Bathroom outdated? Are you looking to create a personal spa oasis or maybe just revamp your bathroom aesthetics to add value to your home? Look no further. The experts at At Home Pros have put together some valuable tips to know in advance to help get you started on the perfect bathroom renovation.
Breaking Down a Budget
First things first, let’s talk about budget. Because let’s be honest, our taste is usually more expensive than what our budget will allow and, as with any renovation, unexpected costs often arise — so be sure to take that into account when deciding on how much you’d like to spend.
By creating a budget, you’ll have a more realistic idea of what you want and you may even become more open to alternative ideas you didn’t think of before. To create a budget for a bathroom renovation, you’ll need to consider several factors. Are you looking to gut and start fresh, or would a new paint color and new vanity do the trick? If you’re gutting, you’ll have to factor in the following:
- Demolition
- Framing repairs
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Insulation
- Drywall
You may also need to consider the cost of other items such as:
- Bathtub
- Toilet
- Sink, vanity and countertops
- Mirror
- Hardware
- Faucet fixtures
- Shower head
- Towel bars
- Toilet paper holder
- Paint or wall treatments
- Window treatments
- Flooring
- Shower tile
Whether budget is a concern or not, you’ll need to begin your renovation by taking measurements and evaluating your space. And when choosing aesthetics, make choices that are on trend or timeless classic designs; this way, you’re sure to add value to your home.
Good to Know
By creating a budget, you’ll have a more realistic idea of what you want and you may even become more open to alternative ideas you didn’t think of before.
Placement Makes Perfect
Once you’ve taken measurements, It’s important to think about placement. After all, you don’t want your toilet to become a central focus. If you don’t have the space to incorporate a water closet, be sure to keep optimal privacy in mind when placing your toilet. Poor placement decisions can also affect the functionality of your space.
For example, my shower door in my own master bath opens on the wrong side, causing me to have to reach around the shower door to retrieve a towel from the towel bar on the wall. It’s an acrobatic move every time I step out of my shower. These are the types of problems and annoyances you — and potential homebuyers — want to avoid.
In addition, don’t forget about electrical outlet and light fixture placement, as these can also affect the functionality of your space. In one of my own bathroom renos, I had the electrician install an outlet in a location that impacted the placement of my vanity mirror and it totally threw off my design. I had to have the outlet moved, which cost me extra money and time.
When thinking of light fixture choices and placement, consider the type of lighting you wish to have. Maybe you would like brighter lighting near the vanity or lower lighting near the shower or tub. Remember, this is often the first room we visit in the morning to start our day, so think about how lighting can affect your mood when first waking up. Also, consider your morning and daily routines for this space when thinking of placement. This will ensure that you make decisions to keep your design functional and pleasing.
Staying in the Know
Be sure to consider a time frame for the renovation and have an alternative bathroom to use in the meantime. If this is not an option, you’ll need to make arrangements for somewhere to stay during your reno. This is one reason to maintain proper and frequent communication with your contractor. You need to know what to expect and how this renovation may affect daily living in your home.
When looking for the right contractor, there are important questions you should ask to ensure your renovation runs as smoothly as possible.
- How many bathroom renovations have you completed?
- Can I see recent examples of your work?
- What is your typical time frame on a bathroom renovation from start to finish?
- Are you licensed and insured? (All At Home Pros remodeling contractors are licensed and insured, so that’s one less thing to worry about.)
- Will you be working on other jobs as well; if so, how many?
- How can you be reached should problems arise?
- Will I need permits for my reno and how do I get them?
- What are your typical working hours?
- How do you take payments? (Get this in writing and avoid making large payments upfront.)
- If other workers or subcontractors are needed to complete this job, can I be notified of when they will be working and how will you manage them?
- Do you prep the area to avoid tracking a mess in and out of the home — and will you clean up when leaving the site?
Whether you’re doing a complete overhaul or simply making minor changes, advance planning with these tips will get you pointed in the right direction. And with the help of At Home Pros, you can feel confident that you’ll be more equipped to make sure your bathroom renovation is a success. Happy reno!