Bathroom remodeling can add value to your home, but it must also make sense. The best remodels recoup their cost and then some.
Before you start mood-boarding and collecting inspo photos, decide your goals. Think about what you use the bathroom for daily (shampooing, showering, brushing teeth) and what your needs will be in the future.
Budget
Whether you want to create a spa-like retreat, you should determine your budget before gathering photos. There are some non-negotiable expenses, but there are many ways to trim your bathroom remodeling costs. It is essential to contact a professional. This includes hiring a contractor, plumber, and electrician.
DIYers can save money by purchasing and installing materials, but it could damage the output, so it should be left to professionals. This is especially true when it comes to plumbing and electrical. It’s also worth noting that materials and labor prices vary based on where you live.
Design
It’s essential to think about what you want your bathroom remodel to look like. This can include color schemes, style fads, and fixtures. It can also involve rethinking the layout of your bathroom.
Layout changes can include moving fixtures such as the toilet, tub, and sink. They can also involve rerouting electrical wiring, redrilling, or transferring joists to accommodate new plumbing.
Consider replacing old light fixtures and water heaters with more energy-efficient models. Low-flow shower heads and toilets conserve water without a noticeable impact on utility bills. This can save you money on your electric bill and help reduce your home’s environmental impact.
Layout
Designing the bathroom layout is a crucial part of any renovation. Getting it right will affect everything: which bathtub ideas are best, whether a shower cubicle or free-standing bath suits, and how many sinks, toilets, and storage units you need.
One option is to make a focal point of a shapely free-standing tub and build the layout around that. It’s also worth plotting a symmetrical arrangement if the room proportions are appropriate for that style.
To save space, this compact layout puts a vanity and sinks on the same wall. It’s a good choice for guest bathrooms as all plumbing is neatly contained, which cuts construction costs.
Plumbing
Plumbing repairs are a significant part of any bathroom remodel. Over time, pipes and plumbing elements like tees and adapters wear down and must be replaced. Fixing leaks and replacing worn-out plumbing before they cause more significant problems is a great way to prevent future issues.
A bathroom remodel can also keep it updated with the latest energy-efficient technology. Things like low-flow toilets, shower heads, and specialized lighting can help you save money on utility costs.
If you’re considering selling in the future, a newer bathroom can help boost your home value and make it easier to sell. This is especially true for more extensive remodels that change the floor plan of a bathroom.
Electrical
Many homeowners love the look of built-in storage items like towel bars and recessed shelves. However, these options require a licensed electrician to install and can add up quickly.
Swapping out fixtures and choosing new lighting can improve the look of a bathroom for a relatively low cost. Choosing new fixtures that fit the existing footprint and plumbing hookups is essential, so rerouting electrical wiring and redrilling or transferring joists are unnecessary.
Mold and mildew can grow in the tiniest cracks and crevices of tile or drywall, causing health issues at best and significant damage at worst. Remodeling before these problems develop will protect a home from costly repairs in the future.
Finishing Touches
Once the complex parts of your remodel are finished and the room is clean, there are a lot of little finishing touches that can make the difference between a functional bathroom and one that looks luxurious. Some of these are inexpensive and simple, like displaying cute floral soaps or a decorative storage dish.
Other options include installing a new floor, which can be a significant expense but add tremendous value to your home. Another popular update is adding a fan to help pull moisture and humidity out of the room to prevent mold and mildew.
