The 5 Stage Renovation Process focusing specifically on how to renovate a bathroom and project manage the entire job.
Each stage will be broken down into bite-size chunks for easy digestion. It will also be full of practical tips and builder’s hacks to get you on the right path with your renovation.
This step-by-step approach will help you gain the knowledge and confidence to better manage your DIY bathroom renovation or at least know how to work with someone who is going to do it for you.
Whether it’s your architect or your builder. Heck it could even be your Uncle Frank. No matter which way you go you’ll be on top of things right from the start.
How to Renovate a Bathroom?
Created by an Experienced, Licensed Builder
This process has been something I’ve refined over the past two decades during my days running a building company in Sydney, Australia.
What I’ll be showing you is exactly the process that I have used day in, day out on all my home builds and renovations. So you’ll be getting first-hand experience in how to do and how not to do a bathroom renovation.
As with all home improvement projects, there is a rhythm and a flow to them. Certain things need to start before other jobs can progress. If you miss any of the essential steps then it could create a domino effect.
However, sometimes things don’t always go according to plan, like unseasonal weather conditions, late supplier deliveries or even financing issues. When getting to grips with how to renovate a bathroom, this is one of the key things to get your head around.
But as with everything in life, the better you plan for contingencies, the better you’ll be able to quickly deal with any set backs.
I find that keeping calm (and having a few beers!) always helps to even things out when the SHTF. So find your calm zone and make sure you use it during the renovation process.
So What Exactly is the 5 Stage Renovation Process?
The 5 stages can essentially be grouped into 3 core elements: Research, Planning, and Construction.
Below is a brief outline of each one.
Stage 1: Research
As the name suggests, this is when you start gathering all your ideas together and working out what you’d like your bathroom to look like. It’s probably the most fun part of the entire renovation process – although completing the job does run a very close second.
It’s never been easier to source great designs, find inspiration, and learn how to renovate a bathroom. The previously exclusive world of interior design has now been cracked open for everyone to peek inside. And with no end of online websites catering for the home improvement addict, you can literally track down exactly what you’re after in an afternoon.
Websites like Pinterest, Houzz and HiPages are a great start!
For more in-depth information check out, Where to Find Bathroom Design Ideas, Inspiration and organize them
Stage 2: Planning
Once you have a good idea of what you’d like your bathroom to look like, the next stage is putting everything in place and making sure you calculate your costs.
Things to consider now would be:
Plans & sketches
- Will you hire someone to do this?
- Draw your own plans with online software?
- Or sketch the plans on a scaled diagram?
- Read more: How to prepare renovation plans?
Job file structure
- How will you get prepared & organized before the work begins?
Finishes schedule
- Selecting & documenting your bathroom finishes.
- Read more: Bathroom Finishes: Documenting Your Selection’s Process
Budget Cost Calculator
- Using a bathroom remodel cost calculator to keep on top of your renovation budget.
- Read more: Know Your Numbers With a Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator
Stage 3: Pre Construction
Now we get to the hiring people and project timeline stage.
Finding contractors
- Who will you need for each job?
- Where can you find them?
- Read more: How Do I Find The Best Building Contractors?
Planning out your project timeline
- Who does what and when?
- Read more: Planning a Project Timeline With a Construction Schedule Template
Stage 4: Construction
Here we go! This is the meat and potatoes of the entire bathroom renovation. It’s where everyone gets to work.
But before getting started you need to have a site establishment checklist on hand.
Read more: Use a Site Establishment Checklist Before Starting Construction
Some of the key areas that will be covered in this stage include:
- Demolition
- Carpentry
- Wall Linings
- Waterproofing
- Tiling
- Plumbing / Electrical
- Painting
- Shower Screens
- Joinery
Stage 5: Project Completion
This is when you breathe a sigh of relief and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
But before you do, there are always a few final last minute things to tidy up before you can enjoy your new bathroom.
Read more: Complete Bathroom Renovation
So that’s it in a nutshell. As you can see the 5 Stage Renovation Process flows in a logical way and will help guide you through your home improvement project.
Once you work through the process you’ll certainly know how to renovate a bathroom like an expert.
Enjoy your renovation.
All the best,
James Mason
