How to use this checklist: Work through the phases in order. Click items to check them off (if viewing digitally), or print and use as a paper checklist. Items marked ⚠ Permit require a PPRBD permit in Colorado Springs — don't skip these. Items marked ★ Colorado Note are specific to our climate, elevation, or water conditions.
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Define your scope — cosmetic refresh, mid-range, or full renovationCosmetic = surfaces only. Mid = tile/shower. Full = layout changes.
Set a realistic budget with 10–15% contingency for unknownsHidden moisture damage and old plumbing are common surprises.
Determine what you're keeping vs. replacingKeeping existing plumbing locations saves significantly on cost.
Collect inspiration images — tile style, layout preferences, fixture finishes
Get at least two written, flat-rate estimates from licensed contractorsHourly estimates without a written scope are a red flag.
Verify contractor has general liability insurance (ask for certificate)The Colorado Handyman carries $2M in general liability coverage.
★ Colorado Note: Plan for heated floors if remodeling in primary bathColorado Springs mornings Oct–April are cold. This is rarely regretted.
★ Colorado Note: Select fixtures rated for hard water (11.7 gpg in COS)Ceramic disc valves, brushed nickel or matte black finishes.
⚠ PPRBD Permit Required For: Moving or adding any drain or supply line · Relocating toilet or sink · Adding a heated floor circuit · Any structural wall changes · New vent fan where none existed. No permit needed for: paint, vanity swap (same location), fixture replacement, flooring, new toilet in same location.
Confirm which portions of your project require a PPRBD permit
Submit permit application (allow 2–4 weeks for PPRBD processing)Colorado Springs typically faster than Denver's 6–8 weeks.
Order tile and materials — allow 2–4 weeks for specialty items to arrive
Order fixtures, vanity, toilet, shower glass — confirm dimensions match space
Confirm project start date and milestone schedule in writing
Arrange alternative bathroom access during constructionIf only one bathroom, discuss this with contractor before scheduling.
Water shut off to bathroom confirmed before any demolition
Existing fixtures, vanity, and flooring removed and disposed
Walls opened to inspect plumbing and verify no moisture damage behind existing tile
Any moisture damage or mold addressed before proceedingCritical step — do not tile over moisture problems.
Plumbing rough-in completed (new drain locations, supply lines set)⚠ Requires PPRBD plumbing permit if relocating anything.
Electrical rough-in completed (heated floor circuit, new outlet locations if needed)⚠ Requires PPRBD electrical permit.
Rough-in inspection passed (if permitted work)Contractor should schedule and manage this inspection.
Cement board or appropriate tile backer installed on all shower walls
★ Colorado Note: Colorado Springs experiences 100+ freeze-thaw cycles per year. Any moisture that penetrates a shower wall will cycle repeatedly through freeze and thaw. A proper waterproof membrane system is non-negotiable — this is not a step to value-engineer out of the project.
Waterproof membrane (Schluter Kerdi, RedGard, or equivalent) applied to all shower wall surfaces and panEvery square inch that will be tiled in the shower should be membrane-covered.
Shower floor pre-sloped correctly toward drain — minimum 1/4" per footFlat shower floors hold water and accelerate grout and membrane failure.
Membrane seams and corners taped and sealed per manufacturer specs
Flood test performed on shower pan before tile installation (fill with water, wait 24 hours)No contractor should skip this step. It's how you catch failures before they're buried under tile.
Heated floor mat installed and circuit tested before flooring goes over itMuch easier to test and replace before tile than after.
Tile layout confirmed with contractor before any tile is setDiscuss grout joint width, pattern, and where cut tiles will fall.
Floor tile installed with proper slope maintained to drain
Wall tile installed from bottom to top, cuts at top and least-visible corners
Niche(s) properly waterproofed and tiled with pitched floor surfaceFlat niche floors pool water. They should pitch slightly toward the shower.
Tile mortar allowed to fully cure before grouting (minimum 24 hours)
Grout installed and joints fully filled — no holidays (bare spots)
★ Grout sealed with quality penetrating sealer (Colorado hard water accelerates staining)Use a penetrating sealer, not a surface coating. Reapply every 1–2 years.
Silicone caulk (not grout) at all inside corners and transitionsGrout at corners will crack. Silicone moves with the structure.
Vanity set and leveled — confirm countertop overhang is correct
Sink and faucet installed — supply lines connected, drain assembled
Toilet installed with new wax ring — confirm no rocking
Shower valve and trim installed — test hot/cold operation
Showerhead installed and tested — confirm adequate flow pressure★ Colorado Springs hard water can reduce pressure in older supply lines. Address before finishing.
Frameless glass shower door/panel installed and adjusted — no gaps at seal
Mirror and medicine cabinet hung — level and secured to studs
Light fixtures installed and tested
Exhaust fan installed and vented to exterior (not to attic)Attic-vented fans create moisture problems. Required by code to vent outside.
Towel bars, toilet paper holder, and accessories installed and anchored
★ Colorado Paint Note: Colorado Springs' indoor humidity drops below 25% in winter. Use flexible-formula, low-VOC bathroom paint rated for high-humidity environments. Standard paint applied too thickly or in low humidity can fail faster at our altitude. Two thin coats cure more reliably than one heavy coat.
Drywall repairs skimmed and sanded smooth
Primer applied — especially on any new drywall or repaired areas
Two coats paint applied — semi-gloss or satin for bathroom surfaces
Baseboards and trim reinstalled and caulked at floor
All penetrations (around pipes, at wall-floor transitions) caulked and sealed
Door hinges and hardware reinstalled and adjusted
Electrical covers and outlet plates installed
PPRBD final inspection passed (if permitted work was done)Contractor should provide documentation of passed inspection.
Run shower for 5+ minutes and inspect all grout lines and transitions for leaks
Flush toilet multiple times — confirm no rocking, no running
Run all faucets — hot and cold both work, drain flows freely
Test heated floor thermostat — confirms heating across full floor area
Exhaust fan operates and vents properly — test with tissue paper
Check all tile for lippage (uneven edges), cracked tiles, or hollow spotsTap tile lightly — hollow sound indicates poor bonding. Flag before contractor leaves.
Inspect all caulk lines — no gaps, no bubbles, smooth tooled surface
All cabinet doors and drawers open/close smoothly — soft-close functions
Walk the space and note any paint touch-ups, trim gaps, or incomplete items
Punch list items addressed before releasing final payment
Obtain all warranty documentation for fixtures, tile, and materials
Get contractor's care and maintenance instructions for new finishesEspecially for grout sealing schedule and fixture cleaning recommendations.
★ Colorado Springs Maintenance Notes: Hard water (11.7 gpg) accelerates mineral buildup on fixtures and grout. UV at 6,035 feet degrades caulk and finishes faster than at sea level. Address these on schedule or small issues become big ones.
Re-seal grout annually — or sooner if water stops beadingTest by pouring a tablespoon of water. If it soaks in under 30 seconds, reseal.
Inspect caulk lines at 6 months and 12 months — replace any that show cracking
Clean showerhead screen monthly if hard water buildup is noticeableSoak in white vinegar overnight to dissolve calcium deposits.
Check under vanity and around toilet base at 6 months for any moisture evidence
Run exhaust fan during every shower and for 15 minutes after — prevents mold
Touch up paint as needed — keep a small amount of the bathroom paint color on hand