Help & advice
Where do I start planning a new bathroom? What is the to do list?
Planning a new bathroom can feel overwhelming - what comes first, what's essential, and how do you avoid costly mistakes? Don't worry, we've distilled the key steps into a handy guide to help you get started, packed with practical tips to kick-off your bathroom project. Keeping track of all of this feeling like too much effort? We have even made an interactive checklist for you to tick-off as you go too.
Decide on what to prioritise
Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Before diving into design decision time, spend some time clarifying your wants vs. needs. Ask yourself:
- Who will use this bathroom?
- Is it a guest bathroom, family hub, or en suite oasis?
- Is this your forever home, or are you planning to move in the next few years?
- Start with two lists - the essentials (like more storage) and the desirables (a walk-in shower and a freestanding bath), then prioritise based on what’s realistic for your budget and space.
Budget first, decide later
Pro Tip: Don't forget to set a budget early on. Bathroom renovations can vary greatly depending on whether you're replacing items in the same spots or completely reconfiguring the layout. Include a healthy contingency (at least 10%) into your budget for the unexpected rotten joists / wall / old pipe replacements.
Create a to-scale plan and design your layout
Your layout decisions will depend on your space, the type of fixtures you want, and how much you're willing to move things around (hint: moving a toilet is the priciest!). Here’s where to start:
- Measure your bathroom
- Create a to-scale floor plan
- Mark all the really important bits - like soil pipes, windows, doors, and wall types (solid or stud)
- Think about flow - is there enough room to move around comfortably? Can doors and cupboards open easily?
Wondering how much space to leave around, between and to the sides of toilets basins baths and showers? We've got you covered - read more on those critical bathroom dimensions. Then the earlier you decide on features like wall-mounted taps or concealed showers, the better. These choices impact wall thickness and overall layout.
Choose fixtures, materials, and style
Now for the fun part - deciding on the overall look! Are you going for a sleek modern vibe, or something more traditional? Think carefully about:
- Materials - tiles, flooring, and finishes
- Fixtures - bath, shower, basin, and storage options
- Lighting A light on either side of your mirror is ideal for reducing shadows.
Start off with a wide search
Before deciding on a single look, go off and gather a long list of all the images you like. This could be physical – magazines, photographs – or digital, this is where sites like Pinterest come into their own. Pin all the images you like (in a private board if you'd rather).
Then narrow it down
Ask yourself what you like about the images you've gathered. What's the common thread? Is there a colour that stands out or a texture, shape, look? And then ask yourself which of these can apply to your bathroom, in your house, considering what's practical for the people using it.
Land on your style, create a mood board!
You want one place to refer to that shows: The overall look you are going for, specifics like colour, wall and floor textures, fixtures / metals, style of sanitaryware, taps, lighting and accessories. Create a mood board!
Pro tip: Ensure everything fits your plan and check delivery lead times-tiles, for example, can take *months* to arrive.
Materials that require low energy to produce, or natural materials delivered without intensive mining, have the least impact on the planet. Look for certification and information on sourcing and manufacturing processes when you are making a decision.
Find the right trades
The people you hire can make or break your renovation.
- Friends, family, and local forums are your best bet for trustworthy trades
- Do your research - check reviews, past projects, and even financial health (yes, it's worth a Companies House search)
- Get three quotes - ensure you receive detailed breakdowns of costs for materials and labour. Clarify if quotes are fixed or estimates
- Immediate availability might be a red flag - quality trades are often in high demand
We've got you covered. Read more here on how to find good trades for your project.
Prep like a pro
Lead time dependent, at least six weeks before the work starts, get practical.
- Order materials - allow extra time for deliveries, and check for damages or missing items early. Pay attention to returns options and timing
- Plan where to store them - bathroom furniture takes up a lot of space, as do stacks of boxes of tiles!
- Protect your home - cover floors and seal off rooms to minimise dust
You'll also need to clarify details with your tradespeople, such as schedules, access to your home, and how you'll communicate during the project.
Renovate
The actual renovation work of a typical bathroom takes around 3–4 weeks, broken into these phases:
- Demolition - removing tiles, flooring, and old fixtures
- Building work - replacing windows, re-enforcing floor joists etc
- First fix - laying pipes and installing cables
- Plastering and tiling - including floor preparation and sealing / waterproofing
- Second fix - installing the sanitaryware, the fixtures
- Decoration - painting, decorating, and snagging
During the process, keep an eye on progress and tackle any issues immediately. Better to address a misaligned tile now than regret it later!
Snagging and final checks
Once the work is done, test everything before your trades leave. Run the shower, flush the toilet, and make sure taps work smoothly. It's also wise to ask where access points (like cisterns) are for future maintenance.
Want the fullest to do list ever?
This is just the beginning. Our bathroom planning to do list takes you step-by-step through everything you need to think about, from choosing your dream fixtures to comparing quotes. It's free and will save you countless headaches down the line!
Frequently asked questions
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