Not sure where to start during the process of your bathroom remodeling? KBR Kitchen & Bath shows how homeowners can tackle a bathroom remodel, from arranging and selecting bathroom remodeling contractors to finishing the final walkaround.
Start Your Bathroom Renovation with a Clear Plan
It is important to start your bathroom remodeling by making a plan before you change anything. Working without preparation often makes for mid-project hassles, extra costs, and extra stress in the long run.
Define Your Bathroom Remodeling Goals
Start by asking: Why are you remodeling? Is it to fix outdated finishes, create more space, or increase your home’s value before selling? Each goal leads to different choices and priorities. Double sinks and more storage can meet the needs of families raising their kids, while couples who are downsizing will want a less complicated plan.
Setting goals helps your design stick from the beginning and prevents you from being distracted by pointless decorations.
Create a Realistic Budget and Timeline
Set a clear budget before any shopping or demolition begins. This budget should cover:
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Labor and contractor fees
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Materials, fixtures, and finishes
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Unexpected costs (10–15% contingency fund)
Timelines vary depending on the remodel’s scale. If there are significant changes or even custom fixtures needed, assembling a new bathroom could take 4–6 weeks or more. Try not to settle on tight deadlines, as there may be delays in moving goods or checking them.
Prioritize Needs Over Wants
We all dream of spa showers and freestanding tubs, but not every wish fits every budget. Work on solutions that make things more convenient in daily life. Creating better ventilation, fixing broken plumbing, or making your living space feel more open can improve the overall comfort and neatness of your home.
You could also look at simple improvements, such as adding a rainfall shower, putting a vanity on the floor, or placing electric floor heating if you afford it.
Design Comes Next: Laying the Foundation
With your plan finished, consider the style you’d like your bathroom to have and what features you want to add. How furniture operates, what it looks like, and what you like all come together at this point.
Choose a Functional Layout
A great layout makes your bathroom feel larger, flow better, and serve its purpose more efficiently. Ask yourself:
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Are the sink and shower easily accessible?
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Is there enough room to move comfortably?
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Does the door swing interfere with cabinetry?
Not changing the layout will cost less since you do not have to move pipes. If your living room doesn’t seem the best and it’s tricky to walk around, you may want to make some changes to help it feel and look better.
Select Materials, Fixtures, and Finishes
Now comes the fun part—selecting tiles, countertops, vanities, lighting, and hardware. When making choices:
- Durability matters: Porcelain or ceramic tiles don’t soak up water and stand up well to daily use.
- Maintenance counts: Quartz countertops are much easier to clean than marble.
- Style matters too: Match finishes like brushed nickel, matte black, or chrome so your whole bathroom looks pulled together.
Consulting your contractor or visiting a showroom like KBR Kitchen & Bath’s locations in Bethesda, Fairfax, or Manassas can help you see and feel the materials before committing.
Consider Storage and Accessibility Upgrades
Good storage makes even small bathrooms feel spacious. Think beyond basic vanities. Wall-mounted cabinets, recessed niches, pull-out drawers, and tall linen towers offer elegant solutions.
If you want your home to stay accessible, try adding curbless showers, some grab bars, and wider entrances. They complement current trends and will be meaningful in the home for a long time.
Find and Hire Trusted Bathroom Remodel Contractors
Any plan may fail if it does not have the proper people. The outcome of your bathroom remodeling depends on a good contractor.
Search for Bathroom Remodel Near Me
You can find a list of local bathroom remodeling companies by searching for “bathroom remodel near me.” Go for builders that have the necessary licenses and quality insurance, as well as many successful years renovating bathrooms.
Many years of assisting customers in the DMV area have earned KBR Kitchen & Bath both positive reviews and endorsements from certified builders.
Compare Bathroom Remodeling Companies and Reviews
Once you’ve narrowed your list, explore online reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, and contractor portfolios. Look for:
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Timely communication and transparency
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Clean, quality workmanship
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Projects similar to yours in scale and style
Photos and testimonials can help give you an idea of what your trip will be like. Many good companies, such as KBR Kitchen & Bath, share many before and after photos and project examples on their websites.
Request and Evaluate Multiple Estimates
Don’t go with just one option when you can get many quotes from different sellers. Get at least three estimates and check them one by one to see which one looks best to you. Make sure they detail:
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Labor and material costs
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Permits and inspections
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Project scope and completion timeline
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Warranty terms
A slightly higher quote from a reputable firm may actually save you money in the long run by preventing rework and delays.
Secure Permits and Prepare Your Space
Now that you’ve chosen your contractor and finalized your design, it’s time to handle logistics and get your home ready for remodeling.
Understand Local Regulations and Permits
Most municipalities require permits for structural, plumbing, or electrical changes—even if the project is relatively small. Your contractor should manage this for you, but make sure you understand:
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What’s being permitted
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When inspections will occur
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How long the approval process takes
Skipping permits can result in fines, delayed resale, or even having to undo completed work.
Clear the Bathroom Area and Protect Surroundings
Before demolition starts, empty every drawer and cabinet. Remove toiletries, towels, rugs, and anything fragile from nearby spaces. Set up dust barriers and floor protection in high-traffic areas between the bathroom and the home’s entrance.
If this is your only bathroom, arrange for temporary accommodations—either in another home or by creating a makeshift wash area with access to running water.
Set Expectations with Your Contractor
A pre-construction meeting ensures everyone is on the same page. Discuss:
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Daily working hours and access logistics
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Trash disposal and cleanup practices
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Who to contact in case of questions or concerns
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The process for handling changes orders or discoveries (e.g., mold, water damage)
Begin the Physical Remodel: What Happens First
This is where the transformation begins. Seeing the old space come down can be emotional—but it’s all part of the journey.
Demolition and Disposal of Old Fixtures
Demolition is loud, messy, and fast. Contractors will remove:
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Tiles, flooring, and drywall
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Sinks, tubs, and toilets
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Old cabinets or outdated lighting
Proper debris removal and disposal ensure a clean slate for the next phase. It’s also an opportunity to identify hidden issues like water damage or faulty wiring.
Plumbing and Electrical Rough-Ins
With walls and floors open, plumbers and electricians can re-route pipes and wires as needed. This includes:
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Water lines and drains for sinks, tubs, and toilets
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Ventilation ducts and exhaust fans
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Wiring for lights, outlets, and heated floors
These updates are inspected before being sealed up—so it’s a critical milestone in your bathroom remodeling project.
Structural Work and Drywall Installation
If you’re relocating walls or expanding the bathroom, now’s the time for framing. Once structural changes are made, new drywall is installed, taped, and primed—ready for tile, paint, or finishes.
Wrapping Up Your Bathroom Remodeling Project
The final stretch of your remodel brings beauty and function together.
Tile, Flooring, and Fixture Installation
Floor and wall tiles are installed first, followed by grout and sealant. Then come the big pieces:
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Vanities, sinks, and faucets
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Toilets and tubs
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Mirrors, medicine cabinets, and accessories
Attention to detail here ensures your space looks polished and performs beautifully.
Painting, Lighting, and Final Touches
Fresh paint instantly revitalizes your space. Accent colors, mood lighting, and dimmer switches can add luxury and comfort. Don’t forget finishing touches like towel bars, robe hooks, and art to personalize the space.
Final Walkthrough and Punch List Completion
Once everything’s installed, do a walkthrough with your contractor. Create a punch list of any final tweaks—paint touch-ups, loose handles, or cleanup. Only after this list is resolved should you make the final payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What should be done first when planning a bathroom remodel?
The first thing you should do is plan your kitchen remodel by setting goals, outlining your expenses, and deciding on the work needed. If it is not used effectively, the project might get off course. Creating a realistic timeline and gathering inspiration from magazines or showrooms can also help you visualize the final outcome. Consider consulting a professional early to streamline design and budgeting.
2. When would be the best time to call bathroom remodel contractors?
After your design is settled, then you should look for a contractor. A top contractor supports the development of ideas, acquires permits, and runs the renovation with safety in mind. Reaching out early allows time for scheduling and planning, especially if you’re working with a high-demand contractor. Booking ahead can also secure better rates and avoid delays.
3. Do I have to get a permit before renovating a bathroom?
Yes. Many times, you’ll need a permit to make changes in plumbing, electricity, or the layout of your home. Usually, the contractor will be responsible for coordinating the permits. Permits help ensure your remodel meets safety standards and local building codes. Skipping permits can lead to fines or issues when selling your home later.
4. About how many days does it usually take to remodel a bathroom?
It usually takes between 3 and 6 weeks, depending on the job’s scale and number of tasks. Extras, inspections, or issues with materials can cause the development process to drag on. A detailed project plan and proactive communication with your contractor can help avoid unnecessary delays. Make sure all materials are ordered and available before demolition begins.
5. What are my options for finding the perfect bathroom remodel near where I live?
Choose a nearby contractor that is licensed, has many good reviews, and has plenty of work documented in their portfolio. The showrooms at KBR Kitchen & Bath in Bethesda, Fairfax, and Manassas allow you to see the products and get professional advice.
Feeling confident in taking on your bathroom renovation? We are here to support you at KBR Kitchen & Bath. We make sure everything from advising on designs to setting up the budget and finishing construction is sleek and flawless. Check out our projects online or visit one of our locations in Bethesda, Fairfax, or Manassas. We can start working on your ideal bathroom, right away.
