A step-by-step guide through the bathroom renovation process

A bathroom renovation is a significant project that requires careful planning and a well-structured approach. From defining your vision to execution, every step plays a crucial role in achieving a functional and stylish bathroom space. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth and successful process from start to finish.

Throughout the process, you'll likely have some frequent questions, such as how long it takes to renovate a bathroom and what a new bathroom might cost. These are important considerations, and we’ll address them as we move through the steps.

Step 1: get inspired

Before making any decisions on your renovation, take the time to explore different design styles and layouts to create a vision for your dream bathroom.

Decide on your style – do you prefer modern minimalism, classic elegance, or a spa-inspired look? Browse interior design websites, magazines, and showroom displays or read our article on inspiration for your bathroom.
Collect reference photos – save images of bathrooms that captivate you. Identify key elements you love, such as sleek wall-hung washbasins, smart storage solutions, or special color schemes.
Create a mood board – use Pinterest or a physical mood board to visualize your design and experiment with colors, textures, and materials.

Use your mood board and reference photos to refine your style and ensure alignment if you're making decisions with others. It can also serve as a valuable tool for clearly communicating your vision to professionals.

Moodboard inspiration

Step 2: define the scope of your project

Once you have a clear vision, it's time to map out the practical details of your bathroom renovation.

Create a floor plan – draw a layout of your bathroom to scale. This helps you visualize how the space will work, aiding decisions on placement, sizing, and layout. For more detailed tips on creating your floor plan, check out our [article on planning].
Determine what stays & what goes – identify what elements need upgrading or replacing, and evaluate any structural changes required. Now is the time to decide if you want modern elements like heated towel racks, a [shower toilet], or a [mirror with lighting]. Use our checklist [Link to checklist article] to make decisions and keep track of costs as you go.
Set a realistic budget – What does a new bathroom cost? The answer depends on factors like size, materials, and possible structural changes. Bathrooms with luxury features or renovations in older homes often come with a higher price tag, and the biggest costs are often tiles, flooring, and pipe changes. A well-planned budget keeps your project on track by factoring in materials, labor, and unexpected costs.

With this well-defined scope, you’ll have a clear roadmap to guide your bathroom renovation, keeping the process organized, efficient, and within budget.

Make a plan with an authorized Geberit partner near you and receive a non-binding offer.

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Step 3: plan your bathroom renovation

Whether you're tackling the project yourself or hiring professionals, understanding the proper order of tasks is essential for a successful bathroom renovation process.

Determine the skills needed – consider the specific trades required, such as a plumber for installations, an electrician for lighting, or a tiler for flooring and walls.
Make a timeline – establish a detailed timeline for your bathroom renovation by breaking the project into smaller, manageable tasks. This will give you a clearer, more realistic picture of how long it will take to complete your renovation. But how long does a bathroom renovation actually take? This can vary greatly depending on factors such as project complexity, availability of materials and your choice of contractors.
Who does what? – assess which tasks you can handle yourself and which require expert help. If plumbing, electrical work, or major structural changes are involved, it’s typically best to hire a professional. For larger-scale bathroom renovations, consider a general contractor to oversee the project and ensure smooth coordination among trades.

With a general contractor, they will manage the next phases, but you’ll still need to stay involved in decision-making. If you hire professionals directly or do it yourself, you’ll need to keep a focus on coordinating timelines and ordering materials to succeed.

Step 4: secure permits & order materials

Before work begins on your bathroom renovation, make sure you have all necessary approvals and materials ready to go.

Obtain required permits – check with local authorities to determine which permits are required for plumbing, electrical, or structural changes.
Order materials in advance – avoid project delays by ordering key items like tiles, fixtures, and products ahead of time, ensuring they're available when needed.

Securing permits and ordering materials early helps maintain momentum and ensures you're fully prepared when the bathroom renovation starts.

Step 5: bring your new bathroom to life

Now it's time to complete your bathroom renovation, transforming it into the stylish and functional vision you began with.

Stick to the timeline – keep each phase of the bathroom renovation on track by managing your time effectively and working closely with any professionals you may hire.
Stay within budget – monitor spending closely and ensure you're staying aligned with the financial plan.
Build your new bathroom – once it's finished, step into the space you've designed and enjoy the results of your hard work.