What to Expect During a Bathroom Renovation: A Complete Guide

Posted on June 25, 2025

Reading time: approximately 5 minutes

Bathroom renovations are a fantastic way to breathe new life into your home and increase its value. Whether you’re looking to create a spa-like retreat or simply update the space, knowing what to expect during a bathroom renovation can help make the process smoother. At Morenos The Professional Handyman Home Repairs, we understand that the renovation process can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can be a rewarding experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each stage of the bathroom renovation process, from planning to completion.

Planning Your Bathroom Renovation

The First Step: Defining Your Vision

Before any tools are brought in or walls are knocked down, it’s important to have a clear vision for your bathroom renovation. The first step is to decide what you want to achieve with your renovation. Are you looking for a complete overhaul or just a few key updates? Some homeowners opt for minor improvements like upgrading fixtures, while others want to completely transform the layout and design.

Start by considering your budget, the size of the bathroom, and the changes you want to make. Research bathroom designs, browse online inspiration, and collect ideas that resonate with your style. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, create a list of priorities, whether it's maximizing storage space, improving lighting, or installing luxury features like a rainfall shower or a freestanding bathtub. The clearer your vision, the easier it will be to communicate your needs to the contractor and make the right decisions throughout the process.

Budgeting for Your Renovation

Setting a budget is crucial. A bathroom renovation can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the scale of the project, materials, and fixtures you choose. Factor in all potential costs, including labor, materials, permits (if needed), and unexpected expenses that may arise during the renovation process. It’s a good idea to set aside a contingency budget—typically 10-20% of the total cost—to cover any unforeseen issues.

Choosing the Right Contractors

Finding the Right Professionals for the Job

Once you have a clear vision and budget in place, the next step is to find the right contractor. Whether you're working with a general contractor or a specialized bathroom remodeler, make sure they have experience in bathroom renovations. Do your research, read reviews, and ask for referrals to ensure you hire a professional who is reliable, knowledgeable, and can execute your design vision.

During your initial consultation, make sure to discuss your ideas and get a feel for how well the contractor understands your needs. Ask questions about their experience, the timeline for the renovation, and the materials they recommend. A reputable contractor will provide detailed estimates, including costs for labor, materials, and timelines, so you can better plan for the project.

Communication is Key

Open communication is essential throughout the renovation. Clear communication about expectations, timelines, and any potential changes will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure the process goes smoothly. At Morenos The Professional Handyman Home Repairs, we pride ourselves on maintaining consistent communication with our clients, ensuring you’re informed at every stage of the renovation.

Demolition and Preparation

The Excitement of Starting

With your contractor in place and plans finalized, the renovation process can begin. The first phase of the renovation typically involves demolition. This is the stage where old fixtures, tiles, cabinets, and flooring are removed to make room for the new design. It’s important to remember that this phase can be noisy and dusty, so make sure to prepare for the mess.

During demolition, the team will also inspect the existing plumbing and electrical systems to ensure they are in good condition. In some cases, outdated systems may need to be replaced, which could add to the project timeline and budget. Once the demolition is complete, the space will be ready for new construction and installations.

Preparing the Space

After demolition, your contractor will make necessary adjustments to the space. This might include updating plumbing, electrical wiring, or framing. For example, if you’re installing a new bathtub or shower, the plumbing will need to be rerouted to accommodate the new fixtures. The contractor may also install backer board for tiling or frame new walls if the design requires it.

At this stage, you’ll begin to see the vision of your bathroom taking shape. The space will be cleaned up and prepped for the next stages of the renovation.

Installation of New Fixtures

Plumbing and Electrical Work

Once the space is prepared, it’s time to begin installing new fixtures, which is one of the most exciting parts of the renovation. If you’re adding new plumbing features like a bathtub, shower, or toilet, this is the time when the plumbing will be installed or updated to accommodate those items. Make sure your plumber is licensed and experienced to avoid any future leaks or plumbing issues.

Electrical work is another important aspect of the renovation, especially if you're updating lighting fixtures, adding outlets, or installing a heated floor. A licensed electrician will take care of these installations, ensuring your bathroom is safe and fully functional.

Tiling and Flooring

Next, the contractor will install new tiles, whether for the floor, shower walls, or backsplash. Tiling is a detailed process that requires precision to ensure even surfaces and clean lines. You'll want to choose a tile design and pattern that complements your bathroom's overall style. Whether you prefer modern porcelain tiles, rustic natural stone, or trendy subway tiles, the right choice of flooring can dramatically impact the space’s aesthetic.

After the tiles are set, grout and sealing are applied to protect the surface from moisture, ensuring long-term durability. At this point, the bathroom is starting to take on its new look, and you can begin to visualize the finished product.

Final Touches and Clean-Up

Installing Accessories and Fixtures

Once the major components are in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches. New accessories like mirrors, towel bars, lighting fixtures, and storage units are installed. These items are often the final elements that bring the bathroom together, adding both function and style to the space.

If you’ve opted for a vanity or custom cabinetry, this is when it will be installed, providing storage solutions for your toiletries and bathroom essentials. Additionally, new faucets, showerheads, and other hardware will be installed to complement the overall design.

Final Inspection and Clean-Up

Before you can fully enjoy your renovated bathroom, the contractor will perform a final inspection to ensure everything is working properly. This inspection includes checking for leaks, testing electrical components, and verifying that all installations meet the agreed-upon specifications.

Once everything passes inspection, the space will be cleaned thoroughly. Renovations often leave behind dust and debris, so a thorough clean-up is necessary to make the space move-in ready. This includes cleaning the floors, fixtures, and any remaining construction dust. Afterward, you’ll have a pristine, newly renovated bathroom to enjoy.

Enjoying Your Newly Renovated Bathroom

A Space Tailored to Your Needs

Once your renovation is complete, it’s time to enjoy your newly renovated bathroom! Whether you’ve upgraded to a luxurious spa-like retreat or simply enhanced the functionality of the space, you’ll appreciate the improvements made. A fresh, updated bathroom not only improves your daily routine but also increases your home’s value, making it a worthwhile investment.

As you start using your new bathroom, make sure to maintain it regularly by cleaning the fixtures, updating any worn-out components, and keeping an eye on the plumbing and electrical systems. With proper maintenance, your newly renovated bathroom will continue to serve you well for years to come.

A bathroom renovation can be an exciting and rewarding project, but it requires careful planning, communication, and execution. By understanding the steps involved and working with a skilled team, you can ensure a successful renovation that meets your needs and budget. From the initial planning stages to the final touches, every phase of the renovation plays a crucial role in transforming your bathroom into a functional and beautiful space.

If you're ready to start your bathroom renovation or have questions about the process, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team at Morenos The Professional Handyman Home Repairs is here to assist you with all your renovation needs. Contact us at (818) 378-4002 or email us at [email protected] for a consultation today!