Bathroom renovation order: from strip-out to sealant

A bathroom renovation starts with the design and technical preparation. Pipework, electrics and waterproofing need to be right before they are hidden behind the finishes.

Agree with the contractor who will carry out each stage and when you will inspect the work. Allow for the drying times of the chosen materials too. The next tradesperson’s schedule depends on more than the day the previous job is finished.

1. Finalise the design and products

Decide on the layout, sanitaryware, tiles, lighting and ventilation. Check the space available for drainage and the floor height.

2. Strip out and inspect the surfaces underneath

Protect anything that will stay. After the strip-out, check the condition of the pipework, floor and walls. Discuss unexpected repairs before the next job starts.

3. Structural preparation and connections

Prepare the walls and structure. Install water, drainage, electrics and ventilation to the same plan. Have the pipework and connections checked before the walls and floors are closed up. They are still accessible at that point.

4. Prepare the surfaces and waterproofing

Prepare flat walls and a suitable floor. The shower floor must slope towards the drain. Apply waterproofing where needed and take photos when you check it.

You can find the details in waterproofing, tiling and ventilation.

5. Tile and grout

Only start tiling once the surface is ready and the necessary drying time has passed. Discuss the grout layout, corners and junctions in advance. This settles the finishing details before the tiles are fitted.

6. Fit sanitaryware and finish the room

Install units and sanitaryware, finish the connections and apply sealant according to the product instructions. Observe the waiting time before using water.

7. Inspect the finished work at handover

Check taps, drainage, ventilation, lighting and visible finishes together. List anything that needs putting right and agree a date. What a bathroom quote does not cover explains which work may have been outside the agreed job and still needs paying for.

Make clear in advance who will carry out each stage. When several contractors are involved, the preparation by one must be suitable for the next person’s work. Preparing your bathroom helps you make those arrangements.

What to do now

• schedule inspections after the pipework and after the waterproofing
• have the preparatory work inspected before it is covered up
• coordinate the next job with the inspection and drying time of the previous work