In our bathroom, we would like replace tub, sink and toilet. We'd also like to put down new flooring over the existing vinyl. On some walls we will strip wallpaper and paint. On other walls and in bath area we might re-tile. What is the best order to do these things to minimize bathroom down-time and expense.

There's no good way to reduce the expense except doing it all at once. If you do a little at a time, you will be re-doing a lot of the work. Example, if you replace the toilet now, when it is time to put down new flooring, you'll need to remove (temp) and re-install the toilet. However, if you decide to re-do the floor first, you'll need to remove the old toilet and re-install it after the floor is down.

Expense - noneBathroom down time - strip your walls and do your painting first. That is as long as your new tub will cover the same if not more area as your existing tub. Next remove your vinyl. Cut along the tub, toilet and vanity. That way when it comes time to tile you only have to remove the little bit of vinyl under the toilet. The tub,toilet and tileing should all be done at the same time to reduce your downtime the most. Put your tile down and install the tub and toilet.