All design decisions should be compete, including the backsplash, and all products should be received, before any demolition occurs in any renovation. That is how a professionally design d and managed project works. And it’s why it works, and doesn’t stretch out to infinity with the timeline.

I did not wait to select all design choices for my bathroom as they are very interrelated.

I don't have a backsplash per se in the bathroom as my mirrors are wall to wall and counter to ceiling but all of my other choices - tile, counter, flooring, fixtures, vanities were all chosen at the same time. The only design choice that was deferred until after installation was the wallpaper and the pair of decorative sconces.

In my kitchen I also selected the backsplash as part of my initial design choices. If anything my kitchen counter was selected to complement my very distinctive backsplash choices as I chose it after I finalized the design of my backsplash.

I wouldn't want to defer a backsplash splash for very long since it provides functionality in both the kitchen and bathroom - especially behind sinks.

I agree with GreenDesigns about making decisions ahead of time, but in my case, I waited to do the backsplash last and spent some time deliberating over choices. I made a better decision because I already had the cabinetry and countertops in place and painting done. You really need to hold up backsplash samples against the wall at that point to see whether or not they complement the other elements. My original choices, selected at the beginning along with everything else, looked terrible when everything else was in place. I wouldn't have known that if I hadn't waited to make an official decision.

Thanks all.

@Patricia Colwell Consulting, solid advice as always, thanks.!I'm taking extra note of your patio comment as we do have a surprising degree of backyard leftover and I hadn't thought of expanding the patio past the small square courtyard adjacent to our new kitchen/living area.

@Helen, I guess I'd read of a number of Houzzers not choosing a backsplash until they settled in. Was wondering how they protected their wall while they pondered choices. Maybe a few layers of Saran Wrap? LOL. Thanks for the nudge!

@User, Of course I realize it would have been much better to have made decisions far in advance, but that's not how it's played out in our somewhat unusual situation. Code word here is "Onward!"

@goodbye_kitty, thanks. I feel MUCH better! :) And seriously, I've always been a procrastinator in many ways and found over time that it works out pretty well in many categories! (Though IF I ever do another remodel...well...hopefully I will know what I want FAR in advance!)

I should clarify that I didn't wait too long to install the backsplash. The crew was still there; it was just the last design element I had them install.

Oops. Posted at the same time. Good luck, and you're welcome!

It all depends if you have general contractor, they will push you to make selection way before. it helps with timeline as was mentioned, having everything available before demolition. also any changes it on you to pay extra... We are normally work with experts directly, so was easy to select cabinets and countertops and be able to bring 20 different samples home and see how exactly they look in the room.