You’re pumped. You’re ready. You’re finally going to renovate your bathroom.
But... where the hell do you start?

Do you call a contractor and ask them how much they think it will cost?
Nope — way too many variables.
Do you just start gutting it and hope for the best?
Absolutely not. Please don’t do that.

Here’s the thing: the very first step you take will set the tone for your entire project — and it can mean the difference between a smooth renovation and an absolute nightmare.

Start with the Design. Always.

Don’t waste contractors' time — or yours — by asking them to quote on something that only lives in your head. Even if you’re just looking for a "rough ballpark," it’s meaningless without real details.
Think about it:

• Do you want wallpaper?

• Unlacquered brass fixtures?

• Heated floors?

• A custom vanity?

• High-end tile?

Without knowing exactly what you want, no contractor can give you an accurate price. A vague quote based on nothing will only lead to bigger problems later, especially when you finally do have a plan and realize that the original "ballpark" quote was way off. (Spoiler: it always is.)

Bottom Line: Start with a Plan.

You have two main options to kick things off:

1. Hire an Interior Designer:
   A designer will create a custom plan that lays out your new bathroom in detail — materials, layouts, fixtures, finishes, the works. Depending on the size, complexity, and level of customization, you should budget between $6,500 to $12,000 for a professional bathroom design.

2. Purchase Pre-Made Design Plans:
   A more budget-friendly option. You can buy professionally-designed bathroom plans that are tailored to typical room sizes and styles. These plans still give you the clarity you need to move forward confidently, without the full price tag of custom design.

Once You Have Your Plans: Get Bidding!

With detailed plans in hand, then call your contractors. Call 5, 8, 10 — the more, the better.
Hand them your plans.

The beauty of this step? Every contractor is quoting on the same information. No guessing. No missing details. No huge differences because one person assumed tile and another assumed vinyl. You’ll get true apples-to-apples quotes, making it easier to compare prices, timelines, and quality of work.

Contractors will love you for it, too — because you’ll be one of the very few clients who comes to them organized, prepared, and serious about the project.

Final Thought:
Renovating your bathroom is a major investment — don’t skip the foundational steps.
Start with design.
Get real quotes based on real plans.
And set yourself up for a renovation that actually goes smoothly (and doesn’t double your budget halfway through).

You’ve got this!