Bathroom Renovation Checklist: Step-by-Step Guide for a Perfect Remodel
Restructuring your bathroom will make it better, more modern and comfortable. Nevertheless, it may easily get out of control and turn out to be costly without good planning. This bathroom makeover checklist will help you in planning and budgeting your remodel, selecting your fixtures, carrying out your remodel, and making sure of an impeccable finishing touch.
Initial Planning and Preparation
- Find out the overall objective of your renovation: complete remodelling or upgrading.
- Fix a realistic budget according to your bathroom size and needs.
- Evaluate your current bathroom design.
- Choose whether to retain the existing plumbing design or to modify it.
- The inspirations, styles and trendiness of research design.
- Measure the space of the bathroom.
- Produce a mood board to visualize what you would like to design.
- Schedule your renovation according to the complexity of the project.
- On whether to do or purchase.
- Obtain estimates from contractors.
- Get permits when structures or plumbing alterations are required.
- Know that there will be temporary inconveniences to everyday life.
Budgeting and Cost Planning
- Break up your budget and divide it into fixtures, labour, and materials.
- Set up a separate fund for the unexpected costs (at least 15%).
- Compare prices of fittings, sanitary ware, and tiles of various suppliers.
- Add plumbing and electrical expenditure to your calculations.
- Include waterproofing, insulation and ventilation costs.
- Plan lighting and mirrors, and accessories budget.
- Add waste disposal and remove the debris cost.
- Take into consideration heavy material delivery costs.
- Budget on quality finishes in case you want them.
- Take into account energy-saving lamps and save on the bills in the long term.
- Must-have items should be prioritized over luxuries.
- Have a cost sheet to keep a detailed record of spending.
Bathroom Design and Layout
- Select a style of design, modern, classic, rustic or minimalist.
- Determine the design of the bathroom and then buy the fixtures.
- Choose between a tub, a shower or both.
- Make sure that there is sufficient space between fixtures.
- Store planning, such as vanities, cabinets and shelves.
- Have open and closed storage to be practical.
- Mirrors play a tactical role in developing space and light.
- Select floor and wall tiles that will match your style and finances.
- Use accent walls or mosaic tiles to make it look good.
- Choose a colour palette that would match the interior of your house.
- Where possible, maximize natural light.
- Include floral or decorations to add atmosphere.
Plumbing and Electrical Planning
- Choose whether to move sinks, toilets or showers.
- Maintenance or replacement of old plumbing pipes.
- Select water-efficient taps, showers and toilets.
- Match water flow rates and water pressure.
- Plug electric lights, exhaust fans and power outlets.
- Install water-resistant outlets that are GFCI-protected.
- Install showerhead power outlets for hairdryers or shavers.
- Arrange heated towel rails or underfloor heating, as required.
- Make sure that switches and sockets are placed.
- Replace with modern hot water systems where necessary.
- Use licensed plumbers and electricians to check.
- There should be a pre-renovation check to identify the leaks.
Ventilation and Waterproofing
- Install an exhaust fan of high-quality to avoid moisture accumulation.
- Select finishes and humidity-resistant paint.
- Have shower areas completely waterproofed.
- Extradiegetically close grout lines to avoid the growth of mould and mildew.
- Where feasible, use water-resistant wall panels.
- Check the subflooring for any existing water damage.
- Install tile and floor waterproofing membranes.
- Select skid-proof tiles in wet places.
- Install the correct shower and tub drainage systems.
- Make sure that windows open freely to allow natural air conditioning.
- Look at the ceiling and corners whether it is damp.
- Arrange a waterproofing check before the commencement of the tile work.
Fixtures and Fittings Selection
- Select sinks that are appropriate to your design and available space.
- Choose wall-mounted or countertop basins.
- Choose a type of toilet - close, wall-mounted or back-to-wall.
- Select a walk-in shower or shower enclosure.
- Choose bathtubs in size, material and comfort.
- Spend on nice taps and mixers to make them last.
- Use dual flush toilets to save on water.
- Have practical accessories, such as towel rails and robe hooks.
- Use mirrors with inbuilt lighting when required.
- Have a look at under-vanity storage to tidy up surfaces.
- Put up shelves where toiletries are in easy reach.
- Choose rust-resistant materials to be used over time.
Safety Considerations
- Select wet flooring that is not slippery.
- Install shower and tub grab bars where necessary.
- Make sure that all electrical fittings are water safe.
- Shower screens should also be made of tempered glass to avoid injury.
- Hold the edges of countertops and vanities.
- Make sure that there is a good lighting system to prevent tripping.
- Fit an anti-scald valve on taps and showers.
- Install non-slip mats at the exit of the bathing areas.
- Never use rugs which can slide on wet floors.
- Make shelves fastened to the walls.
- Keep good spacing between fixtures to move freely of any interference.
- Ensure that all safety standards are in accordance with local building codes.
Final Touches and Styling
- Include ornaments such as flora, candles or paintings.
- Make towel sets work together to add beauty.
- Select fancy soap jars and dispensers.
- Add perfumed diffusers to create a spa feel.
- Choose bare bones to clean it up.
- Apply textured shower curtains.
- Add the personal details without cluttering the room.
- Add similar bath mats and accessories.
- Frame pictures or simple artworks to be stylish.
- Put a stool or bench where there is space.
- Make sure that all the elements are used to support your design theme.
- Keep the general appearance orderly, clean and welcoming.
Clean-Up and Final Inspections
- Find out leaks in all connections.
- Test overall fixtures, water pressure, and flow.
- Check waterproofing in or around showers and bathtubs.
- Test electrical fittings are safe.
- Make sure that exhaust fans work properly.
- Drawers, cabinets and doors open freely.
- Check grout lines and caulking.
- Wash clean tiles, mirrors and glass surfaces.
- Clear up construction waste and construction.
- Inspect the whole bathroom to be able to guarantee quality.
- Test the ventilation to check the moisture.
- Make a long-term maintenance report.