There is a reason that bathroom remodeling is one of the preferred renovations in a home. Not only does it add to the quality of life, but many homeowners can increase the value of their homes. Depending on what you do, you can recoup 50-65% of remodeling costs when going to sell your home. However, it is important to make sure you know exactly what you should be spending on and where you can cut costs. That is why we put together these dream bathroom remodeling tips to help you.
1. Know Your Budget
A lot of people want to remodel their bathrooms but aren’t sure what it costs. Bathroom remodels can get expensive if you are not careful. That is why creating a budget is important. A few things you need to consider:
- What is the purpose of this remodel? Are you looking to sell in a few years or enjoy this for a long time?
- Are you expanding and/or keeping the same layout? Does the plumbing need to change?
- What are the essential aspects of the design you want? What are the things you can take or leave?
- How much do you have to invest? What is affordable to you?
We highly recommend getting up to three local contractor estimates first. While researching it online might help give you a number, this will give you a better range. Keep in mind, bathroom remodeling can cost as much as you want it to. So, follow the next tips to have a better idea of what you want.
2. Know The Type
If you didn’t know, there are different types of bathrooms. They come in all shapes and sizes. Many times in a remodel, homeowners aren’t looking to change the type. Meaning a master bathroom is staying that way. However, there are times where half baths are converted to full baths. Here are some other types of bathrooms you may be considering:
- Standard Bathroom – This is what we call a full-bath. It has a sink, toilet, bath, and/or shower. This also includes master en-suites. The difference between a main bath and master is usually just in the details. Master baths tend to be more luxurious.
- Half Bathroom – Sometimes referred to as a powder room, they only have a sink and toilet. These can be great for the main floor of a home. It allows guests space without invading your personal bathroom. They require a smaller footprint.
- Wet Bathroom – It technically is a standard bathroom, however, these are a more modern design. They tend to be in the master suite but can be beneficial for main family bathrooms. It is an open-concept bathroom, where all surfaces can get wet.
This really goes back to the purpose of your remodel. What do you want to achieve?
What is your dream bathroom? The possibilities can be endless. This is why a budget is crucial. There are so many ways to design a dream bathroom on a variety of budgets.
3. Know the Layout
Once you know your budget and your type, the layout can be easy. That being said, if you are open to new ideas and have a larger budget, you could get stuck on this part. At Friel, we have a Kitchen & Bath Design Center just for this. Our designers help to create a layout that includes all the elements you want. This might be necessary if you also had a poorly laid out bathroom, to begin with.
We have customers come in for everything from half-bathrooms to full master en-suites. Our experienced team can design a bathroom that makes the best use of your space and budget. And this isn’t just for those rearranging their bathrooms. Many of our clients are keeping their existing layout. The general positions stay the same but they want help with the details. If you want to learn more about how we can help you with the layout, contact us today.
4. Know Your Details
This is the fun part and can be the most expensive. This is why setting your budget and objective is important. Here are just a few things to consider when determining what details to include:
- Lighting – Most people focus on the mounted lights above the mirror but there is so much more to consider. Think about windows, skylights, shower lighting, etc. We recommend a mixture of both natural and electric lighting.
- Ventilation – Because bathrooms are prone to humidity, it’s important to have proper ventilation. This could be windows, window vents, and exhaust fans. Make sure these are included in your design.
- Heating – If you ever found yourself not wanting to leave your very warm bath or shower, consider adding heated elements. This could be heated floors, heated towel rails, or a wall-mounted heating timer for the whole bathroom.
- Shower or Bath – This might have been determined during the layout process, but now there is a lot to consider. Just the tiling and fixtures alone can have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom.
- Vanity – When you determine what you want to get out of this bathroom remodel, storage might be one. The vanity can help with that. It can also provide more space for a shared bathroom. Think countertops, storage, and sink types.
These aren’t the only details to consider though. Accessibility and materials impact your design and budget, too.
Are You Ready to Remodel?
Wanting to remodel your bathroom is a big step. We hope these dream bathroom remodeling tips have helped you focus on preparing for the renovation. Since it is a big investment, it is important to take the time to outline what you want. Although, if you feel lost in this process, we can help. Our Kitchen & Design Center was created just for this reason. We are not contractors but can recommend local quality builders. Our focus is on helping you get your dream space and use it in the best possible way. Stop by our showroom if you want some inspirations on materials and layout.
