Table of Contents
- Doing Research Before Planning
- Setting up the Budget
- Approve the Schematic Design
- Find a Professional
- Selecting Materials, Finishes and Colors
- Get Estimates From Contractors
- Expect the Unexpected
A bathroom renovation is essential to spruce up your home. Despite being one of the smallest rooms in the house, the entire bathroom renovation process can be very tedious and time-consuming. The bathroom’s small size makes it difficult to renovate. When you change the tiles, do the walls, install appliances, replace the plumbing, and so on, it will indeed give you and your contractor a headache.
Doing Research Before Planning
Many homeowners begin their bathroom renovation planning by reviewing magazines, articles on websites, or design books. That’s not a bad place to start, but it won’t give you a sense of what’s genuinely feasible and available in your area. When you get too excited about an image of someone else’s bathroom, go to your local supply store and do some research on the products and materials that are available. Determine how much they cost and what the tradeoffs are. (Some materials look good on photographs, but they may stain easily or be more expensive than your budget allows.)
Consider using a checklist for manufacturers of fixtures, appliances, hardware, and other similar items. Most people get worked up about things like tiles and vanities, but they tend to put off the necessary but less decorative aspects like bathroom fans until later. If you plan out all of these details ahead of time, your project will run more smoothly.
Setting up the Budget
Before you touch something in your bathroom, think about what you want to put and how you want things to be placed in there. To set a budget for your bathroom renovation project, you must first decide whether you want only minor changes or a total bathroom renovation. Design, décor, painting, fixtures, tiles, and accessories are also included. You should also keep your budget flexible in case of any unexpected expenses.
Your budget will be one of the most critical aspects of your renovation. Everything from the design to the layout will be influenced by the financial plan you create, which is why you must first set your limits. Once you’ve determined how much you’re willing to spend, you’ll be able to keep the project on track.
Approve the Schematic Design
You will be reviewing sketches, initial floor plans, and elevations that outline the layout of the planned bathroom and the size of its components, such as the vanity and any cabinetry.
The main objective here is to nail down the major elements and space down before fully understanding how the finished bathroom will look in terms of colour and materials. The drawings, sketches, and scope of work will be used to interview contractors to get estimates.
Find a Professional
It is entirely up to you whether or not to hire a professional for any part of your project. If you know what you want and where to find it, and you are confident that your ideas will work, you may be able to skip the design phase.
However, keep in mind that a professional bathroom designer may be able to think of things you haven’t considered, such as fitting a washer and dryer into your bathroom, adding a skylight, or creatively rearranging the space to maximize functionality and efficiency.
You can team up with a designer in a variety of ways. A design consultation, or a more developed vision accompanied by a design plan, maybe all you need to get started. Complete design services are probably best for particularly complex jobs.
If you are confident in your ability to handle demolition, construction, and installation on your own, you may not require the services of a general contractor. However, it is a project that can easily slip through your fingers. If you lack knowledge and experience, a bathroom renovation could take you several times as long as a professional, and the outcome may still be of poor quality.
The difficulty of routing plumbing, laying tile and flooring, installing vanities and toilets, and other tasks leave too much room for error, and you’re far more likely to make a mistake, waste money, and end up with a bathroom that’s riddled with flaws. Stick to simple tasks like painting if you want to stretch your budget a little further.
You might have to hire an architect for major structural changes. Plumbing and electrical work are almost always outsourced. It is required by law in some places. When in doubt, hire a professional.
Selecting Materials, Finishes and Colors
You’ve most likely been planning this renovation for a long time and already have your idea books filled with inspirational photos describing how you want your space to look.
Now is the time to do your research on materials so you can have at least some working knowledge and have a good conversation with your contractor or supplier.
Get Estimates From Contractors
It is always necessary that you should obtain three separate estimates for your project from licensed contractors. Suppose you’re already working with a designer. In that case, they may know skilled individuals or can assist you in interviewing various professionals to ensure they’re the right fit for the job.
It will also help you to understand what is included in a contractor’s bid. Don’t be scared by the highest bid, and don’t jump on the lowest bid right away.
Expect the Unexpected
When planning for the bathroom renovation, expect more expense, time, alteration, and problems than you planned.
A bathroom makeover is a long-term investment. You will earn and gain from this investment because you went through all the trouble of increasing the value of your home!
If your kitchen, bathroom, or basement needs a new look, schedule a home design consultation with our experienced and talented professionals today!
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