Spending more time in your home may have you itching to change things up and spruce up your decor and design.
Whether you want to change the layout of your bathroom, add new fixtures, or just make it feel new again with a fresh coat of paint, there are plenty of things to consider before rolling up your sleeves and jumping in.
Here are seven tips for remodeling a bathroom that will help you stay organized and on-track.
Create a Budget
Perhaps the most important tip for any remodeling or home project is to create (and stick to) a budget. You don't need to spend a ton of money to get the bathroom of your dreams- with the right planning and a little creativity, you can achieve your desired look while staying in your price range.
Make a budget using a spreadsheet so you can keep track of purchases you've made and what you have left. Start with the most expensive and important items: bathtubs, flooring, and fixtures.
Remember to leave a little wiggle room in there so you can make changes on the fly if something goes wrong.
Start With the Layout
Deciding the layout of your bathroom can be intimidating, but it's the first step to designing the perfect bathroom for you.
Your final bathroom layout will be constrained by the size of your bathroom and the location of plumbing lines, but once those are taken into consideration, the rest is fair game.
A good layout will maximize space, comfort, and privacy- this might require some extra planning, but it's well worth it. Proper design can even make room for vanities, stand-up mirrors, and other furniture pieces you'd like to have.
Make a Checklist
What are you actually looking to accomplish with your bathroom remodel? Once you have an idea of what the final product will look like, work backward to create a checklist of all the things you need to do to make that vision a reality.
Make sure your checklist is in the order that each item should be executed. You'll want to tear out old fixtures before installing new ones, and put in flooring afterward.
Anything that will require taking out or putting in drywall should be completed before painting. This will also help you create a timeline of how long your remodel should take.
Pick the Right Materials
From wood flooring to ceramic tiles, laminate countertops to marble, there are lots of materials you can use in your bathroom. Choosing the right materials for you depends on budget, style, and utility.
Laminate, for example, is extremely affordable but more lightweight. Ceramic tiles are easy to install, but grout lines can easily stain and discolor.
Natural stone is luxurious, but is much more expensive and requires periodic maintenance. Educate yourself on the pros and cons of various materials before making a decision.
Consider Accessibility
Whether you are planning on retiring in your current home or moving out down the road, addressing accessibility in your remodel can benefit you and improve your home's resale value.
Simple additions like removable shower heads, grab bars, and motion-activated faucets can make a world of difference.
You can also consider larger investments in accessibility like safety tubs and roll-in showers that will greatly increase your home's overall accessibility.
Address Ventilation
Without proper ventilation, your bathroom will build up excess moisture leading to mold and mildew.
As you remodel your bathroom, make sure that you don't sacrifice ventilation- in fact, improving the ventilation should be a top priority. This can involve installing a better fan, cleaning it, or making larger windows to let moisture escape.
This will help your bathroom stay clean and looking new for longer.
Make it Beautiful
You spend a lot more time in your bathroom than you might think- you deserve a space that is luxurious, relaxing, and wonderful to look at.
You can add color with bathroom tiles, or through walls and cabinetry. Mirrors can make your bathroom feel bigger than it actually is. You can also bring in greenery through plants that grow well in low sunlight and high humidity. However, you decide to style your bathroom, make sure it's true to your taste.
If you are considering a bathroom remodel, contact us for more ideas on layout, design, and materials you can use to create your dream space.