A bathroom remodel goes much more smoothly when you’ve thought it through before work starts. Changing your mind halfway through, or finding out your new vanity doesn’t fit, costs time and money.
Maryland Home Improvement Company has been remodeling bathrooms in Catonsville, Baltimore County and Howard County since 2000. Here’s the checklist we’d give a friend who was planning one.
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Fix
Start by listing what bothers you about your bathroom now. Common answers:
- Not enough storage
- Poor lighting
- A tub you never use, or a shower that’s too small
- Hard to clean or showing its age
- Mold, peeling paint or poor ventilation
- Not safe or comfortable for an older family member
- Not enough room for two people in the morning
Then list your must-haves and your nice-to-haves. This keeps you focused when you’re choosing between options later.
Step 2: Think About Who Uses the Room
- Is it a primary bath, hall bath, kids’ bath or guest bath?
- Do you plan to stay in the home for many years? Consider features like a curbless shower, grab bars or a comfort-height toilet.
- Are you remodeling to sell soon? Then you may want to keep choices simpler and broadly appealing.
Step 3: Set a Realistic Budget
- Decide on a budget range you’re comfortable with
- Set aside part of your budget for surprises. Older bathrooms sometimes hide water damage under the floor or behind the tile.
- Decide where to spend and where to save. Many people splurge on the shower and save on accessories.
Step 4: Keep the Layout or Change It?
Moving the toilet, shower or sink means moving drain and water lines, which adds work and cost. Keeping the layout is usually simpler.
- Can the layout stay the same?
- Do you want to convert a tub to a shower, or the other way around?
- Do you want a double vanity? Is there room?
- Measure the room, including the door swing and window locations
Step 5: Pick Your Fixtures
- Shower or tub: tile shower, prefab shower, soaking tub, whirlpool tub, tub-shower combo
- Shower glass: door, fixed panel or curtain
- Vanity: size, storage, single or double sink
- Countertop: material and color
- Toilet: height, style and water use
- Faucets and showerhead: finish (chrome, brushed nickel, black, brass) and features
Keep finishes consistent so everything looks like it belongs together.
Step 6: Choose Floors and Walls
- Floor tile or vinyl suited to wet areas
- Shower wall tile and any accent tile
- Wall paint suited to bathrooms
- Heated floors, if you want them. They need their own electrical circuit.
Step 7: Plan Lighting, Outlets and Ventilation
These get overlooked, and they make a big difference.
- Lighting at the mirror so your face isn’t in shadow
- Overhead or recessed lighting
- A light in the shower, if appropriate
- GFCI-protected outlets where you’ll use a hair dryer or toothbrush
- An exhaust fan that’s sized for the room and vented outside to help prevent moisture and mold
Our owner is a Maryland Master Electrician (#12441), so lighting, outlets, fans and heated floors are wired by our own team.
Step 8: Plan Your Storage
- Vanity drawers versus doors
- Medicine cabinet or mirror
- Shower niche for shampoo and soap
- Linen closet, shelves or a tall cabinet
- Towel bars and hooks, and where they’ll go
Step 9: Permits and Inspections
Bathroom remodels that involve plumbing or electrical work typically need permits. We pull the required permits for your project and schedule the inspections. Plumbing work is done by a licensed plumber on our team.
Step 10: Plan for Life During the Remodel
- If this is your only bathroom, how will you manage while it’s out of service?
- Clear out the bathroom and nearby areas before work starts
- Plan for pets and kids around the work area
- Ask your contractor about the expected timeline and how they’ll keep you updated
Step 11: Gather Your Ideas
- Save photos of bathrooms you like
- Note specific products you’ve seen
- Take photos of your current bathroom to share with your contractor
Step 12: Choose the Right Contractor
- Check that they hold a Maryland Home Improvement Commission license. Ours is MHIC #77900.
- Make sure they’ll pull permits
- Get a written quote that describes the work
- Look at photos of their past bathroom projects
Ready to Plan Your Bathroom?
You can see before-and-after bathroom projects on our Portfolio page and learn more about our bathroom remodeling services. When you’re ready, request a quote and send us photos of your bathroom, or call or text (410) 719-9600. We serve Catonsville, Baltimore County and Howard County.
