Bathroom Remodel Planning Checklist

Bathrooms are small rooms that pack in plumbing, electrical, ventilation and waterproofing all at once. A short planning checklist before demolition starts prevents most of the change orders that slow a bathroom project down.

Confirm the layout early

• Decide whether fixtures are staying in place or moving
• Check door swing and clearances against your new layout
• Confirm whether a tub is being replaced with a shower, or the reverse
• Walk through storage needs: linens, toiletries, cleaning supplies

Waterproofing is not optional

Every wet area needs a documented waterproofing assembly behind the tile, not just a vapor barrier. Ask how the shower pan is sloped to the drain, how corners and penetrations are detailed, and how the assembly is inspected before tile goes on.

Ventilation matters more than it looks

Bathroom exhaust fans need to vent to the exterior, not into an attic space, and need to be sized correctly for the room. Poor ventilation is one of the most common causes of recurring moisture problems in older homes.

Plan for accessibility, even if you do not need it yet

Reinforced blocking for future grab bars, a curbless or low-threshold shower entry, and a door that could accommodate a wider clearance are inexpensive to plan for during construction and expensive to retrofit later.

Questions worth asking your contractor

• What is the waterproofing system and who inspects it before tile is set?
• Where does the bathroom exhaust vent to?
• Can the toilet or shower move given the existing drain and vent lines?
• What is the expected timeline, including tile lead time?

Selections to finalize before demolition

Tile, vanity, fixtures and lighting should be selected before the bathroom is opened up, not chosen mid-project. Late selections are the most common source of schedule delay on a bathroom remodel.