Bathroom Renovation Steps: The Guide to Doing It Right

Renovating a bathroom is one of the most profitable projects in a home. It is also one of the easiest to misplan. Between deadlines, coordinating materials, and the succession of trades, a poor sequence can quickly drive up the cost.

This guide presents the steps to follow for a successful renovation, whether you hire professionals or manage part of the work yourself.

Key Points to Remember

• Planning before work is the most important step
• The order of the steps determines the quality of the final result
• Some work (plumbing, electricity) requires a licensed RBQ contractor
• Materials must be chosen before the start of the work
• A well-renovated bathroom significantly increases a property's value

Where to Start: Planning

Before touching any wall, the project must be clearly defined. What is the overall budget? Is it a complete or partial renovation? Is the current plumbing layout being kept?

It is at this stage that materials are chosen: vanities, showers, SMC bases, PVC panels, faucets, and accessories. Making these decisions in advance avoids work stoppages, as some products have delivery times. Order your products several weeks before the start of work to ensure you have everything on hand.

Step 1: Demolition

Once the planning is complete, we tackle the existing elements. Removal of tiles, furniture, bathtub or shower, and sometimes the entire wall covering.

This is also the best time to inspect the condition of the walls, floor, and pipes. Hidden damage, mold, rotten wood, or rust are common in poorly ventilated bathrooms. It’s better to discover them now than during the finishing stages.

Step 2: Plumbing and Electricity

If the project involves moving elements or modifying existing installations, this is the stage when plumbers and electricians come into play. In Quebec, these tasks must be entrusted to licensed RBQ contractors — you can verify the validity of a license directly in their online registry.

Even if the layout remains the same, a plumber will often need to replace valves or reconfigure fittings for the new equipment.

Step 3: Walls and Floor

This is the step of properly preparing the walls before installing the finishing materials. First, we ensure that the surfaces are solid, straight, and ready to receive the next products, whether for gypsum walls, waterproof membranes, wall tiles, or PVC panels.

Proper preparation is essential to ensure durability, watertightness, and quality of the final result. Once the walls are ready and completed, ceramic floor tiles or underfloor heating can then be installed.

The order of work is important: walls are always finished before the floor to avoid damaging the new floor surfaces during the work.

Step 4: installation of sanitary elements

Once the surfaces are ready, installation is done in this order:

Element	Why this order
Bathtub or shower base	Installed before the final adjacent walls
Vanity and sink	Installed after the finished floor
Toilet	Last piece to install
Faucets and accessories	Once all elements are in place

Choosing coordinated products from the planning stage greatly facilitates this step.

Step 5: finishes and accessories

Finishes make all the difference in the visual result. We install the mirrors and lighting, set up the bathroom accessories like towel racks, grab bars, and hooks, then seal the silicone joints around the bathtub, shower, and sink. Before closing the walls, check that every connection is watertight.

The most common mistakes to avoid

The first mistake is choosing materials too late. Delivery times can halt an entire project for several days. Next comes waterproofing, often skipped to save time: yet it is what protects the structure from moisture in the long term. Ventilation is also regularly underestimated. According to Health Canada, excessive humidity is the main cause of mold in homes. Finally, starting without a precise plan remains the most costly mistake: every change decided during the work multiplies costs and delays.

What to do now

If you plan a renovation in the coming months, start by making an inventory of what you want to change and set your priorities. Before contacting a contractor, begin by looking at inspiration mockups, measure your space, and browse the different products, bathtubs, showers, vanities, tiles. Once your project idea is concrete, get at least two quotes from licensed contractors for plumbing and electrical work.

Taking care of your new bathroom

A good renovation lasts for decades if well maintained. Make it a habit to thoroughly dry surfaces after each use to prevent limescale. Check silicone joints once a year and redo them as soon as they show signs of wear. Make sure the fan works well: it manages daily ambient humidity. And avoid abrasive products on tiles and faucets, which dull surfaces and shorten their lifespan.

Take action with confidence

If you’re unsure about the order of priorities, our team can help you structure the project according to your budget.

For any questions about products or compatibility, contact us.

FAQ

How long does a complete bathroom renovation take?

The duration varies depending on the scope of work, contractor availability, and material delivery times. A partial renovation can be completed in a few days, while a full renovation usually takes several weeks. Good planning makes all the difference.

Is a permit required to renovate a bathroom in Quebec?

A municipal permit may be required if you modify the structure or move walls. To check your municipality’s requirements, consult the Quebec municipalities directory.

What are the best materials for a moisture-resistant bathroom?

Tiles, PVC panels, and SMC shower bases are among the best options. Waterproof and easy to clean, they adapt well to humid environments.

Can you renovate a bathroom yourself?

Yes, partly. Installing tiles, vanities, and finishing touches can be done DIY. However, plumbing and electrical work must be entrusted to licensed professionals in Quebec.

How to choose between a bathtub and a shower during a renovation?

It depends on lifestyle, available space, and priorities. An SMC base shower is practical for everyday use, while a bathtub is ideal if comfort and resale value are important factors.