A renovation can be exciting but also a little daunting. If you’re thinking of renovating your bathroom, you need to make some decisions. First, will you do it yourself (DIY)? Hire a contractor? Use a mix of both? Here are some things to think about when you’re getting ready to start a bathroom remodel, no matter what route you choose:
Think about the paint. Paints used for a bedroom or dining room will not work in bathrooms, because paint formulas for bathrooms and other wet spaces are designed to resist mold and work better in humid environments. Bathroom paints are also antimicrobial, which means they’ll prevent bacteria and other parasites from growing. Be sure to get the right kind of paint or work with your contractor on the appropriate paint for the bathroom.
A classic tile might be best. Design trends change from year to year, but some things, like a classic subway tile, are timeless. Don’t underestimate them! Also, think about safety. Marble may look pretty, but it could be a slipping hazard. Many porcelain tiles give the same look as marble but add more traction to the floor. Think about using smaller tiles in the shower so that the grout lines give even more grip for your feet.
Water efficient appliances can save money. Toilets, faucets and showerheads all now come with water-efficiency features. While they might be a little more expensive on the front end to purchase, their ability to help you spend less on your water bill later make them a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice.
Budget for extra time, materials and labor. Sometimes unexpected interruptions can slow down the timeline of your remodel. Materials can get held up in supply chain issues and might require you to pick new faucet fixtures or lights. A contractor may need to pull workers from your bathroom to finish a job somewhere else. Be prepared to wait a little longer and have a little extra cash on hand for all these things.
DIY might be good for some things but not necessarily everything. If you choose a DIY approach, think about combining that with the help of professional contractors, electricians and tile laying craftsmen. You can always finish painting the bathroom yourself, but adding an outlet so your toilet can have a bidet might be more complicated. Avoiding bigger bills could lead to paying more later if the work you do yourself turns out to be incomplete.
Consider adding features for the future. If you know you’re in your forever home, you’ll probably spend many decades there. Think about adding grab bars so they’ll already be in place if you ever need them (and they can come in handy if you get pregnant or injure yourself and need extra help in the shower.) Advancements in designs mean grab bars and other safety features now look like other bathroom fixtures, like towel rods, so they’ll fight right into the overall look of the bathroom.
A bathroom remodel can be a big task, but it can also be an exciting project that will add visual interest to your home. Reach out to your trusted contractor today for ideas and quotes.
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