Do Not Renovate Your Bathroom Without This Handy Checklist

Perhaps you’re tired of your 90s-era all-beige on suite primary bathroom or want to invest in a personalized retreat, like two-thirds of the homeowners who participated in the latest NKBA | KBIS Bath Trends Report. Either way, hyper-tailored bath spaces (especially those at the crossroads of wellness and technology) are driving bathroom renovations. For many of us, a spa-like bathroom oasis is what dreams are made of—that is, if you’re not freaking out about the reno process. To keep your chill, experts recommend approaching it methodically with a checklist, the same way you would a kitchen renovation.

“A bathroom renovation checklist is a useful way to stay organized during your remodel,” Caroline Danielson, director of Ferguson Home, Showroom & Design, says. “It covers everything from setting a budget and choosing fixtures to planning plumbing, electrical, lighting, and finishes. Think of it as your step-by-step guide to keep things running smoothly, avoid last-minute decisions, and make sure nothing important gets overlooked.”

A vision board that’s approved by bath professionals is a must, lest you end up with a shower fixture that’s incompatible with the water pressure. Designer Sarah Blank was brought in to fix an epic multi-shower spray situation that was ill-equipped to handle the water pressure. The result? To fix the dripping shower and allow it to function as intended, her team had to rework a newly done entryway to accommodate the new plumbing that opened up the water line. In that vein, you’ll also want to consider whether the soaking tub on your Pinterest board needs reinforced floors to support it and if your space has the proper ventilation for a steam shower.

These headache are easy to avoid with foresight and planning. That’s why we created this itemized list to help you prepare. Keep reading for 10 items to check off before you start a bathroom renovation.

☐ Double Check the Plumbing

“With bathrooms, we encourage clients to think beyond the current layout,” says Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke. “Most of the time when we are remodeling a bathroom it’s quite old and the existing pipes and electrical needs to be replaced in large part anyway.” Definitely think about the placement of the sink, toilet, and shower early in the design process. “Grouping these fixtures near one another allows them to share water supply and drain lines, which is both efficient and cost effective,” Ferguson’s Caroline Danielson says.

It’s not just about making sure the pipes go where they are supposed to; you want to ensure the pipes are suited for your bathroom needs. “Addressing plumbing issues early during renovations saves homeowners time, money, and unforeseen costs,” she adds. “A simple change to an 8- to 12-inch rain showerhead can elevate the bathroom experience, turning a mundane routine into a spa-like experience.”

If you do need to move a pipe, you can end up paying $500 and up, depending on location, says Cathy Cherry, principal architect at Purple Cherry Architecture.

☐ Fix Water Problems

Look for mold or discoloration on the walls and ceilings and under the sinks. Sagging or uneven floors can indicate foundation problems or rotting subflooring that will need replacement. “Water damage and drainage issues can be costly to repair, so set aside an extra budget of 10 to 15 percent for newer homes and 15 to 20 percent for older homes, in addition to your renovation budget,” suggests Martina Biegel, cofounder of Galerie Design + Build.

As for potential drainage issues, have a plumber look at your existing plumbing to understand if it’s outdated and needs replacement. Older homes need at least 45 psi for consistent water flow. The cost for homeowners to get the right regulator is typically $150 to $400 for basic models, with luxury models beyond that range, Danielson says. Add in installation costs, which can vary based on the job complexity.

☐ Note the Fixture Configurations

Look beyond the aesthetics. When replacing a sink or fixture, match the configuration for a smoother upgrade. “If the original fixture required two holes, it’s best to replace it with a similar model,” Danielson says. “Choosing a different configuration may require additional drilling, plumbing adjustments, or extra parts—adding time and expense to the project.”

☐ Measure Everything Twice

Replacing a double vanity may seem as easy as selecting a new model on Wayfair, but if you don’t measure correctly, you could end up with a piece that doesn’t fit. Your home—whether builder grade or century old—could have specific dimensions. Same goes for selecting the height of vanities and tubs: You don’t want to pick one that’s too low or too high for you. “Purchasing a freestanding tub only to learn that the water depth isn’t right for you could set you back $800 to $15,000 or more, depending on the tub manufacturer,” Cherry says.