12 Things to Consider Before Starting Your Bathroom Renovation

A bathroom renovation is an ambitious project that can be highly rewarding. From planning your design to the final accent accessories, pay attention to the details. Here, we cover everything you need to know to create the bathroom of your dreams.

1. Assess the Size and Style of Your Space

Take a look at your bathroom, noting what you like and what you want to improve. Does the color scheme feel outdated? Are your fixtures and cabinetry past their prime? Do your shower and tub feel cramped? Assess how much space you have to work with, then consider what you want to change.

Browse Pinterest, Instagram, and home decor websites and blogs for inspiration. Take note of the furnishings, finishes, fixtures and technology you might like to install, and imagine how your bathroom will look when the renovation is complete.

2. Plan to Make Structural and Cosmetic Changes

As you’re imagining your ideal bathroom design, sketch out your concepts. Measure your bathroom so you can understand how any new fixtures or RTA cabinets will fit into your space. Determine if the changes you want to make are cosmetic, structural, or both. If you’re rerouting pipes or doing rewiring, be sure to hire a licensed professional for that portion of the job.

3. Schedule Consultations and Inspections

When you’re ready to start renovating, consult a reputable, licensed architect, structural engineer, remodeler or design-build contractor. Hire an inspector to ensure your waterproofing and drainage are adequate, and check your fixtures and conduits for leaks. If you live in a humid area or have poor ventilation, you need to hire additional specialists to look for mold.

4. Select High-Quality Materials

When it comes to choosing materials for your bathroom, you have nearly limitless options. It can be tempting to go with the cheapest alternatives. However, it’s critical to think long-term. Choosing high-quality, durable cabinets and fixtures means you won’t have to replace them in a few years.

5. Consider Environmentally Friendly Upgrades

Since you’ll want to enjoy your bathroom for years to come, think about installing eco-friendly appliances and fixtures. Using low-flow toilets, shower heads and faucets. To save energy, consider a solar or tankless water heater.

6. Choose Beautiful, Functional Cabinetry

Good cabinetry goes a long way toward keeping your bathroom clean and tidy. If you want to cut costs, look at wholesale bathroom vanities while you’re shopping for bathroom cabinets. The furnishings you choose need to withstand moisture and be designed to accommodate a sink and water pipes. The drawers and doors should open easily, close securely and hold up to daily use. You’ll also want to install an attractive, easy-to-clean countertop that makes your space look upscale.

7. Pick Out Wallpaper, Paint, and Tile

When it comes to redecorating your walls, you can opt for tile, paint or specially treated wallpaper. Make sure that any wall covering you choose is mold- and mildew-resistant. If you’re on a tight budget, you can economize by painting your walls and saving the tile for your shower, trim or backsplash.

8. Light Up Your Space

Installing great lighting can make your bathroom look larger and more luxurious. It even makes the space safer and more functional. Try using LED bulbs that mimic natural daylight. Install dimmable fixtures that will provide bright light for shaving or grooming and soft light when you want to relax.

9. Check Your Ventilation

Your bathroom needs to have adequate ventilation to stay comfortable and hygienic. If it has windows, make sure they are operable and well-sealed. Also check your vents, fans and ductwork to make sure air can flow freely in your space.

10. Finesse Your Faucets and Fixtures

Permanent bathroom fixtures like shower enclosures, bathtubs, sinks and toilets come in many styles and sizes. Aim for ergonomic, well-designed pieces that are scaled to fit your space and your body. When you’re looking at faucets and shower fixtures, remember that high prices do not always equal high quality. Avoid cheap fixtures; they tend to leak or break easily and can be difficult or impossible to repair.

11. Find Some Fabulous Flooring

There’s nothing like installing new flooring to completely revamp the look of your bathroom. Stonecreek SPC click flooring is completely waterproof, making it a perfect choice when you want a beautiful, low-maintenance surface. This flooring resembles natural hardwood, and it can be installed with radiant heating under the panels for a luxurious touch.

12. Consider Your Costs

Renovating your bathroom can be expensive, so be sure to account for the cost of your materials and labor. After you compile a list of your needed materials, fixtures, tasks, permits and inspections, consult with your architect and engineer about moving forward.

Any professionals you hire, including plumbers, electricians, designers, contractors, tilers and other skilled tradespeople, should be able to provide you with a cost estimate for their services. When you hire contractors, get at least two or three estimates, and ask friends and neighbors about their experiences. Work with your contractors to plan out the schedule of the renovation to prevent delays and cost overruns.

Now You’re Ready to Create a Beautiful Bathroom

As you’re selecting the people and materials you’ll be working with during your renovation, you’ll want to choose the best resources you can afford. Careful, thorough planning can make your bathroom upgrade much easier. By creating a good checklist and investing in quality labor and materials while sticking to your budget, you’ll be sure to end up with a bathroom you love, one that feels brand new.