When it comes to redoing your home one of the best rooms to renovate is the bathroom. Before you jump into the latest in trendy bathroom tiles and fancy bathtubs there are some basics to cover that will allow your renovation to be the vision you imagined. Any home modification can take on a life of its own however if you follow the checklist below you will stay on track and things will run smoothly.
The first thing to consider is coming up with a realistic budget. Get quotes from different contractors and go to different home improvement stores to check out prices on the pieces that you are leaning towards. If you want marble but can only afford lament then you might consider waiting on the remodel or allotting your funds differently. You will want to take diligence when looking at the prices on tile, fixtures, countertops, mirrors, tubs and bathtubs. These items can all add up really quickly so you want to keep a close eye on your budget.
The bathroom is a small room but don’t think that this means that the renovation will only take a few days. Renovations can run into issues along the way, especially bathrooms. Bathrooms are an area that things can pop up such as the wrong backer board was used originally and created a mold issue. The floor is an area of concern as well when it comes to a bathroom. You will want to make sure the base is sturdy and free of imperfections. Hidden problems will occur so make sure to budget for the extras.
When it comes to the bath area, the design and functionality is the most important factor for us as homeowners. The bathroom should flow in design and function. Function comes in the layout of the bathroom. This is something that should be gone over with the contractor and the room designer. They should know how you will use the space so that it provides function and flow for you and your family. When it comes to choosing colors for paint, tile, the vanity and such this is mostly personal preference. Neutral works best if you are planning to put the house up for sale as it is most pleasing to everyone.
I am all for it when it comes to most do-it-yourself projects however when it comes to bathroom renovations it is best to hire a contractor. The job comes with complexities such as electrical, plumbing and tile work. All of these are not easy tasks to master and the advantages of hiring a bathroom contractor can alleviate a lot of headaches.
Speaking of electrical, consider adding lighting to the bathroom space. If this was not something that you originally thought of consider it now. Bathroom lighting is so important and can really add a lot of interest to a small space. Without proper lighting especially in homes of aging people the bathroom can be dangerous. Add natural lighting first if there isn’t any and from there add bright lighting, recessed lighting adds to the brightness without requiring anything but ceiling space. If you have a small bathroom recessed lighting can help you open up the space.
One more thing to think about when remodeling the bathroom is your needs as you age. If you are redoing a bathroom space it is the perfect time to add in some basic age in place modifications that will help you in the future as you age. Basics can include levered faucets and pull knobs along with in place grab bars in the shower area. A taller toilet can be installed to ease getting up and can easily go unnoticed unlike the over the toilet chairs that are often used. Aging is something that will happen to all of us, preparing for it is not a bad thing and during the renovation process is the perfect time for this.