When Remodeling a Bathroom, What Comes First? Start With This Key Step

Remodeling a bathroom in your Plano, Texas home can be both exciting and overwhelming.

Whether you’re updating a dated layout or tackling water damage, knowing where to begin can spare you stress, time, and costly mistakes. So, when remodeling a bathroom, what comes first?

The answer lies in careful planning and a clear understanding of the bathroom remodeling process.

Below, we provide a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your bathroom remodel from the first sledgehammer swing to the final tile grout wipe. At Luxe Haus Renovations, we know that every bathroom project has its own personality, and that success starts with doing things in the right order.

The First Step in a Bathroom Remodel: Planning & Permits

Before you pick out the perfect tile or a stylish new vanity, it’s essential to start with a solid plan.

Build a Vision for Your New Bathroom

Ask yourself these questions:

• What’s the goal of this bathroom renovation?
• Do I need a walk-in shower, a bigger tub, or more storage?
• Am I fixing damage, increasing home value, or upgrading style?

Think about the space you’re working with and how it could better serve your family’s needs.

This is the time to think about aesthetics and function.

Get a Professional Assessment

Bringing in a qualified remodeling contractor early on will help you determine:

• Whether structural changes are feasible
• The condition of plumbing, flooring, and walls
• Whether building permits are required in Plano, TX
  
  

Securing a permit is required for most major plumbing and electrical changes. Skipping this step could bring your remodel to a halt and have long-term consequences during a future home sale.

Step-by-Step Guide: What Comes After Planning?

Once plans and permits are in place, the real work begins. Here’s a logical flow to remodel a bathroom:

1. Demolition Phase: Out With the Old

This is when your existing bathroom is “gutted” to prepare for new materials.

Common demolition tasks include:

• Removing the bath, toilet, vanity, and cabinets
• Pulling up floor tiles
• Taking out drywall behind the shower or tub
• Inspecting subfloor and joist conditions
  
  

Address any mold or water damage before moving forward.

2. Plumbing and Electrical Rough-In

With walls and floors exposed, it’s time for plumbing and electrical work.

Professionals will:

• Re-route plumbing lines for a new shower, tub, sink, or toilet
• Install new faucet valves and shower pan drains
• Update or add outlets, switch locations, and new lighting

This is also when to inspect ventilation, especially if moisture problems have been an issue in the past.

Note: This step must be approved by an inspector before closing up walls.

Installing What’s Behind the Walls

3. Insulation and Drywall Installation

Next, insulation is added to exterior walls (and sometimes interior ones for noise reduction).

Then, new drywall is hung and finished.

In shower and tub areas, cement backer board is used instead of drywall. Why? It’s waterproof and durable, which is essential for wet areas.

4. Waterproofing and Wall Tile Installation

Before any tile goes in, thorough waterproofing is necessary behind the wall where your shower or tub sits.

Then it’s time to install:

• Wall tile in the shower or tub area
• Cement board for backsplashes or accent walls

Choose a tile that not only looks great but holds up well against soap, water, and frequent cleaning.

Don’t forget about grout, because the type and color can dramatically impact your final bathroom look.

Laying the Foundation: Floors and Fixtures

5. Floor Tiles and Subfloor Prep

If floor tiles were removed during demolition, now is when new ones go in.

What to consider:

• Repair or reinforce the subfloor as needed
• Ensure the floor is level and smooth
• Select slip-resistant tiles fit for high-moisture spaces

This step sets the stage for everything that comes next.

6. Install Cabinets, Vanity, and Countertops

With the floors in, it’s time to add structure and style:

• Set new cabinets or a built-in medicine cabinet
• Install a new vanity to house sinks and faucet taps
• Place countertops to finish the space and win back valuable storage

A new vanity can drastically upgrade both function and design.

Bringing It All Together: Plumbing Fixture Installation

7. Install the Big 3: Toilet, Tub, and Shower

After cabinets and vanities are secured and countertops are set, you can safely install:

• A new toilet
• A freestanding or built-in bathtub
• A walk-in shower or combination unit
  
  

Your plumbing work now comes full circle: faucets and fixtures are connected, and everything is tested for leaks and function.

Finishing Touches: Lighting, Paint, and Details

8. Add Light, Style, and Color

What’s a new bathroom without perfect lighting and the right mood?

Add:

• New lighting fixtures over the vanity and ceiling
• Fresh paint on the walls or ceiling
• Trim, mirror installation, and final hardware
  
  

This is where your renovations come to life. Small decisions like the faucet finish, cabinet hardware, and backsplash tile turn a functional space into your ideal sanctuary.

Timeline of a Bathroom Remodel in Plano, TX

The timeline for your bathroom remodel depends on scope and size, but here’s a general estimate:

Total time: 3 – 5 weeks, depending on complexity.

Tips From Luxe Haus Renovations in Plano

Our team of pros at Luxe Haus Renovations offers expert bathroom remodeling in Plano TX, that’s not only beautiful but also built to last.

Here are a few tips to ensure a seamless experience:

• Never skip waterproofing under wall tile and floor areas in the shower or tub
• Use professionals for plumbing and electrical work to avoid costly repairs later
• Let form follow function – beauty comes second to layout and safety
• Budget for unexpected surprises like mold behind walls or joist damage under the tub

Want to Know More?

Still not sure how to time your remodel or where to begin? The experts at Luxe Haus Renovations are here to help. Whether you just want to install a new vanity or gut your space for a custom walk-in oasis, we can guide you every step of the way.

Conclusion: Start Smart to Finish Strong

So when remodeling a bathroom, what comes first? It all starts with a solid plan, the right permits, and a clear sequence. From gutting the old space to adding flooring, tile, and that eye-catching new vanity, each piece plays a role in your overall bathroom renovation success.

Armed with this step-by-step guide, you’re ready to tackle your project with confidence.

Consider your timeline, plan plumbing and electrical carefully, and always prioritize structure before style.

Still have questions or facing a twist you didn’t expect? Reach out to Luxe Haus Renovations.

We’re proud to help homeowners in Plano create luxurious, long-lasting bathrooms, one carefully measured step at a time.