Many homeowners put up with bathroom problems far longer than necessary. That buzzing, flickering light, the growing cracks in the shower, or a toilet that only stops running if you jiggle the handle just so.
In fact, bathroom remodels are one of the most in-demand home upgrades in Florida—Floridians search for “bathroom remodel” over 23,000 times per month, more than double the volume for kitchen remodels.
The trick is to make the process smoother is to break down this big project into smaller decisions and steps. This guide and step-by-step checklist is here to walk you through the process, keeping it real and addressing the challenges and considerations those glossy renovation magazines often gloss over.
How to renovate a bathroom | Step 1: Really look at your current layout
It’s amazing how long we can get used to a clunky bathroom layout without even realizing there are much better ways it could function. Take a critical look at your space:
- Can multiple people use the bathroom comfortably during busy mornings?
- Is the toilet awkwardly positioned or visible from hallways or doorways?
- Does entering the shower require squeezing past fixtures?
- Would someone with mobility issues struggle to navigate the space?
It’s worth noting that moving plumbing fixtures significantly increases renovation costs. New drain lines or water supply rerouting can add thousands to a project budget. However, sometimes smaller changes can create major improvements. Something as simple as changing a door’s swing direction might add usable square footage without touching any plumbing.
How to renovate a bathroom | Step 2: Define your practical needs beyond aesthetics
While design inspiration is valuable, functionality should drive renovation decisions. Rather than simply replicating stylish photos from design magazines, consider how the bathroom is actually used daily:
- Is counter space needed for personal care items?
- Would a larger shower improve comfort significantly?
- Are there chronic storage problems that need addressing?
- Where do wet towels currently end up, and how could that be improved?
A practical approach is to document frustrations with the current bathroom for a week. Note every inconvenience: insufficient storage, poor lighting for grooming tasks, nowhere to set items while using the sink. This creates a genuine priority list based on real usage patterns rather than just visual appeal.
How to renovate a bathroom | Step 3: Plan for demolition logistics
When you’re planning a bathroom renovation, it’s easy to overlook the practical realities. These logistical considerations are very important:
- If renovating your only bathroom, alternative arrangements are necessary. Some homeowners arrange to use neighbors’ facilities during the project, while others rent portable options. These arrangements should be settled before demolition begins.
- Demolition often reveals unexpected issues. Hidden water damage, improper previous installations, or outdated wiring commonly appear once walls are opened. Budget contingencies of 10-20% help manage these surprises without derailing the project.
- Permit requirements vary by location. Many places require inspections at different stages of plumbing and electrical work. If you hire a professional contractor, they’ll usually take care of all this paperwork. But if you’re doing a DIY renovation, make sure to check with your local building department before you start anything.
How to renovate a bathroom | Step 4: Pick your materials
Choosing materials can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. It’s really common for homeowners to experience “decision fatigue” halfway through the selection process. A systematic approach helps maintain clarity:
At Kirkplan Kitchen & Bath, we understand that remodeling decisions can feel overwhelming, which is why we strive to make the process seamless and stress-free. Our in-house designers work closely with clients to bring their vision to life, offering expert guidance on layout, materials, and finishes. Whether you’re planning a full bathroom remodel or a simple upgrade, we provide personalized solutions that align with your style and budget. Getting started is easy—simply give us a call or submit our contact form, and we’ll help you take the first step toward transforming your space.
Start with foundational elements:
- Floor tile (this influences the overall aesthetic)
- Shower/wall tile (visible daily and defines the space)
- Vanity (balancing storage needs with design preferences)
Then proceed to fixtures:
- Faucets and handles
- Shower systems
- Lighting fixtures
Using a bathroom planning worksheet to document each decision proves invaluable when installers need specific information. This prevents on-the-spot decisions that might not align with the overall vision.
When possible, experience products before purchasing. This is particularly relevant for comfort-oriented items like toilets, where height and shape significantly impact daily use.
How to renovate a bathroom | Step 5: Installation and construction quality
Renovations involve hundreds of decisions and details. Stay organized with our comprehensive bathroom remodeling checklist that walks you through:
- Pre-planning questions to clarify your vision
- Budget worksheets with commonly forgotten expenses
- Timeline planning tools
- Material selection tracking
- Contractor vetting questions
- Daily living adjustments during construction
During the installation phase, materials can sometimes appear different in place than they did in initial samples. However, at Kirkplan Kitchen & Bath, we ensure that every client receives physical samples before making a final decision, allowing them to see textures and colors firsthand in their own space. This approach helps minimize surprises and ensures confidence in the selection process.
Quality installation makes a tremendous difference in longevity. Experienced installers focus on details that might seem minor but significantly impact the final result:
- Careful tile layout to minimize awkward cuts
- Precise transitions between different materials
- Proper waterproofing beneath visible surfaces
Waterproofing deserves special attention. While invisible once completed, inadequate moisture barriers commonly lead to extensive damage requiring complete renovation within just a few years. This protection isn’t the place to economize.
How to renovate a bathroom | Step 6: Painting and final adjustments
Timing matters significantly in bathroom painting. Applying paint before tile installation is complete can lead to dust contamination that creates texture problems. Similarly, painting before final plumbing adjustments risks damage to fresh surfaces.
Testing paint colors in the actual space is essential. Colors look remarkably different under bathroom lighting compared to store displays. Small sample pots allow testing on walls adjacent to new tile and fixtures, preventing costly mistakes from colors that clash with completed elements.
The finishing phase typically takes longer than anticipated. Small adjustments—perfecting caulk lines, adjusting cabinet hardware, fine-tuning fixture positions—consume surprising amounts of time but ultimately determine whether the renovation looks professional or amateur.
How to renovate a bathroom | Step 7: Personalization and final touches
After construction concludes, personalizing the space transforms it from a generic bathroom to something distinctive:
- Selecting shower curtains or glass doors that complement the design
- Adding plants suitable for bathroom humidity levels (pothos and snake plants thrive in these conditions)
- Incorporating quality towels and bathmats that enhance both function and appearance
Thoughtful additions often make the biggest impact on daily use. A small stool provides seating for children brushing teeth or adults during grooming routines. Bluetooth speakers allow for entertainment during morning routines. Proper lighting at the mirror significantly improves makeup application and shaving.
Free download: Comprehensive bathroom remodel checklist
A detailed checklist helps manage the complexity of bathroom renovations. The downloadable resource covers critical considerations including:
- Step-by-step bathroom renovation tasks from planning to final walkthrough
- Key tips on measurements, budgeting, and permits
- Guidance on plumbing, electrical, and structural work
- Insights for tile, flooring, cabinetry, and storage installation
- Final touches like lighting, painting, and accessories
- Pro insights to avoid common remodeling mistakes
- A printable bathroom renovation checklist to track your project progress
- This systematic approach helps prevent common oversights and keeps projects organized from concept through completion.
DIY vs. hiring a pro: what to consider
When it comes to remodeling a bathroom, one of the first big decisions is whether to take the DIY route or bring in a professional. Both paths have their pros and cons—some people love the challenge and cost savings of doing it themselves, while others would rather hand the job over to experienced pros and skip the stress. The table below breaks down the key differences to help you decide what makes the most sense for your budget, time, and comfort level.
| Factor | DIY | Hire a Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually cheaper—but only if nothing goes wrong | More upfront, but includes labor, planning, and fewer surprises |
| Timeline | Can drag on for weeks or longer if you’re doing it in your spare time | Quicker turnaround— depending on the bathroom size, materials, and project scope |
| Skill Level | You’ll need to know plumbing, tiling, maybe even electrical | Work is handled by people who do this every day |
| Design & Planning | You’ll be sourcing ideas and figuring things out as you go | Often includes help from in-house designers who know the process |
| Permits & Codes | You’re responsible for researching and getting permits | Handled for you, including inspections |
| Peace of Mind | It can be stressful, especially if issues pop up | Less stress—you’ve got a team managing the details |
A verdict on creating a functional bathroom
Bathroom renovations involve deeply personal spaces used multiple times daily. Good design genuinely makes your life better. When a renovation is done right, it transforms your space and makes daily life more enjoyable. Small touches—like medicine cabinets with integrated lighting for better visibility, or properly positioned storage for frequently used items—make significant differences in functionality.
For those in the Sarasota and Manatee county area, Kirkplan Kitchen & Bath offers consultation services to help transform renovation concepts into workable plans. Our showrooms provide opportunities to interact with fixture options before making final decisions. Bringing accurate measurements enables our team to provide realistic assessments of what’s possible within existing spaces.
A bathroom should serve as a comfortable, functional space rather than a source of daily frustration. With proper planning and execution, renovations transform problematic bathrooms into assets that enhance home value and daily living.
Ready to start planning? The best bathroom renovations begin with honest conversations about how you actually use your space – not just how you wish you did.
Let’s talk about your dream kitchen! Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a stylish, functional space that’s made just for you.
Written by the Kirkplan Kitchen & Bath team based on decades of renovation experience
