Bathroom Remodel Overview

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Bathroom Overview & Checklist

Knowing how to renovate a bathroom boils down to doing some research and writing everything down.

And the approach to bathroom renovation is the same as the approach to bathroom remodeling. It’s just that the remodeling project is a bit more extensive. So here we treat “remodel” and “renovation” as essentially the same thing.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Bathroom Remodels

The modern bathroom has moved far beyond being a more or less private utility room with a couple of plumbing fixtures. After the kitchen, the bathroom is now one of the most important rooms in the home. 

The bathroom is now taking on the character of a private spa, a luxurious and comfortable retreat, a place to relax in peace and quiet and style. It is where we start and end the day.

Bathrooms should be beautiful, comfortable, and durable and the bathroom renovation tips you will find here will help you achieve this.

Simple improvements, such as new fixtures, can change the look and feel of your bathroom. And for this perhaps all you need is a handyman or plumber.

But for truly transformational changes you need a professional remodeler, who will have the ability to rearrange the entire bathroom space and perhaps more. For example, they might be able to “borrow” space from an oversized closet to create the beautiful master suite of your dreams.

Where to Start with Bathroom Remodel

First, you must adopt a “put it down on paper” mindset. Please take a look at our post on how to approach a whole house remodel. This will put the bathroom in context and help you get off on the right foot, especially with getting and staying organized.

Start with a Remodeling Organizer Binder. And stick to it.

Don’t ignore this because you don’t think a bathroom is any kind of a big deal. You will be amazed at the number of details that have to be accounted for and the things that can go wrong. Putting everything on paper prepares you.

• Related post: Remodel Checklist

With that said, we’ll get on with what to consider when remodeling a bathroom specifically.

The Anatomy of Bathrooms – The Bathroom Layout

The key to a successful bathroom remodel is developing an appropriate scope of work and the selection of materials and products. Our bathroom checklist below will help you develop this.

But before we get to this we need to consider how the various parts of the bathroom work together to form a functioning whole. These are the basic design considerations we have to account for before we get to the fun part of selecting our finishes. 

• Related chapter: Bathroom Layout

Master Bathroom, Kids’ Bathroom, Guest Bathroom, or Powder Room

Your home may have several bathrooms. What bathroom are we talking about? And who will be using it? It makes a difference. And it is important to bear this in mind when laying out the bathroom initially and when selecting hardware and finishes. Not all questions in the checklists below will apply alike.

Use of the Bathroom

Whether laying out a bathroom, pay close attention to who will actually be using the space. If you are planning for an extended retirement or have an elderly family member in residence, consider our suggestions on aging in place. 

Are there other special needs that should be accounted for, now or in the future? This can include catering to people with disabilities or who are exceptionally tall or short. 

Do you need to accommodate any non-traditional bathroom activities, such as laundry or washing pets?

• Related post: Bathrooms for the Elderly

Bathroom Space/Function Elements

Below we consider each of the bathroom space and function elements by way of including a questionnaire checklist for each. You can use this for your planning and budgeting.

You may notice that some points are repeated but they are in a different context, especially related to cabinetry. The redundancy is necessary.

Bear in mind that when developing a budget for a bathroom remodel the single major factor affecting the budget is the cost of the finishes and fixtures you choose. The cost of labor does not change.

The Checklist

The Bathroom Envelope

1: Orientation of the Bathroom. Can it be changed?

2: Is the existing bathroom large enough?

3: Have you considered changing the location of doors and windows?

4: Does the bathroom relate to adjacent rooms the way you would like?

5: Is there enough natural light in your existing space?

6: Could the windows be better located?

7: Would you add a skylight / solar tube?

8: Ceilings: right height, too low, too high?

9: Space for an additional shower or tub?

10: Space for a separate bidet?

• Related post: Bidets

11: Add a noise barrier to the outside from within the bathroom?

12: Room for a sauna?

• Related post: Indoor Sauna

13: Room for a steam shower?

• Related post: Steam Shower

14: Can we steal space from an adjacent bedroom or closet?

15: Can it be laid out with a “wet room” to accommodate a tub, shower, and toilet?

16: Bathroom addition? Depending on the layout of your home it may be possible to add a bathroom without adding to the building footprint by, for example, partially converting a laundry room into a powder room. Would you consider that?

Bathroom Mechanical and Electrical

17: Does the existing air conditioning system operate adequately?

18: How old is your water heater? Is the water temperature adequate?

19: Is there an anti-scald device on the heater?

20: Would you consider changing to an energy-efficient tankless heater?

21: Is there sufficient mechanical ventilation/exhaust fan to prevent moisture accumulation?

22: Do you object to hearing a fan while in the bathroom?

23: What do you know about water usage in your current/proposed fixtures?

24: Gallons/flush in the toilet? Gallons/minute in the shower head?

25: Are all the electrical outlets protected with GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) to prevent electric shock?

26: Do you have enough electrical outlets?

27: Are they in the right places?

28: Do you know how the plumbing is laid out? Can it be moved around without too much hassle or expense?

Bathroom Fixtures

29: Toilet (compartmentalized from rest of bathroom); pedestal toilet or wall mount; bidet

• Related post: Bidet-Toilet Combo
• Related post: Toilets

30: Separate tub and shower or a tub/shower combination.

31:  Pedestal lavatories (sinks)

32: Shower for one person or two. Shower seats.

33: Standard bathtub; whirlpool-style bathtub for one; whirlpool-style bathtub for two

• Related post: Air Tub vs Jetted Tub

34: Walk-in tub

• Related post: Soaking Tubs

35:  Fixed shower heads; adjustable shower heads; multiple shower heads; body sprays/jets;

36: Preferred shower features: grab bars; bench seat; body sprays; handheld faucet

37: Shower with or without dam (threshold, step, curb)

• Related post: Bathroom Shower

38: Shower enclosure designed as a walk-in (no door) or with a door.

39: Preferred tub features: grab bars; handheld faucet; pillow; heater; other

Bathroom Cabinetry and Storage

40: Cabinets with a well-organized storage system

• Related post: Bathroom Vanity

41: Storage space for grooming equipment

42: Salon-style housing for hair blowers, curling irons, w/ electrical outlet

43: Adequate number of towel bars

44: Accommodate technology

45: Convenient place for soaps and shampoos in the shower and/or tub area

46: Towel/linen storage in or near the bathroom

47: Storage for cleaning supplies in your bathroom

48: Built-in closet

Functional Considerations for Cabinetry in this Bathroom

49: What vanity depth do you want? 21″ or 24″

50: What vanity height do you want? 32″ or 34 1/2 ” (excludes countertop)

51: Do you want a makeup counter (knee drawer vanity), single or double sink vanity, or multiple vanities? Centered sink or off to one side?

52: Pedestal sink?

• Related post: Bathroom Vanity Sink

53: Cantilevered sink?

54: Do you need wheelchair access to your sinks?

55: Do you want a suspended vanity (cantilevered from the wall)?

56: Do you need extra countertop space?

57: Do you prefer drawers or cabinets for under-counter storage?

58: Do you want interior fittings (drawer accessories and organizers for makeup, toiletries, etc)?

59: Do you want pull-out shelves or roll-out trays; sink-front tilt-out trays, or tray dividers?

60: Do you need a lot of storage for personal items?

61: Do you want an “appliance garage” for hair dryers and curling irons? (Hair dryer organizers are available with optional in-drawer electrical outlets to prevent wires and plugs from invading the sink space).

62: Do you require a tall wall cabinet for a linen closet or deep cabinet space?

Related Considerations for Cabinetry in this Bathroom

63: Location of plumbing: Does any of the plumbing (supply lines and waste) need to be moved to accommodate the cabinetry or does the cabinetry need to conform to existing plumbing?

64: Location of electrical: Does any of the wiring (including outlets and GFI) need to be moved to accommodate the cabinetry or does the cabinetry need to conform to existing electrical?

65: Location, leveling of walls and ceiling: Will the ceiling be raised, and or walls be moved? Do walls/soffits/ceilings need to be plumbed and leveled to ensure a perfect fit for cabinetry and molding?

66: Selection of countertops: Material (laminate, granite, quartz, tile, etc.); color; style; edge treatment (self-edge, wrap edge, edge shape

67: Selection of sinks: Under-mount, drop-in, vessel style, or pedestal? How many? What color? The choice will depend on the type of countertop selected. (By the way, In our opinion, a vessel sink is a terrible fad)

• Related post: Bathroom Design Trends
• Related post: Fad vs Trend

68: Selection of backsplash: Wall treatment behind the vanity. Will this be wallpaper, paint, tile, or the same material as a countertop?

69: Selection of plumbing fixtures: There are aesthetic and functional factors in the selection of faucets for the sinks. Need to coordinate with the selection of tub and shower fixtures.

• Related post: Bathroom Vanity Faucets

70: Selection of accessories: There are aesthetic and functional factors in the selection of mirrors, medicine cabinets, towel bars, towel rings, and toilet paper holders. Need to coordinate with plumbing fixtures.

71: Selection of hardware: There are aesthetic and functional factors in the selection of knobs and pulls for the cabinetry. Need to coordinate with plumbing fixtures and accessories. Material (metal, wood, plastic); Size (length, diameter); Shape; Color; Finger pull cabinet doors (no hardware).

Bathroom Lighting

72: Does the lighting arrangement suit the uses of the bathroom? Think of task lighting (e.g., makeup, shaving, reading) vs. ambient lighting. Is the lighting adequate?

73: Does the lighting generate too much heat?

74: What quality of light would you like in your space? And for what tasks?

75: Natural; incandescent; compact fluorescent; LED; a combination?

76: Preferred lighting arrangement: Exhaust/light(s); sconces above lavatories; recessed general lighting; heat lamp(s); other?

• Related post: Interior Lighting

Bathroom Style, Appearance & Finish

77: Have you made a sketch of your bathroom?

78: Have you collected magazine clippings etc to illustrate your bathroom vision? We suggest Houzz and Pinterest.

79: Cabinetry for vanities: Single or double vanity; recessed medicine cabinets; 3-way mirrors; knee recess/makeup mirror.

80: If you are replacing your cabinets, what type of facing material do you prefer? Wood (type); painted; stained; paint or stain wash; laminate; or thermofoil.

81: What cabinet door styles do you prefer? Plain front; raised panels; arched panels; recessed panels; glass fronts; self-closing doors /drawers.

82: Countertops for vanities: Ceramic or granite tile, stone, granite slab, laminate, other.

83: Vanity Backsplashes: Ceramic or granite tile, stone, granite slab, laminate, other.

84: Lavatory (sink) material: Single or double, porcelain, Integral solid surface, stainless, self-rimming above the counter, under-mount, vessel, other (pedestal sink for powder room?) Note: in our opinion, the vessel sink is a fad with no redeeming features.

85: Flooring: Ceramic tile, stone, wood (hardwood, cork, bamboo), vinyl, other.

86: Faucet finish: Chrome, brushed nickel, polished brass, chrome, oil rubbed bronze, antique copper, polished brass, other.

87: Shower and tub surrounds: Ceramic or granite tile, stone, granite slab

88: Preferred shower enclosure: frosted glass, glass block, obscure glass, etched glass, clear glass, no glass.

89: Color Preferences: Paint color to complement your choice of hard finishes (countertops and tub/shower surround). Refer to our related post on color.

Organization and Project Binder

Just because a bathroom remodel is not as extensive as a whole house or kitchen remodel, it is still a complex exercise and requires detailed planning. 

See again our post on approaching a home remodel and the section on maintaining a Project Binder.