Our President, Tom Henjum, highlights the items homeowners want to know before digging into a bathroom remodel.
Planning First- Fewer Surprises- Better Results.
Bathroom remodels are one of the highest-pressure projects in a home. You can’t live without the space for long, and in a bathroom every detail is highly visible. The good news? With strong upfront planning, your project can run smoothly, stay on budget, and deliver a beautiful, functional result.
Below is a checklist and sequencing which can be used to set every Minnesota bathroom remodel up for success.
Why Planning Makes or Breaks a Bathroom Remodel
Most issues don’t start during construction — they start in the planning phase. The top three pitfalls we see:
- Decisions made too late or changes once project started — Leading to material delays and a torn-up bathroom for extra weeks.
- Scope creep after rough-in — Changes become 2–3× more expensive.
- Hidden conditions in older homes — Galvanized pipes, venting issues, or code upgrades common in 1960s–1990s Minnesota houses.
Rule of thumb: Every major decision made before demo is worth its weight in gold.
The Non-Negotiable Remodel Sequence
Bathrooms must follow a strict order. Knowing this sequence helps you understand why timing matters:
- Demo – Fixtures and old materials removed; hidden issues discovered.
- Re-Framing – any carpentry changes
- Plumbing Rough-In – Last easy chance to move fixtures.
- Electrical Rough-In – Outlets, lighting, fan, and radiant heat.
- Drywall- Priming
- Tile Backer Board & Waterproofing – Critical base layer.
- Tile Installation – Floor and shower walls (niches and benches must be set).
- Vanity, Toilet & Fixtures – Final connections.
- Trim, Paint & Accessories – Finishing touches.
Must-Make Decisions Before Demo Day
Flooring
- Porcelain Tile — Durable, waterproof, huge style range. Add radiant heat for Minnesota winters (installed before tile).
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) — Warmer underfoot, faster install, great for lower-moisture bathrooms.
Shower Configuration Walk-in shower, tub/shower combo, or freestanding tub? This decision drives plumbing, layout, and usable space.
Ventilation Code-required in Minnesota. Choose a properly sized, humidity-sensing fan positioned near the shower for best performance and mold prevention.
Finishes & Storage
- Lock in all fixture finishes early (matte black, brushed nickel, etc.).
- Confirm vanity size, storage needs, mirror vs. recessed medicine cabinet, and niche locations.
Pro Tip: Measure carefully and prioritize storage — it transforms how a bathroom feels and functions daily.
Realistic Timeline & Disruption Planning
- Primary Bathroom: Expect 4-8 weeks of disruption depending on size and customization.
- Create a construction plan around your household routine..
✅ Your Complete Pre-Project Planning Checklist
Print this out and review it before your first contractor meeting.
Before You Call Contractors
- □ Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves so budget decisions are easier.
- □ Define your top priorities: layout, storage, style, accessibility, or resale value.
- □ Set a realistic budget and include a 12–15% contingency for hidden conditions.
- □ Decide how your household will function during construction, especially if this is your only full bathroom.
Design & Selection (Lock These In Early)
- □ Choose the flooring system: porcelain tile, heated tile, or luxury vinyl plank.
- □ Confirm the shower or tub layout before plumbing work begins.
- □ Select the vanity size, drawer configuration, countertop, and storage features.
- □ Pick one fixture finish and apply it consistently across faucets, shower trim, towel bars, and accessories.
- □ Decide between a mirror, recessed medicine cabinet, or custom storage solution.
- □ Size and locate the exhaust fan to handle moisture where it starts.
- □ Plan shower niches, benches, grab bars, hooks, and other accessories before tile layout is finalized.
Plumbing & Mechanical
- □ Confirm existing fixture locations, identify any plumbing moves before rough-in.
- □ Evaluate older plumbing, shutoff valves, drainage, venting, and water pressure.
- □ Make sure your water heater can support the new shower, tub, or added fixtures.
- □ Decide on radiant floor heat before flooring materials are ordered.
Scheduling
- □ Review the full construction sequence, including inspections and trade scheduling.
- □ Verify lead times for tile, vanity, fixtures, glass, and specialty items before demo.
- □ Plan for dust, noise, water shutoffs, and a realistic backup bathroom routine.
One Final Thought
In a bathroom, there’s nowhere to hide poor craftsmanship. But when planning is done right, even a modest space can feel spacious, calm, and luxurious. The best bathrooms we build aren’t always the most expensive — they’re the ones where every detail was thoughtfully planned from day one.
At Boyer Building Corp, we guide you through this planning process step by step so your remodel is efficient, on-budget, and built to last.
Ready to get started? Visit boyerbuildingmn.com or contact us today.
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Boyer Building Corporation
Minnesota’s kitchen and bathroom remodeling specialists. Our reputation is built on referrals — one legacy of craftsmanship-driven project at a time.
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