The Complete Bathroom Renovation Checklist
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Home Improvement
The Complete Bathroom Renovation Checklist
Renovation Phases
Weeks Total
Contingency Fund
Cabinet Shipping
Introduction
A full bathroom renovation involves dozens of decisions in a specific order. Miss a step and you risk costly delays. This checklist walks through every phase — from demolition through final installation — with guidance on when to select and install your medicine cabinet.
The typical renovation takes 4–6 weeks for a full gut remodel or 2–3 weeks for a cosmetic refresh. The golden rule: order everything before you demo anything. Medicine cabinets with LED features can ship within 48 hours, but custom tile, fixtures, and vanities may have lead times of 2–8 weeks.
Table of Contents
1. Planning & Budgeting
Set a realistic budget: materials (50%), labor (35%), contingency (15%). Choose your layout — moving plumbing is the biggest cost driver. Order your medicine cabinet early before demo begins.
MC002 LED Medicine Cabinet
$202.49 • 9 sizes • 2 outlets + 2 USB
Dual front + interior LED, 3-color dimmable, anti-fog, ships in 48 hrs.
Shop MC002 →Measure your space carefully before ordering. The MC002 offers 9 sizes to fit standard stud spacing. If surface-mounting, choose a cabinet 2–4 inches narrower than your vanity top. Your budget should also account for permits (1–3 weeks to issue) and inspections required by your local building department.
2. Demolition & Abatement
Remove old vanity, mirror, lighting, and flooring. Test for asbestos if your home was built before 1980. Protect the tub and toilet with drop cloths. This phase takes 1–2 days.
Check for water damage behind the old vanity or cabinet. Address rot or mold before closing up walls. Rent a debris bin beforehand and wear proper PPE: safety glasses, gloves, N95 mask.
3. Plumbing Rough-In
Move drain, supply lines, and venting as needed. Install shut-off valves and pressure-test all lines before closing walls. If recessing your medicine cabinet, frame the opening now — the rough opening should be 0.25–0.5 inches wider and taller than the cabinet body.
MC010 LED Medicine Cabinet
$189.99 • 5 sizes • Black or White
3-color dimmable front LED, 2 GFCI outlets, anti-fog, memory function, recessed or surface mount.
Shop MC010 →All bathroom outlets must be GFCI-protected per National Electrical Code. If your medicine cabinet has integrated outlets, coordinate with your electrician to run a dedicated 15- or 20-amp circuit to the cabinet location during this phase.
4. Electrical Wiring
Run circuits for lighting, exhaust fan, and outlets. For LED medicine cabinets, install a GFCI-protected circuit. Plug-in models can be tucked into a nearby outlet; hardwired units need a junction box in the wall cavity.
MC001 Trio-Lit Medicine Cabinet
$233.99 • 3 sizes • Bluetooth clock
Triple stepless dimming, 3-color, anti-fog, smart memory, 2 outlets + 2 USB, Bluetooth clock.
Shop MC001 →Consider a dedicated lighting circuit separate from outlets. This allows dimmer switch installation without affecting GFCI outlets. Label all circuits at the breaker panel. Now is also the ideal time to install an exhaust fan with a humidity sensor.
5. Drywall & Tiling
Hang, tape, and finish drywall (purple water-resistant board recommended). Cut drywall to fit around recessed cabinet openings — the cabinet's trim flange will cover the seam. Tile the shower or backsplash, allowing 24-hour mortar cure before grouting. Seal grout with a penetrating sealer.
6. Flooring
Install floor tile, LVP, or engineered wood. Leave expansion gaps and protect finished flooring with ram board during subsequent installation. Porcelain tile is recommended for bathrooms due to low water absorption and slip resistance.
7. Cabinet, Vanity & Mirror Installation
Set the vanity first, then install the medicine cabinet. For surface-mount models, mark stud locations and use toggle bolts (never drywall anchors alone). Recessed units slide into the framed opening with shims for leveling.
Recommended height: 72–76 inches from floor to top edge. Test-fit before final mounting. Apply silicone caulk around the rough opening for recessed installations to create a moisture barrier. Connect power last.
Installation Tip
Use a 24-inch level across the top of the cabinet. Adjust mounting brackets incrementally until the bubble is centered. Soft-close hinges should engage in the final 30 degrees of closure.
MC002 Details →8. Finishing Touches
Caulk all seams with silicone (not acrylic), install trim and baseboards, mount towel bars at 48–52 inches, and touch up paint. Run the fan for 48 hours to cure caulk and grout. Final walkthrough: check all outlets, USB ports, anti-fog function, and door alignment.
Choosing the Right Model
| Model | Price | Lighting | Sizes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC011 | $89.99 | Non-LED | 19 | Budget / rental bathrooms |
| MC010 | $189.99 | 3-color front LED | 5 | Mid-range, plug-in install |
| MC002 | $202.49 | Dual front + interior | 9 | Full renovation, most features |
| MC001 | $233.99 | Trio-lit stepless + Bluetooth clock | 3 | Premium master bath |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I order my medicine cabinet?
Order before demo begins. ≤48 hrs delivery applies to most LED models, but confirming sizing early avoids framing mistakes.
Can I install a medicine cabinet without a contractor?
Yes — surface-mount models require only a drill and level. Recessed installations typically need a contractor for wall framing.
What is the right height for a medicine cabinet?
72–76 inches from floor to top edge is standard. Adjust based on household height.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation?
Most jurisdictions require permits for plumbing and electrical work. Cosmetic changes (painting, swapping fixtures) typically do not.
How long does a full bathroom renovation take?
Full gut: 4–6 weeks. Cosmetic refresh: 1–2 weekends.
Do I need an electrician for installation?
Plug-in models (MC010) require no electrician. Hardwired models (MC001, MC002) may need one. The MC011 requires no electrical connection.
What if my cabinet arrives damaged?
Contact Tetote Home within 48 hours with photos — they will ship a replacement immediately at no cost.
How long does the LED lighting last?
50,000 hours — equivalent to 30–45 years at 3–4 hours of daily use.
Can I use the cabinet with an external dimmer switch?
No — use the built-in stepless dimming. An external dimmer may damage the LED driver and void the warranty.
What is the shelf weight capacity?
Each tempered glass shelf supports up to 10 lbs. Distribute weight evenly.
Warranty, Care & Shipping
Warranty: All of the cabinets include a 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects (LED failure, mirror delamination, hinge malfunction, electrical components). Register online to activate.
Care: Wipe frame and mirror with a soft damp cloth. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners. Keep ventilation slots dust-free. Test GFCI monthly.
Shipping: Orders ship within 48 hours via insured carriers. Free standard transit (3–7 business days). Expedited available at checkout.
Returns: 30-day return policy on unused cabinets in original packaging (full refund minus return shipping).