Bathroom Remodel can vary from a simple makeover to gutting the space down to the studs. A full remodel changes the footprint of the room and includes layout changes, electrical and plumbing alterations, and new construction.
It’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for surprises during a bathroom renovation. It’s not uncommon for unforeseen circumstances to increase project costs.
A bathroom remodel is a big project, so it’s important to have your layout worked out before starting. This will help you keep costs in check, as you’ll be less likely to run into challenges that require expensive changes to the structure of your space.
Fitting fixtures into a room of any size can feel a bit like working on a puzzle. But there are plenty of ways to solve the problem, and each has its own pros and cons.
One popular option is to place all the major fixtures on the same wall, as shown in this compact 40-square-foot design from Mimi + Hill. This arrangement saves on plumbing and floor space, but doesn’t provide much counter area. Depending on your needs, you may be better off with a larger layout that gives you more room to work.
Another way to maximize countertop space is to add a sunk-in sink. This arrangement can look really nice, but it’s a bit more complicated to install and requires that the room be long and narrow. It’s a good choice for powder rooms or guest bathrooms that don’t need to accommodate more than one person at a time.
The final layout you’ll want to consider is a Jack and Jill style. This is a great option for shared spaces like kids’ bathrooms, and allows sibling pairs to get ready at the same time with some degree of privacy. The trough tub in this design is a real showstopper, but be careful not to overwhelm a small space with too large of a fixture.
A great way to visualize your bathroom layout is by using 3D renderings. Cedreo is a powerful online bathroom planner that lets you drag, drop, move, and resize furnishings to see how they would look in your space. It also has a library of 7,000+ materials and furnishings to choose from.
Fixtures
The fixtures in your bathroom—the sink, shower, toilet, and tub—affect its style, comfort, and functionality. Choosing the right ones is an important part of any makeover. These elements can be costly, so establishing your budget beforehand helps you avoid making economic judgments you may regret later.
Whether you want to splurge and take your bathroom to resort proportions or stick with a slim budget, there are options for everyone. Keep in mind that even small changes like replacing old faucets can have a significant impact on the look and feel of your room.
A bathroom remodel is the perfect opportunity to introduce new fixtures that add value and a personal touch to the space. The fixtures you choose will set the tone for your bath design, so they should match the overall aesthetic of the room. The finish, style, and material of your fixtures should complement the tile colors, cabinets, and other design features.
While consistency is key, don’t be afraid to experiment with mixing styles and finishes to create a unique, eye-catching look. For example, pairing a sleek chrome vanity faucet with a matte black tub can create visual contrast. You can also experiment with the materials that your fixtures are made of, such as porcelain vs. ceramic, to find the one that works best with your bathroom design.
Once you’ve established a budget, shop around for the best prices. You can compare prices online or visit a bathroom showroom to see and try different products. When it comes to plumbing fixtures, choose high-quality products that come with a warranty and are designed for durability. You can also opt for water-saving models that help conserve resources and lower your water bill.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important elements that transforms a bathroom into a luxurious space. It not only illuminates the area, but it also sets the mood of the room. Whether it’s warm or cool, bright or dark, the lighting in your bathroom remodel can elevate your design.
Layered lighting is an innovative way to light up your bathroom, incorporating various kinds of lights that are controlled by dimmers and can be switched on or off individually. It allows you to have bright lights for cleaning and soft light for creating a mood in the space.
The first step to choosing the right lighting is determining the style of your bathroom. For example, a contemporary design will work well with modern light fixtures that have geometric shapes and clean lines. Alternatively, traditional designs can benefit from light fixtures that have a more ornamental style with brass or crystal materials.
Another aspect to consider when choosing the right lighting is the amount of natural light in the bathroom. If there is a lot of sunlight, it might be best to go with a light color scheme that will brighten the space and make it feel larger. However, if the bathroom doesn’t have much natural light, a darker color scheme might be a better choice to create a more moody atmosphere.
Another essential aspect of the right lighting for your bathroom is deciding how many recessed light fixtures you need. For smaller bathrooms, you might only need one sizable recessed light fixture to illuminate the entire space. If you have a large bathroom, it might require several different types of light sources to evenly distribute the light throughout the room. For example, you might need recessed lights above the vanity, bathroom sink, shower, or bathtub, as well as sconces or flush mounts in other areas of the room.
Plumbing
A bathroom remodel is a great way to breathe new life into an old home, increase the value of your property and improve the quality of living for your family. However, carrying out a complete remodel by yourself can be overwhelming for first-time homeowners. Choosing the right plumber is essential to ensure that your remodeling project is done correctly and safely. A licensed plumber will have the skills and experience to provide you with high-quality plumbing services for your home.
The decision to renovate or remodel your bathroom is a big one that will impact the overall look, layout and function of the room. It is important to consider all aspects of the remodel before committing to it so that you can create the perfect bathroom for your lifestyle and budget. Depending on your goals for the space, you may need to hire a contractor or simply make a few cosmetic changes.
During a remodel, you will most likely be taking out the old fixtures and replacing them with the ones you want. Many times, the plumbing lines will need to be changed as well. This can add significant cost to your project. For example, a tub-to-shower conversion typically involves tearing out the existing alcove tub and installing a walk-in shower.
If you are considering adding a washer and dryer to your half bath, you should check with your building to see whether you need to get permits or co-op or condo board approvals for the renovation. Getting these permits and approvals can be time-consuming. You can save some time by hiring a contractor like Sweeten who can help you obtain the necessary permits and approvals on your behalf and assist with any other paperwork needed to keep construction going smoothly.
Flooring
Bathroom flooring is another big design decision that has to be made well in advance of starting the remodel. Unlike some rooms in the house that lend themselves to simpler selections (like hardwood floors in the dining room or cozy carpet in the bedroom), this space requires special considerations that have to do with moisture, comfort and durability.
The most popular flooring material for bathrooms is tile. It’s available in a wide variety of colors and textures, can be styled to fit any decor scheme, and it holds up very well to moisture. It’s also very easy to clean, making it a practical choice for bathrooms.
Stone flooring is another traditional option for bathrooms, adding a rustic, natural look to the room. It can be expensive, however, and it’s important to keep in mind that any type of natural flooring is prone to moisture damage, so special care needs to be taken with it.
Linoleum received a bit of a makeover in the 2000s and is once again a popular bathroom flooring choice, especially for eco-conscious homeowners. It’s made from linseed oil, plant fibers and resins, and is claimed to suppress allergens and harmful microorganisms.
Cork is an alternative to wood flooring in bathrooms that’s both environmentally friendly and comfortable underfoot. It’s made from the bark of cork trees, which don’t have to be cut down for it to be harvested. It’s a great alternative to vinyl, which can also be a good choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
Concrete is an unexpected flooring material for bathrooms, but it’s surprisingly versatile. It can be stained almost any color, buffed to a variety of finishes and is resistant to many different kinds of damage.