Buying guide · 5 min read
Bathroom renovation checklist: what to decide, and in what order
Renovating a bathroom goes smoothly when decisions happen in the right order. Some products must be chosen before the walls are closed, while others can wait until the end.
1. Plan the layout
- Decide where the WC, basin and shower will go.
- Consider keeping the toilet in the same place to avoid moving the drain.
- Take photos and measurements of the bathroom.
2. Choose what goes inside the wall (before tiling)
- WC type and outlet: wall-hung with concealed cistern, or floor-mounted with S-trap or P-trap.
- Shower: concealed diverter body and the number of outlets.
- Basin: wall-mounted or counter-top, and the position of water and drain points.
- Geyser, exhaust fan and electrical points.
3. Waterproofing and tiling
- Waterproof the floor and the shower walls before tiling.
- Choose anti-skid floor tiles and keep the slope towards the drain.
- Pressure-test the plumbing before the tiles go up.
4. Fittings and fixtures
- Fit the WC, basin, faucets, shower trims and flush plate.
- Keep one finish (chrome, black or brass) across all fittings for a coordinated look.
5. Accessories and finishing
- Towel rails, shelves, robe hooks, mirror and lighting.
- Silicone sealing around the basin, WC and shower.
Common questions
What should I buy first for a bathroom renovation?
Anything that goes inside the wall: the concealed cistern (for a wall-hung WC) and the concealed shower body. These must be fixed before plastering and tiling.
Should I choose tiles or fittings first?
Choose them together, so the finishes match. In practice, the in-wall fittings are installed first and the visible trims last.
