1. Identify your style

Spend some time exploring magazines and various home improvement media. A great source of new ideas can come by visiting open houses, primarily new homes.

2. Pick your layout

Careful to take into account all appropriate measurements and water pipes. A basic bathroom will have three or four features: sink and vanity, toilet, tub and in some cases a separate shower.

3. Choose your finishes

While there are seemingly endless finishes, and combinations thereof, the basics are: for your walls: paint, tile, stone, wood and wallpaper. For floors: tile, stone, wood, linoleum and vinyl tiles. Vanity countertop: tile, stone, plastic laminate. Another option for your bathroom vanity counter top is solid surfacing which is durable and water resistant. The most well known brands are Coraian, Nevamar and Surell.

4. Pick your fixtures

There are many factors that will contribute to your final selection of a toilet, sink, tub and faucets. While cost is often a big factor, more and more homeowners are concerned about style and water conservation. A fourth factor in purchasing a toilet is its flushing ability.

5. Hire a contractor

You want to find a local contractor with a good reputation. Once you have your contractor make sure you have a written estimate and a clear start and completion date.