Bathroom Renovation Checklist

Your bathroom is probably one of the rooms you spend the most time in. If you’ve moved into a furnished apartment, chances are you will notice mostly the major items such as the bathtub, sink, and toilet, maybe the paint job and water pressure.

However, if you ever have to renovate, that’s when you will really take note of everything in the bathroom. 

It doesn’t matter if you get a professional for the job, chances are they’re going to ask you what your vision for the bathroom is. 

You’re going to have to decide exactly what you want, from the paint colour down to the faucet, sink legs, light switch, and lots more. 

All You Need to Know About Renovating Your Bathroom

Bathroom renovations require more than just checking Pinterest for the latest bathroom designs. The extent of the job depends on you. It could be as simple as a fresh coat of paint or a full-on renovation. Either way, you need a good plan. 

Designing a bathroom is rather challenging. Fortunately, it’s also a rewarding project. This guide to planning a functional and aesthetically pleasing bathroom will help you through the duration of the project

Coming Up With a Checklist

A checklist is the smartest way to figure out what the renovation project will entail. It’s a simple way to decide and note all your bathroom ideas on one easy-to-read list. 

With a precise checklist, you can rest assured of getting all the clarity you need for your bathroom.

We’ve come up with a checklist you could follow to help you plan your bathroom renovation.

Ask all the big (and small) questions 

These include –

• What’s your preferred bathroom design or style?
• How much are you willing to spend on the project?
• How much time are you willing to dedicate to the project?
• What extent of renovations are you doing?
• Will the bathroom be out of commission for long, if so, what bathroom will you use in the meantime?
• Are there any special needs in your family you have to consider during the project?
• Will you be putting in a shower, bathtub, or both?
• How much storage space do you require?
• What features are you going for?

The above questions encompass most of the issues you need to sort out here. Once you figure out their answers, you’re well on your way to fixing up your bathroom. 

Set a Timeline

This is another very important aspect of a bathroom renovation. A timeline for your project depends on both the size of the bathroom and the amount of work you intend to do. 

Generally, the timeline below should give you an idea of what to expect – 

• 1 to 2 weeks dedicated to planning and figuring out exactly what you want. 
• 2 to 3 days for demolition, removal of old stuff, and cleaning.
• 2 to 5 weeks for the construction. 
• About a week for electrical works and plumbing. 
• 1 to 2 days to clean up. 

Note that this timeline will increase or decrease depending on how much time it takes for items you ordered (such as vanity, fixtures, & tiles) to arrive. 

Determine the Work Sequence

Choosing the correct work sequence is one of the smartest things you can do in this project. The right sequence will save you from making mistakes and also a lot of cleanup time. 

A good rule of thumb is to start from the top of the room. So, ceilings first, then walls and floors last. 

Choose your preferred features

Now, it’s down to the details. You don’t have to be a perfectionist but you need to make your choice on the features that are important to you. 

Let the checklist guide you:

Design and Style 

• Floors – Porcelain, Ceramic, Vinyl Flooring (Sheets or Plank), Natural Stone, Engineered Wood, Laminate Flooring.
• Wall Finish – Gloss or Semi-Gloss Paint, Ceramic Tile, Glass Block, Tile Board, Beadboard. 
• Shower – Square, Alcove, Round, Frameless, Freestanding. 
• Bath – Free-Standing, Alcove, Drop-In, Corner. 
• Artificial Lighting – Ceiling, Vanity Light, Recessed Light. 
• Lighting Fixtures – Copper Pendants, Detailed Glass Pendants, Eye-Popping Chandelier, Nordic Lighting, oversized Lantern.
• Natural Lighting – Windows or Skylight.
• Mirror – Floor to Ceiling Wall Mirror, Mirrored Vanity, Folded Corner Mirror, Double Mirror, Hanging Mirror, Leaning Full-Length Mirror. 
• Mirror Extras – Illuminated, Magnifying, Heated Mirrors.

Figure out the bathroom floor plan

This is key to your remodelling. Start by answering the following questions –

• How many people will use the bathroom?
• What’s the plan for the bathroom – (a) will it double as a laundry room, (b) bathtub, shower cubicle, or both?
• Would you prefer a toilet in the bathroom or will it be separated?

Storage Space

Cabinets, beauty product shelves, drawers for toiletries, laundry cabinets, hooks for towels, shower storage, over-the-door shelf, linen cabinet, storage ladder. 

Finishings 

Now, this is where your taste for details comes out in full force. 

• Faucets – Single-Hole, Vessel, Centre set, Wall Mounts, Widespread, Bridge, Deck Mount. 
• Shower Head – Rainfall, Handheld, Wall Mounted. 
• Sinks – Vitreous China, Enameled Cast Iron, Glass, Stone, Acrylic.
• Toilet Style – One-Piece, Two-Piece, Wall Hung, Smart, Tankless, Corner.
• Cabinetry – Framed or Frameless, Wood, Stained, Glazed, Antiqued. 
• Shower Drain – Linear or Point. 
• Décor – Wallpaper, Art Work, Window Treatments.

Appliances 

Hot water tank, circuit for appliances such as hair dryers, HVAC, laundry section with washers and an iron. 

And there you have it! A bathroom renovation checklist at-a-glance. This checklist covers most of the basic sections and details you will need. 

However, the renovation process doesn’t just end there. There are a few other issues you must iron out. With our expertise in bathroom renovations, we’ve just about seen it all. 

So, to save you from wasting time or making mistakes, here are a few other considerations you must make. 

Permits 

Whether or not you need a permit to remodel your bathroom depends on your city and the extent of the job you plan on doing. 

Generally, most bathroom remodels require some sort of change to the plumbing and electrical wirings behind the wall which requires a permit. 

Permits may be required if you’re installing new plumbing, new electrical wiring, replacing a water heater, demolishing a wall etc. 

Your best bet is to check with your city to find out exactly what permits are required. If you’re working with a licensed contractor such as Precise Services Adelaide, you don’t have to worry much about this as we already know what permits different types of jobs require.

Watching Out for Hidden Problems

This typically depends on the age of your home. Most times, the biggest issue is with water damage. 

Working with a team of professionals will save you a lot of problems and ensure your bathroom functions optimally. They are better equipped and trained to check for structural deficiencies and such. 

Also, be ready for other unexpected expenses such as wood rot, mould, bad wiring, bug infestations, etc.

Plumbing

In the checklist, you must have seen several plumbing features, still, it deserves special mention as no bathroom is complete without adequate plumbing. Ensure all plumbing fixtures and features are top-notch. 

Ultimately, getting your dream bathroom requires some understanding of the renovation process. That way, you have a hands-on experience and get to choose exactly what you want.