Adding a new bathroom can make sense if you want to add value to your home or make it easier to age in place. But these projects can cost a bundle.
The key is to stick with aesthetic changes that don’t require changing plumbing lines or removing walls. Otherwise, you’ll be looking at a gut remodel. Visit Kitchen Remodeling Lexington KY for more information.
A bathroom remodel should focus on improving the function of the space to fit the homeowner’s lifestyle and needs. This includes making it accessible for family members with disabilities. In addition, it should match the homeowner’s desired aesthetic and style while ensuring that the project can be completed within their budget.
A remodel’s timeline can be impacted by several factors, including the project’s scope, material availability, permit processing, contractor scheduling, and unexpected issues that require attention. Having a realistic schedule helps mitigate these challenges and avoid costly delays.
The first step in determining how long your remodel will take is to set a firm timeline with your professional contractor and stick to it. This will help ensure the renovation is completed on time and prevent delays or frustration.
Bathroom layout changes fall into one of two categories – cosmetic or structural. Cosmetic modifications involve removing and replacing the existing cabinet, toilet, flooring, mirror, and fixtures. This can also include applying a new coat of paint.
Structural changes are more extensive. This includes altering the bathroom’s footprint by moving a wall, expanding or shrinking the size of the room, adding a walk-in shower, changing the location of the sink and toilet, converting a tub to a shower, and modifying the floor plan. These types of changes also typically require rewiring and new plumbing.
Increasing storage in your bathroom is a popular upgrade. Clever storage solutions can make the room feel larger and improve functionality by eliminating clutter. Another way to improve bathroom storage is by adding additional cabinets.
While most homeowners are satisfied with the size of their bathrooms, they often choose to upgrade their showers or change the layout. The most common major change is adding a larger shower, then increasing the vanity’s size or adding a second sink.
More and more homeowners also incorporate home system upgrades during their remodels, such as ventilation upgrades or radiant floor heating. This can help save energy and money while enhancing the bathroom’s comfort.
Changing the footprint of your bathroom goes beyond shifting or replacing fixtures. It also involves altering the space by adding or removing walls. Adding a window or door to the bathroom, expanding the room size by moving or removing an exterior wall, and raising or lowering the ceiling are all examples of changing the footprint of your bathroom.
This level of remodeling is cumbersome, invasive, messy, and costly. It requires the expertise of a professional general contractor who can coordinate the many trades involved in such a large project. It also includes wiring alterations, plumbing changes, and full fixture replacement.
Surface-level updates include:
- Painting.
- New flooring.
- A fresh coat of paint on the walls or vanity.
- A change in cabinet doors and drawers.
- Even a new shower curtain.
While these changes are less expensive than a full remodel, they can significantly affect the look and feel of your bathroom and should be noticed.
Another common surface-level update is installing new light fixtures, such as recessed lights above the tub or shower and sconces around the mirror. Lighting adds a great deal of mood and can dramatically enhance the aesthetic of your bathroom.
When you remodel your bathroom, hire a professional with the proper credentials, a strong reputation, a portfolio of past projects, and references from clients that indicate they met or exceeded expectations. A reputable contractor will also have the right licensing and insurance, including workers’ compensation.
Once your remodel’s demolition phase is complete and your bathroom’s frame is constructed, it’s time to install fixtures. This includes the bathtub, shower, toilet, and sink. Ensuring these are properly installed is important because incorrect installation can lead to leaky plumbing, mold and mildew, and water damage.
It’s a good idea to replace old fixtures with energy-efficient models during this remodel stage. This helps to reduce your electricity usage and saves you money on your utility bills in the long run. Installing new low-flow toilets, faucets, showerheads, and light fixtures will also help cut back on your water usage.
For many homeowners, bathroom remodeling is an opportunity to upgrade to more efficient fixtures that will lower utility bills and improve comfort. For others, an updated bathroom adds value to the home when it comes time to sell. These upgrades may include new flooring, a remodeled shower and tub, or the addition of a double vanity. For the most substantial remodels, it’s best to hire a professional.
While simple improvements like replacing a toilet or installing a new shower might not require a permit, any work that changes the layout of your bathroom should be reviewed by the local code enforcement agency. This is particularly important if your remodel includes dropping walls, rerouting plumbing lines, or rewiring electrical.
When a full bathroom buildout is called for, a general contractor will be needed to handle the plumbing and electrical. This team will strip the bathroom down to the studs and subfloor to install all-new materials. This type of remodeling project is typically referred to as a “gut renovation.”
After the drywall is hung, it’s time to add the finishing touches. For example, you’ll want to paint the room with a semi-gloss wall paint that is moisture-resistant and easy to clean. It’s also a good idea to paint the ceiling, which will help protect against water damage.
The next step will be to install the bath or shower. If the bathtub or shower is prefabricated, it’s a straightforward installation that can be completed in a few days. If you’re working with custom-built materials, the process will take longer.
Once the shower is in place, you must install the vanity, sink cabinet, and flooring. Using tile, use a mason’s chalk line to mark reference lines perpendicular to the longest continuous line on the wall. This will ensure that your tiles are straight even as you place them.
At this point, the bathroom will begin to resemble a functional room again. The final step is to replace the toilet if needed. Consult a plumber or home improvement store specialist if you need help determining what toilet to purchase. Ultimately, your goal should be a functional and easy bathroom to keep clean while being safe for individuals of all ages.
A bathroom remodel is a great opportunity to upgrade your plumbing. This may include changing the faucets and shower heads for a fresh look, improving functionality, replacing old leaking pipes, and improving overall water usage. Older bathrooms tend to have less efficient plumbing systems that lead to clogged drains and low water pressure, so upgrading these components can make a big difference in your home’s comfort.
Upgrading your fixtures can also add a touch of luxury to the space and boost your property value. Luxury features like granite countertops and spa-like showers are popular and can transform your bath into a beautiful, relaxing oasis. While doing cosmetic upgrades as a DIY project is possible, you should consider hiring a professional. This is especially important if you’re doing work that changes the layout or electrical wiring, needs permits or board approvals, or involves ordering custom items.
During remodeling, contractors will pee into all sorts of nooks and crannies you don’t normally see – especially under sinks and behind toilets. This is when issues such as rotting wood, rusted metal, or mold might pop up. It’s best to address these problems immediately rather than ignore them or hope they disappear independently. Leaving them unattended can cause even more costly (and potentially dangerous) damage.
If it’s been a while since your bathroom was last remodeled, consider integrating some eco-friendly fixtures. These are becoming increasingly popular and can help you save money on your utility bills while helping the environment. For example, replacing your showerhead with a more consumption-conscious model can greatly reduce your monthly water usage. Newer toilets with vacuum technology also use much less water than traditional models.
Finally, a bathroom remodel can be an excellent time to increase storage space in the room. Adding shelving above doorways or using corner cabinets can free up floor space and keep towels and toiletries within reach for multiple family members.