Planning comes first
A full bathroom remodel replaces most or all of the fixtures, finishes and often the plumbing and electrical behind them. Good planning prevents most of the problems that make remodels go over budget or over schedule. Start with how the room is used: who uses it, what bothers you about it now, what storage you need, whether accessibility matters now or later, and whether you want to change the layout.
Layout changes
Keeping the toilet, shower and sink where they are usually costs less, because moving drains and vents is labor-intensive, especially on a slab foundation. Moving fixtures can still be worth it if it makes the room work much better. Ask the contractor to explain what changing the layout would involve and cost.
Behind the walls
A full remodel is the best chance to fix what you can't see:
- Plumbing: replace old supply piping and drain lines, install new shutoffs, and make sure drains are properly vented.
- Electrical: GFCI protection on outlets, dedicated circuits where needed, good lighting, and possibly heated floors.
- Framing and subfloor: repair water damage and make sure the floor is stiff enough for tile.
- Insulation: on exterior walls, to prevent cold surfaces where condensation forms.
- Blocking: in the walls for grab bars, towel bars, shower doors and vanities.
Waterproofing and ventilation
The shower and tub area must be waterproofed beneath tile with a proper membrane or system, carefully detailed at seams, niches and drains. Many contractors also waterproof the floor around the shower. A properly sized exhaust fan, vented outdoors and run during and after showers, protects the new room from moisture damage.
Materials and finishes
Choose tile, fixtures and surfaces with both look and maintenance in mind. Large-format tile has fewer grout lines; small floor tiles provide more grip. Porcelain is durable and water-resistant. Natural stone needs sealing. Quality fixtures with good warranties cost more but last longer. Order special items early, since lead times can affect the schedule.
Permits and inspections
Full remodels almost always involve plumbing and electrical work that requires permits and inspections, sometimes at several stages. Ask who pulls the permits, whether the price includes them, and how inspections fit into the schedule.
Budget and contingency
Get a detailed, itemized proposal. Ask what's included and what's an allowance, such as tile or fixtures you'll choose later. Set aside a contingency for problems found when walls are opened, such as water damage, outdated wiring or framing issues.
Schedule and living with the work
A full bathroom remodel takes weeks. If it's your only bathroom, plan where you'll shower and use the toilet. Ask for a schedule that shows demolition, rough plumbing and electrical, inspections, waterproofing, tile, fixtures and finishing, and how changes will be handled.
Questions to ask
- Can I see a detailed proposal with allowances and exclusions?
- Which waterproofing system will you use?
- Who pulls permits, and how many inspections will there be?
- How will you protect the rest of the house from dust?
- How do you handle change orders and unexpected problems?
- What warranty covers your workmanship?
Protecting the rest of the house
Demolition creates dust and debris. Ask how the contractor will protect floors along the work path, seal off the bathroom with plastic, cover HVAC returns, and clean up at the end of each day.