7 Tips for Planning Your Bathroom Remodel

Updating your bathroom is a great way to improve your home’s value and appeal.

Amanda Scott

Brown subway tiled wall, gray and white marble, suede gray bathrobe.

Get Inspired

Black table top, woman's hands, red nails, open pages, faucets, coffee

First things first. If you don’t have a clear vision for your remodel, start browsing magazines including our digital catalog, checking out designer blogs, and visiting open houses for ideas. Build with Ferguson’s Shop By Look is another great source of inspiration. Create your own lists using our Project Tool for an easy way to keep your ideas organized.

Make a Plan

Man and woman smiling, blue shirt, coral sweater, pen, paper, black lines

Based on your budget and remodeling goals, decide what you want to replace and what can be reused. Consider the footprint of your existing bathroom and where the utilities are located. Tearing out walls and moving plumbing can be a major expense.

Choose The Building Blocks

Oatmeal paint, gray marble veins running through wall, white toilet/sink

Once you’ve determined the scope of your remodel, it’s time to choose the products. Use the sorting feature on any Build with Ferguson category page to narrow down the styles and product features you’re looking for.

Organize Your Inspiration

Illustrations of white vanity, hand, button, white tub, black fixture.

Create separate lists for different spaces or budgets. Just click the "Save to Project” button any time you find a product you want to save. You can create as many project lists as you’d like and add or delete items at any time.

Scrimp or Splurge?

white shower, pedestal sink, diamond pattern blue and beige wall paper.

Bathroom remodels are ranked among the best home improvements in terms of return on investment. To pay off in both value and satisfaction, the project must be done well. Choose the best quality products your budget will allow, and hire a professional to do work that’s outside your skill level.

Budget-Friendly Updates

If a complete remodel isn’t in the budget, consider switching out one or more elements to update the look of the bathroom. New faucets, lighting, door hardware, cabinet knobs, accessories and decor can make a big difference.

Luxury Upgrades

If the budget allows, choose items from your wish-list. Many homeowners go 15 years or more between bathroom remodels. Calculate the additional cost spread out over the potential life of the upgrade to decide if the benefit will be worth it.

Do It Yourself

Woman, dark gray shirt, blue saw, clear goggles. Hand, metallic light bulb.

There are DIY projects to match almost any skill level. Beginners can install new door hardware and cabinet knobs. Replacing light fixtures or a installing a new toilet are good intermediate projects. Major electrical work and plumbing jobs may require permits or inspections and should be left to the professionals.

Visit our Learning Center for DIY how-to articles and videos.

Find A Contractor

Selecting the right contractor can save you time, money and stress. It’s worth the effort to find the right match before starting your project.

Ask friends for referrals
Interview at least 3 contractors
Get written estimates before you sign a contract.
Request recommendations and before/after photos from past jobs
Check the contractor’s licenses

Get Started

Teal bubbles, white bath tub, toilet and gray faucet, cartoon woman.

Not sure where to start? Connect with a Build.com expert to ask a question or get help finding a product. Our team is trained in every home improvement category and we’re available by phone (800) 375-3403 or live chat