How to Plan a Bathroom Renovation
Bathroom renovation isn’t high on the list of home improvement projects with a high ROI, but it adds value to your home and can make for a great selling point. Redoing a bathroom also comforts your home for you and your family.
When renovating a bathroom, there are two services you may need: build service and design service. Contact Electrician Lawrenceville GA now!
A professional design is the key to creating a beautiful and functional bathroom. Whether you hire an online or in-person designer, make sure they have experience, a portfolio, and positive reviews. Many companies also offer free consultations, which can save you time and money.
A good design starts with the materials you choose for your renovation. Your designer should be able to recommend stylish and durable options that work with your lifestyle, such as a natural stone tile or a water-resistant hardwood floor. They will also consider your needs, such as a bathtub or shower, and the amount of storage space you want.
Next, consider the lighting in your bathroom. A good designer will help you select the right light fixtures to achieve a cozy, well-lit atmosphere that fits your style. They will also consider your desired mood, recommending colors that will evoke the feeling you want to create in your space. For example, soft blues and greens can evoke a soothing, spa-like feel, while neutral colors like beige and taupe provide a comfortable and warm ambiance.
Fixtures and materials can have just as much impact on the final look of your bathroom as a paint color or rug. Your designer can suggest a wide array of faucets, sinks and tubs, as well as showerheads and handrails. Getting the best fixtures for your bathroom will help you avoid costly mistakes that can have long-term effects on the look and function of the room. For example, a showerhead that sprays everywhere or a spout that’s too low will quickly become annoying.
In addition to the fixtures, your designer will consider the floor plan and how the bathroom connects to other rooms, hallways and the outside world. For instance, if you have a tub in your bath but your hallway and living areas have carpet, it will be difficult to make a seamless transition between the two spaces. This could result in a lot of unnecessary tearing up and patching.
Your designer will also help you with the finishing touches, such as wall art and storage solutions. For example, they might recommend a floating shelf to add storage without taking up valuable floor space. They might also suggest a custom cabinet to hold towels, robes and linens.
Creating a Budget
Creating a budget for your renovation is an important step in planning your project. It will help you determine what materials and features to prioritize and how much your project will cost. You will also want to include a contingency plan for unexpected expenses. A good rule of thumb is to add an extra 10-20% to your estimated costs.
The cost of materials can vary significantly, depending on the quality and style you choose. The amount of labor that goes into your remodel will also impact the price. Hiring a qualified contractor who is experienced in remodeling bathrooms can save you money. It can also ensure the job is done correctly, which will reduce future repair and maintenance costs.
Bathroom remodeling projects often involve plumbing and electrical work, which are expensive. It is best to get an estimate from a builder and plumber before beginning your renovation. In most cases, you will be hiring a general contractor to oversee the renovation and subcontractor specialists for the plumbing and electrical work.
Once you have a list of your needs and wants for your bathroom, it’s time to begin researching the prices of the necessary materials. Start with the basic items, like cabinets, countertops, flooring and lighting, and move on to more elaborate elements. Be sure to consider the prices of both new and recycled materials, as well as shipping charges.
You can add value to your home with a variety of cosmetic upgrades, including a fresh coat of paint, a new mirror, and upgraded cabinet knobs, pulls, or towel hooks. For a more dramatic change, consider replacing the existing window with a larger one to let in more light or a custom built-in window.
The cost of a bathroom sink can vary dramatically, from standard ceramic under-mount options to high-end stone designer vessel sinks that can cost thousands of dollars. Similarly, tile can be extremely affordable or can run as high as $100 per square foot. In addition, the type of flooring you choose can drastically alter the final price of your bathroom, from low-cost vinyl to more upscale hardwood or stone tile.
Choosing a Contractor
The bathroom contractor you choose is perhaps the single most important choice you will make for your renovation. They will be your point-person, troubleshooter, and expert guiding the project through to completion. They will need to be able to understand and communicate your vision for the space, and they will also need to be able to work within your timeline and budget. This makes it important to interview potential contractors, and to ask to see examples of their previous work.
A quick phone interview can help narrow down your selection, but it is crucial to meet with potential contractors in person to ensure a good fit. Look for a company that offers full end-to-end design and construction services. This can streamline the process and reduce costs. It is also important to determine how long the company has been in business and to ask about their experience with bathroom renovations. Ideally, you should also be able to visit projects in progress or completed bathrooms.
Reviewing reviews and testimonials is another great way to determine the quality of a bathroom remodeling contractor’s work and their level of professionalism. Websites like Houzz and Angie’s List are excellent resources for finding this information.
It is also important to consider whether or not the contractor offers a warranty on their work and to find out if they are licensed and insured. This is non-negotiable, as a valid license demonstrates that they meet professional standards and insurance provides protection in case something goes wrong during the project.
You should also ask for references from past clients and contact them to learn more about their experiences working with the contractor. This is a great way to gauge the contractor’s ability to work with customers, and to determine how well they will be able to follow through on their promises.
Finally, you should discuss the estimated timeline for your bathroom remodel with each contractor. Be wary of any contractor who gives a timeframe that is far shorter than the other bids you have received. This could indicate that they are cutting corners or are desperate for work, which can lead to poor results or even delays in your renovation.
Getting Started
Before you reach out to contractors, it’s important that you have a clear idea of the changes you want and the budget you can afford. This will help you avoid overspending or compromising the quality of your renovation. It will also help you identify changes that can be made to reduce costs. For example, a contractor might be able to recommend cheaper materials or design alternatives that still achieve your vision.
Next, determine the purpose of your bathroom renovation. Do you want to increase the resale value of your home? Do you want to make the space more functional to meet your family’s needs? Or do you simply want to update the aesthetics of your bathroom? Once you have a clear understanding of your goals, it’s time to begin the actual remodeling process.
Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to obtain a building permit before beginning work. This step is typically handled by your contractor, but it’s worth noting that this can add to the overall timeline of the renovation.
The first part of the remodel is typically demolition and removal of existing fixtures. Be sure to take precautions during this stage to protect yourself from any asbestos or other hazardous materials. You should also ensure that all of your plumbing is turned off before starting the demo, and that you have accessible shut off valves in case something goes wrong during the process. Finally, you should be prepared for limited access to your bathroom and possible disruptions while the renovation is taking place.
Once the walls are back up, it’s a good idea to paint the room before moving onto other elements such as tile or countertops. This will reduce the likelihood of splatters or stains on your new finishes. It’s also a good time to consider installing a fan, mirrors, and any other accessories.
It’s important to keep in mind that bathroom renovations are often messy and time-consuming. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the inconvenience by making alternative living arrangements during construction and having a flexible schedule. Additionally, it’s a good idea to review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure that you are covered in the event of damage during the renovation.