What to Know Before You Upgrade: Bathroom Remodeling Tips for 2026

When you remodel your bathroom, you’re reshaping how your day begins and ends. The right layout, storage, and finishing touches can make routines smoother and your space more comfortable, down to the smallest details. These bathroom remodel tips are designed to help you plan with clarity and make choices you’ll appreciate long after the dust settles.

Advice for remodeling your bathroom the right way

Map out your ideal configuration to encourage natural circulation

A well-planned layout can help your bathroom feel open and intuitive, even in tight quarters.

• Begin by defining key zones. Organize your bathroom so there’s a clear space for the toilet, vanity, and bathing area. Keeping the busiest paths clear—in particular, between the entry, vanity, and shower—makes every part of your routine less stressful. As noted in our article Minimum Bathroom Sizes - Making the Most of Smaller Dimensions, a smart remodeling tip is to allow at least 21 inches of clearance in front of the toilet and 30 inches of shower space. 
• Check door and drawer clearances. It’s easy to overlook door swings and pull-out drawers until the space is built, but it makes a world of difference. Test out all movement paths on paper or a digital planner before committing to your layout.
• Intentionally place plumbing fixtures. Where you put your shower valve matters—placing it near the entry lets you turn on the water without getting wet. Tucking the toilet out of direct sight also brings a sense of privacy and comfort.
• Plan your mirror and lighting together. Good light at the sink makes getting ready quicker and more comfortable. A backlit mirror or sconces placed at eye-level reduce shadows and highlight your features, instead of just shining down on the floor.

Make life easier later by designing a bathroom that’s simple to keep clean

A bathroom can look beautiful on day one—but if it’s hard to clean, that polished look won’t last. By planning for easy maintenance from the start, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time actually enjoying the space. Here are a few practical ways to make that happen:

• Choose larger surfaces with fewer seams. Large-format tile, wall panels, or slab surfaces reduce grout lines and wipe down faster. This simple shift makes deep cleans much less frequent. 
• Look for grout that stands up to daily use. High-performance or epoxy grout is less likely to stain and won’t need sealing as often. Choosing a grout color close to your tile hides small messes and helps the whole room look fresh longer.
• Design to keep water where it belongs. Thoughtfully placed curbs, shower doors, or glass panels can prevent puddles and protect the surrounding floor. The less water escapes, the less work you’ll have after every shower.
• Keep fixtures and cabinets off the floor. Wall-mounted vanities and toilets don’t just look modern—they let you mop underneath easily. An integrated sink and countertop avoids extra seams that trap toothpaste and grime.
• Build in smart ventilation. Upgrading to a quiet, well-sized fan with humidity sensing gives you a subtle but important boost against mold and mildew. It also means mirrors will fog up less—and so will your mood.

For more helpful remodeling tips, check out Ideas for Easy-to-Clean Bathroom Tiles, Shower Doors, & Design.

Design your bathroom around how you actually like to bathe

A bathroom should suit what you actually love—whether that means a brisk shower, a long soak, or both. If you’re happiest under a strong shower, consider adding a hand shower on a sliding bar, a well-placed bench, or even a rain shower head. 

One piece of advice that is often overlooked? Pay attention to depth, length, and the angle of the backrest. For families or households with different bathing preferences, it’s often possible to include a functional, beautiful shower and a dedicated soaking tub, as long as you plan for plumbing and space at the start

Small comforts can make a meaningful difference

Not every upgrade has to be grand to be worth it. The right little luxuries—especially on cold mornings or long days—can quietly elevate how your bathroom feels and functions. Consider which ones will matter most to you, day in and day out.

• Heated floors can change your whole experience of winter. Radiant heat means you never step onto cold tile again. It also helps the space dry faster after a shower, so you’re not left tiptoeing around damp spots.
• Heated towel racks go well beyond spa vibes. Warm towels greet you after a shower and double as a subtle heat source, making chilly mornings brighter. Many models can be set on timers, letting you save energy without sacrificing comfort.
• Anti-fog, backlit mirrors help you see clearly. Built-in demisters keep your reflection crisp after a hot shower, eliminating the need for a wipe-down. Backlighting adds a gentle glow, helping you get ready without harsh overhead lights.
• A quality exhaust fan is a small detail with big impact. Quiet, efficient fans prevent moisture build-up that can trigger mold, mildew, and peeling paint. Features like humidity sensors mean the fan does the work for you—no reminders needed.

Bring Your Dream Bathroom to Life

Explore stunning design ideas, materials, and color schemes tailored to your space—no guesswork, just inspiration.

Start Designing

Design for your specific storage needs 

The right storage isn’t about shelf count; it’s about your daily routines. Take stock of your habits and what needs a home. Think beyond the medicine cabinet: deep vanity drawers with dividers are perfect for bottles and hair tools, while a tall cabinet close by can house backup supplies or towels. Consider building outlets inside drawers or cabinets for electric toothbrushes and shavers, so you keep counters clear. 

In the shower, niches should be tall enough for your largest product and ideally positioned at a comfortable height. A small shelf near the toilet or entry is great for everyday essentials—proving that even the tiniest storage can keep clutter away.

Infuse your personality into the design

Remodeling is your chance to tell your story. Start with a detail that feels authentic—maybe a deep green vanity, matte black hardware, or a striking patterned floor tile. Pair those standout pieces with a subtle, consistent backdrop so nothing fights for attention. Mixing metals can make the room feel lived-in and current, but limit yourself to two finishes and repeat each at least twice for a sense of calm. Play with textures—a ribbed glass door here, a smooth stone counter there—for depth and interest. 

Looking for inspiration? These guides can help:

• Shower Wall Panels vs. Tiles: Pros, Cons, and Design Ideas
• Creative Ceiling Design Ideas for Every Home
• Black and White Tile Bathrooms - What Color to Paint Walls
• Contemporary Bathroom Tiles: How to Mix and Match for a Modern Look
• The Art of Mixing Metals in the Bathroom
• Scandinavian-Inspired Bathroom Ideas & Design Principles

Renovate with confidence every step of the way

Step 1: Personalize Your Renovation Plan

Step 2: Receive Quotes from Trusted Contractors

Step 3: Let Us Handle the Project Details

Get Started

Cost-saving tips for your bathroom remodel

Have your bathroom inspected

A quick inspection before you begin can spare you a lot of future headaches. You don’t want to patch over structural issues or hidden leaks—those can pop up again when you least expect it.

• Don’t hide problems behind new tile. An underlying leak or faulty wiring can undo even the most stylish remodel. Ask your contractor to check for issues before construction begins, so fixes are easier and less costly.
• Handle repairs early to avoid surprises. Addressing old pipes, subfloors, or ventilation now makes installation smoother down the line. It’s less glamorous than new faucets, but it ensures your investment lasts.
• Ask about building codes and permits. An important tip for remodeling bathrooms in older homes: have your inspector flag anything that needs updating to meet current code. Handling code violations in advance can save you from costly delays, extra inspections, or even fines, whether you’re planning to stay or sell.

Establish an end goal and work your way backwards

It’s easy to get lost in options mid-project. Defining your destination makes every decision along the way simpler—and keeps your budget grounded.

• List your must-haves and “nice-to-haves” before you start. Knowing what matters most means you’re ready to compromise on lower-priority features. Tools like Block Studio help you visualize the space, see material options, and understand pricing in minutes.
• Map out your ideal outcome, then break it down. Work backwards to identify which steps take you closer to your version of “done.” This approach keeps your remodel moving forward, even if you stage it over time.

Audit your appliances

A full gut isn’t always necessary. Sometimes caring for existing fixtures or opting for modest upgrades gives you the look and performance you want—without starting from scratch.

• Show older appliances some TLC before sending them out. Deep cleaning, new hardware, or updated seats on a toilet extend their lifespan. Not every item needs to be swapped for new to look and function better.
• Watch for signs it’s time to replace. A toilet with cracks, a tub that doesn’t hold water, or a fan that can’t clear steam could cost you more in repairs than a replacement. Consider comfort, efficiency, and future maintenance when deciding whether to keep or replace.

“Group” individual projects 

Any experienced homeowner or contractor will advise you to group related bathroom remodeling projects together. After all, when you coordinate work that impacts the same areas—like replacing a vanity and updating the plumbing, electrical, and tile at the same time—you avoid having to open up and repair the same wall twice. 

Taking this approach keeps everything moving efficiently and helps you avoid multiple disruptions. Batching tasks like this also creates a more cohesive look: grout lines, caulking, and paint are far more likely to match, which makes the whole bathroom feel thoughtful and unified rather than piecemeal.

Determine your must-haves and where you’ll compromise

Start with a clear sense of what truly matters most to you—recognizing that priorities will naturally vary from one individual to the next. Maybe daily warmth from heated floors tops your list, or perhaps an open shower or built-in storage is what you’ll value most. The important thing is to pinpoint the features you’ll notice and appreciate every day. 

But not everything can be a top priority, and that’s where a little flexibility helps. By letting certain elements, like tile choices or toilet models remain adaptable, you make room in your budget in ways that won’t compromise your satisfaction. 

Avoid dramatically changing the layout

Moving major plumbing almost always means extra cost. There’s room for creativity, but keeping the main lines put usually yields better returns. Here are a few tips to keep your bathroom remodel sensible and budget-friendly.

• Stick to the existing footprint for big-ticket plumbing items. Keeping the toilet, tub, or shower where they are makes your budget go further. Use your dollars on materials or small upgrades that shape daily experience.
• Know that structural changes often trigger permits and extra work. Rerouting plumbing, moving drains, or shifting walls in an older house can reveal unforeseen issues and add both time and expense. Whenever possible, reserve this scope for needs that have a clear payoff.
• Small tweaks go a long way. Swapping in a bigger vanity or a more open shower entry can add a sense of space and convenience without a costly overhaul.

Know the Cost Before You Start

Get real-time estimates for materials and labor so you can plan your renovation with confidence—no surprises.

Get an Estimate

Be realistic about your budget and expect unforeseen costs

Even with careful planning, surprises happen behind bathroom walls. Setting aside a cushion helps you respond quickly without derailing your remodel.

Budget for a little extra—about 10–20% above your main estimate—to handle the inevitable surprises (like subfloor repairs or valve replacements) that pop up during renovation. If you want tips on where typical expenses fall, these resources can help:

• How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Toilet in 2025?
• How Much Does it Cost to Install a Shower in 2025?
• How Much Does it Cost to Tile a Bathroom?
• Gutting a Bathroom: What It Entails, Costs & Timeline

Your remodeling plan is only as strong as your contractor

Even the best bathroom remodel tips and designs can fall flat without the right professional to bring them to life. A contractor’s experience and reliability are what transform plans on paper into a space you love coming home to. 

That’s why partnering with Block makes all the difference. Block connects you with thoroughly vetted, trusted contractors—so you can move forward with confidence, knowing your project is in capable hands. With the right partner on your side, your renovation goals stay on track and your vision comes to life, one thoughtful detail at a time.