Bathroom Remodel Checklist & Client Questionnaire Template

The most personal space in a home? The bathroom.

A successful bathroom remodel starts long before tile samples and fixture catalogs, it begins with a clear understanding of your client’s needs, the layout potential of the space, and the overall scope of work. 

From assessing plumbing and electrical updates to selecting the right materials and finishes, the process involves careful planning and expert guidance. 

To make things smoother for both you and your clients, we’ve created two awesome resources: a detailed bathroom remodel checklist and an interactive questionnaire template. These tools help you stay organized and uncover exactly what your client wants.

Bathroom remodel checklist

So you’re about to dive into a bathroom remodel? Yay! We love a good refresh, and nothing transforms a space like a stylish, spa-worthy bathroom makeover. 

Bathroom remodels can be some of the most rewarding—and the most chaotic—projects to manage. This checklist helps you get it all on paper before the dust flies.

Keep in mind that for structural changes, you’ll want to explain to clients how the budget will be impacted and why the changes are important.

🧱Structural and layout elements

• Wall configuration changes: remove or add walls for better flow
• Pocket or barn door installation to save space
• Reframe for new window placement or skylights
• Raise or lower ceiling height (if structurally feasible)
• Waterproofing for wet zones (shower, tub area, floor)
• Floor leveling and subfloor repair or replacement

🚿Plumbing and water features

• Replace or move plumbing lines
• Upgrade to high-efficiency, water-saving fixtures
• Add a second sink for shared bathrooms
• Install a rain showerhead
• Include hand held shower wand
• Add body sprays or multi-shower jets
• Install a freestanding soaking tub
• Replace alcove tub with drop-in or under-mount style
• Convert tub to walk-in shower
• Add wall niche for shower storage
• Install a steam shower or sauna panel
• Add a urinal (if it fits the project!)
• Integrate a bidet or bidet toilet seat
  

💡Electrical and lighting

• Rewire for new vanity lighting placement
• Add ceiling can lights or recessed lighting
• Include dimmers for ambient control
• Install pendant lights over vanities
• Add under-cabinet and toe-kick lighting
• Upgrade exhaust fan (super important for ventilation)
• Integrate a lighted mirror or backlit medicine cabinet
• Include motion-sensor night lighting
• Add in-ceiling speakers for music
• Install heated towel rack or towel warmer
  

🪞Vanity and sink area

• Double or single vanity configuration
• Floating vanity for a modern touch
• Custom-built or ready-made vanities
• Farmhouse sinks, vessel sinks, or integrated countertops
• Quartz, marble, granite, or solid-surface countertops
• Soft-close drawers and hidden outlets inside vanity
• Backlit or anti-fog mirrors
• Custom backsplash tile
• Hidden pull-outs for hair tools and styling appliances
  

🚽Toilet zone upgrades

• Standard vs. comfort-height toilet
• One-piece vs. two-piece vs. wall-mounted toilets
• Smart toilet options (auto-flush, heated seat, bidet)
• Concealed tank for a sleek look
• Add a toilet alcove or partition wall for privacy
• Night light under the bowl (seriously, your clients will love this)
  

🧼Shower and bath enclosure

• Frameless glass enclosure
• Grid-style black framed shower doors
• Sliding vs. hinged doors
• Curbless shower for universal design
• Linear drain vs. center drain
• Built-in bench seating
• Textured tile for slip resistance
• Anti-fog shower mirror
  

🧺Storage and cabinetry

• Built-in linen cabinet or vertical tower storage
• Open shelves for styling opportunities
• Pull-out hamper drawers
• Medicine cabinet with electrical outlets
• Wall-mounted hooks, bars, and baskets
• Storage niches in walls
• Custom drawer inserts for makeup and grooming tools
  

🎨Surfaces and finishes

• Large-format tile or mosaic for floors and walls
• Statement wall with bold wallpaper or tile
• Water-resistant wall paint or tile to the ceiling
• Floor heating (because warm toes = joy)
• Anti-slip flooring options (textured porcelain, matte stone)
• Wainscoting or beadboard for charm
• Decorative ceiling treatments (wood slats, tin tiles, coffered)
  

🪞Decor and style details

• Framed artwork that can handle moisture
• Pretty containers for cotton rounds, swabs, etc.
• Lush bath mats and rugs
• Luxe towel sets that double as décor
• Statement accessories (vintage mirrors, artisan trays)
• Plants that thrive in humidity (like ferns or pothos)
  

🧠Smart features and extras

• Smart mirrors with weather/time display
• Smart lighting scenes for “Morning Routine” or “Relax Mode”
• App-controlled shower temperature presets
• Motion-activated faucets
• Alexa- or Google-controlled features
• Leak detection sensors
• Built-in dehumidifiers
  

📦Behind-the-scenes

• Product lead time and availability checks
• Confirm warranty info on all installed items
• Inventory checklist for each fixture and finish
• Product approvals and sourcing are organized in DesignFiles
• Purchase orders created straight from your design boards or invoices in DesignFiles
• Backup items for anything with long lead times
  

Interactive bathroom questionnaire

Clients are great at giving vague directions.

A generic checklist is a nice starting point, but let’s be real—it’s not going to uncover what makes your client’s dream bathroom truly theirs. That’s where our interactive bathroom questionnaire comes in. This isn’t just a form; it’s a thoughtful deep-dive into your client’s needs, preferences, and personal style. It helps you turn vague visions into jaw-dropping reality.

Why you should send a client questionnaire when remodeling a bathroom

Every client is different. Every space is different. And the only way to deliver a design that feels custom, curated, and totally them is to ask the right questions—early and thoroughly.

Our digital and printable questionnaire helps you gather the details that matter—no endless emails, no second-guessing. Whether you’re working in person or remotely, it saves time, sets clear expectations, and makes collaboration with your clients easier from day one.

What’s inside

Our questionnaire is designed to feel more like a conversation than a form. It’s easy for clients to complete, and detailed enough to help you cover all your bases without chasing down missing info later.

It covers everything you need to know to kick off a bathroom remodel, including:

• General project info
• Layout and construction questions
• Current likes and dislikes
• Budget talk
• Upgrade and feature wishlist
• Style and mood preferences
• Cabinetry, finishes, and material selections
• Visual inspiration
• Extras and final notes
  

How to use the questionnaire

This questionnaire is printable for in-person meetings or for clients who love jotting things down on paper. It’s also digital, so clients can fill it out on any device, from the comfort of their couch (likely in their comfiest robe and slippers).

You can send it as part of your onboarding process, embed it into your welcome email, or even turn it into a clickable link on your website or social media. And when paired with DesignFiles, all responses are automatically stored with the client’s project, making it super easy to reference as you design.

Want more? Check out this blog post for an interior design questionnaire that will work for any type of project. And grab our interior design process checklist here.

To get all of the professional design tools and resources you need in one place, start a free trial of DesignFiles.