If you’ve never remodeled a bathroom before, it’s hard to know exactly what you’re signing up for. Does “remodel” mean new paint and a vanity? Or does it mean tearing everything out and starting fresh? The truth is, it can mean either — a bathroom remodel covers everything from a light cosmetic update to a full-blown redesign.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what a bathroom remodel typically includes, step by step, so you know what to expect before you get started on your Denver-area project.
Cosmetic Updates vs. Full Remodels
First, it helps to understand the range. Not every remodel involves the same amount of work:
- Cosmetic updates: These focus on the look of the bathroom — new paint, a new vanity, updated fixtures and hardware, a new mirror, or new lighting — without changing the layout.
- Mid-range remodels: These go deeper, often including new tile, a tub-to-shower conversion, and updated plumbing or electrical, usually within the same footprint.
- Full remodels and redesigns: These can involve moving walls, relocating plumbing, and gutting the space to the studs to completely reimagine the bathroom.
Whether you’re updating a bathroom in a home you just bought, refreshing a dated space, or reworking the layout entirely, the steps below cover what a typical remodel includes.
The Steps of a Bathroom Remodel
1. Planning and Design
Every good remodel starts before any tools come out. This is where you decide on the layout, pick your materials — tile, vanity, fixtures, paint — and set a budget and timeline. Getting these decisions locked in early keeps the whole project running smoothly.
2. Permits (When Needed)
If your remodel involves moving plumbing, updating electrical, or changing the structure, it may require permits and inspections. Cosmetic updates usually don’t. A local contractor will know what your specific project needs and can handle this for you.
3. Demolition
This is where the old bathroom comes out. Depending on the scope, demolition can mean removing a vanity and fixtures, or gutting the space down to the studs. It’s messy but quick, and it sets the stage for everything that follows.
4. Plumbing and Electrical
With the walls open, this is the time to update or move plumbing lines and electrical wiring. If you’re relocating a sink, adding a shower, or updating lighting, the rough-in work happens now — before the walls get closed back up. In older Denver homes, this is often when outdated pipes or wiring get brought up to today’s standards.
5. Framing and Drywall
If any walls are being moved or built, framing happens here. Once the structure and behind-the-wall work are in place and inspected, new drywall goes up to create clean, finished surfaces.
6. Tile and Flooring
Now the bathroom really starts to take shape. Floor tile, shower surrounds, and any accent tile go in during this stage. Because tile requires mortar and grout that need time to cure, this step often has built-in drying periods.
7. Fixtures and Vanity
With surfaces finished, the big pieces get installed — the vanity, countertop, sink, toilet, tub or shower, and faucets. This is the stage where the room starts to look like an actual bathroom again.
8. Finishing Touches
Finally, the details that pull it all together: paint, mirrors, lighting, hardware, towel bars, and trim. A final walkthrough makes sure everything works, looks right, and meets your expectations before the project wraps.
What’s Usually Included in a Remodel
While every project is different, most bathroom remodels include some combination of the following:
- Demolition and removal of old materials
- Plumbing updates or relocation
- Electrical and lighting work
- New flooring and wall tile
- A new vanity, countertop, and sink
- A new toilet, tub, or shower
- Fresh paint and finishing details
- Cleanup and a final walkthrough
How Much of This Does My Project Need?
That depends entirely on your goals. A simple refresh might only touch a few of these steps, while a full redesign runs through all of them. The best way to know exactly what your remodel should include is to have an experienced local crew look at your space, listen to what you want, and put together a clear plan and estimate.
At Top Builders, we’ve been remodeling bathrooms across the Denver Metro Area for over 20 years — from quick cosmetic updates to complete redesigns — so we can help you figure out exactly what your project needs and what it’ll take to get there.
Ready to Get Started on Your Denver Bathroom Remodel?
Top Builders has been remodeling bathrooms across the Denver Metro Area for over 20 years. Whether you’re planning a quick cosmetic refresh or a full redesign, our local crews will walk you through every step and give you a clear, honest estimate up front.
Give us a call at (720) 803-7204 or request a free quote online. We’ll help you build a bathroom you’ll love coming home to.
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