The new guide to bathroom renovations 2025

Planning your bathroom renovation

Before you start removing tile and fixtures, it's crucial to have a solid plan. Proper planning can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your renovation meets your needs and budget.

Evaluate Your Needs and Vision：

Consider the layout of your bathroom, identify any pain points, and think about features you'd like, such as a walk-in shower, a larger vanity, or extra storage. Create a wish list to guide your renovation. For example, you might want to replace the tub with a shower, or add more storage to keep things tidy.

Design Plan：

Use tools like Pinterest or Instagram to create a mood board that reflects your style preferences. Make a list of the finishes you want, such as tile types, fixtures, and hardware. Make sure all design elements complement each other and fit within your budget. For example, choose marble tile, nickel sconces, or a unique mirror to personalize the space.

Budget：

Start with rough estimates for different aspects, such as labor, materials, and permits. Consult an electrician and plumber to get quotes for any necessary upgrades. Include a 10-15% buffer for unexpected expenses, as hidden issues, such as water damage, can come up. According to Mr. Handyman, the average cost of a bathroom renovation is between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the size of the project.

Hire a Pro vs. DIY：

Decide whether you will do the renovation yourself or hire a professional. For complex tasks like plumbing, electrical work, or laying tile, it's best to hire a skilled tradesman to ensure quality and avoid costly mistakes. If you choose to DIY, The Home Depot recommends preparing the necessary tools, such as a safety mask, gloves, goggles, and a tile cutter.

Bathroom Renovation Checklist

Building Materials/Contractors:

Permit Fees, Demolition, Electrical Renovations, Framing, Plumbing, Drywall, Paint, Sealant, Waterproofing, Tile Installation

Electrical:

Light Fixtures, Bathroom Fans, Floor Heating, Switches, Sockets, Cover Plates

Bathtubs:

Bathtubs, Bath Drains, Bath Spouts, Freestanding Bath Faucets, Faucet Inserts

Showers:

Shower Trays, Shower Drains, Shower Heads, Control Valves, Tiles, Sprayers, Shower Doors/Glass, Shower Curtains

Vanity Areas:

Faucets, Sinks, Vanities, Vanity Hardware, Countertops, Mirrors

General:

Floor Tiles, Toilets, Wall Tiles, Other Wall Treatments, Doors

Finishing: Decorative Strips, Window Curtains, Artwork/Decorations, Medicine Cabinets, Towel Racks, Toilet Paper Holders, Wallpaper, Door Hardware

Steps to a Bathroom Renovation

Once your planning is complete, you can begin the renovation process. Here are the key steps based on Budget Dumpster:

Step 1: Remove bathroom fixtures

Shut off the water supply and drain the existing toilet.

Remove the toilet, tub, and tile down to the wall structure.

Remove insulation, vanities, cabinets, mirrors, and flooring.

Wear safety gear, such as masks, gloves, and goggles, to protect yourself from dust and debris.

Step 2: Install a new shower or tub

Inspect and replace damaged flooring.

Choose a shower or tub shape and type (e.g., a shower and tub combination to increase resale value).

Ensure proper installation and waterproofing, using a waterproof membrane or system like Kerdi.

Step 3: Lay the new floor

Prepare the floor base, making sure it is level.

Choose a floor material; tile is the most popular choice, but laminate or vinyl flooring is more affordable.

Use a mason's chalk line to lay straight tile, ensuring beauty and durability.

Step 4: Install drywall and begin painting

Cut drywall around the fixture and treat the seams with mud and tape.

Use cement board and waterproof the shower/tub area.

Use semi-gloss paint to resist mold and protect the walls from moisture.

Step 5: Install cabinets and vanity

Install the vanity first, including the sink and faucet.

Add mirrors, cabinets, and moldings.

Consider renovating existing cabinets to save costs.

Step 6: Update lighting

Adjust electrical wiring for new light fixtures; you may need to move outlets.

If you are unfamiliar with wiring, hire an electrician to ensure safety.

Step 7: Connect plumbing

Install or reinstall the toilet last to avoid damage during construction.

Add moldings and trims to complete the space and create a personalized effect.

Best practices and common mistakes to avoid

To ensure your bathroom renovation is a success, keep in mind these dos and don'ts from Consumer Reports:

Do: Budget for unexpected expenses, including a 10-15% buffer for hidden problems like water damage.

Don't: Don't rush planning; take weeks to months to plan to avoid cost overruns.

Do: Hide toilets with "rooms within rooms" or half walls to create a more spacious feel.

Don't: Don't skimp on skilled labor on complex tasks like laying tile or plumbing.

Do: Choose durable surfaces like tile (18x18 inches for floors, 12x12 inches for walls), or durable sink materials (enameled steel, stainless steel).

Don't: Don't cut costs on key materials; invest in high-quality faucets and tile.

Do: Consider using WaterSense products, such as low-flow showerheads (2.5 gpm) and toilets (1.28 gpm) to save on water bills.

Don’t: Don’t forget about future needs; incorporate universal design principles like threshold-less showers and comfort-height toilets.

Do: Provide adequate ventilation (at least a 50-cubic-foot-per-minute fan) and lighting (LED fixtures with dimmer switches).

Don’t: Don’t overlook storage solutions; include cabinets, shelves, or medicine cabinets to keep things tidy.

Also, here are some pro tips from seasoned renovators on Reddit:

Time and cost: Expect projects to take longer than planned; schedule three times as long and add 10% extra time and 20% cost for pre-1990 homes.

Waterproofing: Make sure shower enclosures are properly waterproofed and perform a flood test to check drainage before laying tile.

Equipment: Add an outlet near the toilet for future smart toilets; consider a handheld shower head for easy cleaning.

Tile: Avoid light-colored putty (which shows dirt) or dark-colored putty (which hides dirt); use a high-quality tub enclosure for less maintenance.

Contractor Relationships: Maintain good relationships by communicating clearly with contractors and paying them when work is completed. Avoid excessive requests for rework that could cause the contractor to abandon the project.

Conclusion

A bathroom renovation is a big undertaking, but with careful planning, execution, and attention to detail, you can transform your bathroom into a beautiful and functional space. Remember to plan thoroughly, budget wisely, and seek professional help when needed. By following this guide and learning from the experiences of others, you can achieve a successful bathroom renovation that enhances your home and your everyday life.