Remodeling your bathroom is one of the most exciting home renovations if all. It’s arguably one of the most satisfying rooms you can personalize. But, as with any home renovation, things can get a bit overwhelming at times.
That’s why planning ahead and considering some of the not-so-exciting project arrangements will be the key to creating the bathroom of your dreams.
Bathroom remodels can be costly and they can take time. In order to help your project run smoothly, we put together the following 10 point bathroom remodel checklist:
1. Figure Out Your Budget
Work out a budget for how much you are going to spend on your bathroom remodel. This will help guide you when making decisions when it comes to design and material choices. You will need a clear picture of what you can afford when choosing things like tiles, bathroom fixtures, lighting, and other extras.
Also, keep in mind that you will need to set aside an amount for labor and installation. Once you have a budget, you can begin collecting quotes from suppliers and local contractors.
2. Timing of Remodel
Never assume that a remodel of a smaller bathroom will be quicker than a larger one. A lot depends on how much you will be changing inside the bathroom.
Contractors need to follow all the same steps as they would in a larger bathroom. Planning for time will also involve ordering and availability of tiles and fixtures. Custom cabinets and vanities need to be designed and created before your contractor gets them.
When deliveries are not on schedule it can set the entire project back. This can become a problem for homeowners with only one bathroom. Toilet and shower arrangements will need to be made in the meantime no matter how long the remodel could take.
3. Order of The Bathroom Remodel
Bathroom remodels which follow a specific order or sequence can be the difference between many mistakes, loss of time, and even more cleaning up. Whether it’s just a basic repaint or you are demolishing walls, start at the top of the room. Ceilings always come first, then walls, and lastly the flooring. This will prevent damage to any new items and prevent extra expenses arising.
Whether it’s just a basic repaint or you are demolishing walls, start at the top of the room. Ceilings always come first, then walls, and lastly the flooring. This will prevent damage to any new items and prevent extra expenses arising.
4. Unforeseen Problems
A major bathroom remodel will require gutting almost everything in sight. If this is the route you plan to take, it is crucial that you hire a professional and reputable contractor. This will ensure your bathroom remodel has no problems later on and functions perfectly for years while holding its value and increasing your home’s return on investment.
This will ensure your bathroom remodel has no problems later on and functions perfectly for years while also holding its value and increasing your home’s return on investment.
The main issues of a complete strip down includes the age of the home and its build quality. The main problems to look out for include water damage, structural defects, old and corroded plumbing, and leaking tiles around the tub and/or shower. It’s always a possibility that these problems may arise.
Speak to a contractor when discussing the remodel and what you may need to budget for these types of problems.
5. Functionality vs Style
There are many factors to consider when you begin planning the desired look and feel of your bathroom remodel. Choosing things like paint color, tiling, faucets, bathtubs, and showers can all quickly become overwhelming.
This should not be a rushed process, and research should always be considered. Begin by piecing together the main elements you want in your bathroom, or the main design item you will be featuring, then work the rest of the bathroom designs around it.
The design and function of your remodel should work together in unison. Consider who will be using the bathroom and take the rest of the home’s design into account for the eventual resale.
6. Measurements and Bathroom Size
When it comes to bathroom remodels, there are 3 main restrictions which would matter the most. They include the overall bathroom size, plumbing and electrical wiring locations in the bathroom, and fixture sizes and dimensions. Have all these measurements on hand when seeing suppliers. Purchasing items which don’t fit can be most frustrating.
7. Hiring Contractors
You may be thinking a bathroom remodel is a DIY job, but it is a complex job which requires highly skilled contractors with years of experience. Professionals can handle unforeseen problems such as plumbing, tiling, and electrical systems.
Contractors can usually get better deals on bathroom supplies and building materials due to their industry knowledge and regular supply of business. Hiring a bathroom remodeling pro can save time, money, and much-unneeded distress.
8. Planning Bathroom Features
A bathroom remodel would not be complete without new features like bathtubs, showers, sinks, faucets, and toilet. Create a list of what you want to update and change. Mirrors and shower doors can make a huge difference in the way your bathroom turns out. Swap outdoor and drawer handles at a minimal cost to change the look of the current cabinets and vanities.
Planning storage like cabinets and shelves in small un-uniform bathrooms can be tricky. These need to be functional while creating space, be within reach, and accommodate all bathroom items. Most importantly, they need to have a stylish design while still remaining timeless.
Any material can be used for a bathroom’s walls and floors. It all comes down to your budget and design style. Tiles made from granite, marble or plain ceramic always look attractive on bath and floor surfaces. When choosing surfaces, always have durability and more importantly slip-resistant surfaces in mind.
Always try to keep as much natural light flowing through the bathroom too. Artificial lighting should cover around 4 watts of incandescent light per square foot.
9. Bathroom Ventilation
Ventilation can often be overlooked in the bathroom, however, it is one of the most crucially important areas. A room that is constantly wet and steamy requires satisfactory ventilation planning, especially with electrical wiring present. Damp and moldy bathrooms can be extremely harmful to the family’s health. Ventilation and airflow prevent decay and rot of ceilings, wood trim, and fixtures.
10. Bathroom Remodel Cleanup
Once your bathroom remodel has been completed, there should be a final clean up which takes place. Cabinets, ducts, walls, windows, floors and fixtures should all have a thorough wipe down.
Scheduling a clean up is often overlooked when planning a budget for the bathroom remodel. Clean up crews and rubble removal is an added cost.
Some contractors may include this service in their initial quote so be sure to ask about it. If you plan on doing it yourself it may take a while longer though you can save on costs.