A bathroom remodel is a lot of trades in a small room: demolition, plumbing, electrical, walls, waterproofing, tile, paint and fixtures. Done in the right order, each step sets up the next. Done out of order, something gets torn out and redone. Here is the order most pros follow, and the decisions to make before the first tile comes off the wall.
The steps in order
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Plan and choose | Layout, tile, vanity, fixtures, lighting and paint picked and ordered |
| 2. Permits | Pulled before work starts if plumbing, wiring or walls change |
| 3. Demolition | Old tile, fixtures and drywall out; anything hidden is checked |
| 4. Rough-in | New pipes, drains, wiring, fan and blocking for grab bars or a heavy vanity |
| 5. Inspection | Rough-in checked before anything is closed up |
| 6. Walls and floor prep | Cement board or drywall, a level floor, the shower base |
| 7. Waterproofing | Membrane in the shower and wet areas, tested before tile |
| 8. Tile | Floor and walls, then grout and sealing |
| 9. Paint | Ceiling and walls before fixtures go on |
| 10. Fixtures and finish | Vanity, toilet, faucets, glass, lights, mirror and accessories |
| 11. Final walk-through | Punch list finished before the final payment |
The mistakes that cost twice
- Choosing the vanity or shower valve after the plumbing is roughed in, so pipes move again
- Closing walls before the inspection, so they have to be opened up
- Skipping or rushing waterproofing in the shower; it is hidden once the tile is on
- Painting after the vanity and mirror are in, so everything has to be masked or moved
- No blocking in the wall for grab bars or a heavy mirror
How long each part usually takes
A simple update (new vanity, toilet, paint and fixtures) can take days. A full remodel with new tile and plumbing usually takes a few weeks, longer if walls move or items are back-ordered. Ask each pro for a written schedule that lists the steps above.
What to put in your post
- Full remodel or specific parts: shower, tub, tile, vanity, toilet
- Whether anything moves: the toilet, the shower, the sink
- Photos of the bathroom now and any ideas you like
- Whether you have already chosen tile and fixtures
- Your timing, and whether this is your only bathroom
Get bathroom remodel bids on BidHandyman
Post your bathroom once and local pros send you bids. Only pros approved by BidHandyman can bid. Compare them, ask each one for their step-by-step schedule, message the pros and hire the one you trust, with no obligation. Request bathroom bids, or read bathroom remodel bids and hiring a renovation project manager.