Bathroom Remodel: Planning & Process
Remodeling and home improvement projects always have an effect on a homeowner’s day–to–day living. Being aware of the steps to go through can help you plan what you need to do, allowing you to create a timeline to minimize the disruption to your normal schedule.
Below are steps followed by Mike Webster of Webster & Associates, a company specializing exclusively in bathroom remodeling, when working on a bathroom remodeling project. While these steps may vary somewhat from company to company (and project to project), they provide a general flow of activity that can serve as a checklist for your planning purposes. Note that any one of these steps may have a complete and exhaustive process by itself (such as choosing cabinets — color, species, hardware, etc). We hope you find it useful.
General Planning Stages
? Planning, Design & Materials
• Building permits
• Needs assessment
• Budget considerations
• Space planning
• Conceptual drawing
• Balance/line relationships
• Color coordination
• Architectural approach
• Construction plan
• Code compliance
? Material Selection
• Fixtures
• Paint
• Tile
• Floor
• Mirror
• Tub
• Shower doors
• Accessories (towel bars, cabinet knobs)
? Scheduling
♦ Manufacturers
• Typical remodel – 20-25 choices
♦ Sub contractors (Six to Eight)
• Electrician
• Plumbing
• Heating
• Carpentry
• Tile
• Paint/Wall coverings
• Fixtures/Cabinet
• Flooring
? Start & End Dates
• Individual milestones
• Sequence of events (dates when needed)
• Material availability
• Labor scheduling
• Organization of all parts to ensure quality
Remodeling Process Steps
? Obtain & Post Building Permits
? Demolition — tear-out — protect property from dust — legacy work must be protected — Evacuation fans for dust
? Rough Plumbing
• In wall work — anything hidden in walls
• Tubs & shower bases
? Rough Electrical
• In the wall — in the stud structure
? Rough Heating
• From source to room — behind/within stud
• Heat diffuser in wrong place for new design/footprint
? City Building Inspection
? Carpentry Infrastructure
• Stud & flooring
• Wall materials (drywall, cement board)
? Painting
? Ceramic tile
? Cabinet Installation
• Mirror
• Medicine cabinet
• Drawers
• Counter tops
? Finish Plumbing
• Toilets
• Sinks
• Faucets
• Tubs
? Finish Electrical
• Lights
• Outlets
? Accessories
• Towel rods
• Grab bars
• Shower curtain
• Shower doors
• Detail & cleaning
? Cleaning — complete cleaning of all surfaces including all adjacent spaces
? Final Inspection
