Must-Know Bathroom Remodel Tips
Renovating a bathroom is a great way to breathe new life into your home and make it really stand out among the others. Bathrooms are renovated more often in comparison with kitchens and other spaces. No doubt, bathroom remodeling is one of the most lucrative investments you can make in your home. Due to the fact that this project can be expensive, homeowners usually choose to renovate their bathrooms every 10-20 years.
In fact, you do not have to wait so long to make changes in your bathroom. You can start a renovation project when you notice the signs indicating that your bathroom space needs to be updated. As time goes by, bathrooms may experience some leaks and other problems including mold and mildew. Obviously, all these issues have to be fixed. That is the main reason why most homeowners seek to renovate their bathrooms. Some homeowners choose to remodel their bathrooms in order to add more storage and increase functionality.
No doubt, your family needs change, especially when you have kids. So, you may want to remodel your bathroom space to make it safer and more comfortable for young children. There is another important reason why so many homeowners think about renovating their bathrooms. Real estate experts agree that a successful bathroom remodel can increase the resale value of your home. With a renovated bathroom, your home will be sold at a much higher price than homes with outdated bathrooms.
Remodeling a bathroom is definitely a big project. It may seem challenging and intimidating if you do not know exactly what you want to achieve. The project can go smoothly if you have a plan and know for sure how to transform your bathroom space. So, let’s dig deeper to find out what things you should consider and steps to take in order to make your bathroom remodeling project a complete success.
Set a Budget for Your Bathroom Remodel
There is nothing like a beautifully renovated bathroom to add more elegance, style, and value to your home. When you plan a bathroom renovation, creating a budget is the first and most important thing you should do. In order to set a realistic budget, try to answer the following questions:
-Are you planning to sell your property in the foreseeable future?
-How exactly do you want to transform your bathroom?
-Do you think about changing the location of the tub?
-Do you want to change fixtures?
-How much can you afford to spend?
Think well about what is really important and what can make a difference in your bathroom space. It’s worth mentioning that the average bathroom remodel can recoup more than 60% of its cost when the property is sold. If you plan a bathroom renovation project with a resale value in mind, choose the design that is not specific to your needs. Remember that your new bathroom has to be modern, practical, and appeal to the vast majority of buyers.
Consider the Type of Bathroom You Want to Create
Every home is unique. The same can be said about the bathroom. All bathrooms differ in size, shape, and layout. Probably, you will not want to change the type of your bathroom during the renovation process. But, it’s definitely a good idea to explore all the options to make the right decision. In fact, you have only three options to consider – standard bathroom, half bath, and wet bathroom.
A standard bathroom usually contains a sink, a tub, a shower, and a toilet. A bathtub and a shower can be combined or separate from each other. It all depends on the type of bathtub you choose.
The master bathroom is usually the biggest bathroom in the house intended just for two people. However, in some homes, there is only one full bathroom shared by all family members. Just like any other standard bathroom, a primary bathroom has a shower, double vanity, a toilet, and a tub. Those homeowners, who decide to renovate or add a master bathroom, often want to create a truly unique and luxurious space. Think about installing a soaking tub in order to create the most fascinating atmosphere ideal for rest and relaxation. No doubt, a deep soaking tub will add style and character to your bathroom turning it into the best space in your home.
If you often have visitors in your home but do not want them to invade your personal space by using your bathroom, consider adding a half bath. It is usually a small space with a sink and a toilet. Creating this environment will not just increase the resale value of your home, it will also make your life much easier.
There is another type of bathroom you may find interesting – a wet bath. This bathroom is typically a full bathroom with all the necessary amenities. The main difference is that a wet bath is completely waterproof including the walls, cabinets, and floor.
Let’s suppose that you have already decided on the type of bathroom you would like to create in your home. What is your next step?
Design a Bathroom Layout
Planning a bathroom can be a hard process. However, a smart bathroom layout is key to a successful bathroom renovation. That’s why it’s really worth spending enough time and effort to create a truly unique and functional space.
There are different variations of the bathroom layout depending on the size and shape of the space you have to deal with. In fact, you can keep the existing layout if you are satisfied with the location of the tub, shower, sink, and toilet. But what if this layout does not work for you and your family? Then you should definitely change it.
With a small bathroom space, you do not have too many options available. But a larger bathroom provides more opportunities to create a custom space. If you are not quite sure how to transform your bathroom space and make a difference, seek the help of an experienced interior designer. A professional will help you make the environment that fits your personal needs.
Choose the Right Color for Your Bathroom
The color you choose for your bathroom really matters. Obviously, white or light colors can make a small bathroom look much bigger. Dark colors can make the bathroom feel smaller than it really is. You should also be careful while choosing the color for your bathroom ceiling.
To add style and glamour, you can complement the white color with a dark accent color such as black, navy blue, or hunter green. White can also be successfully combined with pink, yellow, blue-gray, light gray, aqua blue, and cobalt blue. Keep in mind that light colors reflect light. So, they are a perfect choice for windowless rooms.
Consider Replacing Your Old Bathtub
During the bathroom remodeling process, some homeowners overlook the benefits that replacing the old tub may provide. Obviously, old bathtubs are prone to developing leaks and cracking. It’s worth mentioning that a leaking tub may cause mold and mildew that usually need considerable expenses to deal with. New bathtubs are much easier to maintain. Plus, they offer more comfort and relaxation.
Getting a new tub during the renovation process can create a striking visual effect adding more luxury to the bathroom design. If you choose to replace your old tub, you will be immensely pleased with the results of your bathroom remodeling. But without replacing or upgrading your old bathtub it will be hard to achieve the best possible outcome.
If you have no tub at all, adding one would definitely be a great idea. It will increase the resale value of your home in case you choose to sell the property.
Improve Bathroom Lighting
The bathroom is not just a place where you can clean yourself and get ready for the day or night ahead. It is also the place where you can relax after a long day at work, leaving all your worries behind. That’s why your bathroom needs excellent lighting to serve your needs and the needs of all your family members.
In fact, your bathroom lighting has to be flexible in order to adjust to your tasks. During the bathroom renovation process, you have an opportunity to optimize the lighting just the way you like it. So, excellent bathroom lighting includes soft overhead lighting, bright lights around your mirror, additional lighting around the tub, and some accent lights to highlight the decorative elements. The vanity area in your bathroom has to be bright as well. It will allow you to do a lot of daily tasks.
While planning a bathroom renovation project, do not forget about adding windows to your bathroom because nothing can make the room feel brighter than natural lighting. Natural light provides the warm light of the sun maximizing the visibility in your bathroom.
In fact, the amount of light you need in your bathroom depends on your personal preferences and the tasks you perform.
Do Not Forget About Ventilation
Adequate bathroom ventilation is extremely important because this room is prone to dampness. Due to the excess moisture, your bathroom is at risk of developing mold and mildew. It’s well-known that mold spores can cause serious health problems. Plus, humidity may also cause structural damage in your bathroom including rust and peeling paint.
Washing your hands, flushing the toilet, and taking a bath can add moisture making you feel hotter in high temperatures and colder in low temperatures. Proper ventilation can significantly reduce humidity in the bathroom. It also removes trapped moisture providing some other important benefits.
Ventilation helps you feel more comfortable in the bathroom. It also minimizes bacteria growth, prevents mold and mildew, and reduces condensation. So, you should really spend enough time planning ventilation during the bathroom renovation process.
Bathrooms can be ventilated by windows, window vents, or exhaust fans. No doubt, windows can be an effective source of ventilation. But at the same time windows let dust and dirt come through. In the cold winter months, you will just waste energy if you choose to open the window to ventilate the bathroom. No doubt, you will not feel comfortable taking a bath when the window is open.
So, in order to keep your bathroom bacteria-free, let the air circulate easily around the room. Installing an exhaust fan is the best way not just to reduce humidity, but also to remove fumes from cleaning agents that may also pose serious health risks.
Choose High-Quality Bathroom Materials
If you want to get the most out of your bathroom renovation project, you should definitely prefer high-quality durable materials. The materials you select should not just look attractive, they also must be easy to clean, withstand humidity changes as well as harsh chemicals. Keep in mind that bathroom cabinets made of cheap material will swell quickly, losing their attractiveness and functionality. Durable bathroom materials will serve you for many years to come preserving their initial look.
Choose the Right Bathroom Flooring
When it comes to installing bathroom flooring, it’s critical to select the materials that are waterproof and beautiful at the same time. The most popular bathroom flooring materials include ceramic and porcelain tile, sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl flooring, natural stone, and vinyl tile.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular options often chosen by homeowners. This flooring is waterproof, resilient, and affordable. Plus, it comes in a wide variety of colors and designs. That means that you will be able to select the tile flooring that perfectly matches your bathroom and is pleasing to the eye.
Natural stone flooring provides the same benefits as ceramic and porcelain tile flooring. However, this type of flooring still differs. Stone can be hard to install and requires more regular maintenance. But at the same time, natural stone flooring has a fantastic look adding style and luxury to your bathroom design. If you choose to install this type of flooring during your bathroom remodeling, keep in mind that it can be very expensive.
Vinyl flooring is less expensive in comparison with the other types of flooring. It has become extremely popular due to its versatility. It combines durability, waterproof features, and scratch resistance. Vinyl can look like wood planks, ceramic tile, and stone.
A bathroom remodel can be a daunting, but rewarding experience. Hopefully, the above-mentioned tips will help you make your renovation a success. Turn your bathroom into a peaceful oasis that will make you happy.
If you’re ready to purchase your bathtub, check out our article here on buying bathtubs.
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