A bathroom remodel can make a huge difference in a very important and much-used space. Although a basic plan is built into any bathroom in terms of function and style, you can still change the space enough to make it match your vision. It’s likely to be a major project if you want to see a positive and substantial result, but if you do it right, the outcome will be worth it. Whether you’re planning to remodel a small downstairs powder room or you’re revamping a large master bath, you want the finished product to make your dream a reality. Here are 10 tips that can help you pull it off:
1. Create a Bottom-line Budget
Factors that will influence price include the size of your project, the kinds of materials that you’ll use and whether it’s a DIY endeavor. The average cost of a bathroom remodel is around $10,000. A small bathroom remodel with low-end fixtures will cost you between $1,000 and $15,000. A large bathroom remodel can cost you between $15,000 and $50,000. With a contractor, you could easily spend between $15,000 and $80,000 if your materials are fancy, your project is complex, and your scope is large. Most tubs and showers installed professionally will cost between $7,000 and $15,000.
Be sure to include room in your budget for unexpected costs. You don’t want to stop work midway through the project because you’ve run out of money. A detailed budget that’s completed in advance is the best way to plan ahead. Include the cost of materials, labor, waste removal and anything else you can think of. When you have a realistic spending plan in place, open a bank account and deposit the full amount of the remodel into the account.
2. Consider Function Before Style
Style is important, but without function, your new bathroom will be frustrating instead of fun. Bathrooms are wet. The most important functional feature in any bathroom is to waterproof it and to control the flow of water. Water should emerge from the tap and go straight to the drain without any side trips. You won’t enjoy your new bathroom very much if you have to mop up water from the floor and the walls after every shower. Eventually, the frustration will make you wonder why you even bothered.
When a bathroom is designed to keep water in its place, you won’t have to worry about cleaning up. After the water-management issue has been resolved, you can focus on other functional features. Be sure to install enough counter space to accommodate all your products, and make sure that there’s enough room to complete your usual hygienic activities without feeling cramped.
3. Green Features Can Save You Money
Your usual bathroom activities and how much water you use to complete them adds up over time and will influence your utility bills in the future. Investing in low-flow features can reduce your water usage. Low-flow features let you perform the same actions as regular features using less water and without affecting water pressure. You can reduce electricity usage as well by installing a skylight. You can save on heating and cooling costs when you exchange regular windows for energy-efficient windows.
4. Work With Your Existing Plumbing Instead of Against It
Sometimes, the design of a bathroom requires relocation of plumbing features to different locations. If it’s unavoidable, then you’ll have to bite the bullet. In many cases though, you can change or modify your design so that you get the effect you want without having to move the pipes. Plumbers are expensive. The same principle holds true for electrical features like power outlets and lighting fixtures.
5. Don’t Ignore the Importance of Bathroom Lighting
It’s easy to forget about bathroom lighting, but it plays a big role in how much you’ll enjoy your remodel. Harsh bathroom lights do not create a pleasant bathroom experience, especially when mirrors are involved. Conversely, you need lighting that’s bright enough so that you can see what you’re doing. The trick is to install a number of direct and indirect lighting fixtures. That way, you’ll cover all the bases. A great way to get the most from a lighting fixture is to invest in a dimmer switch that gives you lighting that goes from dimly atmospheric to brilliantly intense.
6. Incorporate Sufficient Storage Space
It’s easy to get overrun by clutter in a bathroom simply because you lack enough storage space. Personal hygiene products, cosmetics, grooming tools, towels and cleaning supplies all need a place of their own. If you’re unable to move smoothly through your bathroom activities because clutter is getting in your way, you might start to wonder why you ever considered a remodel in the first place. Avoid this unpleasant scenario by ensuring that the storage space in your new bathroom is enough to meet all your needs.
7. Don’t Forget to Ventilate
Bathrooms are hotbeds of humidity if not ventilated. When you add warmth to humidity, you have a recipe for mold and mildew. Mold and mildew are not easy to remove, and they can create musty and foul odors. Your bathroom needs a ventilation system that’s easy to use. Some of the newer systems turn on by themselves whenever they sense humidity.
8. Select Low-maintenance Materials
You want materials that reflect your vision. However, if the materials can’t hold their own with water, you’ll wind up with a mess instead of a dream come true. Because bathrooms get heavy use, the materials you use should be durable enough to withstand regular wear and tear. You also want materials that are easy to care for. Bathrooms are typically cleaned at least once every week, and they should be able to stand up to cleaning agents.
9. Remember That Small Features Are Important Features
The little things can make a huge difference in the way you perceive and experience your completed bathroom remodel. Lighting fixtures, power outlets, towel racks, faucets and even the toilet paper dispenser are all items that you’ll use and look at multiple times every day. Their location should be based on function, but they should also be placed in such a way that they are pleasing to the eye.
10. Finalize Your Remodel Plans Before Demolishing What You’ve Got
It’s easy to get so excited about a bathroom remodel that you start tearing your existing bathroom apart before you’re clear on what’s going to replace it. A sound and detailed design plan can prevent that from happening. Your plan should be based on the size of the project, the materials you plan to use, which jobs must be outsourced and, of course, your budget.
When all your plans are clearly laid out, it’s time to finalize your budget. You can hire USA Bath and order your materials and supplies. Having everything you need available before you start work ensures that you won’t be stuck in the middle of the project waiting for products on back order.