Planning a Bathroom Remodel

Written by assurancebuild on March 11, 2021. Posted in General.

You can recouperate 67.2% of a mid-range bathroom remodel expenses and 60.2% of an upscale remodel in 2020. On the contrary, the joy score of a bathroom remodel is 9.6, especially for homeowners who prefer professionals working on their projects.

Anytime a homeowner does a remodel on their home, it is either to make the best use of the space or to increase the value of the house. Being one of the most popular home improvements, a bathroom remodel does both of these while increasing the aesthetic appeal of your home.

Before you pick the phone to call your contractor, here’s everything you need to know about planning a remodel. Our article takes you through the planning and designing process, cost, duration, right time, tips, and many more.

Must-Know Tips for Bathroom Remodeling

The bathroom is the most used room in your house. While it is easy to revamp when compared to the other rooms, you may have to make multiple decisions to maintain a functional and practical space. Here are a few must-know tips you may want to consider before you begin:

Bathroom remodeling comes with a hefty price tag. So, make sure you have a substantial budget with room for overflow.
Ensure that your contractor is on the same page as you. Verify every part of the plan so that it matches your needs.
Do you really want a bathtub, a statement tub at that? Instead, you can go for a luxe shower and save on the cost.
A glamourous bathroom needs flattering lighting. Bad lighting can spoil the look easily. Ensure that it has ample natural lighting and artificial lighting. Avoid bare bulbs and harsh lighting.
Do not forget the electrical outlets. If you share the bathroom with your spouse, you may want to have more than one outlet.
Make space for adequate ventilation to prevent the formation of mold.
Do you want the ground to blend in or stand out?
Consider storage space wherever possible.
Choose quality materials over luxury. You need your bathroom to withstand wear and tear.

Plan a Bathroom Remodel

Bathrooms though the smallest room in your home, is often a place of peace and serenity. With the right design, you can create a happy place even in the most irrelevant corner. Considering the space, it is a surprise that it is the second most expensive room to renovate, coming just behind the kitchen.

Here are some of the tips you may want to consider in the planning stage:

While a huge bathroom is luxurious, you can squeeze a master into a tiny spot and still make it a sumptuous retreat by borrowing some space from the bedroom.
Select a shower and bathtub depending on the space. If incredibly tight, you can go with a shower.
Why not plan for a custom-designed sit-in tub instead of a standard one?
Plan your fixtures such that it suits the space. In the case of cramped bathrooms, choose a wall-mounted toilet, vanities, and faucets to keep the place clutter-free.
For small bathrooms, get creative with storage and install medicine cabinet-style storage.

Cost of a Bathroom Remodel

Your bathroom remodel cost depends on the size of the bathroom, layout, fixtures, materials, labor, etc. Though the fixtures may not be as expensive, it is labor-intensive due to the multiple installations and plumbing works.

An average bathroom remodel cost $10,545 in 2020, with more than 50% of it being labor cost. A high-end project can cost more than $28,000; the expense can shoot up depending on the labor.

For a half-bath, you can expect to spend $5,000 to $15,000; Half-bath includes a toilet, sink, and a mirror.

The cost breakdown is as follows:

Bathtub: $200 – $900
Cabinets: $250 to $3,000
Floor: $200 – $1,350
Countertops: $200 – $1,000
Shower: $300 – $3,000
Lighting: $100 – $400
Fixtures: $200 – $1,800
Ventilation: $50 – $300
Plumbing: $250 – $1,450
Painting: $150 – $550

Right Time for a Bathroom Remodel

While summer, with its sunny days and warm weather, makes it ideal for a major remodel, it is the busiest season for the contractors. So, if you want them to give your project undivided attention, you’d better start work in spring.

For that matter, winter is the right time to buy materials and avail yourself of attractive discounts in the meantime. Winters are also when the home improvement stores have a downtime. So, start buying materials then and get ready for the renovation in spring.

Time Taken for a Bathroom Remodel

A master bathroom renovation should take six weeks to three months for the entire process, including planning, designing, execution, and construction. The construction part itself takes 1 -1 1/2 months, starting with the demolition to the final inspection.

For a smaller bathroom, you can expect the work to complete in 1 month as long as the work proceeds without any major interruptions and wiring alterations.

Primary Order for a Bathroom Remodel

Are you ready for a makeover? Here’s the step-by-step process in the order the remodeling should be performed:

Demolish the fixtures and gut the bathroom. (Get started with vanity, sink, toilet, tile, bathtub/shower in that order)
Set the tub or the shower.
Fix the fixtures, faucets, etc.
Lay the floor tiles.
Install the drywall and nail them up.
Start painting.
Install the cabinets and vanity closet.
Finish the plumbing.
Fix the toilet.
Hang the mirror and place trim around the shower or tub.

DIY or Hire a Contractor

A complete renovation takes expertise of some kind. Else, you would be left with a wonky toilet, uneven tiles, etc. Unless you are selling your home right away, you are left to live with the remodeling mistakes. And then there is the time which may take months; Quite soon you would find the project taking up all your spare time.

Considering this, unless it is a simple painting or fixture, it’s better to leave the bathroom remodeling project to the experts. A contractor can help you remodel your bath as long as the design is set. If you are looking for a new bathroom layout and design, you may want to hire an interior designer for the project.

Design Details to Consider When Planning a Master Bathroom

The last thing you want when planning a master bathroom is to end up with a design you do not like. Take time to design, keeping in mind the costs and the available space.

Here are a few design details you may want to include when designing a new bathroom:

Choose the same tile for your floor and the walls. It can make the bathroom appear spacious. The wall above should also be of the same color.
While stone tiles elevate the bathroom, they can be expensive. Alternatively, you can use ceramic that mimics the design of the former.
Consider a glass wall to bring in the natural light and also a touch of greenery. If possible, add a sliding door.
LED strip lighting can give a diffused look similar to natural lighting.
A sliding door works the best for a cramped bathroom since a hinged door takes up space.
Utilize the space on the doors, cabinets, vanity closet, etc., for hanging towel rods.

Bathroom Remodel on a Budget

A bathroom remodel can cost you pretty a penny. However, with a few careful adaptations, you can achieve a new look without spending too much.

Retain the fixtures can save money. Moving toilets and bathtubs can cost you as much as $5000.
Frame your mirror to hide the flaking and to give a new feel.
Check out antique stores, flea markets, resellers for good deals. You can always replace the vanity closet with wooden furniture.
Open shelves give an illusion of space.
A new coat of paint in bright colors can elevate the look.

Master Bathroom Ideas

When it comes to a master bathroom, the aesthetics of the room is as important as the functionality. Moreover, it pays to give the attention that it deserves, with luxurious marble and granite countertops, glamorous vanities, beautiful bathtubs, and brass fittings.

Here are some crisp and modern master bathroom ideas for your inspiration:

Marble-covered walls and floors, a free-standing tub, and a glass wall give the bathroom a dramatic look.
For a bright, airy, and spacious bathroom, place the glass-walled shower in one corner and open one side with large windows. The waterfall vanity and freestanding tub add to the luxury.
Go traditional with wooden vanity and white countertop, and a modern sink. It gives a spa-like vibe to your bathroom.
Give a whimsical touch with wall art and whimsical art pieces.

Plan a Bathroom Layout

When planning a bathroom layout, the key point to consider is to tie it up with the rest of the house. While it doesn’t have to be matchy-matchy, it has to blend and not be boring. Also, the color scheme should flow from one room to the other and not have a choppy and distracting feel.

Coming to the layout, you should aim to utilize every sq. ft of the room.

Here are some tips and inspiration to create a beautiful layout far from being a tradeoff.

The location of the toilet usually sets the tone for the bathroom. While it is difficult to move, the goal is to keep it close to the original spot.
The number of people using the bathroom dictates the vanity closets, storage, drawers, etc.
Let the color flow, especially from the bedroom to the master.
Design your bathroom, keeping in mind the function, and then comes the appeal.
Do not jam too many things in your bathroom. Aim to have plenty of space.
Keeping an open theme throughout the bathroom makes it appear larger. You can achieve the same with frosted glass windows.

Do’s and Don’ts of a Bathroom Remodel

No matter the size of your bathroom remodel, it can be a costly endeavor that eats up your time and money. The little problems that arise along the way make it even more stressful.

Here is a list of do’s and don’ts to prevent tragedy from striking your bathroom remodeling project.

Do’s

Always set a budget even with your unlimited resources.
Have a design plan ready before you remodel.
Try to include as many features as you desire.
Make sure you have proper lighting, both natural and artificial.
Bathroom ventilation is a crucial yet overlooked fact.

Dont’s

Don’t be afraid to make necessary changes throughout the planning and designing process.
Don’t make changes after you start the remodeling process. Once you have bought the materials, constant changes can create chaos and unnecessary stress.
Do not overcrowd. Make sure that you use every space available without cramping it with features.
Do not assume that your ceiling vent is enough. Ensure that the fan is in proper working condition.

Planning Permission for a Bathroom Renovation

Any project that needs electrical or plumbing work would need a permit.

You need a permit when:

Moving your things around like your sink or shower, needing new plumbing and drain
Making structural changes like demolishing walls
Installing new windows
Adding new wiring for an electrical outlet

You do not need a permit when:

Replacing a fixture in the same place
Replacing a light fixture
Painting
Changing the flooring

Conclusion

Your bathroom remodel should last you for years to come. While you may update your paint or other accessories, getting new tile work, flooring, or other plumbing may not happen anytime soon.

A good design should grow with you and accommodate your needs as you and your family grow older. It is the best mix of comfort, appeal, design, and value. That’s why it is important that you get an interior designer to draw up some plans for you.

Bathroom remodeling is an investment for the future, one that increases the value of your home exponentially.

Assurance Builders was founded in 1998 with a commitment to provide our clients a personal and enjoyable home improvement experience. By offering professional workmanship and quality products, Assurance Builders has earned a reputation for excellent work and quality service. If you are planning to remodel your kitchen or bathroom (or entire home), contact Assurance Builders for your FREE quote today!