So, you’ve decided to renovate your bathroom – exciting! But now you’ve decided to remodel your bathroom you’re left with the question of what order you need to complete tasks to ensure that your bathroom renovation is a success. With so much to do it can be overwhelming, but don’t panic. We’re bathroom renovation experts and have created this step-by-step guide to remodelling a bathroom.
By following a systematic approach, you can ensure that your bathroom remodel progresses smoothly, resulting in a beautiful space that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Step 1: Before you get started…
Whilst it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of renovating your bathroom, it’s important that you keep a few things in mind before you start.
Firstly, ensure you’ve picked out all fixtures and fittings decisions before starting the renovation process. This approach helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth installation, helping you on your way to a hassle-free renovation experience.
Additionally, if you opt against using a skip for waste disposal, make sure that you verify whether your chosen renovation professionals possess the requisite waste license for transporting materials. This ensures compliance with regulations and efficient waste management throughout the renovation journey.
Step 2: Demolition and removal
If you’re having a full bathroom renovation, then the first step is to clear the space of existing fixtures and surfaces. This process involves careful demolition to remove old tiles, cabinets, and fixtures while ensuring the safety of your home and any underlying plumbing or electrical systems. Proper disposal of debris is also crucial at this stage to maintain a clean and organised work environment.
If you’re doing the bathroom yourself, it’s best to check with your local skip or waste disposal company about what you can get rid of. If you’ve decided to bring in the professionals (recommended – see further down for why!), double check with your chosen bathroom remodelling company that they will remove old tiles, fixtures, etc, for you.
Step 3: Pipework, electrics and plastering
Before you start installing your bathroom the room will need to be plastered, however you will need to set up some pipework and electrics before the room is plastered otherwise you will be doing some tasks twice. Once the room is plastered you can start the install of bath and shower tray.
Step 4: Installing the shower and bath
Once the space is cleared, it’s time to focus on the centrepiece of your bathroom – the shower and/or bath. When selecting new fixtures, consider both style and functionality to create a space that meets your needs and preferences.
Whether you opt for a luxurious soaking tub or a sleek, modern shower enclosure, proper installation is key to ensuring years of enjoyment.
Step 5: Flooring overhaul
With all of the pipework set up either prior to plastering where required and then certain items installed after plastering the floor can be prepared ready for your new floor. Bear in mind you will need to take into consideration your floor and preparation thickness when setting up your pipework.
Choosing the right material is essential for both aesthetic appeal and practicality in a high-moisture, high traffic environment. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of stone or the durability of porcelain tile, selecting a flooring option that complements your design vision while standing up to how you intend to use your bathroom is really important.
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down exactly what flooring is best for you which is why we’ve created the ultimate bathroom flooring guide. You can take a look at our flooring guide here. We cover everything from engineered wood to vinyl flooring, with pros, cons and a sprinkling of our own expert tips and tricks.
Step 6: Tiling
With the walls and floor prepared, the meticulous process of tiling can begin. Precision and care are very important during this stage to ensure a flawless finish that withstands the demands of daily use.
Following the tiling process, the remaining fixtures and fittings can be seamlessly installed onto or in front of the newly tiled surfaces – more on that below!
Step 7: Cabinets and vanity set-up
Next up, it’s time to focus on storage and organisation. Selecting the right cabinets and vanity not only maximises space but also make sure your bathroom is a practical space for everyday tasks. Consider factors such as size and material to create a useful yet stylish storage solution that meets your needs.
Step 8: Lighting enhancements
Proper lighting is essential for creating a welcoming and functional bathroom space. Whether you prefer soft, ambient lighting for relaxation or bright, task lighting for grooming, strategically placed bathroom lighting fixtures can transform the look and feel of your space. For a well-rounded space, you may want to consider incorporating a mix of overhead, vanity, and accent lighting to achieve the perfect balance of form and function.
Whatever lighting you opt for, it’s essential to make sure that it is bathroom safe as not all lighting fixtures are suited to wet/damp environments. For more help on selecting the right lights, why not take a look at our bathroom lighting guide?
Step 9: Final plumbing connections
Now is the time to ensure that all plumbing connections are correctly hooked up and functional. From taps and showerheads to toilets and drains, attention to detail at this stage is key for ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition to your newly remodelled bathroom.
Step 10: Siliconing and painting
Finally, the siliconing of the room. There will be some siliconing to be completed during the installation of some of the items before the end to make sure it all ends up watertight when finished but the finishing off will require siliconing as well. And don’t forget to let the silicone set properly before you use the room.
If you choose to leave the painting of the room until then end, now is the time to do it. Just make sure you cover items over, and you have wet wipes and paper towels at the ready for quick mop-ups!
DIY vs professional bathroom remodelling
While the allure of a DIY approach may be appealing and can seem cheaper, especially for those who have handled other renovations independently, when it comes to your bathroom renovation it’s best to call in the professionals.
Even the smallest oversight or miscalculation (particularly when it comes to tasks like plumbing connections) can lead to costly repairs, water damage, and even potential safety hazards down the line.
Opting for a professional over a DIY approach offers numerous advantages, including:
Expertise: Professionals bring lots of knowledge and experience to every aspect of the renovation process, ensuring precision and attention to detail from design to execution.
Design guidance: Professionals can help translate your vision into a cohesive and functional design, maximising space and aesthetics while addressing your specific needs. For example, at Alan Heath and Sons, we can create CAD designs that give you an input and help you see what your bathroom will look like before we renovate it.
Quality: With access to premium materials and industry-leading suppliers, professionals prioritise durability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal in their work. They can even help you decide on the most appropriate materials and fixtures for your lifestyle.
Efficiency and timeliness: Using a professional will help you to minimise downtime and ensure your bathroom renovation is completed within a reasonable timescale. This is especially important if you only have one bathroom if your home.
Legal and safety compliance: Professionals ensure that all work meets building codes and regulations, safeguarding the structural integrity and safety of your home.
Peace of mind: By entrusting your renovation to professionals, you can relax knowing that your project is in capable hands.
Ready to transform your bathroom but unsure where to start? Talk to us today and let’s create the bathroom of your dreams together!