Modernizing your bathroom has the potential to change everything. After all, an efficient bathroom layout makes doing your business more comfortable.
Did you know that the average return on investment (ROI) for one of the most common home improvement projects is 71%, and it can raise the value of your house if you decide to sell?
That said, the possibilities are endless when remodeling a bathroom, but it requires careful planning to include all of your must-have items. When getting ready for a bathroom remodel, there are a few important things to think about before you begin making mood boards and interviewing contractors.
To save you time, money, and headaches, we will review a few details below.
1. Consider the Scope of Plumbing and Electrical Works
Plumbing and wiring are the more technical elements of a bathroom remodel. In fact, they should be your top priorities when considering a bathroom redesign because they can impact your entire home.
During the renovation, your home’s plumbing and electrical systems might not cooperate with you, especially if you want to install a Jacuzzi or an electric shower replacement. These bathroom items typically involve breaking down walls and cutting pipes and wiring.
In such cases, it’s better to let a trained professional plumber and electrician assess the scope of your existing electrical and plumbing system. That contractor should ideally assist you in acquiring permits required to break down walls, replace wiring, etc.
2. Focus on Function Rather than Form
Your bathroom’s layout and functionality greatly impact your entire space. Toiletries and personal goods are kept off surfaces by having enough storage in vanities, cabinets, and shelves, which helps to prevent clutter.
On the other hand, bathroom furniture can eat up valuable floor space and make your bathroom look smaller than it actually is. Your choice of furniture may also impact the plumbing and electrical systems. For instance, a floating vanity’s plumbing requirements differ from a standing fixture’s.
However, you can achieve proper flow and balance by matching your bathroom’s square footage with the size of your furnishings by using a 3D tool.
The design will also be influenced by the style and color of the furnishings, so seeing how they look in your bathroom will help you avoid having second thoughts once they are installed.
3. Know When to Call in the Pros Vs. When to DIY
When remodeling your bathroom, you must select whether you want to renovate it yourself or have a remodeling expert do it for you. Of course, thinking about the money you will save makes DIY more appealing.
However, DIYing your bathroom comes with its own set of risks. If you make mistakes or don’t follow certain code standards, it can cost you extra unless you have some construction experience.
Additionally, you might need to rent or purchase specialized equipment and tools to complete the task. The time required to do the work must also be taken into account. The process will take longer to complete, extending the time your home’s bathroom will be out of order.
It is best to leave a bathroom remodel to the professionals if it involves breaking down walls!
4. Consider the Design Aesthetics
While remodeling your bathroom can be thrilling, it can also be intimidating. To avoid an expensive redesign during installation, you must get it right the first time. This is why you must comprehensively list the aspects of your current bathroom you like and dislike.
Think about style and functionality when planning the layout of your new bathroom. Start by asking yourself these inquiries:
- How do you currently feel inside your bathroom?
- How much storage do you need?
- Do you prefer the bathtub or the shower? Or both?
- What kind of designs do you want to have in your bathroom?
- Do you want the design of your bathroom to match or enhance the style of the rest of the house?
Include the answer to these questions in your mood board, or write them down. Then bring this information to your bathroom remodeler’s initial design consultation. They will appreciate your due diligence and will be able to design a bathroom that meets all of your needs and requirements.
5. Don’t Forget to Consider Bathroom Remodeling Costs
Even though talking about money before starting your bathroom remodel can feel like a drag, your future self will appreciate it. Ultimately, creating a budget will allow you to determine the project’s scope and keep your costs in check.
Consider it as a framework; a budget establishes financial constraints while giving you breathing space to choose your materials. Knowing how much money you have available can also help you decide where you want to cut back and where you want to splurge.
As you develop your mood board, you can estimate the prices of the materials and labor used during the design process.
6. A Few Tips for Low-Budget Remodeling
Here are a few tips for performing a bathroom remodel:
- If the money is tight, go for laminate flooring. In addition to being economical, it has an expensive and fashionable appearance.
- Replace the finish on your shower or tub rather than the entire item. Instead of purchasing a brand-new tub, cracks, and yellowed surfaces can be repaired.
- Replacing your basin is unnecessary if it’s in good condition. Instead, the tap can be cleaned or changed, and everything will look new.
Final Words
When redesigning a bathroom, the plan, expenses, logistics, and contractor selection are all crucial considerations. It would help if you considered these factors before starting your remodeling project.
So, make a checklist of the essential tasks you must complete to complete your remodeling project without errors. This will allow you to avoid costly reworks and help you design the bathroom that you have always wanted.
