10 Bathroom Remodel Tips Before You Begin Your Renovation

Planning a bathroom renovation is exciting, but it's also a significant investment that requires careful thought and preparation. Whether you're updating a powder room or completely transforming your master bathroom, taking time to plan ahead can save you money, stress, and ensure you love the results for years to come.

According to Zillow, a bathroom remodel when selling can attract buyers that may otherwise have avoided your listing, especially if your bathroom has things like cracked tile, mold, water damage, structural issues, etc. Considering you will likely be paying for the repairs in concessions anyway, it makes sense to give yourself bargaining chips. However, if you're planning to stay in your home long-term, you have the freedom to create something truly special that reflects your personal style and needs.

Before you dive into demolition, here are 10 essential tips to consider that will help ensure your bathroom renovation goes smoothly and meets your expectations:

1. Unless You Work with a Professional, the Project Will Take Longer Than You Expect

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is underestimating how long a bathroom renovation will take. DIY projects or projects with inexperienced contractors often take two to three times longer than initially planned. Here's why:

• Learning curve: If you're doing it yourself, you'll need time to research, learn techniques, and correct mistakes
• Coordination challenges: Coordinating plumbers, electricians, and other trades takes experience
• Unexpected issues: Professionals know what to look for, but amateurs often discover problems mid-project
• Material delays: Ordering materials, waiting for custom items, and dealing with backorders can extend timelines
• Permit processing: Professional contractors know the permit process inside and out, while DIYers often face delays

Working with a professional contractor like Avanti Construction means your project will be completed efficiently, on schedule, and to code. We handle everything from permits to coordinating trades, ensuring your bathroom renovation stays on track.

2. Consider What You'll Be Using in the Bathroom Before Planning Electrical

Electrical planning is crucial and must happen early in the design process—before walls are closed up. Think about your daily routines and the devices you use:

• Near the toilet: Outlet for a bidet (increasingly popular for comfort and hygiene)
• Near the sink: Multiple outlets for hairdryers, electric toothbrushes, razors, curling irons, and other grooming tools
• Medicine cabinet: Outlet inside for electric toothbrush charger or other small devices
• Lighting: Consider task lighting at the vanity, ambient lighting, and perhaps a night light
• Ventilation: Properly wired exhaust fan with timer or humidity sensor
• Heated features: If you're considering heated floors, towel warmers, or a heated toilet seat, these need dedicated circuits

Remember: All bathroom outlets must be GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected for safety. Planning ahead saves you from expensive rewiring later or having to use extension cords (which can be dangerous in bathrooms).

3. Consider Your Actual Shower Behavior Before Planning Your Bathing Situation

It's easy to get caught up in design trends, but your bathroom should work for how you actually live. Be honest about your habits:

Shower Benches

Shower benches can add complexity and cost to your renovation. Before including one, ask yourself:

• Do you actually sit in the shower, or do you just think it would be nice?
• Will you use it for shaving your legs or other grooming tasks?
• Do you need it for accessibility reasons?

If you're not certain you'll use it, you might want to skip it. If you later decide you want one, there are freestanding options that don't require permanent installation. However, if you do want a built-in bench, it requires additional waterproofing, structural support, and takes up valuable space in smaller showers.

Bathtubs vs. Showers

The same consideration applies to bathtubs:

• Clawfoot tubs: Beautiful and classic, but require significant space and may be less practical for daily use
• Large soaking tubs: Luxurious, but take up considerable space—will you actually use it enough to justify the space?
• Shower-only: More space-efficient, modern, and practical for most people's daily routines

Consider how often you actually take baths versus showers. If you rarely take baths, a large, expensive tub might not be worth the investment. However, if you're selling soon, having at least one bathtub in your home can be important for resale value, as families with young children typically need a tub.

4. Go Bold and Do You—This is Your House

If you're planning to stay in your home for several years, this is your chance to create something truly special that reflects your personality and lifestyle. You get to do it all for you. Obviously, if you're moving soon, that's a different story—you'll want to focus on neutral choices that appeal to buyers. But if you're staying, go wild and think of the possibilities:

• Heated floors: Imagine stepping onto warm tile on chilly mornings—it's luxurious and surprisingly affordable
• Smart features: Smart mirrors, voice-activated lighting, and programmable shower systems
• Bold tile choices: Unique patterns, colors, or materials that express your style
• Statement fixtures: Unique faucets, lighting, or hardware that makes your bathroom one-of-a-kind
• Custom storage: Built-ins designed specifically for your needs and belongings
• Natural elements: Live plants, natural stone, or wood accents that bring the outdoors in
• Technology integration: Waterproof speakers, TV in the mirror, or integrated charging stations
• Luxury touches: Steam showers, rain showerheads, multiple shower heads, or chromatherapy lighting

Don't let trends dictate your choices—choose what makes you happy and creates a space you'll love using every single day.

5. Set a Realistic Budget and Include a Contingency Fund

Bathroom renovations almost always uncover unexpected issues, especially in older homes. Set aside 15-20% of your total budget as a contingency fund for surprises like:

• Water damage behind walls
• Outdated or non-compliant plumbing
• Electrical issues that need upgrading
• Structural problems
• Mold remediation
• Asbestos or lead paint abatement

If you don't end up needing the contingency fund, great! You can either save it or use it for upgrades. But having it available prevents stress and delays if problems arise.

6. Think About Storage Needs Before Finalizing Your Design

Storage is one of the most overlooked aspects of bathroom design, but it's crucial for keeping your space organized and clutter-free. Consider:

• How many people will use this bathroom?
• What items need to be easily accessible?
• Do you prefer open shelving or closed cabinets?
• Would built-in niches in the shower be useful?
• Can you utilize vertical space with tall cabinets or shelves?

Plan for storage early in the design process, as it affects your layout choices and cabinet selections. A well-designed storage plan can make even a small bathroom feel spacious and organized.

7. Prioritize Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is not optional—it's essential for preventing mold, mildew, and moisture damage. Before you begin your renovation:

• Ensure your exhaust fan is properly sized for your bathroom (measured in CFM—cubic feet per minute)
• Make sure it vents to the outside, not into an attic or crawl space
• Consider a timer or humidity sensor for automatic operation
• If your bathroom doesn't have a window, ventilation is even more critical

Proper ventilation protects your investment and your health. Don't skip this important element.

8. Research and Understand Your Local Building Codes

Building codes exist for safety and must be followed. In San Diego County, bathroom renovations typically require:

• Permits for plumbing, electrical, and structural work
• GFCI outlets in specific locations
• Proper spacing around fixtures (toilet clearance, etc.)
• Ventilation requirements
• Waterproofing standards for wet areas

Working with a licensed contractor ensures your renovation meets all code requirements, which protects your investment and ensures safety. Attempting to bypass permits can result in fines, problems when selling your home, and insurance issues.

9. Choose Materials Based on Both Aesthetics and Durability

Bathrooms are harsh environments—they deal with moisture, temperature changes, and daily use. While you want materials that look great, they also need to stand up to these conditions:

• Flooring: Must be water-resistant (ceramic, porcelain, or luxury vinyl are best)
• Countertops: Should resist water and stains (quartz is excellent for bathrooms)
• Paint: Use semi-gloss or satin finish that's mold-resistant
• Fixtures: Choose quality finishes that resist corrosion and wear
• Grout: Use high-quality, stain-resistant grout and seal it properly

Balance your style preferences with practical considerations to ensure your beautiful bathroom stays beautiful for years.

10. Plan for the Inconvenience

Bathroom renovations are disruptive. You'll be without a fully functional bathroom for several weeks. Plan accordingly:

• If you have multiple bathrooms, decide which one to renovate first
• Set up a temporary "bathroom station" in another room if needed
• Stock up on essentials you might need
• Plan meals that don't require extensive kitchen cleanup (since you might not have full access)
• Communicate with family members about expectations during the renovation
• Consider timing—avoid renovating during holidays or when you have guests

Understanding the inconvenience upfront helps you prepare mentally and practically, making the renovation process less stressful for everyone.

"A bathroom remodel can attract buyers who may otherwise have avoided your listing, especially if your bathroom has issues like cracked tile, mold, water damage, or structural problems. However, if you're staying in your home, don't be afraid to create something bold and personal—it's your space, make it yours."

Conclusion

A successful bathroom renovation starts long before the first tile is laid or the first pipe is moved. Taking time to think through these 10 tips will help you avoid common mistakes, stay within budget, and create a bathroom you'll love for years to come.

Remember: If you're selling soon, focus on neutral, universally appealing choices that maximize your return on investment. But if you're staying, this is your chance to go bold and create something truly special. Your bathroom should reflect your lifestyle, meet your needs, and bring you joy every time you use it.

Working with experienced professionals ensures your vision becomes reality efficiently and correctly. At Avanti Construction, we guide you through every step of the process, from initial planning to final installation, ensuring your bathroom renovation exceeds your expectations.