Considering how often you step into your bathroom and use the facilities inside, it’s safe to say that the bathroom is one of the most important spaces in your home or in every home, for that matter. Most people start their day by heading to their bathrooms, using the amenities to get ready for another day.
It’s only natural that your bathroom would see more wear and tear over time. That’s why it’s imperative that you renovate and maintain your bathroom periodically.
Renovation doesn’t mean you have to overturn your bathroom completely. Depending on the situation, it can mean minor cosmetic changes, like repainting the walls or refurbishing the cabinets. But in the worst-case scenario, you may have to overhaul everything to fix a major problem or to make everything more efficient but hey that does not mean you can’t have fancy tiles, a new shower head or a hot tub in your bathroom. A hot tub can be a great way to relax and enjoy your time after a rough day, to find the perfect one for your bathroom make sure to visit ByRossi.
Whether it’s for minor maintenance work or major construction, there are several considerations to think over for a successful bathroom renovation.
List What You Want
You can’t start your renovation without knowing what you want to do with your bathroom. Evaluate your space, and make a list of the things you like and the parts you want to change. It would also be helpful if you read articles to know more about the designs and materials you wanted to put in your bathroom. By doing so, you may check options at Unique Vanities to see the latest bathroom trends and tips. Include in your list all the features you’ve always wanted to have in your bathroom. Once your list is complete, categorize the items according to priority.
It’s okay if you don’t have a full picture of what you want for your bathroom. You always check out showrooms, home-improvement magazines, and Pinterest to find inspiration for your bathroom renovation. You always check out showrooms, home-improvement magazines, and Pinterest to find inspiration for your bathroom renovation. And if you’re looking to maximize bathroom space through renovations, consider incorporating space-saving design elements to make the most of your available square footage.
Establish a Budget
Once you know what you want for your renovation, you need to see if you can afford the changes. Home-improvement projects can quickly drain your funds when you’re not paying attention. That’s why you have to set a budget before you start.
During the renovation, you can keep track of your expenditures by creating a budget spreadsheet. This way, you know where all your money is going and monitor how much funds you have left.
Be sure to include all essential expenses in your budget, such as trash removal for clearing construction debris, hiring skilled contractors, and investing in high-quality materials to complete your project.
Don’t borrow money for your renovation project unless you’re selling your house. If you get a loan without assurance that you will be receiving a considerable amount to pay it off, you’ll be shouldering the interest for several months or years.
Secure Building Permits
Renovating your bathroom will require a permit from your local building department; otherwise, you will be fined and forced to take apart all your work if you get caught. Without a permit, professional appraisers won’t consider the renovation when they put a price on your home.
Working on your own means securing the permits yourself. Minor cosmetic upgrades, like installing new floor coverings, replacing faucets, or changing your countertop, will likely not need a permit.
You must secure the necessary permits if your renovation will change the footprint of your house and involve structural, electrical, heating, or plumbing work. If you’re working with a contractor, they will usually take care of securing all the necessary building permits.
Talk to an Expert
Always consult a professional whether you’re doing minor maintenance work or a large-scale renovation. An expert can give you valuable advice on how to stick to your budget, where to get the best materials, and how to avoid costly renovation mistakes. Plus, they can give your recommendations on the most appropriate actions to take when renovating your bathroom.
If you’re making changes in your bathroom’s wiring and plumbing, you definitely have to consult a reputable bathroom fitter who knows what they’re doing unless you yourself are a professional. Wiring and plumbing accidents can easily ruin all your work or cause an even bigger problem.
Enhance Lighting
Good lighting is crucial in the bathroom. Aside from being necessary to navigate the space and prevent accidents when using the amenities inside, lighting also complements the aesthetic of your bathroom. If you haven’t updated you bathroom lighting in a while, consider upgrading to recess lighting for overall improved ambience and flattering illumination. Draw inspiration from this Complete Guide to Bathroom Lighting.
Consider getting a chandelier or installing wall sconces to add a fancy feel to your bathroom. Or you can add under-cabinet lighting for a futuristic vibe. Whatever bathroom lighting style or type you decide on, opt for lighting emitting diode (LED) lamps to minimize your energy use and save on your electric bills.
Prevent Plumbing Problems
Leaky pipes, clogged toilets, and blocked drains—these are some of the most common plumbing problems that reoccur in the bathroom. You prevent by enforcing certain measures and doing regular maintenance.
You can insulate your pipes during the renovation to prevent leaks, as well as to save energy. During the cold season, pipes can freeze, causing hot water to travel much slower. By insulating your pipes, the heater doesn’t have to work hard to heat water, cutting down energy use. And the hot water travels faster from the heater to the faucet.
Clogged toilets and pipes can also be prevented by installing a macerating toilet, like the water-efficient SaniCompact with a built-in motor grinder that breaks down wastewater to facilitate smoother drainage. You can prevent blocked drains by installing drain protectors that can catch hair strands and residue.
Final Thoughts
As one of the most-used spaces in the house, the bathroom is bound to incur a lot of damages over time. That’s why it’s also one of the parts that require the most maintenance. You can keep your bathroom in good condition by fixing the damage as soon as you notice it.
However, sometimes, repairs aren’t enough. When that happens, you may need to renovate the entire space to restore it.
A renovation will take a lot of time, labor, and money. It’s not something that you should start without planning and considering a few things. That said, keep in mind the reminders above, and you should have a successful bathroom renovation.
