Planning Your Bathroom Renovation

Your budget should be one of the first things you should consider. A bathroom remodel can be very stressful and if you’re not prepared financially, it will become even more overwhelming. You need to establish a realistic budget for your renovation project. This will allow you to properly allocate funds for each portion of the remodel.  

The best time to start your renovation is when you are financially stable, and your finances align with your project goals. If you know you’re receiving a year and bonus or a tax return, you may want to schedule your renovation at that time. You may also want to spend a significant amount of time saving for this project. If you’ve never done a DIY bathroom renovation, you may not know how much to budget. Having a little extra can be beneficial. This will help you avoid going over budget and causing you more stress. 

You also need to consider the time of year. Indoor renovations can be done all year round. However, sometimes they’re more ideal than others. You’ll need to think about possible weather-related disruptions. Seasons with milder weather are typically better when you’re hiring outside contractors.

A bathroom remodel can cause temporary inconveniences, so you’ll need to consider your schedule before starting your demo. You may have limited access to the bathroom, so other arrangements will need to be made. If you have friends or family over for an extended amount of time, or if you’re hosting the holidays, it’s best to do your renovation before or after. The ideal time to start your DIY bathroom remodels is in a period of lower stress and fewer obligations.

Before starting your renovation, you’ll need to consider what materials you need, and when they need to be ordered. Some will need to be ordered in advance to avoid delays. Planning and researching the lead times for specific materials such as tiles and fixtures will allow the process to go smoother. You can then be sure you have everything you need.

Lastly, you may want to consider your milestones when redoing your bathroom. Planning it around an anniversary or promotion can make it more special. This isn’t a necessity and won’t be important to some people, but it is something to think about.

The first step is to gather ideas and inspiration for your new bathroom design. You can look through magazines, online platforms, and even home improvement shows. These visual aids will help you determine what you like and what you don’t like. They will also give your contractors a clear understanding of your expectations. Based on your inspirational photos, the contractor will determine if they can do the project or not.

You also need to spend time reading through online reviews and asking questions about the contractor’s credentials. Your team needs to be licensed and insured with previous experience. Don’t be afraid to ask about past project portfolios and their certifications. Online reviews can also be very telling. You can gain valuable insight from other people’s experiences, which can help you determine if the contractors are reliable, with good workmanship.

We talked about budget planning previously, and you’ll need to focus on that as well. When you are hiring a team of professionals. High-quality work isn’t always cheap. It’s important to keep in mind that you get what you paid for. However, you can use quotes to determine if you can afford the contractor. You should ask for a breakdown of expenses as well as it can help you understand the pricing of everything.

Establishing a timeline and schedule is another crucial aspect that needs to be considered before hiring a contractor. Setting realistic expectations will allow you to enjoy the process more. You should also inquire about potential delays and how the team handles emergencies and setbacks. If your contractor can’t give you a well-structured schedule, it’s best to keep looking.

You may be looking to save money or do your bathroom renovation on a budget, but you don’t want to use cheap materials. Before signing a contract, discuss your options. A contractor should be able to help you find good materials that are functional, aesthetic and within your budget.

Talking about warranties isn’t the most exciting part of a bathroom renovation, but it is important. A good contractor will stand by his/her work. They’ll offer assurances against issues and defects. Understanding the warranties and conditions will keep you protected. The more you understand, the better.

If you’re changing the electrical work in your bathroom, you’ll need to hire a local licensed electrician. They will obtain the permits for you and ensure the work is done properly. You don’t want to risk doing it yourself and messing it up. It’s not uncommon for faulty wiring to start a fire, which is the last thing you want to happen. The same is true if you’re altering your plumbing. Relocating water heaters, drainage systems, and plumbing fixtures often requires a professional and a permit.

If your property is in a designated historic district, you’ll also need to get approval from the local historic preservation board. This typically refers to external changes to the structure. However, it’s crucial to get approval to avoid any issues with the law. If you don’t live in the historic district, you don’t have to worry about this.

Let’s first start with the flooring, as it is a crucial aspect of your bathroom. It needs to be resistant to water and moisture and also look aesthetically pleasing. Two of the most popular choices are ceramic or porcelain tiles. They are durable and there are a lot of design options for you to choose from. If you want a material that feels more luxurious, you may want to choose a natural stone such as a marble. Waterproof vinyl or engineered wood can also create a warm and inviting space without compromising functionality. At the end of the day, it comes down to what you like.

Your countertops also need to be able to withstand the human environment of your bathroom. When it comes to functionality, you’ll want it to be low maintenance. Granite, quartz, and Corian are popular options that range in price. All are resistant to water damage and fairly easy to clean.

Lighting is a crucial aspect of your bathroom, which we will discuss in more depth later. However, you may want to consider incorporating different types of lighting. Some lighting fixtures are meant to act as decor, while others act as accent lighting, task lighting, and ambient lighting. Finding the perfect combination between visually appealing and functional can take some time, but it will be worth it when you are getting ready and your bathroom.

When you’re upgrading your bathroom, you’ll need to put a lot of thought into your shower and bathtub. After a long day at work or taking care of your children, having a spa-like experience in your own home is incomparable. The right shower/bathtub setup and material can help you achieve that. High-quality acrylic is a common material for bathtubs, but you can also upgrade to cast iron if your budget allows it. A glass shower door can help you create a modern and open feel in your bathroom as well.

Everything in your bathroom needs to be water resistant and that includes your vanity and cabinets. Plywood and solid wood are great options if you don’t know what you want. You also need to consider the storage space layout of your vanity. Do you prefer more drawers or cabinets? Many people choose to incorporate soft-close drawers and cabinets for convenience.

When you’re looking at faucets, you’ll want to pay attention to how easy they are to clean. This may not seem like a big deal, but when you think about cleaning your bathroom every week, you don’t want to be scrubbing for a long time. Consider touches or option-sensor faucets. This will not only reduce the time you spend cleaning them but also add a modern flare to your bathroom.

If that’s not your style or if it’s out of your budget, consider chrome or brushed nickel finishes. They are popular due to their resistance to water spots.

Ventilation is another aspect of your bathroom design that isn’t very glamorous to talk about, but it’s necessary. You don’t want mold or mildew to grow in your bathroom. Having high-quality exhaust fans will prevent this from happening. Built-in humidity sensors can help increase air circulation and control moisture levels.

Choosing your mirrors and accessories for your bathroom makeover is arguably the most fun part. You can get creative and show your style through frameless or framed mirrors. You can coordinate accessories such as soap dispensers, robe hooks, and towel bars. There are a lot of bathroom remodeling ideas when it comes to your accessories. You may want to choose bathroom features that match the rest of your aesthetic.

Under-the-counter lighting is also becoming very popular. You can use it to illuminate your bathroom storage spaces. It’s a way to add functionality in a subtle and sophisticated way. It can brighten the space without being overwhelming.

Adding statement lighting can be a fun way to show your personal style. Using a chandelier or pendant lights as a focal point can add a touch of luxury and style. You can tailor this lighting to complete your overall design theme. These statement lighting fixtures can complement any style, whether it’s modern, traditional, or electric.

Many homeowners are focused on creating an energy-efficient home. Upgrading your bathroom lights to LED can help you achieve this. You can even add LED mirrors to provide efficient lighting and also a sleek aesthetic. Many LED mirrors come with adjustable color temperatures, which allows you to customize the lighting to your preference.

Adding sensors and smart lighting is another way to embrace technology and create a space that you love. Motion sensors can automatically activate your lights when you enter the bathroom. Some smart lighting comes with remote control and customizations through your smartphone as well. This will add convenience and modernize your space.

Before you can calculate the cost of your bathroom renovation, you’ll need to consider which ideas you’re going to implement. The larger the scope of the project, the more expensive it’s going to be. For example, if you’re doing a simple cosmetic update, such as new paint and fixtures, the cost will be significantly less than a complete overhaul with plumbing modifications. The bottom line is that the complexity of your renovation will impact the overall cost of your bathroom remodel.

Are you planning on primarily doing a DIY bathroom renovation or are you planning to hire a team of professionals? The answer to this question will significantly impact your renovation budget. Often people believe doing it themselves will be cheaper. However, after you spend time gathering the necessary supplies and learning new skills, it may be more cost-effective to hire a team. The cost of labor is directly impacted by the market and demand.

The cost of your bathroom makeover will significantly increase if you are moving or upgrading your plumbing and electrical systems. There are safety standards that must be met which can increase the cost. You may want to meet with a consultant to ensure these changes are feasible before making a final decision.

Once you’ve budgeted for all the material and labor, you can then start adding luxurious elements and features. This may include heated floors, smart technology, or steam showers. As you may have guessed, this will also impact the cost, but often the benefits outweigh the additional expenses.