How to Prepare Your Bathroom for a Remodel
How to Prepare Your Bathroom for a Remodel
You've chosen your tile, picked your fixtures, and signed the contract. Now what? Preparing your bathroom (and your household) for a remodel can make the difference between a smooth project and a stressful one.
Here's a practical checklist for Raleigh-Durham homeowners to follow before the crew arrives on Day 1.
Two Weeks Before the Remodel
Clear Out the Bathroom
Remove everything from the bathroom that isn't permanently attached:
- •All toiletries, medications, and personal items
- •Towels, bath mats, and shower curtains
- •Decorative items, wall art, and mirrors (if not being replaced)
- •Cleaning supplies stored under the sink or in cabinets
- •Any items in the medicine cabinet
Pack these items in labeled boxes so you can find what you need during the remodel. Keep daily essentials (toothbrush, medications, etc.) in a separate, easily accessible bag.
Set Up an Alternative Bathroom
If the bathroom being remodeled is your only one, make arrangements in advance:
- •Identify a neighbor or nearby family member whose bathroom you can use for showers
- •Consider a temporary gym membership for shower access
- •Set up a portable mirror and basic toiletries in another room
If you have a second bathroom, designate it as the household bathroom during the remodel and stock it with everything you'll need.
Confirm Your Material Selections
At Showerly, our scope-locked pricing means all materials are selected before work begins. Double-check that you're happy with your choices:
- •Tile selections (wall tile, floor tile, accent tile)
- •Fixture finish (matte black, brushed nickel, chrome)
- •Glass enclosure type (frameless, semi-frameless)
- •Any accessories (niches, grab bars, towel hooks)
Changing your mind mid-project causes delays and may incur additional costs.
One Week Before the Remodel
Protect Adjacent Areas
Our crew will lay drop cloths and plastic sheeting, but you can help by:
- •Moving fragile items away from the bathroom area
- •Rolling up hallway rugs that could get dusty
- •Covering nearby furniture with sheets if the bathroom is close to living areas
- •Closing doors to rooms adjacent to the bathroom
Plan for Noise and Dust
Bathroom demolition is loud and creates dust. If you work from home, plan accordingly:
- •The loudest day is typically Day 1 (demolition)
- •Tile cutting happens over several days and produces a high-pitched sound
- •Dust will migrate beyond the work area despite best containment efforts
- •Consider working from a library, coffee shop, or co-working space on demolition day
Arrange Pet Care
Pets and construction don't mix well. Loud noise stresses animals, and construction debris can be hazardous:
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Book a Free Consult- •Keep pets in a closed room away from the work area
- •Consider boarding or daycare for dogs on demolition day
- •Cats should be secured in a room with a closed door; open exterior doors during material delivery create escape risks
The Day Before
Shut Off Water (If Needed)
Our crew handles the plumbing, but you should know where your main water shutoff valve is located. In most Raleigh-Durham homes, it's near the water meter at the street or where the water line enters the house.
Clear the Path
Make sure there's a clear path from the front door (or garage) to the bathroom:
- •Move furniture that narrows hallways
- •Remove any tripping hazards
- •Ensure the driveway or street has parking space for the crew's vehicle
Take Photos
Document your current bathroom with photos and video before any work begins. This provides a reference in case of any disputes and creates great before-and-after content.
During the Remodel
Daily Communication
Showerly's crew lead will give you a brief update at the start or end of each work day. This includes:
- •What was completed that day
- •What's planned for the next day
- •Any issues discovered and how they're being addressed
- •When Quality Gate inspections are happening
Stay Out of the Work Area
For safety and efficiency, stay out of the bathroom while work is in progress. Our crew needs clear access and workspace. If you want to check progress, ask the crew lead for a good time.
Ask Questions
If something doesn't look right or you have a concern, speak up immediately. It's much easier to address issues during construction than after the tile is installed.
Trust the Process
Bathroom remodels look worse before they look better. After demolition, your bathroom will look like a disaster zone. By Day 3 or 4, waterproofing and tile installation will transform the space. By the final day, you'll see the finished result and understand why the process works.
After the Remodel
Final Walk-Through
Showerly's Quality Gates process includes a final walk-through (Gate 5) where you inspect every detail with the crew lead. This is your chance to note anything that needs attention before the project is officially complete.
Curing and Drying Times
After the walk-through, your shower needs time to cure:
- •Grout: Allow 24 to 48 hours before using the shower
- •Caulk: Allow 24 hours for silicone caulk to fully cure
- •Glass adhesive: Follow specific manufacturer recommendations
Your crew lead will tell you exactly when it's safe to use your new shower.
Maintenance Tips
- •Squeegee glass after each use to prevent hard water spots
- •Use a daily shower spray to prevent soap scum buildup
- •Clean tile and grout weekly with a pH-neutral cleaner
- •Inspect caulk joints annually and recaulk if you see cracking or separation
Ready to Get Started?
Showerly makes the remodeling process as smooth as possible for Raleigh-Durham homeowners. Our packages include everything from demolition to final cleanup:
- •Essential ($6K): Complete shower remodel with quality materials
- •Signature ($9K): Premium selections and design details
- •Masterpiece ($12K): Full luxury experience with custom design