Plan the Renovation
1-2 weeksDefine scope: layout changes, fixture upgrades, tile selection, and ventilation needs. Create a budget and timeline. Decide DIY vs. subcontractor for plumbing and electrical.
Advanced2-6 weeks
Bathroom Renovation Guide
Bathroom renovation workflow covering fixture layout, tile and waterproofing calculations, plumbing rough-in planning, and finishing checklists.
homeownersproperty flippersexperienced DIY renovators
Workflow
Demolition
1-2 daysRemove old fixtures, tile, vanity, and flooring. Protect adjacent rooms with plastic sheeting. Inspect subfloor, framing, and plumbing for hidden damage.
Rough Plumbing
2-3 daysRelocate or install supply lines and drain/waste/vent (DWV) piping. Pressure-test supply lines and flood-test drains before closing walls.
Rough Electrical & Ventilation
1-2 daysRun wiring for lighting, GFCI outlets, exhaust fan, and heated floor if desired. Install exhaust fan ducted to exterior (not attic).
Waterproof Shower & Wet Areas
2-3 daysInstall cement board in wet areas, apply waterproof membrane (sheet or liquid) over shower pan and walls to 6 ft height. Flood-test shower pan 24 hours before tiling.
Install Tile
3-5 daysLay floor tile from the center outward, maintaining consistent grout joints. Install wall tile from bottom up with spacers. Allow thinset to cure 24 hours before grouting.
Install Fixtures & Vanity
1-2 daysSet toilet (new wax ring), hang vanity and connect plumbing, install shower valve trim, faucet, and accessories. Caulk all tub/shower-to-wall joints with silicone.
Paint, Finish & Final Inspection
1-2 daysPaint ceiling and non-tiled walls with bathroom-grade satin or semi-gloss paint. Install mirror, towel bars, and final trim. Schedule plumbing and electrical inspections.
Tools Used
- Tile CalculatorPrimary
Calculate tile count for floor and walls including waste factor for cuts and pattern layout.
- Paint CalculatorSupporting
Estimate paint for ceiling and non-tiled wall areas after tile installation.
- Square Meters to Square Feet ConverterSupporting
Measure floor, wall, and shower areas for tile and paint calculations.
- Pipe Sizing CalculatorPrimary
Size supply lines and drain pipes for relocated fixtures and shower upgrades.
Checklist
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Preparation
Waterproofing
Electrical
Ventilation
Finishing
Reference Materials
Tile Quantity & Waste FactorTable
Recommended waste allowances by tile size and layout pattern.
| Tile Size | Straight Lay Waste | Diagonal/Herringbone Waste | Thinset (lb/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12×12 in | 10% | 15% | 3–4 |
| 12×24 in | 10% | 15–20% | 3–4 |
| Subway 3×6 | 10% | 15% | 2–3 |
| Mosaic sheet | 15% | 20% | 2–3 |
| Large format 24×48 | 15% | 20–25% | 4–5 |
Bathroom Ventilation RequirementsStandard
Minimum exhaust: 1 CFM per sq ft of floor area, or 50 CFM whichever is greater. Duct to exterior (not attic). Run fan 20 minutes after shower use. For bathrooms over 100 sq ft, add 50 CFM per toilet, shower, and tub.
Common Plumbing Pipe SizesTable
Standard residential bathroom pipe sizing for supply and drain.
| Fixture | Supply Line | Drain Size | Trap Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toilet | 3/8 in | 3 in | Integrated |
| Vanity sink | 3/8 in | 1.5 in | 1.25 in |
| Shower | 1/2 in | 2 in | 2 in |
| Bathtub | 1/2 in | 1.5 in | 1.5 in |
| Main stack | N/A | 3–4 in | N/A |
Don't Move the Toilet Drain
Relocating a toilet drain requires breaking concrete or subfloor and is one of the most expensive plumbing changes. Design around existing drain location when possible.
Large Format Tile Tips
Tiles over 15 inches need a 1/2-inch notched trowel and level subfloor. Use a tile leveling system to prevent lippage on large format installations.
Order 15% Extra Tile
Manufacturing dye lots change between orders. Store extra tile in a dry place — you will need it for future repairs or accent additions.
Sequence Matters
Complete rough plumbing and electrical inspections before closing walls. Tile before installing toilet and vanity to protect new fixtures from grout and thinset splatter.
Safety Notes
- Turn off electricity at the breaker panel before any electrical work in the bathroom — water and electricity are lethal.
- Wear a N95 respirator when removing old tile, cutting cement board, or mixing thinset to avoid silica dust inhalation.
- Never tile over existing tile in shower enclosures without verifying the substrate is solid and waterproofing is intact.