Essential Steps What Comes First in Bathroom Remodeling Explained
                     What Comes First in Bathroom 
Remodeling? Expert Tips to 
Start Right
Transforming your bathroom from outdated to outstanding requires careful planning 
and strategic decision-making. This guide walks you through the essential first steps to 
ensure your renovation journey begins on solid ground, saving you time, money, and 
frustration.
The Crucial First Step: 
Planning Your Remodel
Successful bathroom renovations start with thorough planning, not swinging a 
sledgehammer. Before any demolition begins, take time to envision your ideal space 
and document your requirements.
01 02
Create a vision Develop a renovation 
board checklist
Compile images from Pinterest, 
Instagram, or magazines that represent List must-have elements versus nice-to-
your dream bathroom style, colour haves to guide prioritisation when 
scheme, and features. budgetary constraints arise.
03
Set a realistic 
Rbeusdeagrecht costs and add a 15-20% contingency buffer for unexpected issues that 
inevitably arise.
Decide: Keep or Change Your 
Bathroom Layout?
Layout Assessment Questions Cost Implications
• Does the current flow work for your daily routine? Moving plumbing fixtures can increase your budget  Relocating 
• Is there adequate space between fixtures? waste pipes is particularly expensive and disruptive, often requiring 
work on floors below.
• Are there awkward areas that could be better utilised?
• Which elements must stay in place due to load-bearing walls or 
fixed plumbing stacks? Consider a "refresh" approach if your layout functions well: new 
fixtures in the same locations dramatically reduce costs whilst still 
transforming appearances.
Sketch Your Vision Within Existing Walls
Before hiring professionals, create a rough sketch of your ideal bathroom layout. This 
doesn't need to be architecturally perfect—just clear enough to communicate your vision 
and start meaningful discussions with contractors.
Your sketch should include:
• Room dimensions and door/window positions
• Desired locations for shower/bath, toilet, and vanity
• Approximate space allocations for storage
• Any special features (e.g., heated floors, towel warmers)
This sketch becomes a powerful communication tool for discussing 
feasibility, costs, and timelines with professionals.
Choose Practical & Stylish Materials Early
Flooring Lighting Vanities
Small mosaic tiles with grout lines provide Layer multiple light sources: overhead for Standard-sized vanities (60cm, 80cm, 
better slip resistance than large format general illumination, sconces at eye level 100cm) are more affordable than custom 
tiles. Consider porcelain for durability and for accurate grooming, and accent lighting units. Consider semi-custom approaches: 
lower maintenance than natural stone. for ambiance. Install all on dimmer purchase ready-made cabinets but splurge 
Luxury vinyl tile offers warmth and switches for flexibility. LED options reduce on a custom worktop for a bespoke look at 
waterproofing at lower price points. energy costs over time. a moderate price.
Early material selection prevents delays when construction begins and ensures all elements work harmoniously together. Create a physical sample 
board with your chosen tile, countertop, cabinet finish, and paint colours to visualise the combined effect.
Prioritise Functional Features First
Strategic Storage Shower vs Bath 
Solutions Decisions
Unless you regularly use a bathtub, 
Plan built-in niches in shower walls a spacious shower often provides 
during framing stage. Consider more daily utility. If space allows, a 
medicine cabinets that recess into combination offers versatility. For 
walls rather than protrude into the small bathrooms, a luxurious shower 
room. Utilise vertical space with tall typically delivers better value than a 
cabinets that maximise cubic cramped shower/tub combo.
storage without expanding footprint.
Ventilation Requirements
Upgrade beyond minimum extraction requirements to prevent mould and preserve 
finishes. Modern fan options combine lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and humidity 
sensors that automatically adjust fan speed based on moisture levels.
Safety & Accessibility Considerations
Zero-Entry Showers Door Clearances Grab Bar Preparation
Curbless shower designs eliminate trip Ensure doors don't conflict with fixtures Install solid blocking in walls during framing 
hazards and future-proof your bathroom for when open. Consider pocket doors or where grab bars might be needed in the 
aging in place. They require precise floor outward-swinging doors to maximise future, even if not installing them now. This 
sloping for proper drainage but create a usable floor space. Standard doorways simple step costs pennies during 
seamless, luxurious appearance. should be at least 81cm wide for renovation but saves hundreds later.
accessibility.
Collaborate with Experts Early
Key Professionals to Consider
General Contractor Coordinates trades, schedules, and ensures quality control 
throughout the project
Bathroom Designer Maximises functional layout within space constraints and 
enhances aesthetic cohesion
Plumber Consult before finalising plans to confirm viability of drainage 
and supply locations
Structural Engineer Required for floor reinforcement, load-bearing wall 
modifications, or large soaking tub installations
Early consultations with experts often prevent costly mistakes. Many professionals offer paid consultation 
services before full project commitment.
Start Smart, Finish 
Beautifully
Vision Layout
Define your style and functional needs through Determine what stays and what changes, 
inspiration gathering and clear prioritisation of balancing your ideal design with practical 
must-have features. constraints of your existing space.
Experts Budget
Engage professionals early to validate plans, Establish realistic spending limits with 
ensure code compliance, and prevent costly adequate contingency funds for unexpected 
mistakes. issues that may arise.
A thoughtfully planned bathroom renovation delivers daily satisfaction for years to come. By investing time in preparation before demolition begins, you'll 
create a space that not only looks beautiful but functions perfectly for your lifestyle.
REACH US AT
Pure Home
3988 Flowers Road Suite 
670 Atlanta, GA 30360 
(470) 649-3777
[email protected] 
Purehomeus.com