Bathroom Remodel Planning Guides
Free checklists, measurement templates, budget worksheets, and timeline planners to organize your Sacramento bathroom remodel from start to finish.
Project Planning Checklist
Use this checklist to stay organized from your first design idea through project completion. Sacramento bathroom remodels typically take 3–6 weeks, and proper planning prevents costly surprises.
Measurement Guide
Accurate measurements save time and money. Measure twice before your contractor visit — having these ready makes your free consultation more productive and your estimate more accurate.
Room Dimensions
- Overall length (wall to wall)_____ in.
- Overall width (wall to wall)_____ in.
- Ceiling height_____ in.
- Door opening width and swing direction_____ in.
Existing Fixtures
- Toilet rough-in distance (wall to center of drain)_____ in.
- Vanity width, depth, and height_____ in.
- Tub/shower length and width_____ in.
- Distance from each fixture to nearest wall_____ in.
Windows & Doors
- Window width and height_____ in.
- Window sill height from floor_____ in.
- Distance from window to nearest corner_____ in.
- Door frame width and height_____ in.
Plumbing Locations
- Water supply line positions (hot and cold)_____ in.
- Drain locations for sink, tub, and toilet_____ in.
- Vent pipe location_____ in.
- Water heater distance from bathroom_____ in.
Electrical
- Outlet locations and heights_____ in.
- Light switch positions_____ in.
- Exhaust fan location_____ in.
- Distance from outlets to water sources_____ in.
Pro tip: Take photos of your current bathroom from multiple angles. Include close-ups of plumbing access panels, electrical panels, and any existing damage. Bring these to your consultation for the most accurate estimate.
Budget Worksheet
Sacramento bathroom remodels typically range from $15,000 to $45,000 depending on scope and materials. Use this breakdown to plan your budget by category.
| Category | Typical Range | % of Budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demo & Disposal | $800–$2,000 | 5–8% | Removing old fixtures, tile, drywall |
| Plumbing | $1,500–$4,500 | 10–15% | New supply lines, drains, fixture hookups |
| Electrical | $800–$2,500 | 5–10% | GFCI outlets, lighting, exhaust fan |
| Tile & Flooring | $2,000–$6,000 | 12–18% | Floor tile, shower walls, backsplash |
| Vanity & Countertop | $1,200–$4,000 | 8–12% | Cabinet, countertop, sink, faucet |
| Shower/Tub | $2,500–$8,000 | 15–25% | Shower pan, glass door, fixtures, waterproofing |
| Toilet | $300–$1,200 | 2–4% | Comfort-height, dual-flush, elongated |
| Lighting & Ventilation | $400–$1,500 | 3–5% | Vanity lights, recessed cans, exhaust fan |
| Paint & Finish Work | $500–$1,500 | 3–5% | Moisture-resistant paint, trim, caulking |
| Permits & Inspections | $300–$800 | 2–3% | Building, plumbing, electrical permits |
| Contingency (10–15%) | $1,500–$6,000 | 10–15% | Unexpected issues: water damage, mold, code updates |
Important: Always budget 10–15% contingency for unexpected issues discovered during demolition — hidden water damage, outdated wiring, or mold are common in Sacramento homes built before 1990.
Timeline Planner
A standard Sacramento bathroom remodel takes 3–6 weeks from demolition to final inspection. Here's what to expect at each phase.
Planning & Design
- Finalize design and materials
- Obtain permits
- Order fixtures and materials
- Schedule project start date
Demolition
- Remove old fixtures and tile
- Inspect for hidden damage
- Address any mold or water damage
- Haul away debris
Rough-In Work
- Plumbing rough-in and inspection
- Electrical rough-in and inspection
- Framing modifications if needed
- Install waterproof membrane
Tile & Surfaces
- Install backer board
- Lay floor tile
- Tile shower walls and pan
- Grout and seal
Fixture Installation
- Set vanity and countertop
- Install toilet
- Mount shower fixtures and glass
- Wire lighting and exhaust fan
Finishing
- Paint walls and ceiling
- Install mirrors, towel bars, accessories
- Final plumbing and electrical connections
- Caulk all joints and transitions
Final Inspection
- City inspector walkthrough
- Punch list review with contractor
- Final cleaning
- Project handoff and warranty review
Material Selection Quick Reference
Choosing the right materials affects durability, maintenance, and budget. Use this quick reference when shopping or comparing contractor proposals.
Countertop Comparison
Tile Comparison
Shower Door Options
Fixture Finishes
Want a Plan Tailored to Your Bathroom?
These guides cover general planning. For a detailed scope-of-work, accurate measurements, and a fixed-price estimate specific to your Sacramento home, schedule a free in-home consultation.
Get a Free Estimate
Call us at (916) 907-8782 or fill out our contact form.