How to Make Your Bathroom Remodel Totally Stress-Free

While the prospect of turning your current bathroom into the space of your dreams is totally exciting, gutting this heavily used room can cause some headaches. Given how essential a bathroom is, a renovation can be very disruptive to your home life. But with a little bit of planning (and some go-to tips), you can make sure your bathroom reno goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Plan a Time Convenient For Your Schedule

A bathroom remodel can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the scope of the project. And you should always be prepared for delays and unexpected issues to pop up. 

So, even if your contractor says the new bathroom will be ready just in time for your in-laws’ annual visit, avoid starting a project before big holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s. This time of year can be stressful even without being down a bathroom.

2. Consider the Weather

You may also want to plan the remodel when the weather is mild, like in early fall or spring. Doors may need to be propped open to carry in materials and supplies, and windows may need to be left open for ventilation. 

If you live somewhere with particularly snowy winters, this might not be a great time for a remodel—the snow can cause water to come into your house, making your floors dirty and risking water damage. Plus, you probably don’t want to wear a coat while trying to cook family dinner.

3. Set a Schedule

If you’re down a bathroom and everyone rushes to shower before work and school, this can create a major traffic jam—and cause some tardiness. Create a bathroom schedule so no one has to risk facing a cold shower or running into the office with unwashed hair.

4. Get Your Toiletries in Order

Along with showering, other bathroom must-dos should be taken into consideration. Remove and organize your toiletries for easy use, knowing you might have to brush your teeth at the kitchen sink or do your makeup with your phone’s camera at some point. Building a caddy for every household member is a great idea! 

Stock up and have extra toiletries, such as toilet paper and tissues, ready to go in your functioning bathroom to accommodate the extra use. This bathroom may also need to be cleaned and disinfected more often than usual.

5. Prepare for Noise

Bathroom remodels can be loud with a lot of clanking pipes and whirling power tools. Again, the construction may take several days or even weeks, so you want to be prepared. 

Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs may come in handy to help you cope, especially if you are working from home. If you are living the WFH life and the noise is interfering, you may need to find a backup location you can retreat to. A local coffee shop, perhaps?

6. Hire a Trusted Professional

In order to find the best professional for your needs and budget, contact a local bathroom remodeling pro. Get more than one quote and check their availability to begin the project. 

Word of mouth from neighbors, friends, and family is a great way to find a pro. If you can’t get a referral the old-fashioned way, research some local professionals and look at reviews from past customers. You can also look up the company on Angi or ask the contractors for references you can contact.