Bathrooms are often the smallest rooms in a home, so why is renovating a bathroom so complicated? Maybe it’s because we spend so much time there, it’s the place we go to relax and wash off the worries of the day. According to a survey by Metropolitan Regional Information Systems Inc, 81% of millennials and first-time home buyers said updated kitchens and bathrooms were the most important things when looking for a home. So, whether you are creating a haven for yourself, or hoping to catch a buyer’s eye. Read on for some bathroom remodeling ideas. Below are the top do’s and don’ts when it comes to redesigning your bathroom space.
Do – Have A Plan For Your Bathroom Remodel
Napoleon Hill once said, “Plan your work and work your plan.” Just as with any major project in your home, you do not want to jump in blindly. Talk to a bathroom remodeling expert. By hiring a professional bathroom interior designer you will get exactly what you want. A separate tub and shower are great, if the room is big enough. Victorian tile and fixtures are beautiful but might look out of place in a mid-century modern home.
Bathroom design isn’t the only thing you need to consider either. Your budget will help you decide which materials you can afford. Without a bathroom remodeling budget you could easily find yourself taking out a second mortgage to pay for your bathroom remodel. No one wants to do this if they don’t have to.
Don’t rush the bathroom remodeling planning process either. A project can be an exciting adventure, but it is less exciting if you have to do it twice. Take your time with your bathroom remodel project, and get it done right the first time with an interior designer who can guide and educate you.
Don’t – Cut Corners on Cheap Labor For A Bathroom Remodel
We’re all DIYers to an extent, but it’s important to know when to you can do something yourself and when you should throw in the towel and call in the professionals. Paying for the services of a licensed, professional handyman or plumber might cost you more in the beginning, but it can save you a lot in repairs down the road. A pro will know how to properly install your piping and fixtures so that they don’t leak.
You might also consider hiring an electrician to properly install the bathroom lighting and ventilation, as well as tile layer put in the bathroom flooring. If you do not want the headache of finding all of these professionals yourself you can also hire a general contractor. They will have professionals that they have worked with on other jobs and get often get you the best deal for your project.
Do – Consider Your Space
Your bathroom layout will be one of the most exciting aspects of your project, and it should be one of the key features in your planning process. Think about where the bathtub, toilet, and sink are currently-if you keep them where they are it can significantly help to keep your budget low. In contrast, moving the bathtub to the other side of the room will require all new plumbing to be laid, which can cost a pretty penny.
This shouldn’t stop you from getting creative if you have the space. Consumer Reports suggests hiding your toilet if at all possible, by creating a room within a room. This can be by installing a full wall to hide the bathroom fixture, or even using a piece of furniture such as a dividing screen.
Don’t – Forget About the Environment
Agents are saying that going green can bring buyers to your home, according to Realtor Magazine. Buyers are both interested in saving the planet as well as saving themselves money, and there are several bathroom remodeling ideas to help with both.
Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads is one way to help you use less water throughout the day. You could also take it a step further and install a grey water filtration system, this will allow you to use your water again to water your garden or your lawn.
Reusing and repurposing items can also go a long way to save you money and help the planet in your remodel. Old dressers make great bathroom vanities, for example. And you can purchase countertops made out of recycled materials as well.
Do – Think to The Future
It’s important to create a bathroom remodeling ideas that you will love in the here and now. You also need to think about what the buyers will love if and when you decide to sell your home. A mosaic countertop might make your heart skip a beat, but it won’t necessarily have the same impact on a home buyer.
When keeping future homebuyers in mind choose neutral options for your tiling and fixtures. Let your personality shine in the paint and accessories. A bright pink bathroom can be painted into a neutral grey to attract buyers in a few years, and your sugar skull collection can be put into storage until your house goes under contract.
Your bathroom is a place where you will spend a lot of your time, it’s a place where you get ready in the morning and relax at the end of the day. It should be a sanctuary, and when done right it absolutely can be. Keep these things in mind and your bathroom remodeling ideas will go so smoothly.
This post is a collaboration and may contain links that are either informational or helpful resources. All opinions are our own and for informational purposes only.
Author Bio-
Edward Flanagan is the founder of Edward’s Enterprises, a handyman service & licensed general contractor that has been improving homes and providing facilities maintenance in Southern California since 1996. Their remodeling services include bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and complete home remodels. Edward currently divides his time between Camarillo and Venice Beach, CA, and loves the 405.