Going through a bathroom remodel is a unique mix of exciting creativity and dusty “what-did-I-get-myself-into” reality. One of the most rewarding home improvements can quickly turn into an existential crisis… if you are not well prepared. You know what they say, “Fix it in prep, don’t fix it on set.” Cline Construction has been helping Houston residents achieve the home of their dreams for nearly 20 years and are sharing their insight on how to go through a remodel in a way that doesn’t put your whole existence into question.
The 6 Stages of a (Regular) Bathroom Remodel
From Pinterest mood board to walking into your dream bathroom, the process can come with a wide range of emotions. Your emotional and physical arc may look like something like this:
- Inspiration: Fun! Hours scrolling apps, going through magazines, saving ideas from blog posts, and sheer optimism. That is until you see the quotes from a contractor.
- Reality check: Bathroom remodel projects require three separate skilled trades: plumbing, electrical and tile work. When you sit down with your contractor, it’s time to make the decisions.
- Demo day: In a matter of hours, it’s “Sayonara” to your headache-inducing bathroom. The energy is loud (so is the noise!) and a little terrifying at the same time. On more than one occasion, this is where the skeletons in the closet might appear: water damage, old wiring that is not up to code, or corroded pipes.
- Live-in invaders: You are living with strangers who have blocked access to your bathroom and keep covering your house with a thin layer of dust that never seems to go away.
- The final stretch: Finally, once the tiles begin to take shape you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
- The reveal: The contractors pack up their tools for the last time. You clean up and step inside to enjoy the first day of the rest of your life. Total satisfaction sets in.
How to Set Up Your Bathroom Remodel for Success before Demo Begins: 3 Tips
You don’t need to be an expert at remodeling to prep your space; but you can take expert advice: with nearly 20 years in the business, Cline Construction and Renovation’s contractors are sharing the damage control tips that save your sanity by keeping your house liveable.
Make a Plan
Thinking ahead is always the best approach. When you sit down with your contractor, they’ll probably tell you something along the lines of:
- Set up a temporary station. If you have a second bathroom, it is important that you use it only when strictly necessary. What does this mean? Set up an alternative space for blow-drying, make-up and other mirror-related activities so that the whole family can access the toilet and shower without queuing. Make sure there are sockets and good lighting available.
- Map out your shower strategy. If you are remodeling your only bathroom, secure your showering location ahead of time. Map out the logistics if you need to use a gym or go to a neighbor’s house. Pack a small duffel bag with the essentials:
- body and hand towel.
- An extra set of undergarments.
- Shampoo and conditioner.
- Body soap.
- Body lotion.
- Deodorant.
- The clothes you will change into, of course.
🏡 Inspired? Read & build : Build a Spa-Like Bathroom: The Oasis You Deserve in Houston, Texas
Protect the Home
The expression “Eat dust” takes on a whole new meaning during a bathroom remodel; as microscopic drywall and tile dust particles will find their way into the smallest cavities. A sign that your contractor is reliable is getting the following instructions:
- Clear the pathways. Making a hurdle-free path from the front (or back if that’s the one you’ll be using) door to the bathroom in question. Remove rugs, plants, small furniture and pay special attention to hanging decor, which can also suffer in the process.
- Take everything out of the bathroom. Think your medicine cabinet will be fine because you rarely (thankfully) use it? Try cleaning each separate item later… you’ll thank yourself.
- Seal adjacent rooms.
Although a bit cumbersome, your contractor should help seal off rooms near the construction zone.
👩🔧 Pro tip: turn off your HVAC system during heavy demo days or tape cheesecloth over the return vents to catch stray particles.
Manage the Family (and Pets)
A bathroom remodel affects every aspect of daily life, so setting expectations early can prevent a lot of friction. If possible:
- Establish a quiet zone. Designate a room or some outdoor space where the members of the family can unwind and decompress, away from the noise and distractions.
- Dog desensitization training. For families with four-legged members, it is a good idea to train their beloved puppy before starting with the demo stage. Desensitization training involves exposing dogs to low-intensity stimuli gradually so that they naturalize them. Consider hiring a trustworthy dog trainer to help with this task. The added perk is that the activities you’ll do as a family will strengthen your bond with your dog and contribute to their wellbeing.
- Have a clear schedule. Discuss the exact timetable with your contractor. What time will they start? Do they work Saturdays? A clear schedule will prevent the “Oops-I-didn’t-know-you-were-here” surprise.
🛀 Live in Houston? Find out what the best bathroom remodel materials are in the area
FAQ
How far ahead should we prepare for a bathroom remodel?
While the actual remodel can take from 3 to 6 weeks or longer, preparation should take a bit longer, considering this phase includes material delivery order. Two weeks should be enough to find and set up your alternative station and test it out. If you have a pet, contact trainers to find out how long the training will take.
How do I know what materials to choose for my bathroom?
To narrow down your choices without losing your mind, you need to filter every material through three main lenses: water resistance, maintenance comfort, and budget strategy. Your contractor should clearly communicate the advantages and disadvantages of the materials prior to making a decision and the purchase.
Can I DIY a bathroom remodel?
If you are not a contractor yourself, know that DIYing your bathroom remodel is considered one of the most challenging, high-risk projects to tackle. A bathroom packs structural framing, high-voltage electricity, pressurized water lines, and drainage into a cramped footprint. Hiring a home renovation contractor not only helps structure the process, but provides certain guarantees that will give you peace of mind long after the project is finished.
Get Your Bathroom Remodel in Houston Underway the Right Way
A bathroom remodel doesn’t have to be an existential crisis. When you take the time to plan your logistics, protect your living space, and partner with a team that respects your home, the transformation process can actually be an exciting journey.
If you are ready to trade your outdated, high-maintenance bathroom for a beautiful, functional oasis that matches your lifestyle, you don’t have to navigate the planning alone. Let the experts handle the heavy lifting, the hidden plumbing, and the precision tile work so you can simply look forward to the final reveal.
Ready to start your stress-free remodeling journey?
Contact Cline Construction and Renovation today to schedule your Houston consultation! Let’s work together to “fix it in prep” and build the home of your dreams.