7 Pro Tips for a Successful Bathroom Remodel

We asked top-rated Angi pros and remodeling experts to share their tips for a successful bathroom renovation. Here’s their advice for putting your plans in motion and completing your project:

1. Give yourself time.

“The biggest thing homeowners tend to overlook when renovating their bathroom is timeframe. It will take longer than you think 99 percent of the time,” says Anthony Weissenberg, a Denver-based real estate agent and remodeling expert.

2. Focus on layout.

Ensure you think through the layout of your bathroom — it’s a very personal space, says Niko Papaheraklis, Business Manager of FineCraft Contractors in Gaithersburg, Md. “You want to ensure there’s comfort, convenience and usability throughout.”

3. Don’t rush your demo.

“One major mistake homeowners make is demoing their bathroom too soon” says Weissenberg. “Many products, especially tile, are special order and will take time to arrive. It’s a good idea to have everything onsite prior to demo day.”

4. Never overlook waterproofing.

The most important part of a bathroom remodel is waterproofing, says Weissenberg. He urges homeowners to seal tub and shower areas before tiling, to seal grout where needed, and to and use quality plumbing supplies. “Forgetting or skimping on waterproofing can ruin your new bathroom and necessitate expensive repairs,” he says.

5. Let in natural light.

Features like skylights and sky tubes brighten the space and improve the mood and ambiance of your bathroom, says Papaheraklis. “We always suggest incorporating lots of natural light in bathroom designs. Natural light also brings a little nature into the bathroom. That’s something we see a lot of people wanting.”

6. Research trends.

Following current design trends may be tempting, but it’s not always smart, says Weissenberg. “Classic is always in style.”

7. Think ahead.

Think it through when choosing pieces for your new bathroom, says Weissenberg. “Will the new wall-mounted vanity work with the existing plumbing? Probably not. Be careful not to create new problems for yourself.”