THE BATHROOM RENOVATION GUIDE
Better mornings start with a clear plan.
Vanity, tile, stone, fixtures and lighting should work as one room. Our in-house team and project managers coordinate the renovation from the building requirements through the finishing details.
START WITH YOUR BUILDING DETAILS →- 01
Start with your building requirements
For a co-op or condo, request the alteration agreement, renovation rules and contractor documentation checklist from your managing agent. Share them with us first. For a house, we begin with the property conditions and proposed scope.
Bring: alteration agreement, building rules, management contact and any existing plans.
Co-op & condo planning checklist → - 02
Inspect thermal patterns and moisture
Every in-home estimate and design consultation includes a thermal and moisture inspection using specialist instruments. We review accessible areas for temperature patterns, elevated moisture and visible water damage. Signs of leaks or possible mold prompt further investigation and an agreed correction plan before new work conceals the affected area. These readings do not confirm or rule out mold; further assessment and repairs are scoped separately.
Prepare: provide access to the project area and tell us about leaks, staining or previous water damage.
- 03
Review valves and water-supply piping
Wrench Works Plumbing Co. checks shutoff valves and plans replacements for worn, leaking or unreliable valves. We look for galvanized supply piping and assess sections needing replacement. In kitchens, we also check refrigerator supply lines for plastic tubing. Our standard is copper for new water-supply piping we install, including refrigerator lines, with connections matched to appliance requirements. Agreed replacements are documented in the scope and new connections are checked for leaks.
Checkpoint: confirm valve and supply-line replacements in the written scope.
- 04
Survey the room and existing services
Measure the space and discuss the tub or shower, vanity, storage and accessibility priorities. Identify existing plumbing locations, ventilation and any leaks or damage that may affect the work.
Bring: room photos, dimensions and a list of what needs to change.
- 05
Design the layout and curate finishes
Coordinate vanity sizing, countertop, tile, fixtures, storage and lighting. Review door clearances, shower access and the relationship between finishes before ordering.
Decision: approve the layout and product selections.
- 06
Agree on scope and investment
Review an itemized proposal that identifies preparation, waterproofing, tile, fixtures, installation and any related work. Discuss what happens if hidden damage is discovered and how changes will be reviewed.
Checkpoint: agree on the written scope and selected materials.
- 07
Confirm approvals before starting
Your project manager reviews building submissions, contractor documentation, permitted work hours and access requirements. We determine the permit and licensed-professional requirements for the actual work. Required building acceptance and permits must be in place before affected construction starts.
Checkpoint: confirm the accepted scope, required approvals and permitted start conditions.
- 08
Prepare, protect and open the space
Arrange building access, scheduled shutdowns and protection for the home and shared areas. Our in-house team removes the agreed finishes and reviews exposed conditions before the next stage.
Prepare: clear the room and plan access to another bathroom if needed.
- 09
Complete rough work and waterproofing
Coordinate the specified plumbing, electrical and ventilation work. Prepare the surfaces and install the specified waterproofing system. Required inspections and testing are completed at the relevant stages before surfaces are concealed.
Checkpoint: review required tests and inspections before tile installation.
- 10
Install tile, cabinetry and fixtures
Follow the approved tile layout and coordinate the vanity, countertop, fixtures, shower enclosure and lighting. Check dimensions and allow the specified curing periods as work progresses.
Checkpoint: confirm finishes, fixture locations and installation details.
- 11
Check performance and hand over
Review drainage, visible leaks, fixture operation, ventilation, lighting and finish quality. Record remaining items, share care guidance and confirm applicable inspection, permit and building closeout requirements.
Keep: care instructions, product information and applicable completion documents.
Building requirements and NYC permits
Requirements depend on the proposed work. Building review and DOB requirements are separate parts of project planning. Where plans and permits are required, the appropriate licensed professionals must be involved.
NYC DOB: Renovating Kitchens & Bathrooms ↗This guide describes the planning sequence. Your project’s approved scope and requirements determine the work and schedule.