, texture and color for walls and floors. Options like ceramic, porcelain, glass, mosaic, stone, etc. Accent border or niche tiles.

Cabinetry: Wood, laminate or thermally fused laminate cabinets in many stain, paint and hardware options.

Countertops: Quarried stone like marble or granite. Engineered quartz or recycled glass/concrete. Solid surface. Tile or laminate.

Plumbing Fixtures: Finish for faucets, showerheads and drains like chrome, bronze, black, white, etc.

Lighting Fixtures: Wall sconces, pendants and vanity lighting in desired finish.

Accessories: Mirrors, art, decorative shelves, shower curtains/doors, organizers, towels, rugs, plants and more to complete the style.

Selecting cohesive finishes and accessories makes the difference between a stylish designer bathroom and a disjointed one.

Create a Realistic Timeline

Map out a timeline from demolition to completion to keep your bathroom remodel on schedule.

• Demolition – 2-3 days to gut existing bathroom
• Install rough plumbing – 1-2 days
• Install rough electrical – 1-2 days
• Frame new walls – 1-2 days
• Install backerboard, cementboard, etc – 1-2 days
• Tile shower and flooring – 2-3 days
• Paint and install trims, cabinets, vanity – 2-3 days
• Hook up fixtures – 1-2 days
• Install countertops – 1 day
• Install accessories, caulking, etc – 1-2 days

Factor in permit approval times, shipping, potential delays, contractor schedules and detail work. Don’t rush important steps.

Compare Contractor Bids

Solicit bids from several trusted general contractors or remodeling professionals. Compare scope, timeline and pricing.

• Define the full scope of work for accurate apples-to-apples bids.
• Avoid choosing based on price alone – weigh experience and reviews.
• Check references and examples of previous work.
• Look for detailed bids covering materials, labor and timeline.
• Ask about contractor availability. Make sure they can start soon and finish within your schedule.
• Review contractor licenses, insurance and bonding.
• Negotiate contract terms and don’t forget contingency costs.

Taking time to carefully evaluate contractors can prevent headaches with the remodel down the road.

Secure Permits and Approvals

Don’t start demolition until all required permits from your city or county are secured. Building, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work often need permits. Your contractor can usually submit drawings and pull permits for you.

Planning ahead makes permitting go smoothly and prevents work delays or fines for starting without approval. Check local regulations.

Have a Gameplan for Using the Bathroom During Remodeling

If your home has more than one bathroom, the others can remain in use during the remodel. No special planning needed.

However, if this is your only bathroom you’ll need alternatives in place. Possible options include:

• Use a gym, pool or community facility restroom and shower temporarily.
• Rent a portable toilet and outdoor shower setup for the yard.
• Install a simple half-bath toilet and sink in the basement or a corner of a room.
• Stay with nearby friends or family and use their bathroom.
• Use a 5 gallon camp shower bag hung in the back yard or garage.
• Consider booking a hotel, airbnb or extended stay for a week or two during the thick of construction.

Having backup options prevents construction from halting if the crew needs your only bathroom.

Pack Up and Protect Belongings

A bathroom remodel generally requires emptying out the entire space. Prepare as follows:

• Clear countertops and store away personal items and valuables.
• Remove shower curtains, towels, rugs, organizers, art, plants, etc.
• Empty all cabinets and drawers. Discard old medicines and toiletries.
• Drain hot water heater if plumbing lines will be replaced. Shut off water supply valves.
• Pack up and label boxes with contents if storing for long time.
• Move all removable items to spare bedroom, basement, garage or offsite storage.
• Cover large furniture that remains like tubs and vanities with drop cloths.
• Seal doorways with plastic sheeting to prevent dust from spreading to rest of house.

Properly packing up will make the space accessible for demolition and protect your belongings from damage.

Purchase All Equipment and Materials Upfront

Nothing slows down construction like waiting for deliveries of sinks, tiles or lighting fixtures. Plan accordingly:

• Order all fixtures, cabinets, tiles and finishes ahead of time. Check lead times.
• Have everything delivered and stored safely near the bathroom.
• Don’t pay the contractor upfront for any supplies or materials.
• Inspect deliveries thoroughly and return any defective or damaged items immediately.
• Make sure to order extra tiles, sealant, grout, etc for repairs later on. Leftover supplies are useful.

Advanced planning prevents delays when contractors are ready to install fixtures or finishes but the items haven’t arrived yet.

Stay Involved and Communicate

While contractors perform the work, you need to stay involved, ask questions and oversee progress:

• Request regular updates from the project lead and visit the site often.
• Attend preconstruction meeting to discuss full scope of work and timeline.
• Provide clear instructions for any custom work or change orders.
• Make prompt decisions if issues arise requiring input.
• Pay detailed attention to important steps like tile layouts and plumbing rough-ins.
• Perform a thorough walkthrough when construction finishes to identify any incomplete or defective work before making final payment.
• Don’t be afraid to speak up – this is your home and investment.
• Maintain a collaborative, solution-oriented relationship with contractors.

Staying engaged allows you to spot and address problems early before they escalate and blow your timeline or budget.

Prioritize Safety

Remodeling a bathroom involves demolition, electrical work, installation of heavy materials like tile and stone, and other hazardous tasks. Make safety a priority:

• Keep children and pets away from work area. Close off unsafe zones.
• Ensure contractors follow safety protocols while working in your home.
• Provide proper ventilation for fumes from new fixtures and finishes.
• Watch for loose power cords, chemicals left out, and slip hazards from construction dust.
• Make sure no disabled safety devices like smokes alarms are left overnight.
• Confirm electrical and plumbing were properly inspected before using fixtures.
• Fill sunken tubs with water immediately to prevent flammable fumes from new finishes escaping.

Focusing on safety protects your family and avoids accidents that can derail the whole project.

Clean Up Properly After the Work is Complete

Construction debris, dust and chemicals linger even after crews leave. Thoroughly clean the new bathroom before using it:

• Have contractor do preliminary cleaning of the worst messes.
• Wash all surfaces – walls, floors, vanity, tub, mirrors, windows, etc.
• Vacuum up dust and debris before it spreads. Don’t forget cabinets and vents.
• Properly ventilate if using strong cleaners. Open windows.
• Replace HVAC air filters that captured construction dust.
• Test for any lingering fumes that may require sealing or ventilation. Don’t cover up bad smells with fragrances.
• Check that drains and garbage disposal are clear of obstructions.
• Confirm plumbing and electrical are working properly.
• Discard leftover construction materials and supplies.
• Remove plastic sheeting and masking materials.
• Do a final Safety walk through looking for anything out of place.
• Enjoy your sparkling new bathroom!

Thorough cleaning protects family health and allows you to settle back into your home.

How to Plan a Bathroom Remodel

Remodeling a bathroom takes careful planning but it’s worth the effort. Define your goals, assess the existing space, choose a style, sketch a layout, select materials and create a realistic timeline. Work with trusted professionals and stay involved throughout the process. Keep safety top of mind. Before you know it, you’ll have a stunning new bathroom that’s beautiful, functional and uniquely yours. With good planning from the start, your dream remodel can become reality!

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Bathroom Remodel

Remodeling a bathroom can be exciting yet intimidating. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help your project go smoothly from planning to completion.

What are the first steps for planning a bathroom remodel?

The first steps are to define your budget, goals, needs and style. Evaluate the existing space and create a layout. Select materials, fixtures and finishes that match your style and budget. Sketch a floorplan to visualize how everything will fit together.

How much does a bathroom remodel cost?

The average minor bathroom remodel costs $2,500-$7,500. The national average for a full gut remodel is $16,000-$22,000. High end custom remodels can easily exceed $50,000. Local labor costs have a big impact.

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

The timeline can range from 3 weeks for a minor facelift to 8-12 weeks for a full gut remodel. Permit approval, material shipping delays or discovering hidden issues can all impact the schedule. Timeline also depends on contractor workload.

Can I remodel my bathroom myself?

It’s possible for DIYers to do their own bathroom remodel, especially cosmetic facelifts. But plumbing, electrical, tile and framing work is best left to experienced pros. Doing it yourself requires advanced skills.

What order should I remodel my bathroom?

Start with demolition, then rough in new plumbing and electrical. Next install flooring, walls/tile, paint, trims and vanity. Finally hook up fixtures, install countertops and accessorize. Finish with caulking and deep cleaning.

How do I get permits for a bathroom remodel?

Building, plumbing, electrical and HVAC work often need permits. The contractor usually submits plans to pull permits from your local building department. Check local codes for requirements. Apply for permits ahead of demolition.

Can I live without a bathroom during remodel?

Yes, but you’ll need alternatives in place for showering and using the toilet. Options include a gym, camp shower, portable toilet/shower rental, half bath setup, staying with family/friends or booking a hotel.

How do I protect my home during a bathroom remodel?

Clear countertops and empty cabinets. Pack up all removable items and cover large furniture. Seal doorways with plastic sheeting to contain dust. Make sure contractors follow safety protocols and ventilation guidelines for fumes.

What are signs of a quality bathroom contractor?

Look for substantial experience, positive reviews, examples of great work, detailed bids and availability to start soon and finish on time. They should pull permits, clean up properly and provide a warranty on labor.

A well planned bathroom remodel can refresh your home and meet your needs for years to come. Now that you know what’s involved from start to finish, you can confidently tackle this exciting project!

Conclusion

Planning a bathroom remodel takes time and attention to detail but it’s a very rewarding project. Setting clear goals, assessing your existing space, choosing a cohesive style, mapping a good layout, selecting quality materials and fixtures, budgeting realistically, finding experienced contractors and maintaining open communication every step of the way will lead to a successful remodel you’ll be happy with for years to come. Pay special attention to safety and cleaningprotocols to protect your home and family. Withgood planning and research on the front end,you can avoid many headaches down the road and end up with the bathroom of your dreams! Enjoy the process and the best outcome when you follow this comprehensive guide to properly planning your next bathroom remodel.