Bathroom Remodel Checklist: Design, Budgeting & Common Errors
Every bathroom remodel begins with excitement but can quickly become overwhelming without proper planning. Whether you’re updating fixtures or completely transforming your space, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps, design considerations, and budgeting tips to ensure your bathroom renovation delivers the perfect blend of functionality and style. We’ve gathered insights from industry experts to help you avoid costly mistakes and create a bathroom that enhances both your daily routine and your home’s value.
What if your day felt easier thanks to a space tailored to your lifestyle and needs?
With 53% of homeowners in Greater Lansing are planning renovations each year, upgrading functional rooms is now a smart move for modern living. At American Home, we’ve spent six decades helping families shape spaces that mix beauty with everyday practicality. From bathroom remodel to kitchen renovations, we bring your vision to life.
Our Greater Lansing team treats every project as a true partnership. We begin by hearing your vision, then use our skills in space planning and material choices. This approach helps your new room show your style while improving how it works.
What sets us apart is our commitment to end-to-end service. From initial sketches to final installation, we manage every detail with precision. Our partnerships with leading manufacturers provide access to premium materials, backed by warranties for lasting peace of mind.
Key Information
- Over 60 years of specialized design experience in Lansing MI and surrounding areas
- Customer-driven plan from concept to completion
- Harmonious balance of aesthetics and practical daily use
- Comprehensive one-stop renovation services
- Premium materials with manufacturer-backed warranties
Whether you’re swapping fixtures or reworking layouts, we apply expert know-how to every part of your Bathroom Remodel project. Let’s see how smart design can boost your home’s value and your day-to-day life.
10 Modern Bathroom Design Ideas
Trending Looks With Pros & Cons
Walk-In Showers
Go curbless with an open-entry shower to streamline flow and make a modern bathroom seem larger and easier to access. It showcases standout tile and supports seamless glass or low walls to spread light. A smart pick for compact layouts or aging-in-place bathroom remodels. Pro tip: slope the pan 1/4 inch per foot and include linear drains for sharp lines.
Benefits
- Creates a spacious, open feel
- More accessible for all ages
- Requires less cleaning than traditional showers
- Highly customizable with multiple tile options
Restrictions
- Might require extra waterproofing
- May feel colder without a full enclosure
- Higher install cost than standard showers
- Splash over onto floor
Floating Vanities
A wall-mounted vanity frees floor space, creating lighter sightlines and a clean, modern bathroom aesthetic. It makes small baths feel larger, simplifies floor cleaning, and pairs beautifully with under-cabinet LED for a floating glow. Best for contemporary bathroom remodels with straight plumbing runs. Pro tip: use a reinforced mounting rail and check stud placement before choosing width and sink material.
Benefits
- Creates the illusion of more floor space
- Easier floor cleaning
- Contemporary, sleek appearance
- Height can be customized for comfort
Limitations
- Offers less storage than floor models
- Needs solid wall support
- Costs more than standard vanities
- Weight capacity concerns for heavy countertops
Heated Flooring
Radiant floor heating provides unseen, even warmth underfoot, ending cold-tile shock and boosting comfort in modern bathrooms. It’s perfect for bathroom remodels when you want spa vibes without bulky heaters. Works under tile, stone, or luxury vinyl. Pro tip: use a programmable thermostat on a dedicated GFCI circuit; electric mats fit small baths, while hydronic systems excel in larger areas.
Pros
- High-end comfort, especially in cold climates
- Even heat distribution
- Energy efficient supplemental heating
- Invisible system that doesn't affect design
Limitations
- Significant upfront installation cost
- Adds time to the overall project timeline
- May require professional maintenance
- Expensive to repair once tiled
Freestanding Tubs
Freestanding tubs put sculptural form at the center, delivering a spa-like focal point. They open sightlines and allow flexible placement, ideal for larger baths or layouts with a feature window or accent wall. Confirm floor structure and plan a floor-mounted filler or wall stub-outs. Pro tip: keep 4–6 inches of clearance for easy cleaning.
Pros
- Creates a dramatic focal point
- Available in various styles and materials
- Cleaning around is easier than with built-in tubs
- Can fit in spaces where built-ins won't work
Drawbacks
- Higher price point than standard tubs
- Could require special plumbing considerations
- Limited storage for bath products
- Heavy—floor reinforcement needed
Smart Bathroom Technology
Add connected fixtures—touchless faucets, defogging smart mirrors, bidet seats, thermostatic shower controls, and leak sensors—to lift convenience, hygiene, and efficiency. You gain presets, automation, and usage metrics that trim water and energy waste. Works best with strong Wi-Fi and proper ventilation. Pro tip: lay out outlets and low-voltage early; choose IP-rated, Matter-friendly products with manual override capability.
Benefits
- Enhanced convenience and functionality
- Water and energy efficiency
- Customizable user experiences
- Modern, high-tech appeal
Drawbacks
- Larger initial investment
- May require professional installation
- Technology may become outdated
- Potential for technical issues
Large Format Tiles
Large-format porcelain slabs or 24×48 (600×1200 mm) tiles make a modern bathroom feel bigger by minimizing grout lines and upkeep. They create sleek continuity across floors and walls, especially in walk-in showers. Make sure the substrate is dead-flat and lippage is controlled. Pro tip: set a 1/3 offset, use leveling clips, and back-butter; seal grout and pick slip-rated finishes.
Strengths
- Fewer grout lines for easier cleaning
- Provides a seamless, spacious look
- Contemporary, high-end look
- Pairs well with underfloor heating
Limitations
- Installation is more challenging
- Higher waste factor during installation
- Might require subfloor reinforcement
- Fewer patterns than small tiles
Double Vanities
A double-sink vanity simplifies hectic mornings, giving each person a basin and storage while boosting counter space and symmetry. It looks upscale and anchors wide walls in modern baths. Works best in layouts 60 in (1524 mm) or wider with straightforward plumbing. Pro tip: choose drawer-heavy bases and use offset traps to preserve full-depth, usable storage.
Upsides
- Cuts morning congestion
- Offers personalized storage space
- Adds value to master bathrooms
- Creates a balanced, symmetrical design
Drawbacks
- Requires more space than single vanities
- Higher cost for fixtures and installation
- Added plumbing requirements
- More cleaning (two sinks)
Accent Walls
A feature wall creates immediate focus and depth, allowing you to highlight texture, color, or pattern without overpowering a modern bathroom. Choose tile, stone veneer, microcement, or moisture-rated wood slats behind the vanity, freestanding tub, or in the shower (with proper ratings). Pro tip: take the finish to full height and layer wall-wash or sconce lighting to boost dimension.
Upsides
- Instant focal point without major remodel
- Add bold elements
- Simpler than full-room updates
- Adds personality and character
Restrictions
- May feel dated as trends change
- May overwhelm small spaces if too busy
- Specialty materials may increase costs
- Might hurt resale when it’s too personalized
Curbless Showers
A zero-threshold, curb-free shower creates a smooth transition, making a modern bath feel more open and safer for all. Carry floor tile into the shower for a crisp, spa look and simple entry—ideal in small layouts or aging-in-place plans. Pro tip: recess the subfloor, set a wall-line linear drain, and maintain 1/4-in-per-foot pitch with continuous waterproofing.
Pros
- Accessible for all ages
- Delivers a seamless, contemporary look
- Makes the bathroom appear larger
- Easier cleaning without a threshold that traps dirt
Restrictions
- More complicated waterproofing requirements
- May need to lower the subfloor
- More expensive to install
- Requires precise slope for proper drainage
Natural Elements
Use wood tones, stone, and organic textures to soften hard surfaces and warm up a modern bathroom remodel. Think rift-sawn oak vanities, pebble or tumbled-stone floors, limewash walls, and plants for a calm feel. Balance the palette with moisture resistance and streamlined lines to keep it from reading too rustic. Pro tip: seal natural materials correctly and add ventilation; choose composite or porcelain lookalikes in wet spots.
Advantages
- Creates a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere
- Timeless appeal that transcends trends
- Brings warmth and texture into the space
- Connects indoor space with nature
Drawbacks
- Needs special maintenance
- Wood/stone moisture-prone
- Costlier than synthetics
- Might darken or patina over time
Need help selecting the right design elements?
At American Home, our designers will help you choose the right mix of features for your bathroom remodel, tailored to your style, layout, and budget.
The 7-Step Bathroom Remodeling Process
Grasping the bathroom remodel process lets you plan ahead and keep expectations realistic. The outline below covers the standard steps to redo your bathroom, along with estimated timeframes for every stage.
Planning and Design
In this vital first step, identify what you need, build a budget, and map out a design plan. Weigh functionality, storage goals, and style preferences. Pull inspiration from magazines, sites, and showrooms to shape your vision.
Demolition
In this phase, you remove existing fixtures, flooring, and at times, walls. Careful planning is key during demolition to prevent harm to plumbing, electrical, or structural components. For minor updates, selective demolition can be enough.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
Once demo is done, crews begin the plumbing and electrical rough-in. They move or add water lines, drains, and outlets to fit your updated layout. This step calls for qualified pros to satisfy code.
Structural Changes and Drywall
If your remodel calls for wall moves or expanding the space, complete structural work at this point. After that, put up moisture-resistant drywall (greenboard) and cement board in tile-ready sections. Wet areas demand thorough waterproofing.
Tile Installation
Installing tile on floors, shower surrounds, and backsplashes takes time, but it can transform the space. Your pattern’s complexity and the bathroom’s size will set the schedule. Build in extra time so the tile can cure properly.
Fixture and Cabinet Installation
Once prep is complete, installers set the vanity, toilet, shower, bathtub, and storage cabinets. This is when the bathroom comes alive as the key components fit into your new design.
Finishing Touches
During the last stage, we install hardware, lighting fixtures, mirrors, shower doors, and accessories. Paint touch-ups plus a final clean prepare the space for use. This is when your vision truly comes to life.
A complete bathroom remodel typically takes 3-6 weeks from start to finish, depending on the scope of work and any unexpected challenges. Working with experienced professionals can help ensure your project stays on schedule.
Ready to begin your bathroom transformation?
At American Home, our designers will guide the remodel and create a bathroom that perfectly fits your needs and style preferences.
About American Home: Exceptional Kitchen & Bath Design
At American Home, we blend personalized service with unmatched technical knowledge to create spaces that inspire. Our team transforms ordinary rooms into functional art through meticulous planning and creative vision.
American Home has been our vision for years. It proved the perfect complement to American Flooring by providing customers everything required to achieve their dream home.
Customer-Focused Service & Free Consultations
We begin every bathroom remodel project by listening. A free first consultation helps us learn your needs before we suggest solutions. This way, your vision drives each choice—from layout ideas to materials.
“American Home completes the puzzle for homeowners,” say industry partners Ed and Yvonne Weaver. By collaborating with trusted pros, we provide full design services that make tough renovations simpler.
Six Decades of Trusted Design Expertise
Our designers draw on six decades of combined experience to tackle spatial challenges creatively. This expertise enables us to:
- – Maximize functionality in compact areas
- – Balance modern style with timeless appeal
- – Source top-tier materials within budget limits
We cut financial barriers to strong design with complimentary estimates. Whether you’re updating a bath or rethinking key living areas, our process puts your lifestyle first while boosting property value.
Bathroom Remodel Budget Breakdown
Understanding the potential costs involved in a bathroom remodel helps you plan effectively and avoid budget surprises. The following table provides a breakdown of typical expenses across different budget levels.
Smart financial planning transforms renovation dreams into achievable realities. Our team helps homeowners navigate investment decisions with clarity, balancing upfront costs with long-term value. Whether updating a powder room or reconfiguring a master suite, understanding financial variables ensures your project aligns with both lifestyle needs and market realities.
| Expense Category | Budget Remodel (~$15,000–$25,000) |
Mid-Range Remodel (~$25,000–$55,000) |
Luxury Remodel (~$55,000+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition & Disposal | $1,000–$2,000 | $2,000–$3,500 | $3,500–$5,000 |
| Plumbing | $2,000–$3,500 | $3,500–$7,000 | $7,000–$15,000 |
| Electrical | $1,000–$2,000 | $2,000–$4,000 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Flooring | $1,500–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Shower/Tub | $2,000–$4,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | $8,000–$20,000 |
| Vanity & Countertop | $1,200–$2,500 | $2,500–$5,000 | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Toilet | $200–$500 | $500–$1,000 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Lighting & Ventilation | $500–$1,000 | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Tile Work | $2,000–$3,500 | $3,500–$7,000 | $7,000–$15,000 |
| Fixtures & Hardware | $500–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,000 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Permits | $300–$800 | $800–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Design Fees | $0–$1,500 | $1,500–$4,000 | $4,000–$10,000 |
Demolition & Disposal
Plumbing
Electrical
Flooring
Shower/Tub
Vanity & Countertop
Toilet
Lighting & Ventilation
Tile Work
Fixtures & Hardware
Permits
Design Fees
Understanding Costs and Key Investment Factors
Labor commonly accounts for close to half of renovation spending. Materials and fixture upgrades make up the balance. We supply line-item estimates that show exactly where funds go, from plumbing tweaks to tile installations.
Nationally, mid-range projects average $25,000, yet the scope strongly affects the final cost. Older homes commonly call for a 10-20% contingency to handle unforeseen structural updates. Our designers focus on essentials and suggest budget-smart alternatives for secondary features.
Smart Financing Options and Cost-Saving Tips
Home equity loans remain popular for their competitive rates and tax benefits. We also guide clients through HELOC options and personal loan structures. For cash purchases, phased installations help manage cash flow without compromising design integrity.
Reusing materials and refinishing fixtures strategically can lower expenses by 15–25%. We prioritize investment in high-impact areas like waterproofing and energy-efficient systems. These moves boost everyday comfort and protect your home’s resale potential.
Budget-Smart Tips:
- – Keep your existing layout to reduce plumbing changes
- – Refinish instead of replace when possible (tubs, cabinets)
- – Strategically mix high-end and budget materials
- – Go with open shelving rather than custom cabinetry
- – Look for floor models and remnant materials for discounts
- – Phase the project if budget limits are significant
Sustainability Spotlight: Eco-Friendly Bathroom Solutions
You can have an environmentally responsible bathroom without sacrificing style or functionality. Choose sustainable solutions to reduce your footprint and create a beautiful, efficient space.
Water-Saving Fixtures
- Low-Flow Showerheads: Today’s options maintain excellent pressure while using only 1.5-2.0 GPM (compared with 5+ GPM from older models)
- Dual-Flush Toilets: Provide dual flush volumes for liquid and solid waste, saving thousands of gallons each year
- Touchless Faucets: Cut water waste by operating only when needed, with built-in aerators for extra savings
Recycled and Sustainable Materials
- Recycled Glass Tiles: Attractive, durable choices crafted from post-consumer glass
- FSC-Certified Wood: Cabinetry and shelving using wood from responsibly managed forests
- Recycled Countertops: Tops produced from recycled paper, glass, or plastic-based composites
- Natural Linoleum: Biodegradable flooring produced from renewable materials
Energy-Efficient Bath Solutions
- LED Lighting: Up to 75% more efficient than incandescent bulbs with a significantly longer lifespan
- Tankless Water Heaters: Produce hot water as needed, so there’s no standby energy loss
- Proper Insulation: Cuts heat loss and prevents condensation problems
- Smart Controls: Programmable controls that optimize energy use for lighting, ventilation, and heating
Sustainable Practices
- Material Repurposing: Restoring existing fixtures or donating items in good condition
- Local Sourcing: Lowering transportation emissions by selecting locally made materials
- Low-VOC Products: Paints, sealants, and adhesives with reduced harmful emissions
- Proper Disposal: Responsible sorting, recycling, and disposal of construction waste
Eco-Friendly Product Certification Guide
Check for these certifications as you choose bathroom products:
- -WaterSense: EPA program certifying water-efficient products
- -ENERGY STAR: Identifies energy-efficient appliances and fixtures
- -FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Certifies responsibly sourced wood products
- -Greenguard: Ensures products have low chemical emissions
- -Cradle to Cradle: Recognizes products made with safe materials that can be recycled
5 Common Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid
Even with solid planning, a bathroom remodel can still go off track. Knowing these common pitfalls helps you avoid costly mistakes and keep the renovation on course.
1. Inadequate Ventilation Planning
One of the biggest and most harmful mistakes in bathroom design is inadequate ventilation. Without enough airflow, moisture gathers, triggering mold, mildew, peeling paint, and damaged fixtures.
2. Inaccurate Measurements
Inaccurate measurements can lead to fixtures that don't fit, inadequate clearance for doors, and uncomfortable usage spaces. This mistake often requires costly corrections.
3. Insufficient Lighting Design
Poorly planned lighting in bathroom remodels often results in dim rooms, harsh glare, or lighting that doesn’t work well for grooming tasks.
Tips to Prevent This:
- Choose a properly sized exhaust fan, ensuring at least 1 CFM per square foot of bathroom space
- Ensure your exhaust fan vents outdoors, never into an attic or wall cavity
- Consider humidity-sensing fans that run automatically when needed
- If possible, include a window for natural ventilation
Prevention Tips:
- Measure multiple times before ordering materials or fixtures
- Maintain clearances: 30" for toilet area, 30" for shower entry, 21" clearance in front of sinks
- Consider door swing paths and ensure they don't interfere with fixtures
- Apply painter’s tape to the floor to mark layouts before installation
Avoidance Tips:
- Implement layered lighting: ambient, task, and accent
- Install proper task lighting at the vanity (side-mounted fixtures reduce shadows)
- Incorporate natural light sources when privacy conditions allow
- Use dimmers to adjust lighting levels for different needs
- Use suitable bulb color temperatures: 2700K–3000K for warm and 3500K–4000K for neutral
4. Overlooking Storage Needs
Beautiful bathrooms can quickly become cluttered and dysfunctional when storage requirements aren't adequately addressed during the planning phase.
5. Improper Waterproofing
Bathrooms face their worst problems from water damage, which is both expensive and destructive. Poor waterproofing can cause structural damage, mold, and renovation collapse.
Prevention Guidelines:
- Inventory your bathroom items before designing storage solutions
- Add both open and closed storage
- Utilize vertical space with tall cabinets or shelving
- Install medicine cabinets that recess into walls
- Install built-in niches in shower and tub areas
Prevention Guidelines:
- Apply proper waterproofing membranes in shower and tub areas
- Install the shower pan properly with the right slope for drainage
- Use proper materials in wet areas (cement board in place of standard drywall)
- Apply quality grout sealer to all tile installations
- Consider hiring waterproofing specialists for critical areas
Avoid Pricey Mistakes With Professional Guidance
With our expert bathroom remodel team, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and ensure the project is completed correctly the first time.
Design Is in The Details
Our Process
The Consultation
We begin the process by meeting in our showroom to discuss your vision. Once we understand exactly what you are looking for we will meet at your home to measure and get to know how you and your family utilize your home to help us design a space that will meet you and your families needs and wants. This information is vital to the design process as our designers begin visualizing your space.
The Vision
Using the most advanced technology available in the industry, we begin the design process. Once the initial design has been completed, our team will create 3D color renderings to help you visualize your new space before you make your final decision.
The Finishes
We provide a wide variety of cabinets, countertops, decorative hardware, and other products to complete the look and feel you’re dreaming of . Whether your style is contemporary, traditional, rustic, or somewhere in between, we have the finishes to create any style.
Exceeding Expectations
Homeowners
The American Home Experience
We take pride in creating beautifully functional spaces that are tailored to fit our homeowner’s desired aesthetic and lifestyle. Our team designs in 3D and assist in coordinating all of the colors and textures to bring your space to life.
Creating Partnerships
Builders & Contractors
We’re Part of Your Team
It is our goal to provide our builders and contractors, or their clients, with the same level of service given to our homeowners. We specialize in design and products only, so we’ll never be your competition.
Your Bathroom Remodel Journey Starts Here
A successful bathroom remodel requires careful planning, thoughtful design, and quality execution. By understanding the process, exploring design options, establishing a realistic budget, and avoiding common mistakes, you’re well on your way to creating a bathroom that enhances your daily routine and adds value to your home.
Remember that professional guidance can make the difference between a stressful renovation and a smooth, rewarding experience. Whether you’re planning a simple update or a complete transformation, the right team can help you navigate challenges and bring your vision to life. Contact American Home and begin your bathroom remodel today!
Are You Ready to Transform Your Bathroom?
Start working toward your dream bathroom today. Our expert design team in will guide you in creating a space that balances beauty, functionality, and long-term value.
Bathroom Remodel FAQs
How does replacing a tub-shower combo help home value?
Modernizing this feature enhances functionality while appealing to buyers seeking spa-like experiences. At American Home, we focus on durable materials like porcelain tile and frameless glass doors that elevate aesthetics and provide long-term ROI through increased marketability.
What is the standard timeline for replacing old fixtures?
Replacing outdated fixtures usually takes 2–4 weeks, depending on layout adjustments and material supply. We simplify the process by using 3D design tools to confirm selections early, cutting down on cabinetry or tile order delays.
Can you stay within tight budgets without reducing quality?
Yes. At American Home, we center on impactful yet affordable upgrades such as tub refinishing or ceramic tile accents. We provide straightforward cost breakdowns and financing options, including home equity, so your project fits your budget.
Are permits for wet room conversions handled by your team?
Which flooring materials work best against moisture in humid spaces?
How do lighting choices impact small-space designs?
Layered LED solutions create depth and functionality. We integrate recessed ceiling lights with vertical sconces to eliminate shadows near mirrors, making daily routines safer while visually expanding compact layouts.
