No matter how experienced you are with home repair, when it comes to bathroom remodeling, there are specific things you need to do beforehand to get the best results. The bathroom is a room with its own set of needs, and any remodeling project will have several different components. Here are six preparatory steps to get you started on the right track.

While this might seem like common sense, it's really the most important thing you can do. Get rid of the counter clutter and any movable furniture pieces in order to free the space for all the work that needs to be done. If you can, dismantle the shower and bathing areas to keep the room completely free of obstacles. (See Step #6.)

Remove whatever remains from Step #1 that either doesn't fit with the new décor, or will interfere with work (e.g., lighting fixtures, wall decorations, window treatments, towel racks, and wallpaper). Old paint can be stripped or painted over, depending on what condition it's in and how thorough and ambitious you are. Worn carpeting or linoleum should be ripped up if you are envisioning a new floor.

Dust and wash all surfaces to remove whatever dirt and grime have built up over the years. This is especially important for any area that will be painted, wallpapered, or resurfaced, or used for mounting or supporting cabinetry or other fixtures.

Next on your to-do list is to properly prepare all surfaces for their new roles. Patch holes and cracks in woodwork and walls, and sand smooth any freshly cleaned or plastered areas. Plane any bumps or surface irregularities in the floor so the new covering will lie flat.

If you plan to mount anything new on the walls, eliminate as much humidity as possible. Try running a fan or dehumidifier in the room, or leaving a window open if you live in a dry, temperate climate that doesn't have dust in the air. Dry out the bathroom for at least 24 hours before starting the actual renovation work.

Since you'll probably be installing new sinks and fixtures, you'll need to turn off the water and clean out the pipes as best you can to prevent leaks and spills. You'll also want to shut off electricity in the area if any wiring is exposed or electrical work is necessary.

Just as the success of any endeavor rests on adequate preparation, so too does a bathroom remodeling project. It may not be a bravura performance at Carnegie Hall, or a winning catch in the Super Bowl, but it does involve a considerable financial, emotional, and aesthetic investment for those who attempt it. Why not do everything possible to ensure its success?