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Bathroom remodeling: a start-to-finish guide

A clear, step by step path to a bathroom that looks beautiful, works the way you need, and holds up over time.

This guide explains the full bathroom remodeling process in simple language. You will see what happens, when it happens, and why each step matters for safety, comfort, and long term performance.

TL;DR

  • Start with a plan that fits your routines and the room’s required clearances.
  • Choose products that meet proven standards for safety, grip, and durability.
  • Protect the rest of your home during demo and verify structure before you rebuild.
  • Complete code critical rough-ins, then build a true waterproof assembly under the tile.
  • Finish, test, and tune the space so it performs for years with easy care.

Plan with purpose (goals, scope, budget)

A good remodel begins with a simple plan: how you use the room, what must change, and what must stay. We help you sort needs from wants, then shape a scope and budget that support both.

Define how you’ll use the space

Start with your daily routine. Who uses the room, and when? Do you prefer a walk-in shower, a deep soaking tub, or both? If you want a bench, grab bar, or a niche for bottles, we plan those now. Seats and niches are not just carpentry. They are waterproofing details that need blocking, careful layout, and the right membrane so water never reaches the walls.

[Pro Note]

We map accessory locations before any board goes up, so the waterproof layer stays continuous and strong.

Know the minimums (clearances & size)

Comfort comes from smart spacing. You need room to sit, stand, turn, and dry off without bumping into things. Showers need enough standing area and a door that lets you exit easily. We set these guardrails early, then build your design inside them.

[Safety Tip]

Hinged shower doors should swing out so you can step out quickly in an emergency.

Design & selections (products that perform)

Once the layout is set, it is time to choose the materials that make the room safe, easy to use, and beautiful. This is more than style. It is about products that meet proven standards and work together as a system.

Floors that grip, not slip

Wet floors should help you keep your footing, not fight it. We look for tile that meets an industry slip-resistance standard and often recommend mosaics in showers, since extra grout joints add traction. According to the Tile Council of North America, slip testing helps set expectations for real use.

[Myth vs Fact]

Myth: High gloss tile is always slippery. Fact: The tested slip rating, not shine alone, tells the story.

Fixtures that fit

Toilets, vanities, and valves need the right “rough-in” dimensions. Many toilets are designed for a common rough-in, but model details still matter. We check manufacturer spec sheets before walls close, so the bowl, tank, supply, and drain all land where they should.

[Pro Note]

Skirted bowls with adjustable adapters can solve odd rough-ins without moving the drain.

Ventilation that actually works

A good fan keeps mirrors clear and moisture out of your walls. Bathrooms need mechanical ventilation, and the duct should terminate outside, not in an attic. According to the International Code Council, exhaust air must go outdoors to protect the rest of the home. We size the fan for the room and make sure the door has a small undercut so fresh air can enter.

[Safety Tip]

Undercut the door about three-quarters of an inch to help the fan move air.

Pre-construction protection & demolition

Before tools enter the room, we protect the rest of your home. Clean work is planned work, and it starts on day one.

Protect the rest of the home

We set a protected path, cover floors, and seal the work area. A simple zipper door with negative air and a clean-up station outside the room can keep dust where it belongs.

Open carefully, verify conditions

Once walls and floors are open, we check framing and the subfloor for movement. Tile is stiff. If the structure flexes too much, grout can crack and tile can loosen. We make any needed reinforcement decisions now, before new layers go in.

[Safety Tip]

Structural changes should be handled by licensed pros. It protects the house and your timeline.

Rough-ins (plumbing, electrical, venting)

This is the safety critical stage. Water, power, and air are placed here. Doing it right now avoids problems that are hard to fix later.

Plumbing rough-in the right way

We set drains and valves exactly where the plan calls for them, then verify slopes so water runs to the drain. Your shower control should also protect you from sudden temperature spikes. Automatic temperature-balancing valves limit the maximum setting and keep the water steady.

[Safety Tip]

Set the valve’s maximum temperature around 120°F to prevent scalds.

Electrical that protects people

Bathrooms mix water and electricity, so protection matters. Receptacles need GFCI, and the room needs enough power for grooming tools without tripping. Fixtures located over a tub or inside a shower must be listed for damp or wet locations. GFCI devices reduce shock risk by cutting power in a fraction of a second.

[Pro Note]

Electrical work is pro only and must pass inspection. It is worth doing right the first time.

Ventilation ducts done right

A fan only helps if the duct is short, smooth, and sized correctly. We route ducts with gentle turns and a tight exterior cap that closes when off and opens when on.

[Safety Tip]

Never vent into an attic or soffit cavity. Moist air belongs outdoors.

Substrates & waterproofing (where longevity is won)

Tile is a finish layer. The hidden layers below it keep water out of your walls and floors. This is where long life is earned.

Use the right backer

Water-resistant drywall is not made for showers. In true wet areas we use cement board, fiber-cement, or approved foam panels that are designed for that job. Seams and fasteners follow the board maker’s instructions so the surface is flat and ready for waterproofing.

[Pro Note]

Following the panel’s screw pattern and seam treatment prevents humps and weak spots.

Create a waterproof assembly

Tile and grout do not make a shower waterproof. The assembly below them does. We install a bonded waterproof membrane across the walls and floor, then slope the floor toward the drain and test the pan before tile. According to Schluter Systems’ product spec guide, bonded membranes are designed to keep water out of the structure when installed as a system.

[Safety Tip]

Do not puncture the liner or membrane near the pan. A few stray screws can defeat the whole system.

Tile & surfaces (set for success)

Now the craft shows. The right mortar, grout, and movement joints keep your tile looking great for years.

Mortars and grouts matched to the job

Large tiles need the right mortar so they lie flat and stay bonded. Grout choices depend on use. High performance cement grouts and epoxies handle stress and stains better in the right areas.

[Pro Note]

Back-butter large tiles and check coverage, especially in showers, where more of the tile should be supported.

Movement joints where the tile meets the world

Homes move a little. Tile should be able to handle that. We add flexible joints at corners, perimeters, and where materials change. These joints use quality sealants instead of hard grout, which lets the surfaces move without cracking.

[Safety Tip]

The sealant must match the joint design and the wet location. A good bead at every change of plane prevents corner cracks.

Fixtures, glass & finishing touches

This is where everything comes together. The perfect fit and safety still lead the way.

Toilets & vanities

Before we set tile, we confirm the toilet rough-in and the exact location of the water supply and drain lines. Dry-fitting makes sure parts line up cleanly on install day and saves time during final set.

[Pro Note]

A quick dry-fit with the bowl, tank, and trim can save a lot of fiddling later.

Shower doors & glazing

A door that swings out makes the shower easier and safer to exit. Glass around tubs and showers should be safety glazing that is designed to break in a safer way if it fails. According to the International Code Council, hinged shower doors should open outward for safer exit in an emergency or to allow you to get out after a slip and fall.

[Safety Tip]

Verify tempered or laminated glass on the order and confirm clearances before drilling any holes.

Tune ups, care & handoff

Small checks now prevent big headaches later. We test and tune the space so you can enjoy it on day one.

Test & tune

We set the anti-scald stop on the shower valve and make sure water runs to the drain without pooling. We also run the fan and confirm the exterior cap opens as it should. Finally, we inspect all flexible joints and sealant lines.

[Pro Note]

Keep your manuals, batch numbers, and a few photos of hidden layers. If you ever need service, those details speed things up.

What this looks like in real life

Here is a simple example of how the path comes together. On a recent project, the homeowner wanted a niche and a bench. We framed the bench, added solid blocking for bars, and ran the waterproof membrane so it was continuous behind and under those features. The shower pan was flood tested overnight, then tiled the next day. The fan was upsized a step, and the door was undercut slightly to improve airflow. The shower door swung out and cleared the vanity by a comfortable margin. The result was a bright, easy room with simple care and no surprises.

FAQs:

Do I need mechanical ventilation?

Yes. Building codes require mechanical ventilation in bathrooms, and the fan must exhaust outdoors. For most rooms, size an intermittent fan at about 1 CFM per square foot with a minimum of 50 CFM, or use 20 CFM continuous. Larger bathrooms may need added airflow for multiple fixtures and longer duct runs.

Are tile and grout waterproof?

No. Tile and grout do not stop water on their own. Wet areas need a bonded waterproof membrane designed for showers, installed as a continuous layer behind the tile. The shower floor also needs proper slope to the drain, and the receptor should be flood-tested before tile to prove it is watertight.

What are the minimum bathroom clearances?

Plan comfortable space around each fixture so the room is easy to use. Common model-code minimums include 15 inches from a toilet’s centerline to side obstructions and 21 inches in front. Laying these clearances into the layout early helps prevent change orders, awkward movement, and conflicts with doors or cabinetry.

How big must a shower be?

Most homes do well planning a shower with enough standing area and clear entry. A common code baseline is at least 900 square inches with a 30-inch minimum dimension, plus an opening that allows safe access. Hinged shower doors should open outward, so include swing clearance in the design.

Which mortars and grouts should I choose?

Use thin-set mortars that meet industry standards for ceramic and porcelain tile, and choose large-and-heavy-tile mortars when setting bigger pieces. For grout, high-performance cement grouts suit many rooms, while epoxies add chemical and stain resistance where needed. Match products to location, tile type, joint width, and expected cleaning habits.

How do I prevent cracking at corners?

Include flexible movement joints where surfaces meet, like wall-to-wall, wall-to-floor, and around the perimeter. These joints are filled with an appropriate sealant, not rigid grout, so the assembly can move slightly without cracking. Follow recognized guidelines for joint placement and use a sealant designed for wet areas.

What electrical rules apply in bathrooms?

Outlets near water need extra protection. Bathroom receptacles should be GFCI-protected, and the room typically requires at least one 20-amp branch circuit for grooming tools. Light fixtures in tub or shower zones must be listed for damp or wet locations. Always have electrical work inspected by qualified professionals.

Do shower doors have to open outward?

Yes. Hinged shower doors should open outward so you can exit safely and quickly. Plan the layout so the door swing clears nearby fixtures and walls without pinching the pathway. This small choice improves everyday use and helps first responders if someone needs assistance inside the shower.

(H2) What to do next
A reliable bathroom comes from a clear process: plan, protect, rough-in to code, waterproof the assembly, finish with compatible materials, then test and tune. When each step is explained and checked, you get comfort you can feel and quality you can trust.

If you are ready to move forward, we will walk your space, confirm the code-critical details, and create a remodel plan that fits your life and protects your home.

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Three Easy Steps to
The Space of Your Dreams.

1

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2

Design & Build

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3

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