Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom Remodel Selections Checklist: Tile, Vanity, Fixtures and More

A bathroom remodel selections checklist covering tile, vanity, fixtures, shower glass, lighting, exhaust fan and waterproofing, with what to decide and when.

Choosing Bathroom Finishes: Tile, Vanity, Lighting and Details — Illustrative service imagery; not a completed customer project.

A bathroom remodel selections checklist keeps dozens of small decisions in one place: tile, vanity, fixtures, glass, lighting, ventilation and the waterproofing behind it all. Many of these items affect the rough-in, so they need to be chosen before walls are opened, not after. Use this guide to know what to pick, what information to record and which choices need to come first.

Decide early: items that affect rough-in

Some selections determine where pipes, valves, blocking and wiring go. If they change after the walls are framed and inspected, work may have to be redone. Settle these before demolition or at least before rough-in begins, and share the product specification sheets with your contractor rather than just a photo.

Shower valve type and trim, including handheld or body sprays
Vanity size, sink type and faucet style (wall-mounted or deck-mounted)
Toilet type and rough-in dimension, or wall-hung with an in-wall carrier
Tub model if keeping one, including drain location
Shower niche locations and sizes
Grab bars or future grab-bar blocking
Mirror or medicine cabinet, recessed or surface-mounted
Light fixture locations and exhaust fan position

Tile and stone

Tile choices include the floor, shower walls, shower floor and any accent or wainscot areas. For each, record the product, size, finish, color and quantity with overage for cuts and future repairs. Shower floors need a slip-resistant surface and usually smaller tiles or a linear drain to follow the slope. Large-format wall tiles require very flat walls, which can affect preparation.

Don't forget the supporting decisions: grout color and type, edge trim or bullnose, the pattern and where it starts, and how tile ends at the ceiling or door. Natural stone looks beautiful but typically needs sealing and gentler cleaning, so factor maintenance into the choice.

Vanity, fixtures and hardware

Measure the vanity against the room, the door swing and the toilet clearance. Decide on drawers versus doors, countertop material, sink style and how many sinks. Confirm the faucet matches the sink and countertop holes. Choose one metal finish family for faucets, shower trim, towel bars and cabinet hardware, or plan a deliberate mix.

Vanity: dimensions, finish, drawer layout, countertop and backsplash
Sink: undermount, vessel or integrated
Faucet and drain in the chosen finish
Toilet and seat
Shower head, valve trim and handheld
Tub filler if applicable
Towel bars, hooks, paper holder and robe hooks
Cabinet knobs and pulls

Glass, lighting and ventilation

Shower glass is usually custom-measured after tile is installed, so plan for a short gap between tile completion and glass installation. Decide on frameless or framed, fixed panel or door, glass thickness, clear or textured glass and hardware finish. Shower and tub enclosures require safety glazing, which glass fabricators supply as standard.

Layer the lighting: good vanity lighting at face level reduces shadows, a ceiling fixture provides general light, and a shower light helps in enclosed showers. California's Title 24 energy code requires high-efficacy lighting, and in bathrooms at least one luminaire is generally controlled by a vacancy sensor. Your electrician will confirm what applies to your project.

The exhaust fan matters more than most people expect. Under California's CALGreen code, bathroom exhaust fans with a shower or tub must be ENERGY STAR compliant, ducted to the outside and, unless part of a whole-house ventilation system, controlled by a humidity control. Choose a quiet model sized for the room.

Waterproofing systems behind the tile

Tile and grout are not waterproof on their own. Behind every shower is a waterproofing approach, such as a traditional mortar bed with a liner, a liquid-applied membrane, or a sheet membrane system with matching drain and pre-formed parts. Each works when installed per the manufacturer's instructions. Ask which system your contractor uses, how the shower pan is flood-tested before tile goes on, and how niches, benches and curbless entries are detailed.

Accessibility and future-proofing choices

A remodel is the easiest time to plan for the future, even if no one in the household needs it today. Blocking inside the walls lets grab bars be added later without opening tile. A curbless or low-threshold shower, a handheld shower on a slide bar, a bench and lever-style handles make the room easier to use at any age. Comfort-height toilets and a wall-mounted vanity with open space below are other options to consider.

These choices affect framing, drain location and floor slope, so they belong on the early list with the other rough-in items rather than as last-minute additions.

Common selection mistakes to avoid

Choosing tile from a single small sample, ordering a vanity before confirming the door swing, picking a faucet that does not reach the sink properly, forgetting towel bar locations until tile is installed, and leaving glass decisions until the end are the problems that most often cause delays. Order samples early, check dimensions on paper and confirm each item fits with the others before it is purchased.

Track every selection in one schedule

Keep a simple spreadsheet or shared document listing each item, the product and model number, finish, quantity, supplier, who is buying it, lead time and status: pending, approved, ordered or delivered. Note which items the owner supplies. Ask your contractor which items must be on site before each stage. A single current schedule prevents delays and mix-ups on installation day.

Next step: send your selections list

Share your current selections, even if some are still open, along with photos of the bathroom and your inspiration images. We will review the list for fit, rough-in requirements and lead times and point out anything that needs to be decided sooner. Call Chain Construction at (213) 519-8066.

Frequently asked questions

When do I need to finalize bathroom selections?

Items that affect plumbing, electrical or framing, such as the shower valve, vanity, toilet, niches and light locations, should be final before rough-in. Tile, grout and hardware can sometimes follow shortly after, but long lead times can hold up the schedule. The safest approach is to have most selections approved and ordered before demolition begins.

Can I buy my own fixtures and tile?

Usually yes, as long as it is agreed in advance. Owner-supplied items should be the correct model, arrive on time and be checked for damage before installation. Clarify in the proposal who handles returns, missing parts and extra quantities, and share specification sheets so the rough-in matches the product you bought.

Does my bathroom need an exhaust fan?

For bathrooms with a shower or tub, California's CALGreen code requires an ENERGY STAR compliant exhaust fan ducted to the outside, with humidity control unless it is part of a whole-house ventilation system. Even when a window exists, a good fan helps control moisture and protect finishes. Your contractor will confirm current local requirements.

What is the best waterproofing for a shower?

There is no single best system. Mortar beds with liners, liquid-applied membranes and sheet membrane systems all perform well when installed correctly and consistently with the manufacturer's instructions. What matters most is a complete system including drain, corners, niches and curb, plus a flood test before tile goes on.