Step-by-Step: A Guide to Renovating Your Bathroom

Planning to renovate your bathroom? Learn about the different stages involved in the remodelling process

Pooja Khanna Tyagi10 April 2022

Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016 an for architectural poetry in the year 2018. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi and Noida. Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392

Although the bathroom forms one of the smallest areas of the home in terms of square footage, its renovation is a complex job. Since it is one of the most hardworking areas of the home, with a variety of functions packed into it, a lot of technicalities are involved in the renovation of this densely worked zone. This step-by-step guide will help you understand the renovation process. In addition, it will help create a realistic budget with your pro as per your requirements and ensure smooth execution of work.

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Rasneet Anand Design

Step 1: Planning the layout

The planning of the layout takes first place. This is to ensure maximum utilisation of space and division of the bathroom into clear wet and dry zones. Good space planning can be achieved by determining the position of the sanitary fixtures, sanitaryware and built-in storage, with provision for adequate space for circulation.
The pro will create an electrical layout that marks the exact position of the electrical switchboards, exhaust fan and geyser.

La Valise Rouge

Working drawings will be created as per the concept of the bathroom and the tile selection.
Also, these drawings will be used to determine the exact quantity of tiles required for the complete renovation of the bathroom.

Note: Your pro might recommend a change in the position of the existing plumbing lines and sanitaryware to improve the efficiency of the bathroom layout.

Abhishek Shah

Step 2: Demolishing the old bathroom

Before upgrading the existing bathroom, all the sanitaryware, sanitary fixtures, plumbing lines, electrical wiring and tiles will be removed. This might result in a lot of dust and dirt within the house.
However, if you want to reuse any existing sanitaryware, sanitary fixtures or accessories, remove them and keep them safely so that they can be re-installed later.
The pro will get the walls, ceiling and flooring checked for any growth of mould or mildew and get it cleaned and repaired if required.

Abhishek Shah

Step 3: Installing plumbing lines

The pro will appoint a plumber to fix the plumbing lines as per the proposed position of the sanitaryware and sanitary fixtures.
Note that if the bathroom incorporates a wall-mounted commode, then extra brickwork will have to be constructed behind the commode to accommodate the concealed flush.

PD Designs

Step 4: Installing electrical wiring

Next, the electrician will set up the electrical wiring as per the exact position of the ceiling lights, alcove lights, mirror lights, shaving point, exhaust fan, switchboards and geyser on the drawings.

anjali rawat architects

Step 5: Fixing the countertop

The countertop shall be cut as per the proposed design and fixed on the wall. The different types of countertop materials include granite, marble, engineered quartz and solid surface.
Additionally, the bathtub or shower cubicle will be installed at this stage.

Studio Nishita Kamdar

Step 6: Tiling the walls and ceiling

Now it is time for the installation of the skirting and wall tiles as per the proposed design. Then the floor tiles will installed, with the recommended slope for the proper drainage of water.
After the tiles dry, the tile joints will be sealed with grouting.

Moriq

Step 7: Fabricating the bathroom cabinetry

In the next stage, the carpenters come into the picture to fabricate the cabinetry below the countertop or in any other area of the bathroom.

Step 8: Painting of the walls

Now it is time for painting the ceiling and the walls, especially if the design does not include a floor-to-ceiling tiled surface. Satin-finish or semi-gloss finish paint is usually recommended by the pro because these paints are resistant to moisture.

Best Materials & Finishes for Bathroom Cabinets

Pixcelcraft Photography

Step 9: Installing electrical fixtures

The electrician will come to install all the lights, exhaust fan, switchboards and geyser.

In this example, just see how the alcove lights add visual depth and impart a spacious look.

Step 10: Installing the sanitaryware

As the bathroom is at the completion stage, the plumber will install the sanitaryware, which includes the sink and commode.
All the sanitary fixtures, such as the faucets, hot and cold mixer, hand shower, overhead shower and hand-held bidet sprayer will be installed at this time.

MMW Architects

Step 11: Fixing the accessories

The glass panels of the shower cubicle are installed now.
Accessories such as shelves, soap dispenser, soap tray, toilet paper holder, soap tray, robe hooks and towel racks are fixed.
Finally, the mirror is installed.

Now your bathroom is ready!

Read more:
What Are the Key Measurements for Designing a Small Bathroom?
The Ultimate Guide to Bathroom Ergonomics

Tell us:
Did you face any challenges when renovating the bathroom in your home? Share your experience in Comments below.