Bathroom remodels are a significant home improvement project regarding returns on investment, mainly because most homebuyers consider bathrooms a top priority in their house hunting checklist. They help increase your home’s value while adding energy-efficient features and smart storage space. Bathroom remodeling allows you to leverage the latest trends to update your bathroom’s look and feel.
Bathroom remodeling projects aren’t a small undertaking considering the amount of time and money that goes into this home improvement task. They require a lot of in-depth preparation and planning before starting. This article outlines eight things to consider before beginning your bathroom remodel.
1. Bathroom remodeling contractor
A bathroom remodel isn’t something you want to DIY if you’re looking for a professionally designed look and finish. They require a professional remodeler’s expertise and experience. Bathroom remodeling experts like Kitchen & Bath have access to top-quality fixtures and materials at affordable prices and the proper training to ensure they’re correctly installed for quality, long-term results.
Bathroom remodeling projects can be time-consuming, especially if you have a busy schedule. Professional remodeling teams will ensure your project is completed on time. When hiring a bathroom remodeling contractor, have a clear plan before contacting them. Research and shortlist at least three potential contractors and ensure they have valid licenses and insurance coverage. Interview them and get their written estimates. Look at their experience, testimonials, and portfolio before settling for one.
2. Budget
Before budgeting a bathroom, you must understand the costs behind it. The average price of a bathroom remodel is $10,000, though the actual costs depend on your remodel’s scope. Knowing the average price helps you come up with correct estimates for your budget. When preparing your bathroom remodeling budget, set realistic goals and understand the labor cost.
Factor in the cost of hiring professionals, material costs, and other unexpected expenses that could derail your project if not addressed on time. Break down your budget for specific things and consider allocating a set percentage, including design, labor, walls and ceilings, flooring, faucets and plumbing, doors and windows, countertops, fixtures, cabinetry and hardware, lighting and ventilation, and others.
3. Design
When deciding on your design for a bathroom remodel, focus on function and style. Assess your bathroom to see what it’s offering currently, including lighting, finishes, surfaces, plumbing fixtures, and more, and decide on the changes you’d like to make. You should consider why you’re remodeling, assess your needs and requirements, and design a room that will meet your goals and purpose.
Some bathroom designs you may consider for your renovation include a fireside bathtub, travertine and stone, a Paris powder room, a vintage touch, a bathtub with a great view, a grand affair, and more. When choosing a design for your bathroom remodeling project, consider the available space, budget, paint color, vanities, tile choices, and more.
4. Storage
Sufficient storage is key to keeping your bathroom decluttered and well organized, especially when tight on space. You can add a full-length mirror with hidden, built-in cabinet shelving. While the mirror enhances your bathroom’s visuals and aesthetics, the additional storage behind it is invaluable for storing items of all sizes. You can also add open cabinets and shelving for more space.
Adding hooks on the bathroom door’s back can convert it into a towel rack, giving you more storage in your bathroom. You can build wall mount sinks or a pedestal with smart storage or shelving spaces without impacting their appearance. You may add tower cabinets, toilet toppers, linen cabinets, and recessed shower shelves.
5. Measurements
Bathroom remodeling projects should be well planned and thought out. You should assess the available space and measure before beginning your bathroom remodel. To evaluate your space, create a floor plan and some elevation sketches to show the relationship between your fixtures and other things in the space. Measuring your bathroom in the planning phase smoothens the remodeling process.
The bathroom measurements indicate the existing dimensions and show where to make changes if you have new fixtures of different sizes or change placement upon installing new fixtures. If your remodel involves altering your bathroom walls, you’ll need a sketch showing the changes.
6. Time taken
Estimating the time needed for a bathroom remodel can be a difficult task. Just when you think you have the schedule set, the unexpected impacts your timelines. Accurate estimations are vital because you must have your bathroom ready and running in no time, especially if you don’t have an extra bathroom. Under ideal circumstances, minor bathroom remodels can take around 23 days.
However, this could translate to 46 days if unexpected circumstances or downtime occurs. It’s scarce for a bathroom remodeling project to go precisely as planned, and various factors could impact this, including:
- The nature of your remodel
- Whether you’re hiring a contractor or doing it yourself
- Whether you’re working with one remodeler or your contractor is subcontracting some of the work
- If all the materials are readily available
- Payment issues
When estimating your bathroom remodel timelines, prepare for the unexpected to avoid surprises and disappointments should things not go as planned.
7. Time of the year
While bathroom remodels can be done at any time of the year, renovating at specific times can smoothen the process. Early summer or spring is an excellent time to organize your remodel. Bathroom remodel contractors are usually available early in the year, and products are likely in stock and easy to prepare. Fall is usually the busiest period for home renovations because of the expected holiday season. For the best contractor to handle your project, wait until spring to start renovating.
8. Ventilation
If your bathroom doesn’t have the right ventilation at the moment, a remodel allows you to add it to eliminate hot and humid air. This helps reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth in your bathroom. To add bathroom ventilation during renovation, you may install one or two windows and add an exhaust fan to stop moisture buildup. You may also install a recirculating fan in your half bathroom.
Endnote
If not adequately planned, bathroom remodels can be overwhelming. Consider these factors before beginning your bathroom remodel.
