Step by Step Bathroom Renovation: Material List and Cost Guide

Where to Start With a Bathroom Renovation

The bathroom is one of the most frequently renovated spaces in a home. Proper planning saves both time and money and helps you avoid expensive mistakes. The first step is to assess the current condition of the bathroom and clearly define the scope of your renovation. Are you replacing only the surface finishes, or do you plan to rework the plumbing, move the toilet, or expand the shower? The answer shapes every decision that follows.

Before any demolition begins, document the existing layout with photos and measurements. Note the location of supply lines, waste pipes, vents, and electrical outlets. This information becomes invaluable when designing the new layout and negotiating with contractors.

Step 1: Demolition and Infrastructure Check

Removing old ceramic tiles and sanitary ware is the dustiest stage of a bathroom renovation. Use plastic sheeting to isolate the bathroom from the rest of the house, and wear a proper dust mask during demolition. While the walls and floor are exposed, inspect the plumbing carefully. In older buildings, corroded galvanized steel pipes should be replaced with modern PPR (polypropylene random copolymer) pipes, which resist corrosion and scaling and typically last 50 years or more.

Electrical wiring hidden in the walls should also be checked at this stage. Bathrooms built more than 20 years ago often lack dedicated ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection, which is now considered essential for safety in wet areas.

Step 2: Waterproofing

Waterproofing is the most commonly skipped step in bathroom renovations, and also the one whose failure causes the most damage. The floor and the lower 30 cm of the walls must receive a full waterproofing treatment. In the shower area, waterproofing should extend to ceiling height. Pay special attention to the transitions between floor and wall, around drains, and at pipe penetrations; these are the points where leaks almost always start.

Cement based liquid waterproofing with a reinforcing mesh band at corners is the most reliable system for residential bathrooms. Allow full curing time before proceeding to the tile stage.

Step 3: Ceramic and Tile Selection

• Floor tiles: Choose slip resistant tiles with an R10 rating or higher to reduce the risk of slipping when the floor is wet
• Wall tiles: Glossy or satin surfaces make cleaning easier and reflect light, making the bathroom feel brighter
• Size: Larger format tiles visually enlarge small bathrooms and have fewer grout lines to clean
• Color: Light tones create a feeling of openness and cleanliness; dark tones work best in larger bathrooms with good natural light
• Grout color: Grout close in color to the tile creates a unified look, while contrasting grout emphasizes the tile pattern
• Porcelain versus ceramic: Porcelain tiles are denser and more water resistant, making them the better long term choice for floors

Step 4: Plumbing and Sanitary Ware

Plumbing upgrades should be completed before the new tiles are laid. In modern bathrooms, wall hung toilets and concealed faucet systems are increasingly preferred for both aesthetic and hygienic reasons. Wall hung toilets make floor cleaning far easier, and concealed faucet bodies reduce the number of joints exposed to moisture. In small bathrooms, a corner sink can free up valuable floor space without sacrificing functionality.

When choosing fixtures, look for water saving certifications. A modern dual flush toilet uses about half the water of an older single flush model, and a water saving shower head can reduce hot water consumption by 30 percent or more.

Step 5: Lighting and Accessories

A combination of mirror lighting, ceiling spotlights, and indirect LED accents creates a functional yet atmospheric environment. Mirror lighting is essential for shaving and makeup and should be bright and as close to natural daylight color temperature as possible. Dimmable LEDs on the ceiling let you switch between bright task lighting and a relaxing evening ambience.

For accessories, stainless steel or chrome plated products are more resistant to the humid Aegean climate than plated brass, which can corrode over time. Matte black finishes have become popular but require regular wiping to avoid water spotting.

Cost Planning

Set aside 10 to 15 percent of your budget for unexpected issues discovered during demolition. Hidden problems such as rotten subfloors, failed waterproofing, or outdated wiring are common in older bathrooms. The main cost categories are demolition, waterproofing, tiles, plumbing, sanitary ware, labor, and accessories. Labor typically accounts for 30 to 40 percent of the total cost in the Ayvalik region.

Typical Timeline

A standard bathroom renovation in a residential home takes approximately two to three weeks from demolition to final cleanup. The longest phases are waiting for waterproofing and tile adhesives to cure. Rushing these stages is the single most common cause of premature failures.

Sum-Sel Bathroom Solutions

At Sum-Sel Yapi Market you will find all the materials required for a complete bathroom renovation, including ceramic and porcelain tiles, adhesives, grouts, waterproofing products, PPR piping, fittings, sanitary ware, faucets, and accessories. Visit our store in Ayvalik or get in touch, and we can help you coordinate your project from the first sketch to the final installation.