Resources for your Bathroom Redesign

Redesigning a bathroom sounds exciting right? A fresh beautiful space where you start and end your day is a dream for many. But let’s be honest it can also be a little overwhelming. From picking tiles to choosing the right faucet (who knew there were so many?), a bathroom redesign involves a lot of decisions. The good news? You don’t have to go at it alone. There are tons of resources both online and offline that can help you plan, design and bring your dream bathroom to life.

Whether you’re going for a full gut renovation or just refreshing a few key elements, having the right tools, tips, and professionals in your corner can make all the difference. So let’s break down the resources you’ll want to have on hand when embarking on your bathroom makeover.

1. Inspiration Boards: Where Ideas Come to Life

Before you do anything else you need to figure out what you want. This is the fun part—dreaming, scrolling, pinning. There are plenty of places where you can collect ideas, and here are a few fan favorites.

Pinterest

It’s practically made for home design inspiration. You can search for terms like “modern farmhouse bathroom,” “small space bathroom ideas,” or “luxury spa bathroom” and pin your favorites to boards. It’s a great way to start identifying your style.

Instagram

Follow interior designers, home renovation accounts, and hashtags like #BathroomGoals or #BathroomRenovation. You’ll see real life examples from people who’ve gone through the process and some seriously stylish results.

Houzz

This is basically the social network for home design. Houzz not only has gorgeous photos but also product links, contractor reviews, and articles written by professionals. It’s a goldmine if you’re just starting out.

2. Design Tools: Bring Your Vision to Life

Now that your creative juices are flowing it’s time to turn that Pinterest board into something tangible. Whether you’re working with a designer or flying solo these tools can help you create a real plan.

Room Planners

There are plenty of free or affordable online tools that let you mockup a bathroom layout, add fixtures and experiment with color schemes.

• SketchUp Free – A 3D modeling tool that’s surprisingly intuitive for beginners.

• Smart Draw – Great for floor plans with built in templates for bathrooms.

• IKEA Bathroom Planner – If you’re thinking about using IKEA cabinetry or fixtures this tool makes visualizing them super easy.

Color & Material Samplers

Once you’ve got a layout it’s time to play with finishes. Companies like Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore offer online paint visualizers. Tile Bar and Fireclay Tile even send free samples so you can see and feel materials before you commit.

3. Budgeting Tools: Stay on Track

Let’s talk numbers. Bathroom renovations can get expensive fast. But a solid budget can help you stay grounded and make smart choices.

Budget Planners & Calculators

Try tools like:

• HomeAdvisor’s Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide – It gives national and local cost averages based on your zip code.

• Excel/Google Sheets Templates – There are tons of free spreadsheet templates online where you can track expenses by category (labor, materials, contingency, etc.).

Also: Always plan your budget by 10-20% for unexpected costs. Something always pops up.

4. Professional Help: When to Call in the Pros

Even if you’re a hardcore DIYer there are times when hiring a professional makes a lot of sense and especially when plumbing and electrical are involved.

Contractors and Remodelers

Start by asking friends or neighbors for recommendations. Then head to sites like:

• Angi (formerly Angie’s List) – Read real reviews and get quotes.

• Houzz Pro Directory – Filter by location and read portfolios.

• Thumbtack – Easy way to get quotes from multiple local pros.

Always ask for multiple quotes, check references, and make sure they’re licensed and insured. A good contractor is worth every penny.

Interior Designers

Not just for big budget makeovers. Many designers offer flat rate or hourly consultations. They can help with space planning, sourcing materials or just making sure your ideas actually work together. Check out sites like:

• Decorist – Offers online interior design services at different price points.

• Modsy – Another online platform that creates 3D designs of your space.

5. DIY Learning Resources: Roll Up Your Sleeves

Want to do it yourself? There are more resources out there than ever to help you learn how to lay tile, replace a vanity or even reroute plumbing if you’re brave.

YouTube Channels

Some amazing creators out there make DIY projects approachable and even fun:

• Home Reno Vision DIY – Straightforward tutorials with lots of pro tips.

• This Old House – A classic and still one of the best.

• House Improvements – Step by step walkthroughs especially helpful for first timers.

Books & Manuals

Sometimes a good old fashioned book is the way to go:

• Black & Decker The Complete Guide To Bathrooms

• Bathroom Upgrade Guide by Better Homes & Gardens

These resources are especially handy for double checking your work as you go.

6. Product Resources: Where to Buy All the Things

Fixtures, tiles, lighting, oh my! Here’s where you can source everything from budget buys to luxury splurges.

Online Retailers

• Wayfair – Huge selection, decent prices and fast shipping.

• Build.com – Great for faucets, vanities, lighting and more.

• Signature Hardware – Gorgeous, often more unique pieces.

• Amazon – Convenient for accessories and some fixture basics.

Specialty Shops

• Tile Bar – Trendy tile in all shapes and colors.

• Rejuvenation – Perfect for lighting and vintage style fixtures.

• Waterworks – High end finishes and stunning hardware.

Don’t forget about local tile showrooms, plumbing supply stores and home improvement centers like Lowe’s and Home Depot. They often have clearance sales or floor models at a discount.

7. Sustainability Resources: Design for the Future

Thinking green? Awesome. There are more eco-friendly bathroom options now than ever before from water saving toilets to recycled materials.

Certifications & Guides

• Water Sense – Look for this EPA label when shopping for toilets, faucets and showerheads.

• LEED Bathrooms – If you’re building sustainably the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) guidelines can help you choose the right materials and methods.

Where to Donate or Reuse

Don’t toss the old stuff! Instead of sending that old vanity to the landfill:

• Donate it to Habitat for Humanity ReStores.

• Sell or give away usable items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

• Check out The Freecycle Network for local reuse.

8. Accessibility and Universal Design Resources

If you’re planning for accessibility in place or just want a more accessible bathroom for all abilities, universal design is the way to go.

Organizations & Guidelines

• ADA Standards (Americans with Disabilities Act) – They offer exact measurements and guidelines for accessible layouts, grab bars and more.

• AARP Home Fit Guide – A fantastic and free resource for designing a safe functional space.

Also talk to a designer or occupational therapist if you’re not sure where to start so they can offer helpful insight you might not have considered.

9. Project Management Tools: Keep it All Together

Once you’re in the thick of a remodel staying organized is key. You’ll be juggling schedules, deliveries, receipts and invoices.

Helpful Apps

• Trello or Asana – Use these to manage tasks and timelines.

• Google Drive – Great for keeping all your documents and receipts in one place.

• Home Zada – Designed specifically for home improvement projects—track budgets, photos, product links and more.

Even a simple folder or notebook can work wonders for keeping your head on straight during a renovation.

10. Support Communities: You’re Not Alone

Let’s face it renovating can be stressful. So why not tap into the collective wisdom of others going through the same thing?

Online Forums & Groups

• Reddit’s/Home Improvement – Real questions, real advice.

• Facebook Groups like “Home Renovation DIYers” or “Dream Bathrooms.”

• Houzz Discussions – Ask design questions and get feedback from both pros and homeowners.

You’ll get everything from design tips to “what not to do” horror stories that are super helpful when you’re stuck or second guessing a decision.

Conclusion

Here’s the thing your bathroom doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to work for you. Whether you’re planning a Pinterest worthy spa retreat or just updating a cramped powder room the right resources can make the whole process feel a lot more doable and even fun.

Start with inspiration, get organized with the right tools and don’t be afraid to ask for help. And hey, if something goes a little sideways? That’s part of the journey. You’ll figure it out. You’ve got this.