A bathroom renovation checklist helps you stay organised, avoid costly mistakes, and move through each stage with confidence. With clear steps and expert guidance, your remodel becomes a smoother, stress-free experience from start to finish.
A detailed bathroom renovation checklist is your best tool for reducing stress, saving money, and keeping your project on schedule. Whether you’re updating an ensuite or transforming your main bathroom, this guide will walk you through everything you need to plan a successful remodel step by step.
Pre-Renovation Planning Checklist
Before selecting tiles or fixtures, it’s essential to establish a solid foundation for your project. Use this pre-renovation checklist to clarify your goals, avoid delays, and stay on track from the start.
- Set Your Renovation Goals:What are your top priorities, looks, functionality, value-adding upgrades, or accessibility? Defining your goals early helps guide every decision.
- Establish Your Total Budget:Consider not only materials and labour but also a 10 to 15% contingency for unexpected costs. You can use this free bathroom cost calculator to help estimate your starting budget based on size, layout, and finish preferences.
- Decide on Your Layout: Are you keeping the same layout or relocating plumbing and electrical? Layout changes impact cost and timeline.
- Identify Must-Haves Vs. Nice-To-Haves:Clarify non-negotiables like a walk-in shower or double vanity, versus bonus features like underfloor heating.
- Research Inspiration: Save styles, colours, and material ideas that suit your space. These visual references will help guide design discussions.
- Check For Approvals:Confirm if strata approval or permits are needed, especially for apartments or older homes.
- Start A Renovation Folder: Keep copies of quotes, specifications, invoices, sketches, and inspiration images, all in one place, physical or digital.
Keeping these steps in mind helps you plan more strategically and stay on budget. For a full breakdown of costs, check out this total bathroom renovation cost guide.
Bathroom Renovation Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide
Planning a bathroom renovation can feel overwhelming, but when you partner with Class Constructions, the process is clear, structured, and fully supported. This step-by-step checklist mirrors their transparent quoting journey, designed to educate and empower homeowners so they can move forward with clarity and confidence.
- Onsite Consultation (Free Site Visit)
Your journey begins with a free onsite consultation. A friendly expert from Class Constructions will meet you at your home to:
- Understand your renovation goals and lifestyle needs.
- Assess the current space, layout, and limitations.
- Take accurate measurements and gather relevant details.
This first step lays the foundation for a smooth project by aligning expectations, identifying opportunities, and setting the tone for a collaborative process.
- Receive a Rough Estimate
Following the site visit, you’ll receive a no-cost Estimate Document outlining:
- A broad strokes scope of work.
- An initial budget range based on your goals.
While not a final quote, this rough estimate helps you understand the potential investment and allows you to prioritise features and finishes early on.
- Review Call to Refine the Plan
Next, you’ll have a review call to walk through the estimate and refine the vision. During this call, you can:
- Ask detailed questions about pricing and inclusions.
- Adjust the design scope or timeline.
- Discuss any special requirements or site limitations.
This collaborative step ensures that both you and the builder are on the same page before moving ahead, helping reduce surprises and ensuring the project stays within scope.
- Quotation Preparation and Details
After refining your plan, Class Constructions will begin preparing a fixed-price quotation. This phase may include:
- Additional site visits if needed.
- Drafting layouts or technical drawings.
- Reviewing product options and upgrades.
The quote will detail all critical inclusions such as:
- Prime Cost allowances for fixtures and finishes.
- Labour and material breakdowns.
- Design notes and custom specifications.
- A clear payment schedule.
This transparency ensures you can make confident, well-informed decisions. If you’re also considering professional help with layout and finishes, learn more about the cost of hiring a bathroom designer.
5. Lock In and Start Planning
Once you’ve reviewed and accepted the fixed-price quote, the real excitement begins. Class Constructions will:
- Help schedule product shopping trips for your fittings and tiles.
- Guide you through final selections and ordering.
- Lock in your official project start date.
From here, you’ll receive full support and documentation at every stage, including timelines, product specifications, and planning notes. With the groundwork in place, you’re ready to move forward with a well-prepared and professionally managed successful bathroom renovation.
Key Construction Stages & What to Choose
Stage 1: Demolition & Site Preparation
This stage involves clearing the space, removing old fittings, tiles, cabinetry, and disconnecting services. It sets the groundwork for what’s to come.
Before demolition starts:
- Finalise your bathroom layout (especially if you’re relocating plumbing or adding new features like a freestanding bath).
- Get necessary council or strata approvals.
- Confirm trade access and plan for the delivery of bulky items like bathtubs, vanities, or tiles.
- Choose the type of bath (freestanding or built-in), as this impacts plumbing and layout.
- If you’re changing walls or creating niches, now’s the time to plan for shower storage, towel rail positions, or built-in shelving.
Stage 2: Rough-In Plumbing and Electrical
The “skeleton” stage pipes, drainage, ventilation, and wiring are installed before walls and floors are sealed. Decisions made now will shape everything that follows.
Selections to finalise at this stage:
- Shower setup: Wall-mounted, handheld, or rain shower? Also, choose your shower screen style (frameless, semi-frameless, or framed).
- Bath tapware: Decide on the style (wall-mounted, floor-mounted) and finish (chrome, brushed brass, matte black, etc.).
- Vanity & basin: Wall-hung or freestanding? Single or double basin? Choose basin shape (round, square, vessel, or undermount) and the matching tapware or mixer.
- Toilet placement: Choose between close-coupled, wall-faced, or concealed cistern.
- Lighting plan: Confirm placement for vanity lights, ambient ceiling lights, and any LED mood lighting.
- Exhaust fan: Decide on capacity and position for effective humidity control.
- Underfloor heating and heated towel rails: These must be roughed in now if included.
Stage 3: Waterproofing, Tiling & Fit-Out
This is the stage where your vision comes to life. Waterproofing is applied, tiling begins, and all the selected items are installed and connected.
Confirm and review the following at this stage:
- Tile layouts: Wall and floor tile designs, grout color, and pattern alignment.
- Vanity installation: Ensure correct alignment and access to under-sink storage or drawers.
- Mirrored cabinets or storage shelves.
- Lighting and accessories: Fit vanity lights, towel hooks, toilet paper holders, and soap dispensers.
- Heating and ventilation: Confirm installation of exhaust fans and towel rails.
- Final fittings: Review all fixtures (waste bins, niches, hampers, if applicable) for correct placement and function.
Stage 4: Joinery and Fixture Installation
With all behind-the-scenes work complete, your chosen fittings begin to take shape. The vanity, bath, mirrored cabinets, and built-in storage units are installed, setting the foundation for the bathroom’s functionality and style.
What to finalise during this stage:
- Confirm your vanity style (wall-hung or freestanding) and ensure it fits perfectly within the space.
- Install basin(s) and match with the correct mixer or tapware.
- Mount mirror cabinets, open shelving, or storage towers based on daily use and accessibility.
- If you’ve selected a built-in bath, this is the time for installation and alignment.
Stage 5: Tiling and Surface Finishes
This is one of the most visually transformative stages. Your chosen tiles are now laid across floors and walls, followed by grout and any decorative finishes.
To review at this stage:
- Double-check tile layouts, grout colors, and edge trims to ensure consistency with your design vision.
- Approve the positioning of feature walls, mosaic strips, or wall panels, if included.
- Ensure your builder checks for level tiling and clean lines around fixtures, especially in high-visibility areas like the vanity splashback and shower wall.
Stage 6: Fit-Off Plumbing, Electrical & Accessories
Now your bathroom comes to life. This stage includes the final installation of your plumbing and electrical fixtures, making the space fully functional.
Items installed at this stage include:
- Showerheads, basin mixers, bath taps, and toilets.
- Lighting fixtures, exhaust fans, GPOs, and switches.
- Heated towel rails, toilet roll holders, robe hooks, shower shelves, and other accessories.
- Ensure all fittings align with your original layout and daily routines.
Stage 7: Final Touches and Handover
This final stage is where the finishing polish is applied and your bathroom is handed over for use.
Key steps during handover:
- Silicone sealing is applied neatly to joints and corners to protect against moisture.
- Mirrors and surfaces are cleaned and polished for a professional finish.
- A final quality inspection ensures all work meets agreed standards.
- You’ll receive care instructions, warranty documents, and a complete walkthrough of how to use and maintain your new space.
- This is also your opportunity to flag any final adjustments before official sign-off.
Smart BathroomRemodelTips for a Seamless Renovation
Renovating a bathroom can be exciting, but a few strategic choices can make the difference between a smooth project and a stressful one. Here are some practical tips to help your remodel run more efficiently and deliver long-lasting results:
- Plan for Function First: A stunning new bathroom design is great, but only if it works well. Consider how you use the space daily. Prioritise layout, storage, and access before choosing aesthetics.
- Stick to the Renovation Sequence:Follow the bathroom remodeling standard workflow to avoid rework and unnecessary delays.
- Don’t Skimp on Waterproofing: Waterproofing is your bathroom’s hidden hero. Make sure it’s done by a licensed professional and complies with Australian Standards to protect against leaks and long-term damage.
- Use Quality Materials Where It Counts: Invest in durable tapware, proper ventilation, and moisture-resistant surfaces. Cheap materials might save you now, but cost you later in repairs and replacements.
- Choose Timeless Over Trendy: Trendy tiles or bold fixtures can quickly date a space. If you love a trend, incorporate it in ways that are easy to change, like wall paint or accessories.
- Double-Check Measurements: Always measure twice before purchasing vanities, bathtubs, or custom joinery. Accurate dimensions avoid expensive returns or awkward fittings.
- Add More Storage Than You Think You Need:You’ll never regret extra storage. Use vertical space, recessed niches, and under-sink solutions to keep your dream bathroom clutter-free.
- Light It Right:Combine task lighting (like vanity lights) with ambient lighting for a well-lit, welcoming space. Consider dimmers for a spa-like vibe.
- Ventilation is Non-Negotiable: Proper ventilation protects against mould and moisture damage. Install a quality exhaust fan and/or operable windows to keep the air fresh and dry.
- Keep a Contingency Fund:Even the best plans can face surprises, and hidden water damage or plumbing issues can arise mid-project. Set aside 10–15% of your budget just in case.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Renovation
Planning a renovation isn’t just about knowing what to do; it’s also about knowing what not to do. Avoiding common missteps can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress throughout your existing bathroom remodel. Here are three pitfalls homeowners often face, and how you can prevent them.
- Overlooking Waterproofing and Ventilation
Proper waterproofing isn’t optional; it’s essential for protecting your bathroom against long-term damage. Skipping or rushing this step can lead to:
- Leaks behind tiles.
- Mould and mildew growth.
- Costly structural damage over time.
To avoid issues, make sure waterproofing is done by a licensed professional and complies with Australian Standards (such as AS 3740). Also, don’t forget ventilation. A quality exhaust fan or operable window helps control humidity and prevents moisture-related problems before they start.
- Choosing Style Over Functionality
A beautiful bathroom should also be practical. It’s easy to get carried away with design trends, but some stylish choices can lead to daily frustrations. For example:
- Matte tiles look sleek but tend to show stains and water spots more easily.
- Freestanding bathtubs look stunning but are harder to clean around and require more space.
Striking a balance between visual appeal and everyday usability is key. Prioritise fixtures and finishes that suit your lifestyle, especially if you have kids, elderly parents, or accessibility needs.
- Not Having a Contingency Budget
No matter how well you plan, unexpected costs can still pop up. You might encounter:
- Fluctuations in material prices.
- Hidden water damage or plumbing issues.
- Design tweaks or upgrades during construction.
To stay on track, set aside a contingency buffer of 10% to 15% of your total renovation budget. This safety net protects your timeline and ensures you’re not caught off guard by surprise expenses.
Conclusion: Ready to Renovate? Let’s Make It Easy
Bathroom renovations can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan and checklist, you’ll move forward confidently.
At Class Constructions, we’re committed to making the process smooth, transparent, and client-first, from your free site visit to your final styling touches.
If you’re ready to upgrade your bathroom, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Book a consultation or explore our bathroom renovation services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Key Steps in the Demolition Phase of Renovating Your Bathroom?
The demolition phase of renovating your bathroom includes carefully removing old fixtures, Joinery, and flooring. It’s essential to consult professionals if you’re unsure about handling plumbing or electrical work during this phase. Make sure to have a plan for the disposal of the old materials and prepare the area for the construction phase.
Most importantly ensure it is not asbestos, you can get a test if there is any uncertainty, any doubts please call a licenced removalist.
How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Project Typically Take?
The length of a bathroom renovation project can vary widely depending on the scope of work. On average, minor renovations might take a few weeks to complete, while extensive remodels could take several months. Factors such as the size of your bathroom, the complexity of tasks, and the availability of materials can all impact the timeline.
What Are Some Tips for Choosing Flooring Materials?
When choosing flooring materials for your bathroom, consider durability, slip resistance, and ease of maintenance. Porcelain tiles are a popular choice due to their water resistance and variety of designs. Also, factor in how the flooring will complement other elements like joineryand bathroom fixtures in your design.
Why Should You Consider Hiring Bathroom Renovators?
Hiring bathroom renovators can bring expertise and experience to your project, ensuring that complex tasks such as plumbing and electrical work are done correctly. Professionals can also help you navigate the planning phase, providing insights on materials and finishes that will work best for your space while keeping your renovation within budget.
What Are the Finishing Touches Necessary for a Complete Bathroom?
The finishing touches for a complete bathroom include installing lighting fixtures, adding decorative elements, and ensuring that all plumbing fixtures are properly fitted. Consider incorporating natural light through windows or skylights, and choose a countertop that enhances the overall aesthetic. These details will help transform your renovation into the bathroom of your dreams.
