The bathroom is a common place for injuries and health issues, from slips and falls to mold and mildew buildup. To help reduce these risks, it’s a good idea to have a well-planned bathroom remodel in mind.
The most important factors are function and aesthetics. These will determine the layout and fixtures that go into your new bathroom. Contact Bathroom Remodel Tacoma WA now!
If you want to spruce up your home, a bathroom remodel is a great option. But before you start, it’s important to consider your budget and determine how much you can afford. This way, you can ensure that the renovations will be within your budget and will add value to your home.
The main factors that drive up the cost of a bathroom remodel are plumbing and labor. If you’re planning on moving the location of the sink, toilet, or tub, extensive plumbing work will be required. This can significantly increase the overall project cost. Additionally, tiling is another significant expense. While small tiles are less expensive to purchase, they require more labor to install than larger ones. Additionally, decorative inserts and backsplashes can add to the total cost of tiling.
It is recommended that homeowners invest between 5 – 10% of the home’s value into a bathroom remodel. However, this figure is often oversimplified and doesn’t take into account personalization or bells and whistles that will be added to the renovation.
If you’re a DIYer, you can cut costs by choosing off-the-shelf materials instead of custom options. You can also save money by reusing or resurfacing existing fixtures and tile rather than replacing them.
In addition, you can reduce the overall cost of your bathroom remodel by eliminating or reducing unnecessary elements. For example, installing a shower curtain instead of a glass door may seem like a cheap alternative, but it will cost you more in the long run with issues such as water pooling and mildew.
It’s also important to set aside a budget for unexpected expenses. Even the best remodelers can encounter hidden problems or unforeseen expenses that will affect the completion date and overall cost of your project. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to get a permit for your project and to have a contractor who is familiar with local building codes.
It’s also worth noting that the cost of a bathroom remodel can vary significantly depending on where you live. Cities with higher housing prices will usually have higher renovation costs than smaller, less populated areas.
Design
The design phase of a bathroom remodel is the most important one. This is where you and your contractor can work together to make sure the final design will match your vision for the space. It’s also a good time to pick out colors and products you like for the remodel. You can also ask for a contractor’s opinions on any changes you want to make.
The layout is another crucial element of the bathroom remodel. It will determine how you use the space and what each feature is located within the room. For example, the sink should be placed closer to the door, since it will be used most frequently. This will save you from having to walk across the room to get water for bathing and cooking. Likewise, the shower and bathtub should be placed in the “wet zone,” where people will be most likely to get wet. These areas should be equipped with grab bars and towels to prevent accidents.
Lighting is an essential part of any bathroom. It can brighten a space and help to set the mood. It can also highlight features and add a decorative touch. It’s important to consider the placement of each light source when planning a bathroom. You can choose between overhead, ambient, and task lighting for the best results.
A new vanity can make a big difference in your bathroom. It can change the style of your room and add more storage. You can also find vanities that are eco-friendly and made from recycled materials. However, you should keep in mind that this type of vanity will cost more than a traditional one.
If you’re on a budget, you can still improve your bathroom by adding accessories and patterned wallpaper. You can also frame family photos to make the space feel more personal. Lastly, you can get creative with tile and create a custom look that’s unique to your home.
Choosing the right contractor is an essential part of a successful bathroom remodel. A general contractor will be able to do the job, but they may not be a designer. You can save money by hiring a design-build firm that will manage both the design process and construction of your bathroom. This way, you can be sure that the final design will reflect your personality and match your budget.
Materials
When it comes to materials, there are many options available for your bathroom remodel. You can choose from a wide variety of styles and colors to create your dream bathroom. When choosing the right materials, it is important to consider durability and functionality. Your bathroom is a high-use area and it needs durable surfaces that can stand up to the moisture and chemicals found in the space.
A bathroom is one of the most popular rooms to remodel, but it can also be one of the most expensive. To keep costs down, be sure to select materials that are both durable and affordable. This will allow you to get the most bang for your buck.
Some of the most popular materials for bathrooms include tile, hardwood and laminate. Tile is an inexpensive and water-resistant option that is easy to clean. Wood and laminate are more expensive but add warmth and style to the space.
In addition to flooring, there are also many choices for countertops. Quartz and granite are both natural stones that add elegance to any bathroom. Engineered quartz is less porous than natural stone and is easier to clean, which makes it a great choice for a countertop.
Walls are another essential part of the bathroom and can make or break the look. Silestone and Dekton offer innovative features to deliver high-quality wall cladding for bathrooms that are both durable and attractive. Natural stone such as travertine and slate is also a popular choice for bathroom cladding and offers the natural beauty that customers crave.
Another important consideration is storage. Adding shelving or cabinets to the bathroom is a great way to increase storage without taking up valuable floor space. You can also opt for a linen closet to help with organization.
Be sure to purchase your materials well in advance of the remodeling project. This will allow you to stay within your budget and ensure that you have the supplies needed to complete the project. Also, be sure to mark out the locations of electrical wiring and plumbing pipes ahead of time. This will prevent damage and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Safety
Bathrooms are prone to moisture and can be slippery, so adding safety features is a must. Installing non-slip flooring and handrails will help reduce the risk of falls. Additionally, installing a grab bar near the toilet or tub can provide extra stability for people with mobility issues.
It’s also important to make sure the work area is clear to minimize the chance of trips or falls. Hanging plastic sheets will keep dust and debris from spreading throughout the rest of your home, and putting down plywood or boards will protect your floors.
A good remodeling contractor will do exploratory work before the actual remodel to sniff out potential problems, like leaky pipes or a vent stack that’s too high. However, even the most experienced contractors can’t catch every issue, so be sure to build a 10 to 15 percent cushion into your budget for unexpected expenses.
Another important step is to install adequate lighting and a GFCI outlet. A GFCI outlet automatically shuts off power to an outlet when it detects an imbalance, which is particularly important in a wet space. Additionally, proper ventilation is crucial to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Once the plumbing and electrical systems are in place, it’s time to install new flooring, paint, and other aesthetic elements. Be sure to choose materials that are durable and water-resistant, as they will be exposed to a lot of wear and tear from frequent use.
Additionally, if you have kids or pets, be sure to keep them out of the workspace while the remodeling project is underway. There could be nails, screws, and other hazards lying around that can injure them if they get close enough.
In addition to making your bathroom look great, upgrading your fixtures and incorporating smart technology can help you save money on energy costs. Ultimately, it’s best to make upgrades now that will serve your family well in the future. That includes implementing universal design principles, which are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners. This approach provides flexibility for all members of the household, and it will also make your home more appealing if you ever decide to sell in the future.