Bathroom Renovation Checklist
Table of Contents
Introduction
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- Set the bathroom scope, layout and budget
- Inspect the bathroom and photograph existing problems
- List fixtures and surfaces that need replacement
- Identify repairs and fittings that can stay
- Review structural or wet-area concerns with a qualified professional
- Decide which tasks require specialist trades
- Plan the schedule around delivery, inspections and curing
- Record measured layout, selected materials and trade requirements
- Create an itemized budget and an unspent contingency
- Decide whether to retain or move the toilet, tub and shower
- Confirm applicable approvals and inspection stages
- Confirm shower or tub selection against the drain and valve layout
- Select appropriate taps, shower valves and water-saving fixtures
- Choose fixtures and finishes before finalizing rough-in positions
- Confirm delivery of the fixtures and materials needed to start
- Arrange another toilet and washing facilities during the work
- Prepare the room, rough-in and waterproof
- Protect and label fixtures or accessories you will reuse
- Assess suspect materials before demolition
- Arrange controlled demolition and check for concealed damage
- Check the condition of accessible plumbing and connections
- Check shut-off valves and future access for servicing
- Have supply sizing, pressure and temperature control checked
- Have the drain routing, trap and venting checked
- Complete necessary plumbing and electrical rough-in work
- Document required rough-in testing and inspection
- Check that wet-area substrates and tile materials are compatible
- Install the specified waterproofing assembly in wet areas
- Verify shower waterproofing before tiling
- Finish surfaces, tile and seal joints
- Repair and prepare ceilings and walls outside wet zones
- Install tile and grout after waterproofing checks
- Fit trim and flexible sealant at specified changes of plane
- Prime surfaces that will be painted
- Apply suitable bathroom paint outside direct wet areas
- Ventilate, fit out and check the bathroom
- Fit lighting for the vanity, shower and general room use
- Provide effective ventilation that exhausts outdoors
- Test lighting and controls after installation
- Fit and secure the vanity, toilet, shower enclosure and accessories
- Test supply fittings, traps, shower and drains for leaks
- Check ventilation performance and signs of excess moisture
- Walk through the finishes and make a defect list
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Presented by:
Laura Cooper Peterson
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Details
The sequence that matters most
Confirm the layout and fixture dimensions before moving pipes or ordering fitted units. Once the old finishes are removed, inspect for hidden moisture damage, complete necessary plumbing and electrical rough-ins, and arrange any required inspections. Waterproof shower walls and floors using a compatible system before installing tile.
Tile and grout are not themselves a waterproof barrier. Follow the waterproofing manufacturer's details for seams, drains and testing rather than relying on grout or sealant to protect the structure. Schluter's shower-waterproofing guidance↗ explains the distinction.
A working exhaust fan needs to discharge outdoors, not into the roof space. For wider planning and scheduling, use the Renovation Checklist. If you will hire trades, start with the Contractor Checklist.