The Complete Bathroom Remodel Checklist
Bathroom remodels stall on undecided selections more than on labor. This checklist puts every decision in the order your project needs it — decide top to bottom and your remodel never waits on you.
Print it, share it with whoever shares the bathroom, and settle each section before the phase that needs it.
Phase 1 — Before quoting (the big rocks)
- Scope tier: refresh, mid-range, or gut (see our cost guide for what each means)
- Layout: keeping fixture locations (cheaper) or moving them (worth a drawing and a price)
- Tub vs. walk-in shower — the resale-aware decision (we wrote a whole guide)
- Budget number AND contingency (10–15% in homes over 40 years old)
- Timing window and who's using which bathroom during the work
Phase 2 — Order-ahead selections (long lead times)
- Vanity + top (3–8 week leads on quality units) and its faucet
- Tub or shower base; glass door style (measured after tile, so style now, final order later)
- All tile: floor, walls, accent, plus trim pieces — with 10% overage
- Toilet (comfort-height, elongated is today's default)
- Shower valve and trim — the in-wall part must be on site for rough-in
Phase 3 — Finish selections
- Grout color (one shade darker than your instinct) and caulk to match
- Paint color and sheen (satin or bath-rated matte)
- Lighting: vanity fixture at face height beats downlights-only; add a fan/light if replacing the fan anyway
- Ventilation: quiet fan sized to the room, vented outdoors, timer switch
- Hardware suite: towel bar/hooks, TP holder, door hardware in one finish family
- Mirror or medicine cabinet (recessed if the wall allows)
- Accessories decided WITH blocking in mind: grab bars now or backing for them later — see our aging-in-place guide
Phase 4 — Confirm before demo
- Every Phase 2 item physically on site or delivery-confirmed
- Written scope, schedule, and payment milestones signed
- Permit status confirmed (plumbing/electrical work — see our permit guide)
- Working-bathroom plan for the household
- Contingency untouched and acknowledged by everyone who shares the checkbook
Frequently asked questions
How much tile overage should I order?
10% for straight lays, 15% for diagonals/patterns. Leftover boxes are future repair gold — store them.
What's the most-forgotten item on this list?
The in-wall shower valve. Everyone picks the pretty trim; the valve behind it is what rough-in actually needs.
Comfort-height toilet — really?
Yes. Two inches taller, universally preferred once lived with, identical cost. The easiest yes on the list.
Do I need a designer for a small bathroom?
Usually no — this checklist plus a contractor who sketches layouts covers a standard bath. Unusual spaces or high-end finishes: a design consult pays for itself.