Is this your first time doing a bathroom renovation? It’s an exciting house project and one that you need to approach the right way.
Every homeowner would want a bathroom that reflects their personal style and, at the same time, deliver the comfort they need. But aside from that, it’s also crucial that it has the right fixtures and amenities, providing function and value as well. Good thing, through careful planning, finding the right contractors, and picking the right design, it’s possible.
In this article, you’ll find some of the best tips from bathroom contractors in Oshawa that can help turn your bathroom remodeling dream into a reality.
1. Set a budget
Before you start remodeling your bathroom, discuss it first with everyone who will use the space. Talk about the fixtures and finishes you want to use and how much budget you’re willing to allocate.
When you plan for your budget, it’s important to set aside extra. You never know if there will be some unexpected cost later on.
- Set aside at least 20% of your budget to cover surprise expenses.
- Discuss with your family to set the right budget boundary and maintain it strictly.
2. Agree on a Design
When thinking about the design, a home usually has at least one bathroom with a bathtub, sink, and toilet. Then, there are extras such as the shower and a bidet. Look beyond the space of your bathroom and think about the look of your house in its entirety.
Here are some guide questions:
- What kind of layout would best match your preferred bathroom design?
- Does your preferred layout fit well with the rest of your home?
- What’s functional from a user’s perspective?
- Do you need to eliminate the whole thing and start from scratch or keep some elements from your current bathroom to incorporate them with the new?
Answering these questions gives a better idea of what it is you really want. Planning a good renovation has everything to do with your lifestyle and how you use your space. Think about those things and incorporate them into your bathroom remodeling.
Don’t forget to consider the space as it goes hand in hand with the design. You may have great ideas for your new bathroom, but do you have enough space to execute them? You have to manage the amount of space you have and set a realistic expectation for what can be done with it.
3. Consider the Materials
A bathroom remodel will require more details than you think. You may have a lot of customization ideas, but they may require different sets of materials. Make sure that the products you purchase meet the needs of your remodel, especially when it comes to:
- Backsplash
- Bathtubs
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Lighting
- Sink and bath fixtures
- Tile flooring
- Waterproofing materials
Noise Cancellation
Due to the closeness of the bedroom to the bathroom, the most common issue for homeowners is the noise. If you want to lessen the noise made by your toilet tank while being refilled, then you may have to install a modern inlet valve. Likewise, when there are no windows attached to the bathroom, you should install an exhaust fan as it can help remove moisture.
Floor Plans
To save money on your renovation, it’s recommended that you keep your new bathroom’s plumbing fixture close to its original plumbing. However, if your plumber discovers outdated wiring or plumbing, he may suggest that you remove old pipes and wires to allow the installation of the new ones.
If you need to keep the same floor space because of a limited budget, you can still make the impression that space is bigger. For instance, you can install pedestal sinks that are known for making a room look bigger and clear glass shower doors to prevent blocking the light and make space seem more enclosed. You can also make use of a big mirror as an alternative to a small medicine cabinet mirror.
Overhead and Ambient Lighting
When it comes to bathrooms, overhead lighting is essential. As for perimeter lighting, you can create both ambient and soft glow, as well as useful light. You can also consider using pendant lighting, which allows the scattering of light into a specific direction that gives the illusion of a beautiful centerpiece.
Sufficient bathroom lighting can eliminate the shadows on faces. You can install a combination of LED recessed lights with wall sconces beside your mirror. And if it’s too bright, you can also use some dimmer switches to have full control.
Bath Ventilation
When it’s a bathroom remodel, many homeowners neglect bath ventilation. When, in fact, proper ventilation is crucial if you want to make sure that it lasts for a long time. A bathroom with no adequate ventilation could lead to the build-up of mold and mildew, which can wreak havoc and ruin your expensive upgrades.
Get a high-quality fan to ensure optimum air quality. If you have a steam shower and a low ceiling, you may need to avoid placing a fan inside the shower. This is because the steam from the ductwork will not circulate the air well.
Always leave room for ventilation. Did you notice some glass panels don’t go all the way to the bathroom ceiling? The reason for that is that keeping from going all the way to the ceiling allows more air circulation in the bathroom. There are regulations you have to follow for proper ventilation, so make sure to check those out.
4. Keep the Future in Mind
If you’re selling your house in five years, then you need to ensure that your property’s value increases over time through your renovation project. But if you plan to live in your home for as long as you can, then you have to ensure that the design of your bathroom is something you’d love for a long time.
Making the decisions from paint colors to tile textures can be overwhelming. You need to find the best balance between design, comfort, value, and durability.
Get the Best Return for Your Money
A bathroom renovation is a huge investment, and you have to ensure you get the most out of your money. It’s not an easy feat, but with the help of a trusted general contractor, you can put the pieces together to discover what designs and remodeling structures would work best for you.
Once you begin the renovation process, it may take 30-90 days to finish. No matter how long, try not to keep changing plans as it can create hidden expenses by delaying contractors.
