Bathroom Remodeling 101 – 7 Tips and Tricks for a Successful Makeover
If you’re considering remodeling your bathroom, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure the project goes smoothly. With these tips and tricks, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect and avoid some common mistakes that could turn your bathroom into a renovation nightmare.
1. Design It From a Functional Zoning Perspective
Before you start ripping out tile and installing a new tub, think about how you use the room and what your goals are. Do you need more storage space? If so, consider incorporating it into the layout early on. This can help you avoid having to rip out wall studs, add a cabinet, or install a niche later.
2. Stay Within Your Budget
Although a bathroom makeover can be costly, it’s also a great investment in your home. If you plan to sell in the future, a remodel can significantly boost your home’s value, giving you more money to spend on other improvements.
3. Think About How the Remodel Will Benefit Your Life
A good bathroom remodel can significantly improve your quality of life and make you more confident. It can also increase your energy efficiency, which means you’ll save on heating and cooling costs.
4. Invest in Water-Saving Fixtures
One of the best ways to cut down on your water bills is to install water-saving fixtures. These include toilets that use only half as much water when flushing, showerheads with water-saving features, and skylights.
5. Get a Professional Remodeling Contractor
There’s no substitute for hiring a reputable contractor who can handle the full scope of your bathroom remodel. They can set up a schedule for the job, coordinate subcontractors and manage all of the permits you’ll need to obtain.
6. Work with a Designer
A design professional can help you plan out the room’s layout and select materials that will make it a stylish and functional space. They can also suggest a variety of finishes and fixtures that you might not have considered.
7. Embrace Nature in Your Decor
A new trend is to incorporate nature into the design of your bathroom. It can be as simple as adding plants, which are known to reduce stress and improve mental health.
8. Go Neutral in Colors
If you want to create a calm and serene space, stick to neutral colors that will complement your existing furnishings and decor. This will make the entire bathroom feel more spacious and elegant.
9. Don’t Skimp on Lighting
A well-lit bathroom can significantly enhance your mood. Besides offering an opportunity to bathe in natural light, the right lighting can highlight artwork and other decor elements. Choose a combination of task, accent, ambient and decorative lighting to ensure that you have all the illumination you need.
10. Hire an Experienced Contractor
Whether you’re planning a small or large bathroom makeover, it’s important to hire a licensed, insured, experienced bathroom remodeling professional who has been in business for at least three years. This person will be able to guide you through the process of making sound decisions that are in your best interest and will help you avoid the common bathroom remodeling mistakes that can result in an expensive, frustrating and unsatisfactory end product.