Hey reno lovers! If you’ve found our page you’re probably thinking about renovating your bathroom. Whether you are a seasoned pro or newbie, we hope this step-by-step guide will be helpful for your next bathroom renovation.

Step 1 – Get Inspired

Hands up if you have an obsessively curated Pinterest page full of inspiration for furniture, finishes, decor and home accessories. Just us? Pinterest is the perfect place to start getting inspired. Take a look at this board, or this one, or this one, or just do your own search. Want to see what other people in the city are doing with their homes? Check out property listings at www.realtor.ca. 

Visit showrooms and bath centers. Given what’s going on around us, this may not be the right time to take your search out into the real world, but once we’re back to business as usual, you’ll want to check out the dozens of amazing retailers in this city. Don’t know where to start looking? Check out our where to shop post.

One of the best parts of living in Toronto is the incredible trade shows that come to the city every year. If your timing works out you absolutely have to check them out. IDS runs every January and the National Home Show is here every March just in time for spring.

Step 2 – Make a Plan

Do you hire a designer or can you do it yourself? Does your bathroom just need a facelift or do you have to do a whole remodel? The answers to those questions will change the duration of your project, the total cost and the number of trades you will need to hire to get it done. 

Is it time to get rid of that soaker tub that hasn’t been used in years? Maybe now is the time to add that heated floor or walk-in shower you’ve dreamt of. One of the most important things to consider is storage and day-to-day function. Sure those floating countertop vanities look great, but without drawers your toothbrushes, skin products and spare TP are going to be sitting out in the open ruining the clean aesthetic you were going for.

Pro tip: Building a shower shelf into the wall is a great way to keep your bath/shower clutter free. We love this one: Kohler Choreograph.

Step 3 – Find a Contractor

Do yourself a favour and interview at least three. Compare their quotes, timelines and Homestar reviews. Keep in mind that if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

Don’t know where to start looking? Ask your agent if he/she knows anyone that can help. Realtors normally have trades who help them prepare their listings for the market. Check Facebook and post in neighbourhood groups. Chances are that your friends and neighbours have been through this before and someone will have a referral for you.

Pro tip: Make sure you have defined start/end dates and confirm that your contractor isn’t committed elsewhere. Once the bathroom renovation starts, it’s important to have it move along quickly.

Questions to ask the contractor:

• Start / end date
• Does their quote include materials? Suggestion: you choose tiles and have the contractor pickup for you
• What type of membrane do they use?
• Does their quote include demolition and clean up?
• Who will be working on this job? Is the contractor an all around handyman? I’d be weary of a contractor that says they “do it all” …especially when it comes to plumbing and electrical work
• Do they have references?
• Can they send you a portfolio with detailed photos of past work? Pay attention to tile details…nothing worse that crooked tile work

Step 4 – Start Shopping

You’re ready to start shopping! Check out our Where to Shop for your Next Bathroom Reno post here.