At Build Design Center Kitchen and Bath, we often hear the question, “I want to remodel my bathroom. Where do I start?” If you’re looking around at your outdated bathroom and wondering how to begin, rest assured—there’s no single “right” or “wrong” way to kick off a remodel. Every homeowner’s style and needs are different, and we’re here to guide you through the journey. From gathering inspiration and setting a budget to designing your layout and deciding on DIY or professional help, we’ll walk you through each step of the process.
How to Start Your Bathroom Remodel
Collect Design Inspiration
First, think about how you want your remodeled bathroom to look and feel. Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram offer fantastic inspiration, so start saving bathroom ideas that resonate with you. Building a vision board can be incredibly useful, capturing the colors, textures, and details that will guide your renovation, from tile choices to lighting schemes. This visual reference will help ensure that your ideas align and will be especially helpful when communicating with contractors or designers if you choose to work with a professional team.
Identify Features to Update or Remove
Consider the features you currently have in your bathroom. Do you want to keep that bathtub, or is it time for a spacious walk-in shower? Are your tiles outdated, or does your vanity need an upgrade? Making a list can help you categorize items under three essential sections: Remove, Add, and Change. For instance, under Remove, you might list an old vanity or outdated light fixtures. In the Add column, you could include new elements, like a rainfall showerhead or extra cabinets for storage. And for Change, list upgrades like new tile, hardware, or modern faucets.
Set a Budget
With a clearer sense of your vision, the next step is to establish a budget. The scope of your remodel will influence the budget, or vice versa, depending on what you’re comfortable spending. Factor in materials, contractor fees, permit costs, potential lost income if you’ll need to take time off work, and any additional inspection fees. Having a well-planned budget will keep your project on track and help prioritize your choices.
Decide on Professional Help or DIY
If your budget allows, hiring a contractor can be a fantastic option. Our team at Build Design Center Kitchen and Bath can connect you with skilled professionals who provide expertise, streamlined project management, and knowledge of local building codes. A contractor brings quality assurance, keeping the remodel on schedule and preventing costly mistakes.
Alternatively, if you’re inclined to take on a DIY project, it can be a rewarding path, allowing for savings on labor and giving you full control over the design. Just remember that DIY requires careful planning, especially if plumbing or electrical work is involved, as these tasks demand a certain level of skill and adherence to safety standards.
Finalize Your Design and Layout
Using your vision board, prioritized list, and budget, create a final blueprint of your bathroom. Think about the placements of key elements, such as the vanity, shower, and lighting. If you’ve hired a contractor, share the design for their input. If you’re going the DIY route, double-check measurements and ensure you have all steps mapped out before beginning the physical work.
Order Your Materials and Plan for Delivery
Now that you have a plan, it’s time to start ordering materials! This stage is exciting as it brings your ideas to life. Create a shopping list and schedule deliveries to avoid delays. Some custom items, like vanities or specialty tiles, may have longer lead times, so planning around these timelines will keep your remodel moving forward smoothly.
Begin the Remodel
With all the prep work complete, you’re ready to start transforming your bathroom. Whether you’re working alongside a contractor or tackling the project yourself, this remodel will be an exciting journey toward creating a beautiful, functional space.
Bathroom Remodel Timeline
A successful bathroom remodel requires careful planning and realistic expectations about the timeline. Here’s a breakdown of the typical phases involved in transforming your bathroom, so you can stay organized and on track:
Planning (2–4 Weeks)
This is the foundation of your remodel. Spend time researching design ideas, gathering inspiration, and setting a clear budget. Use tools like vision boards or online platforms to map out your style preferences. During this phase, prioritize what features you want to keep, change, or add, and start sourcing materials that fit your budget and aesthetic.
Hiring Professionals or DIY Prep (2–6 Weeks)
If you plan to work with a contractor, use this time to vet professionals, request quotes, and finalize contracts. For DIY projects, this phase involves gathering the necessary tools, sourcing materials, and obtaining any required permits. It’s also a good idea to schedule material deliveries and ensure everything will be ready when construction begins.
Construction (3–6 Weeks)
This is where your vision comes to life. The construction phase typically starts with demolition to remove old fixtures and features. Next comes installation, which may include plumbing, electrical work, tiling, and cabinetry. Finally, contractors or DIY enthusiasts will handle the finishing touches, like painting, installing fixtures, and adding decor. Keep in mind that unexpected delays can occur, so leave room for flexibility in your schedule.
We hope this guide from Build Design Center Kitchen and Bath gives you the confidence to start your bathroom remodel. With thoughtful planning and the right resources, your remodel can be both enjoyable and rewarding, leading to a bathroom you’ll love for years to come.
