Before renovating the bathroom: checklist

1. What to measure

With a tape measure and a mobile phone, it only takes half an hour.

• The length of each wall and the height of the ceiling (in a prefab block of flats, also the height under the ceiling).
• Doors: width, height, and which way they open. Window: width and height of the sill.
• Where the soil stack (riser), waste, and water supply are located – distance from the nearest corner and from the floor.
• Where the sockets, switches, light, fan, and radiator are located.
• How much higher or lower the bathroom floor is compared to the hallway – this determines the level-access shower and the threshold.
• Take a photo of each wall, ceiling, and floor. With photos and measurements, we can advise you more accurately in the studio.

2. What to decide before demolition

These factors will affect the plumbing, so they are difficult to change later.

• Bathtub, shower, or both. Shower with a tray or without – a level-access shower requires 7 to 10 cm in the floor and a fall (gradient) of 1 to 2%.
• Wall-hung WC (with installation frame and installation wall) or close-coupled toilet. Bidet or bidet spray.
• Sink with a cabinet or countertop, one or two.
• Washing machine in the bathroom – where the waste, water supply, and socket will go.
• Wall-mounted or concealed mixers – the body of the concealed mixer is installed before tiling.
• Heating (heated towel rail, underfloor heating) and ventilation (fan with a timer or hygrometer).
• Lights and sockets – protective zones apply in the bathroom, leave the design to the electrician.
• Wall tiles and floor tiles: format, surface, to what height. For the shower floor, use tiles with slip resistance.
• Budget with a reserve for unexpected work that may arise after demolition.

3. In what order

A typical bathroom renovation takes 2 to 4 weeks.

1. Design and selection – layout, heights of outlets, tiles, and fixtures.
2. Ordering materials – everything should be on-site before work begins.
3. Demolition – old tiles, fixtures, in a prefab block of flats core. Usually 1 to 3 days.
4. Plumbing for water, waste, electricity, ventilation, and heating – installation frame, concealed bodies.
5. Walls, installation walls, and screed – the screed needs time to dry.
6. Waterproofing – two layers, tapes in corners, sleeves around pipes.
7. Wall and floor tiles according to the laying plan.
8. Grouting and silicone in corners and around the bathtub or shower tray.
9. Installation of fixtures, leak testing, and cleaning up.

4. What not to forget

• In a prefab block of flats, inform the administrator in advance about what needs to be reported, and let the neighbours know.
• Datum line on the wall – heights of outlets are measured from the future finished floor according to installation instructions.
• Before covering, take photos of the plumbing with a tape measure and have a pressure test of the water done.
• Access panel to the waste trap of the bathtub and to the valves, so they can be repaired without demolition.
• Tile reserve: 10% for straight laying, 15 to 20% for large formats and patterns. Keep one box for repairs.
• Electricity, water and construction modifications should be carried out by a qualified professional.