This free bathroom remodel checklist covers every decision and every step, in order, from setting a budget to the final walkthrough. Download it as a PDF or an Excel sheet, print it, and bring it with you when you meet contractors.
Everything is on this page too: what belongs on the checklist, the order the work happens in, what a bathroom remodel costs in Orange County, and a blank budget template you can fill in with your own numbers.
Bathroom Remodel Checklist (Free Printable PDF)
Work down this list in order. Everything above the demolition line should be settled before anyone swings a hammer, because changing your mind after demo is where budgets break.
Budget and planning
- Set a total budget and decide what you will do if bids come in above it
- Decide whether the layout stays or moves, which is the single biggest cost lever
- Confirm you have a working bathroom to use during construction
- Get at least three bids on the same written scope
Layout and structure
- Wall changes, if any
- Window or door changes
- Whether plumbing moves, and to where
- Whether the bathroom is being enlarged
Selections, finalize all of these before demolition
- Tub or shower, and whether it has a curb to step over or a flat, curbless entry
- Vanity, single or double, and the countertop
- Toilet
- Floor tile and wall tile
- Plumbing fixtures and finish
- Lighting and exhaust fan
- Paint colors
- Mirror, towel bars, hooks, niche and shelving
Permits and contractor
- Confirm the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured for your city
- Confirm who is pulling the permit, which should be the contractor
- Written contract with the full scope, payment schedule and change-order terms (how price changes get approved mid-project)
- Written start and finish dates
Build sequence
- Demolition
- Rough plumbing and electrical (the pipes and wiring inside the walls)
- Rough inspection (the city checks that work before the walls close up)
- Waterproofing, and inspect it before any tile goes on
- Tile
- Vanity, countertop, toilet and fixtures
- Lighting, mirror and accessories
- Paint
- Final inspection and walkthrough punch list (your written list of what still needs fixing)
Bathroom Remodel Checklist Template
Use this blank template to price your own project. Fill in your number in each row, total it at the bottom, then hand the same sheet to every contractor you get a bid from so you are comparing identical scope. The Excel version above does the adding up for you.
| Item | Your budget | Bid 1 | Bid 2 | Bid 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition and disposal | ||||
| Plumbing | ||||
| Electrical | ||||
| Waterproofing | ||||
| Tile, material | ||||
| Tile, labor | ||||
| Tub or shower unit | ||||
| Vanity and countertop | ||||
| Toilet | ||||
| Fixtures and hardware | ||||
| Lighting and exhaust fan | ||||
| Paint | ||||
| Permits and city fees | ||||
| Contingency, leave room for what shows up after demo | ||||
| TOTAL |
Despite occupying a relatively small percentage of your home’s total square footage, bathrooms play a significant role in the overall ambiance of a home. These high-traffic areas are used on a daily basis, so outmoded and overused spaces will eventually stand out (and not in a good way). The fact that they are “wet” areas indicates that they undergo significant wear and strain.
Fortunately, a bathroom remodel is a relatively straightforward endeavor, particularly if you can communicate your requirements to your bathroom renovation contractor effectively. Here is the information you need to begin the planning process, including how to create your own bathroom renovation checklist.
Here at GreatBuildz, we speak with clients every day who are planning a bathroom remodel in Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura & San Diego Counties. GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners with reliable, pre-screened remodel contractors, then provides ongoing project support to ensure a stress-free experience.
How To Start Planning Your Bathroom Renovation
First off, it’s very important to have in mind the scale of your renovation project – by this, we mean if you’re solely planning to renovate your bathroom or want to improve other parts of your home as well. If you’re thinking about remodeling multiple rooms in your home, we recommend reading this article: Home Remodeling Guide For Orange County. If the bathroom is your main renovation focus, then keep reading below for tips and guidance.
Creating a bathroom renovation checklist is one of the most essential steps you can take during the planning phase, regardless of the size of your bathroom. This inventory includes tangible items such as the vanity, shower tiles, and lighting, in addition to labor and utility-related items such as demolition, construction, pipes, and electrical.
By identifying and listing all of your desires and needs, you will be able to request full, easily comparable bathroom remodeling contractor proposals that detail the entire scope of work. You will also have a better understanding of how to plan the budget for your bathroom renovation. We designed a free, printable bathroom remodeling checklist template to help you get started. You can eliminate the items that are unnecessary for your project and add notes that are specific to your objectives. The greater the level of specificity, the better.
Download Your Free Bathroom Renovation ChecklistWhat should my bathroom renovation checklist include?
Every bathroom renovation will be different, depending on the space you’re working with, the goals of your project, and the overall budget that you have in mind.
These are some of the most common items to include on a checklist:
Structural Changes
It is always simplest to maintain the same floor plan, but sometimes a change is necessary. Plan for demolition, rough construction, new plumbing, new ventilation, and new electrical if you intend to add or remove walls and alter the locations of your shower, sink, and toilet. If you are relocating or replacing your vanity, shower, or toilet, you will need to consider new infrastructure and ventilation solutions.
Shower/bathtub
The shower is the primary focal point of the restroom. A prefabricated fiberglass shower enclosure or tub/shower combo is available to homeowners on a tight budget who are remodeling their bathrooms. Those who prefer a more upscale appearance typically choose tiled walls and a freestanding tub in their bathroom renovation checklist.
Vanity
You have two primary options for vanities in your bathroom renovation checklist: prefabricated units and custom-made pieces. Some prefabricated vanities include a countertop, but in most cases, you will need to purchase a countertop and a faucet separately.
Countertops
Countertops are available in prefabricated or custom cuts. The most commonly used bathroom countertop materials are laminate, natural stone, ceramic or porcelain tile, and solid surfaces. A showroom representative can assist you in making the optimal selection based on your preferences, requirements, and budget.
Toilet
Will you be replacing the commode in your home? There are various designs available, such as one-piece, two-piece, and all-in-one. A variety of additional features, such as hands-free flushes, commode attachments, heated seats, automatic overflow protection, and self-cleaning mechanisms, are also available. Choosing the proper commode can be a significant improvement to your bathroom.
Flooring
The flooring options you choose for your bathroom will depend on your overall preferences as well as your budget for the project. You may consider going with a timeless look using ceramic tile or you may prefer a more budget-friendly option like vinyl or linoleum.
Some less common, but great bathroom flooring options are using bamboo or cork flooring. Cork is a great choice if you’re selecting environmentally friendly options and bamboo is a sustainable choice and can be more cost-effective than other options listed here.
Fixtures and accessories
Then consider a catch-all category that includes everything from flooring to faucets to light fixtures. You have numerous options for each of these items, and your contractor can advise you on the most durable and cost-effective options.
Utilities
Even minor projects may necessitate utility updates, such as the installation of new or extra electrical receptacles and HVAC registers.
Painting and Finishing Touches
Your contractor’s crew will complete final tasks such as painting, touch-ups, hanging shelves, and towel bars, and checklist corrections at the conclusion of the renovation.
Related: Home and Bathroom Additions Guide For Orange County
The Order to Do a Bathroom Remodel In
Bathrooms get built from the structure outward, and working out of sequence means tearing out finished work to get behind it. The order almost every project follows:
- Demolition. Everything that is coming out, comes out.
- Rough plumbing and electrical. Supply, waste, and vent lines get run or rerouted, and wiring goes in for outlets, lighting, and the exhaust fan. This is the stage the city inspects first.
- Waterproofing and backer board. The layer that keeps moisture out of the framing. It gets inspected before anything covers it up.
- Tile. Floor, walls, and shower.
- Fixtures and cabinetry. Tub or shower, vanity, countertop, toilet, faucets, and lighting.
- Paint and finishing touches. Touch-ups, towel bars, mirrors, shower glass, and the punch list.
Have your materials selected and on hand before demolition day. A tile order that arrives three weeks late holds up every step that comes after it.
What are the costs, procedures, and timeline for a bathroom renovation checklist?
When it comes to renovating a bathroom, there are a few important topics you should understand before starting your project. One of the most common questions is “How much will a bathroom remodel cost?”. You should also understand the steps that go into the project, as well as the expected timeline from start to finish.
How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom in Orange County?
Expect to pay $25,000 to $30,000 for a standard hall bathroom in Orange County and $30,000 to $40,000 for a larger primary bathroom. Only a large, high-end primary bath with a double vanity and premium finishes reaches $50,000 to $60,000. Your costs will depend on the location, size, and scope of the renovation, as well as the materials you select.
Download Your Free Bathroom Renovation ChecklistProcess and Timeline of a Bathroom Remodel
Before engaging a professional, we suggest that you start brainstorming a basic scope of work for your project – the more prepared you are before meeting with contractors or designers, the more productive those meetings will be. After completing your bathroom renovation checklist, if it is a more extensive remodel, you will hire a designer, architect, or bathroom remodeling contractor to create plans. This expert will then submit the plans to the city’s building department for review.
This required phase ensures that your project adheres to all applicable building codes in Orange County. During this approval period, which can last anywhere from two weeks to several months, depending on the backlog of projects, you can share your plans with local OC bathroom contractors and request estimates.
If you’re planning a straightforward bathroom renovation (i.e., you’re not relocating any walls or fixtures), you can likely skip the plans phase and proceed directly to obtaining bids from contractors.
When evaluating proposals, it is essential to examine the amount quoted and the services provided. In certain instances, a contractor may provide you with a significantly reduced estimate, but leave you responsible for costs covered by other contractors, effectively nullifying the apparent savings. This is why establishing expectations through a detailed bathroom renovation checklist is so essential; it makes it simpler to compare apples to apples.
Depending on the scale and intricacy of the project, most bathroom renovations require three to six weeks to complete.
Related: How To Add a Bathroom To Your Garage
How to locate the most qualified bathroom remodeler for your home
At GreatBuildz, we make it simple to connect with the finest bathroom contractors in Southern California. Whether you’re renovating in Orange County, Ventura County, or elsewhere in the Greater Los Angeles Area, we’ll put you in touch with the appropriate contractors.
Doesn’t matter if you’re just at square one or have already completed your bathroom renovation checklist – simply give us a call and describe your project, timeline, and budget to us. Our contractor concierge team will then match you with three local specialists who have been pre-screened and who specialize in the type of task you have described. Every contractor in our network undergoes an in-person interview, licensing and insurance verification, and reference checks, so you can rest assured that your home is in good hands.
Can You Renovate a Bathroom in One Day?
Not really, and it is worth knowing what the one-day offers actually are. A one-day bathroom job is a tub or shower liner installation, meaning an acrylic shell fitted over the surface that is already there. It is fast and it is cheaper, but nothing behind the wall is touched, so any leak, rot or dated plumbing stays exactly where it is.
A real renovation means demolition, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, tile and finishes, with inspections in between. In Orange County that runs about three to six weeks of construction, longer if you move plumbing or use tile that needs curing time.
If your bathroom works and just looks tired, a liner or a refresh is a reasonable call. If anything behind the wall is suspect, one day of work will cover the problem rather than fix it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be on a bathroom renovation checklist?
A good checklist covers setting a budget, planning the layout, choosing the vanity, tile, fixtures, and lighting, hiring a licensed contractor, pulling permits, and sequencing demolition, waterproofing, tile, plumbing, and finishes. Finalizing selections before demo begins keeps the project on schedule.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Orange County?
A bathroom renovation in Orange County typically costs $20,000 to $60,000, with a standard hall bathroom around $25,000 to $30,000 and a primary bathroom $30,000 to $40,000. Moving plumbing, custom tile, and high-end fixtures push toward the upper end.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Most bathroom renovations take about three to six weeks of construction, longer if you move plumbing, do custom tile that needs curing time, or wait on permit inspections. Ordering materials before demolition starts is the best way to keep it on schedule.
Is there a free printable bathroom remodel checklist?
Yes. You can download it free from this page as a printable PDF or as an Excel spreadsheet, with no email required. It covers budget, layout, selections, permits and the order the work happens in, plus a blank budget sheet for pricing your project. Print it before you meet contractors so every bid is priced on the same scope.
Can you renovate a bathroom in one day?
Not a real renovation. One-day bathroom jobs are tub or shower liner installations, which cover the existing surface instead of replacing it. A genuine renovation means demolition, plumbing, waterproofing, tile and finishes, and that takes weeks rather than hours.
What order should a bathroom remodel be done in?
Demolition first, then rough plumbing and electrical, then inspection, then waterproofing, then tile, then vanity, fixtures and lighting, with paint last. Getting waterproofing inspected before any tile goes on is the step people skip and regret.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in Orange County?
You need a permit any time you move plumbing, change electrical or alter structure. Swapping a vanity or retiling in place usually does not. Permit rules and fees are set city by city across Orange County, so check with your own city rather than assuming either way.
Not sure how to find a remodeling contractor in Southern California? Let GreatBuildz help streamline your bathroom renovation experience, we’ll connect you with screened and dependable bathroom remodel contractors in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura, and San Diego. We’ll also give you project support so you can turn your inspiration into reality.
Call now (818.317.3567) to chat with a real person about your next renovation project or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
