Thinking of renovating your home in Edmonton, maybe converting an old tub to a shower, updating bathrooms, or doing a room-by-room refresh? A well-structured renovation starts with a solid checklist and clear plan. This guide walks you through a step-by-step home renovation checklist, focusing on key milestones, permit requirements, smart planning, and, where relevant, the classic tub to shower conversion. Wherever you are in your renovation journey, this checklist can help keep things organized, efficient, and aligned with local norms.
Why do you need a proper renovation checklist?
Renovations go beyond design and planning, keeping you on track.
Every renovation, even a simple bathroom refresh or a tub to shower conversion, involves more than picking tiles or fixtures. As the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) recommends, creating a full list of what you want to change, “must-do” repairs, remodels, maintenance, and wishlist items, helps make sure nothing gets forgotten. Canadian Home Builders’ Association
Without a clear checklist, homeowners can overlook things like ventilation, water drainage, plumbing layout, or permit requirements, which can cause delays, extra cost, or even code violations.
Local compliance matters, especially in Edmonton
If you live in Edmonton and are renovating your basement, bathroom, or any structural part of your home, you must pay attention to municipal rules. The city requires building and sometimes development permits for many renovation types, especially if you’re changing plumbing, layout, or adding new walls. edmonton.ca
Working with a qualified, local contractor familiar with Edmonton codes, like Steadfast Constructions Ltd, ensures your renovation meets all regulations and passes inspections smoothly.
What this checklist covers
This guide offers a complete home renovation checklist relevant for Edmonton homeowners. It spans:
- Defining goals and scope
- Room-by-room planning (especially bathroom/tub-to-shower conversion)
- Permits and inspections
- Timeline and sequencing
- Contractor selection and project management
- Final inspection and finishing touches
If you follow the steps in order, your renovation stands a much better chance of going smoothly on time, up to code, and with less stress.
Step 1: Define your goals and map out your priorities.
Start with a clear picture of what you want.
- Walk through every room in your home. Note what works well, what feels outdated or inefficient, and what needs repair.
- Write down both “need to fix” items (leaky faucets, worn flooring, outdated electrical) and “nice to have” upgrades (fresh paint, updated layout, new flooring, etc.).
- For bathrooms, think: Do we need a tub? Do we prefer a walk-in shower? That’s where the idea of a tub-to-shower conversion comes in.
This step helps clarify whether you’re doing a minor update or a deeper renovation.
Prioritize by lifestyle, family needs, and resale value.
Ask yourself:
- How long do we plan to stay in the home?
- Do we value accessibility (especially for aging homeowners or future mobility concerns)? A tub to shower conversion can improve safety and ease of use, especially with a walk-in or barrier-free shower.
- Are we optimizing for comfort and daily living, or also for resale appeal?
- Which rooms contribute most to daily comfort or property value? Kitchens and bathrooms often deliver high value for renovations in Canada.
With clarity on these questions, you can structure your renovation checklist to address the most important items first.
Step 2: Plan the scope and layout room by room
Bathroom & the tub to shower conversion
If you decide to go for a tub to shower conversion, here’s a breakdown for that room:
Evaluate your space and bathroom layout.
- Measure the existing bathtub footprint, shower stall space, door clearances, and ceiling height. If you are considering a walk-in or barrier-free shower, entrance width and drainage placement matter.
- Think about storage, accessibility, convenience, shelves, grab bars, seating, or bench options if needed.
Decide on the type of shower: curbed, curbless, walk-in, or traditional.
- A curbless or walk-in shower adds accessibility and a modern look, especially beneficial for aging in place or mobility requirements. ibathrooms.ca
- Make sure drainage slope, waterproof membranes, and waterproofing are planned properly (walls, floor, sealing) to avoid leaks, a critical step for lasting, trouble-free bathrooms. Safety Bath
Plan plumbing, ventilation, and finishing touches
- Moving from tub to shower may require updating plumbing (drain, supply, vent).
- Ensure good ventilation to avoid moisture buildup and mold; a proper exhaust fan and sealing are important.
- Choose materials: slip-resistant tiles for the floor, water-resistant wall finishes, durable fixtures, and easy-clean surfaces.
This detailed approach ensures your tub-to-shower conversion not only looks good but also stands up to years of use.
Room-by-room home renovation checklist
A thorough renovation isn’t only about bathrooms. Here’s how to plan other key areas:
- Kitchen: layout, cabinets, appliances, lighting, ventilation, workflow optimization. These spaces influence livability and resale value. iconstruct.ca
- Living and common areas: flooring, lighting, paint, trim, storage. Especially if you plan to renovate multiple rooms together.
- Basement / lower levels: waterproofing, floor finish, proper insulation, ventilation, especially important in Edmonton’s climate. Local contractors know what to flag before finishing basements.
- Electrical / heating/ventilation updates: if walls are open, it’s a good time to check wiring, HVAC ducts, insulation, and energy-efficiency upgrades.
- Structural changes (if any): moving walls, windows, or re-configuring rooms must factor in permits, possibly engineer drawings, especially for load-bearing walls. edmonton.ca
Step 3: Permits, regulations, and compliance in Edmonton
Know when you need permits.
When renovating in Edmonton, whether a simple bathroom update or a larger renovation, local codes often come into play. If your project involves plumbing, electrical, structural changes, or modifications to heating/ventilation systems, you’ll likely need the required building or trade permits. edmonton.ca
Even for something that might seem small, a tub to shower conversion, if plumbing or ventilation is modified, permits and inspections are necessary. Skipping permits can result in penalties or failed inspections.
Work with licensed professionals
Especially for plumbing, waterproofing, electrical, or structural work, hiring certified tradespeople helps ensure safety and code compliance. Edmonton’s permit system often requires licensed contractors when gas, plumbing, or electrical work is involved. edmonton.ca
When you work with a full-service firm like Steadfast Constructions Ltd, you benefit from local building code knowledge, permit management, inspections, and insured workmanship.
Documentation and planning
Prepare detailed project plans before applying for permits. Include layout drawings, current vs proposed state, plumbing/electrical plans, and material specifications. This is not just useful for code compliance; it helps avoid misunderstandings and delays.
Step 4: Create a renovation timeline and checklist
Why a timeline matters
A renovation involves many moving parts: demolition, plumbing, framing, finishing, and inspections. A timeline clarifies dependencies and ensures tasks happen in the right order, avoiding costly mistakes or rework.
Sample step-by-step renovation checklist
Here’s how a typical home renovation, including a tub to shower conversion, could flow:
- Define project goals and priorities (needs vs wants)
- Take measurements, layouts, and note structural/plumbing constraints.
- Decide on design/style/materials.
- Hire a contractor or design-build firm (e.g. Steadfast Constructions Ltd)
- Draft plans and apply for necessary permits (plumbing, building, trades)
- Demolition and removal of existing fixtures (e.g., bathtub)
- Plumbing / electrical / ventilation updates or rerouting
- Rough framing, waterproofing, subfloor, and wall prep
- Install shower base, drains, and waterproof membranes.
- Tile or wall/floor finishes, fixtures, glass doors, or shower enclosures
- Install ventilation/fans and ensure proper ventilation paths.
- Final inspections, tests for leaks, functionality, and safety compliance
- Painting, trim work, sealing, clean-up, finishing touches
- Final walkthrough with homeowner: test shower, confirm fixtures, inspect finishes
- Document completion, store warranties, manuals
This kind of detailed, step-by-step home renovation checklist helps keep the renovation organized, minimizes surprises, and supports smoother execution.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Overlooking structural or plumbing constraints
Trying to do a tub to shower conversion without checking the drain location, slope, plumbing venting, or floor support can lead to leaks, poor drainage, or code issues. Always inspect these before starting.
Skipping waterproofing or ventilation
Poorly sealed showers and inadequate ventilation can lead to moisture build-up, mold, or damage down the line. Use proper membranes, seals, and ventilation fans. A barrier-free/walk-in shower demands especially careful waterproofing.
Doing it without permits or licensed trades
Risky failed inspections or non-compliance may cause delays or a forced redo. In Edmonton, DIY plumbing or electrical work without a license is often disallowed; also, safety codes must be met. edmonton.ca
Rushing to finish work or ignoring quality
Good materials and finishes make a difference over time. Rushed tiling, poor sealing, cheap fixtures — these may hold up now but degrade sooner, reducing home comfort or value.
How Steadfast Constructions Ltd helps you check all the boxes
When you partner with Steadfast Constructions Ltd for your Edmonton renovation, whether a bathroom update, tub to shower conversion, or full-home renovation, you get:
- A full-service approach: design, permits, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, finishes.
- Local expertise: familiar with Edmonton codes, common home issues (old plumbing, insulation, ventilation), and know what’s required for smooth approval.
- Detailed planning and transparent timelines: a custom renovation checklist tailored to your home, your needs, and your schedule.
- Professional trades and quality workmanship: from demolition to final finishing, ensuring durability and compliance.
- Accountability: properly documented, code-compliant renovations are important for safety and future resale.
This removes the burden from you and ensures your renovation is executed with care and precision.
Conclusion
A home renovation, even something that seems simple, like a tub to shower conversion, can be complex. Without a clear, step-by-step checklist, it’s easy to miss critical details: plumbing, permits, materials, sequencing, finishing touches. For homeowners in Edmonton, where local codes and climate require careful attention, planning and compliance matter even more.
By following this detailed home renovation checklist, you set yourself up for a smoother process, fewer surprises, and long-lasting results. Whether you’re updating one bathroom or redoing your entire home, the combination of careful planning, professional execution, and thoughtful design will pay off in comfort, safety, and value.
If you’re ready to start your renovation and want expert guidance, including a seamless tub to shower conversion or full home renovation, contact Steadfast Constructions Ltd today. Let’s build a renovation plan that checks all the boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
[What should I include in a home renovation checklist in Edmonton?
Your checklist should include defining renovation goals, room-by-room evaluation, layout and structural review, permit requirements, contractor selection, detailed timeline, plumbing/heating/ventilation plans if needed, fixtures, finishes, and final inspections.
Is a tub to shower conversion a good renovation idea?
Yes, a tub to shower conversion can improve accessibility, modernize a bathroom, and make better use of space. It’s important to plan drainage, waterproofing, and ventilation properly and ensure compliance with local codes.
Do I need a permit for a tub to shower conversion in Edmonton?
Often yes. If the renovation involves plumbing, structural changes, or modifications to ventilation or drainage, you’ll typically need a building or trade permit under Edmonton’s regulations. Working with a licensed contractor helps ensure compliance.
What common renovation mistakes should I avoid?
Common mistakes include skipping waterproofing or ventilation, overlooking plumbing or drainage constraints, rushing finishes, failing to check permits or code compliance, and doing major work without experienced professionals.
How can a contractor make the renovation process smoother?
A professional contractor like Steadfast Constructions Ltd in Edmonton handles planning, permit applications, design, plumbing/electrical work, waterproofing, scheduling, and quality control. This reduces risk, ensures compliance, and delivers a polished final result.
