First, it is important to understand the distinction between a bathroom remodel and a bathroom renovation. The uninitiated may be tempted to use these terms interchangeably, but the terminology is important, especially if you plan on using a professional contractor.
Renovation is the process of updating the look and feel of a location without any changes to the structure or function. Typically a renovation is only 'skin deep,' like a fresh coat of paint and some updated hardware. Consider a renovation like a facelift that looks to improve the appearance of your bathroom.
On the other hand, a remodel is more like reconstructive surgery and aims to improve the room on a functional and structural level. A remodel often includes tasks like ripping out a wall to expand the size of a room and reconfiguring the layout of the room’s fixtures.