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Bathroom Renovation Checklist

Everything you need to plan a bathroom renovation: materials to estimate, project steps in the right order, cost tiers, and quick links to material calculators.

Material Calculators for This Project

Use these calculators before you buy. Enter your room dimensions to get exact material estimates you can take to your supplier.

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Tile Calculator
Estimate tile →
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Mortar & Grout
Estimate mortar →
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Drywall Calculator
Estimate sheets →
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Paint Calculator
Estimate gallons →
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Baseboard / Trim
Estimate trim →

Project Steps in Order

Bathroom renovations require strict sequencing — especially in wet areas. Skipping or reordering waterproofing steps is the most expensive mistake in any bathroom project.

  1. 1
    Planning and permits: Finalize fixtures, tile selections, and vanity. Pull permits for plumbing, electrical, or structural changes. Order long-lead items (custom tile, vanities) before demo begins.
  2. 2
    Demo: Remove existing tile, drywall, vanity, toilet, and tub or shower surround. Cap all supply and drain lines before removal.
  3. 3
    Rough-in plumbing and electrical: Move or extend plumbing for new drain locations. Add or move electrical circuits for GFCI outlets, fan, heated floor, and lighting.
  4. 4
    Cement backer and waterproofing: Install cement backer board in all wet areas. Apply waterproof membrane over backer in shower and tub surrounds. This step must be done before any tile.
  5. 5
    Floor and wall tile: Set floor tile first, then wall tile. Use the tile calculator and mortar & grout calculator for material counts. Allow full cure before grouting.
  6. 6
    Drywall on dry walls: Hang, tape, mud, and sand drywall on non-wet walls. Use moisture-resistant drywall throughout. Use the drywall calculator for sheet counts.
  7. 7
    Vanity, toilet, and tub installation: Set vanity cabinet and countertop. Install toilet. Set and connect tub or shower unit if using a prefab system.
  8. 8
    Paint and trim: Paint walls with a mildew-resistant semi-gloss or satin. Install baseboard. Use the paint calculator and trim calculator for amounts.
  9. 9
    Fixtures and accessories: Install faucet, shower valve trim, towel bars, toilet paper holder, mirror, and lighting. Caulk all seams at floor-to-wall transitions and around fixtures.
  10. 10
    Final inspection and punch list: Test all drains, supply lines, GFCI outlets, and exhaust fan. Schedule any required final inspections. Touch up caulk and paint.

Cost Tiers

Bathroom renovation costs vary significantly by region, scope, and fixture grade. These tiers describe what each level typically includes — not specific dollar amounts, which vary too widely to be useful without local quotes.

Budget / DIY

Repaint, new vanity light, faucet, toilet, mirror, and accessories. Regrout or recaulk existing tile. No layout changes. Most work done by homeowner.

Mid-Range

New tile floor and tub surround, prefab vanity with quartz top, updated toilet and fixtures, fresh drywall and paint. Professional tile setting and plumbing trim-out.

High-End / Full Gut

Custom tile shower with glass enclosure, freestanding tub, custom vanity, radiant floor heat, new plumbing layout, and high-end fixtures. Full professional installation.

Costs vary significantly by location and scope. Get at least two to three contractor quotes before committing to a budget.

Find a Bathroom Contractor

Get free quotes from local bathroom renovation contractors. Compare reviews, licenses, and estimates before hiring.

Get Free Quotes on Angi →

Frequently Asked Questions

In what order should a bathroom renovation be done?
The standard sequence is: demo first, then rough-in plumbing and electrical, waterproofing and cement backer board, wall and floor tile, drywall on non-wet walls, vanity and fixtures, paint and trim, and finally accessories. Waterproofing must happen before any tile is set in wet areas — this is the step most DIYers skip and later regret.
Do I need cement backer board under shower tile?
Yes. Standard drywall — even moisture-resistant drywall — is not appropriate as a substrate for wet-area tile in showers or tub surrounds. Use cement backer board (such as HardieBacker or Durock) or a foam waterproof panel (such as Schluter Kerdi Board) in all wet areas. In addition, apply a waterproof membrane over the backer before setting tile.
How much tile do I need for a shower?
Measure the perimeter of your shower walls and multiply by the height (typically 7 to 9 feet). Add floor tile area separately. Add 15 percent for cuts and waste — showers have many cuts around fixtures and niches. Use the tile calculator on this site to get an exact count based on your tile size and layout.
What kind of paint do I use in a bathroom?
Use a paint rated for high-humidity areas — look for semi-gloss or satin finish with mildew-resistant additives. Flat paint holds moisture and can mold in bathrooms. Apply two coats of quality bathroom paint over a properly primed surface. If painting over new drywall or patched areas, prime those sections first to avoid flashing.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation?
Cosmetic work — retiling, new vanity, paint — rarely requires a permit. Moving a toilet, relocating drain lines, adding circuits, or changing the shower footprint almost always requires permits. Check with your local building department before starting; unpermitted plumbing and electrical work can cause problems when you sell the home.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
A simple refresh (paint, vanity swap, new fixtures) can take one to two weeks. A full gut renovation with new tile, plumbing, and electrical typically takes three to six weeks with a professional crew. Tile cure and grout times add days between steps. Custom materials with long lead times are the most common cause of schedule delays.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation?
Labor is typically the largest cost in a bathroom renovation — plumbing, tile setting, and electrical work are skilled trades with high hourly rates. For materials, tile and the shower or tub unit are usually the biggest line items. Custom tile installations and glass shower enclosures add significant cost. Prefab shower surrounds cost far less than custom tile but also have a lower perceived value.
Disclaimer: This checklist provides general planning guidance only. Requirements, permit rules, and costs vary significantly by location and scope. Always consult licensed contractors and your local building department before beginning renovation work. See all renovation tools.