At the start of the new year, a primary bathroom renovation wasn’t even a blip on my radar – let alone in my immediate budget. Cut to: a surprise plumbing leak that quickly changed the course of my meticulously laid-out plans for our other home projects.

Amidst the unexpected chaos, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give you a behind the scenes look at a full-scale renovation project from the perspective of an interior designer. From the very first before shots to the final design plans – I’m talking timelines, budgets, and all of the details on selecting materials for a project of this size.

And of course, I couldn’t resist sharing my Top 10 Most Valuable Tips for those of you planning your own primary bathroom renovation. Consider this a lifeline if you’re ever on the brink of insanity from a home project and feel free to Pin these suggestions for future reference!

So how did we get ourselves into this mess?

One morning I noticed a small puddle of water on my freshly cleaned kitchen counter. My type A brain obviously couldn’t let that go, so I wiped up the spot only to find ANOTHER puddle a few minutes later. It was then that I looked up and noticed the water dripping from a can light in the ceiling. One frantic call to a plumber and a thorough investigation later led us to the culprit: a sewage leak from the toilet on our second floor.

Further inspection of the leak revealed that the damage extended into the exterior walls of our laundry room and kitchen. After removing our kitchen cabinets, a portion of our laundry room wall, and a section of tile in the bathroom, we realized this was going to be a bigger project than we originally thought. Not to mention, all of this happened a week before Christmas with guests set to arrive for the holiday.

Talk about impeccable timing.

The first thing we did after finding the leak was assemble a team to help us navigate the loss. Fortunately, I had already been interviewing contractors for other projects and had just the guys in mind to help us out. They were at our home within the hour and worked with our insurance company to handle all of the repair requirements.

Next, we had to figure out the finances. Budgeting for an unplanned primary bathroom renovation can be really stressful. Your primary bathroom can be a great return-on-investment for your home, so every decision should by made thoughtfully. Thankfully, our homeowners insurance will reimburse some of the costs of the damage, but we’re on our own for the remaining costs.

Here’s what our bathroom looks like now that the remediation is complete:

Not surprisingly, any damaged material caused by a toilet leak is automatically considered a biohazard and deemed unsafe for living conditions. So, before any construction work can officially start, all of the damage has to be thoroughly dried out and deemed “safe” for use.

For the next few weeks, containment systems and heaters will fill our house to remove excess moisture from the floors and walls. I anticipate it will be very loud and intrusive, but I hope it will also help keep some of the cold out (considering everything is ripped down to the studs)!

Now that we’ve plunged into a full-scale project, I’ve crafted a plan and created a list outlining what I consider the most essential items for planning a successful primary bathroom renovation. Lucky for you, I’m including all of these tips below!

My Top 10 Tips for a Successful Primary Bathroom Renovation

Renovating, especially as a result of a plumbing emergency, comes with its fair share of challenges. From unexpected expenses to the temporary loss of functional spaces, every obstacle can quickly test your patience. That’s why I’m sharing the steps I’m taking to make sure our primary bathroom renovation moves along smoothly.

1. Establish a realistic budget. I always aim to educate my clients on a projects final estimated costs. However, final costs cannot fully be determined until the scope of work & materials are finalized. That said, it’s still important to set a realistic amount that you are willing to spend. This will also help guide you in the material selection process.
   
   
2. Set a realistic timeline. Consider anything that may impact your schedule, like material and/or contractor availability to unplanned delays. Having a proposed schedule mapped out also allows you to plan for alternative arrangements if you are down a bathroom. Plus, a well-determined schedule keeps your construction team accountable.
   
   
3. Invest time into researching and selecting quality materials. Consider the durability, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal of materials while also balancing your preferences with practical considerations when necessary.
   
   
4. Choose a competent team. Selecting the right team to help you complete your primary bathroom renovation is crucial for the success of the project. Don’t be afraid to research local contractors, check their reviews, and ask for referrals. Confirm they are licensed and insured and have completed projects similar to yours. (Check out this post on the 7 Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a General Contractor.)
   
   
5. Prioritize must-haves & nice-to-haves. Prioritizing helps the decision making process move along smoothly. If budget constraints arise, it’s easier to focus on the essential elements needed before allocating funds to those luxury items. You can always add the luxury items later when funds are available!
   
   
6. Plan plumbing fixture placement. Consider the existing layout of your primary bathroom. Any extensive reconfiguration of plumbing fixtures can add to costs. If replacing these fixtures, be sure to check their stats for water conservation and energy efficiency. The same goes for all electrical work!
   
   
7. Assess storage needs to optimize function. Consider built-in storage solutions or vanities with ample drawer and cabinet space. Optimize vertical space or customized storage solutions if needed. Remember to always build storage to your needs.
   
   
8. Determine what you can reuse. Always make a list of items that you could reuse or repurpose to save on costs. It’s very easy to make old things look new again just by swapping out the materials around them.
   
   
9. Plan for contingencies. Anticipate unforeseen challenges by allocating a portion of your budget and timeline for unexpected issues. This will help manage stress and ensures that the project stays on track – even when faced with surprises.
   
   
10. Seek professional design advice. If you find the decision-making process overwhelming, consider consulting with a designer. Designers can help with space optimization, scope of work recommendations, and timeless material selection. I personally offer In-Home Consultations which are an incredibly valuable investment as you start any project!

Needless to say, this project is really challenging me to create a champagne bathroom on a beer budget. Although my goal is to achieve a high-end look, I know I’ll need to be flexible with final material selections and stay financially savvy. I have tons of ideas to get our bathroom back in order, but I’ll save that for the next post.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you may have about preparing for a primary bathroom renovation below. I can’t wait to share more with you and hope you follow along to watch the process unfold!