Remodeling a bathroom is one of the most significant and value-adding upgrades that a homeowner can do to their property. Countless homeowners that want to, however, have no idea how to start a bathroom remodel. If you are thinking about remodeling and want to know how to remodel a bathroom, stick around.

We’re going to cover how to start a bathroom remodel, as well as the major points of the remodel itself. We’ll cover some of the things that might cause you issues if you aren’t a professional, as well as where you can turn if you want to let the professionals handle it. Here’s what you need to know about remodeling a bathroom.

Know Your Level Of Dedication

The first thing you need to decide is how deeply you’re remodeling the bathroom. Are you doing just a surface remodel? Changing the layout, or a full gut & remodel? If you are recovering from water or fire damage, this decision may already be more or less made for you. 

Understand What You Want

Decide on your design elements, and begin purchasing your new fixtures. Some of the fixtures are going to depend on your floor plan and some of your floor plans are going to depend on your fixtures and overall design, so you may need to do this step and the next one in unison.

Develop Your Floor Plan

Completely moving plumbing and electrical service is often more trouble and expense than it’s worth, so there is often a limitation on just how much you can move and where you can put it. That said, there is also more flexibility than many people realize.

Apply For Building Permits

You will likely need to apply for building permits, and may even need HOA approval before making any significant design changes to your home. In most cases, simple upgrades like a new sink can be done without permits, but in some areas, they need to be permitted and performed by a licensed and insured plumber.

Demolish & Remove

Once your permits are ready, you can start getting rid of the old bathroom fixtures. In most cases, uninstalling them will be easier and quicker than outright demolition, but each situation is unique. Once the old is out, the new can come in.

Plumbing & Electrical Work

Once your fixtures and much of the finishing are out of the way, it’s a great time to get any plumbing or electrical service work done. Moving outlets, installing upgraded bath or shower supplies, or even a bidet can fit in here. In nearly all cases you’ll want all of your plumbing and electrical to be done by a bonded and insured professional.

Fixture Installation

Now your bathroom should be ready for the upgraded main fixtures, like the sink and the bathtub or shower components. If the shower is a large, open design there may be little to do except install the tub and the showerhead. 

Finishing Touches

Finishing touches are going to involve laying new tile, grouting, caulking, putting up new drywall, and painting. If there were other improvements made there may be other finishing touches to do, but these are the most common. If you’re painting, remember to paint in a semi-gloss, or at least a satin finish to help protect against moisture intrusion.

Partner With A Pro When Remodeling A Bathroom

If you feel like it’s the right time to get a new look in your bathroom, or if you’ve recently experienced catastrophic damage and need to renovate the bathroom entirely, VRC is here to help. Reach out today and speak with an experienced member of the Vision Restoration Contractors team.