Renovating a bathroom, and in particular renovating a master bathroom, can be an exhilarating prospect for homeowners. Many homeowners dream of creating an elegant spa oasis in their own home, and renovating their bathroom gives them the opportunity to create the relaxing, tranquil space they have always wanted. However, as many homeowners are quick to discover, bathroom renovations are complex, and if you don’t know where to start, they can quickly become overwhelming.
Renovating a bathroom represents a major investment in your home, which is why it is understandable if you are unsure where to begin this project. In order to ensure that you do not get in over your head, it is important that you take some time to plan your bathroom remodel before you jump into demolition. To help get you started on your journey toward creating your dream spa bathroom, here are a few tips to help guide you through a successful bathroom remodel.
Consider Your Budget
The first thing that you should do when planning to remodel a bathroom is to set a budget. The fact is that the cost of a bathroom remodel can vary greatly, and if you are not careful, costs can quickly spiral out of control. In order to avoid spending more than you can afford, or getting halfway through your remodel and running out of money, it is important that you think about a budget before you start planning your remodel.
Make sure that you take the time to sit down and think about how much it may cost to remodel your bathroom, and what you can realistically afford to spend. Look up products and materials to get an idea of what things cost, and talk to multiple contractors for quotes. Making an itemized budget outlining how much money you plan to spend on each area of your bathroom can help you to stay on budget as your remodel progresses. Most importantly, you will want to stick to your budget once you have finalized it, as it is easy for costs to add up if you start making exceptions.
Start Researching Contractors Early
It is important that you talk to contractors early in the renovation process so that you can get an idea of how much your bathroom remodel might cost, and how long you can expect it to take. This makes it crucial that you start researching contractors in your area as soon as possible once you decide to remodel your bathroom, as you do not want to feel rushed into making such an important decision.
You will want to take the time to find an experienced contractor in your area with whom you feel comfortable working with who can guide you through the renovation process. A great place to start would be to ask family, friends, and coworkers for recommendations. If they have had work done on their home recently, they may be able to guide you in the right direction. Of course, online reviews can also be instrumental in helping you to make an informed decision when choosing a contractor for your bathroom remodel.
Think About The Layout
As you begin designing your new bathroom, you will need to take some time to figure out what layout you want. You should consider trying to keep your current layout if you are fine with the general position of your sink, shower, and toilet, as rerouting plumbing can drive up the cost of your remodel significantly. However, if your existing layout was poorly designed and/or is simply not functional, you will need to take some time to design a layout that will work best for your family.
When designing a new layout for your bathroom, make sure that you start by taking plenty of measurements. You will need to know the exact measurements of the space you’re working with, and how much room you have for everything, as this will be critical in ensuring that all of your chosen fixtures and finishes will fit in your space. This is where it can be helpful to have an experienced contractor by your side, as they can help you to design a layout that will make the best use of the space that you have.
Look for Design Inspiration
While some homeowners have been dreaming about remodeling their bathroom for years and know exactly what they want the space to look like, you are not alone if you are unsure how to design a beautiful bathroom oasis. Before you start ripping up flooring, you should then take some time to research bathroom designs to try to narrow down your style preferences. Try to figure out what colors, fixtures, designs, and materials you do and don’t like. Even if you do not have a concrete idea of how you want your bathroom to look, having an idea of what you like can make it easier for your contractor to provide you with suggestions and design a bathroom tailored to your style and tastes.
Don’t Forget Ventilation
As you are likely all too aware, bathrooms can be prone to dampness and humidity. This can be particularly uncomfortable during the summer, as you do not want to get out of the shower and immediately feel sweaty and unclean. It is then important that you think about ventilation as you redesign your bathroom. Not only will proper ventilation help to keep your bathroom comfortable, but it can also help keep your bathroom safe, as damp spaces are prone to mold and mildew growth.
While windows and window vents can be helpful in providing ventilation, they are not always practical year-round, as leaving your bathroom window cracked can reduce energy-efficiency during the summer and winter months. Not to mention, leaving a window open can make your home uncomfortably cold during winter. You should then consider including an externally vented exhaust fan into your renovation plans to help reduce moisture levels in your bathroom. Your contractor can help you choose a model and placement that will maximize airflow in your bathroom.
Consider Splurging on a Few High-End Upgrades
As you begin to finalize the design of your bathroom, the time will come to pick finishes such as faucets, lighting fixtures, and vanity countertops. Even if you are trying to keep your remodel within a fairly conservative budget, it can be beneficial to splurge on a few high-quality finishes. High-end finishes can make any space pop and help your bathroom to have a luxurious feel on a budget.
In particular, choosing to go with luxury granite countertops and/or tub surrounds can truly make your bathroom shine. Granite has been a popular choice in bathrooms for years not only due to the fact that it holds up well in this damp, high-traffic environment, but also, granite can make any space feel more refined. Choosing to add granite to your bathroom design will allow your remodeled bathroom to have that luxurious spa feel you have been looking for.
Feel free to contact us for more bathroom renovation tips as well as to find out about the benefits of incorporating granite into your bathroom remodel.