The bathroom is one of the most specialized rooms in your home and there’s a lot that needs to be considered before beginning a remodel. Whether you’re a DIYer or hiring a professional, proper planning will help save time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Bathroom-style fads can fade quickly, and large fixtures are costly to replace down the road. Keep your budget and resale value in mind as you make decisions. Click here at https://www.milwaukeebathroomremodelingpros.com/ to hire an expert.
Space
Your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home, and as such, it’s important to make sure it’s a space you love. Remodeling your bathroom is a great way to give it a fresh, new look while also increasing the resale value of your home. However, before you start creating your mood boards and interviewing contractors, it’s important to think about a few key factors that can help ensure your remodel is successful.
If you’re planning a full renovation, it’s crucial to consider the size of your existing space and what will fit in it with the addition of any new fixtures or furniture. It’s also a good idea to research new technologies that can be incorporated into your remodel, like water-saving toilets, shower enclosures and faucets, and energy-efficient hot water systems. While they may be more expensive up front, they can save you money in the long run on your utility bills.
You’ll also want to consider the amount of storage your bathroom needs. Typical bathrooms house towels, washcloths, medicine, toilet paper, and more, so it’s important to have adequate storage space in your bathroom.
Another thing to consider is the location of your bathroom’s electrical wiring and plumbing pipes. It’s important to know where these are located before starting your remodel so that you don’t accidentally damage them or cause a major mess when they need to be moved during the renovation process.
You should also ask any potential contractor for proof of licensing and insurance before hiring them to work on your bathroom remodel. A licensed professional will have personal liability and workers’ compensation insurance that protects you in the event something goes wrong during the project.
Lighting
One of the best ways to make your bathroom more comfortable and welcoming is by remodeling it with new lighting. It can also be a great way to boost your home’s value if you decide to sell your property. However, you should understand that there are many things you need to consider before beginning this type of work.
For example, if you’re doing a full bathroom remodel, you should start by replacing the ceiling before moving on to anything else. That will help you avoid water damage from leaks during the remodel. Another important thing to think about is whether your bathroom has adequate ventilation. A bathroom that doesn’t have enough ventilation can encourage the growth of mildew and mold. If you’re installing a shower or bathtub, be sure to include a vent in the ceiling above the tub or shower. This will ensure that any excess moisture can escape without ruining the aesthetics of your bathroom.
You should also use a variety of light sources in your bathroom to add depth and style. For example, you might want to have a recessed canister fixture in the ceiling, a flush mount light over the vanity, and maybe two low-wattage sconces on the wall for accent lighting. You should also install dimmers to allow you to control the amount of light in your bathroom at any given time.
Another factor to keep in mind is universal design, which is becoming increasingly popular in bathrooms. This type of design aims to make your bathroom as usable as possible for people of all ages and abilities. If you’re remodeling your bathroom, it’s worth including some elements of universal design to make it a space that will serve your family for years to come.
Storage
One of the most common bathroom remodeling mistakes is failing to take adequate storage into account. Every family uses bathroom accessories and supplies like towels, toilet paper rolls, cleaning products, and other items that can create a lot of clutter if not stored properly. If your goal is to achieve a modern or minimalist look, you will need to come up with clever storage solutions that won’t interfere with the design and can be seamlessly integrated into the room.
Besides clutter, another reason to consider proper storage is to minimize future maintenance expenses. If you have a messy or disorganized bathroom, it can lead to mold and mildew growth which will require frequent cleaning, stain removal, and resealing. A properly stocked and organized bathroom, on the other hand, will eliminate this problem and save you from unnecessary expenses in the long run.
During the remodeling process, you can also improve the functionality of your bathroom by upgrading to more efficient fixtures and materials. This will help you reduce your energy bills and also minimize the amount of water wasted. You can install water-saving toilets, new shower heads and faucets that are more efficient, underfloor heating systems, and more. In addition, you can incorporate universal design principles in your remodel to make the bathroom easier to use for people with limited mobility. Things, like grab bars, wider doorways, and non-slip flooring, are all great ways to do this.
Plumbing
If you are going to be remodeling your bathroom, it’s a good idea to bring in a plumber before you do any work. They can give you advice on how to install your new fixtures and how to best accommodate your existing plumbing. This will save you money in the long run because it will be less likely that you’ll need to replace your toilet, for example.
A bathroom plumber can also help you to avoid pitfalls and keep your remodel on budget. For example, if you’re thinking about buying your fixtures to cut costs, a plumber can advise you on which ones are best. They can recommend brands that are more likely to last and which will be easier to find replacement parts for. They can also help you to source plumbing from local companies so that you know you’re getting a quality product.
Another thing to consider is the layout of your pipes. Some people choose to leave their plumbing exposed, which can give your bathroom a more modern look. However, this could be a problem down the line if they get damaged. A plumber can conceal your pipes for you, which will protect them from damage and make your bathroom more aesthetically pleasing.
One other important factor to think about is ventilation. Bathrooms are naturally steamy and damp places, so it’s important to have adequate ventilation in them. This will prevent condensation from forming, which can cause mold and other problems. A window vac that can suck up moisture is a good idea, as is an extractor fan. This will also reduce odors and prevent dampness from damaging the walls.
Style
A bathroom remodel can be a great opportunity to add some style flair to your home. However, it’s important to think about the overall look of the space and how your new design will fit in with your current furnishings. It’s also a good idea to consider the resale value of your home and how the bathroom design might affect its appeal to prospective buyers.
Bathroom styles can change quickly, especially with larger fixtures like the tub and shower. It’s best to stick with a more neutral color palette and select hardware and materials that will be easy to swap out if you tire of them in the future.
You might have a vision for your bathroom’s style, but it’s worth taking the time to research different looks ahead of time to make sure your remodeling project will be a success. You may even want to draw up a plan of the room and compare it against the style options you’ve found online to see if they work well together.
Another thing to keep in mind is how your remodel will impact your water and energy bills. For instance, a trend toward tricked-out showers that include multiple showerheads and body sprays can significantly increase your water usage. It’s important to opt for qualified models and resize your water lines so they can accommodate the extra flow.
You can also opt for a more environmentally friendly solution by installing solar-powered radiant heating. This is one of the more behind-the-scenes upgrades, but it’s becoming more common among homeowners. Other popular upgrades include a new ventilation system, radiant floor heat, and tankless water heaters. When upgrading these features, be sure to get quotes from contractors and factor the cost into your budget.