Bathroom remodel steps: from scope to final inspection

1. Decide whether this is a refresh or a rebuild

Painting, replacing a vanity, and changing fixtures is a different project from moving plumbing, rebuilding a shower, or altering walls. Write down the exact problems: leaks, poor ventilation, unsafe access, inadequate storage, worn finishes, or an inefficient layout.

• Fixtures that stay and fixtures that move
• Tub, shower, or tub-shower configuration
• Accessibility and future-use goals
• Known moisture or subfloor damage
• Only bathroom in the home and downtime constraints

2. Confirm the plan and product dimensions

A few inches can determine whether a door clears a toilet, a vanity drawer opens, or a shower entry feels usable. Select the rough dimensions of the vanity, toilet, shower valve, drain, glass, lighting, fan, and medicine cabinet before rough work begins.

• Door swing and clear floor area
• Vanity depth and drawer clearance
• Shower curb or curbless transition
• Niche, grab-bar blocking, and accessory locations
• Exhaust route to the exterior

3. Clarify permits and responsibilities

Permit requirements depend on the jurisdiction and scope. Ask the official building department for the property, then put responsibility for applications, fees, corrections, inspections, and final approval in the contract. HOA approval does not replace a city permit.

4. Specify waterproofing as a system

Tile and grout are finish surfaces; the assembly behind them manages water. The proposal should identify the shower receptor or pan, wall substrate, waterproofing method, drain integration, penetrations, transitions, and any required test. Avoid combining products from incompatible systems without written manufacturer guidance.

• Who installs and inspects the waterproofing
• How corners, niches, benches, and valve openings are treated
• Required cure time before testing or tile
• How the bathroom floor meets the shower
• Photos before the assembly is covered

5. Follow the concealed-work sequence

After protection and demolition, the team can evaluate framing and water damage. Framing and blocking generally precede rough plumbing, electrical, and ventilation. Required rough inspections occur before walls close. Waterproofing, tile, cabinetry, fixtures, glass, paint, and accessories follow in a project-specific order.

• Pause for written approval if demolition reveals damage
• Confirm valve and outlet heights before walls close
• Photograph blocking, pipes, wiring, and waterproofing
• Do not rush cure or test periods to recover schedule
• Protect completed tile and fixtures from later trades

6. Perform a wet-room walkthrough

Run the shower and sink, flush the toilet, check hot and cold orientation, and look for slow drainage or leaks. Operate the fan and verify it exhausts outdoors. Inspect grout, flexible sealant at changes of plane, glass alignment, cabinet operation, lighting, outlets, paint, and accessories.

• Collect permit sign-off and warranty information
• Record tile, grout, sealant, paint, and fixture models
• Learn cleaning requirements before using harsh products
• Resolve open items on a written punch list

Frequently asked questions