Choosing to remodel your bathroom is a big decision regarding how your home will function during the renovation process, and it can undoubtedly be a significant financial investment. For this reason, bathroom remodeling must come with some key considerations to ensure that the process goes smoothly and efficiently.
Budgetary Considerations
The final cost will vary depending on several factors, including where you live, the market price of materials, and intensity of the project. Before you begin your project, you should speak with contractors near you and discuss estimated costs for your desired remodel. From there, you can determine your budget. Your budget should allow for a bit of wiggle room for unexpected and unforeseen expenses, which tend to crop up during complex renovations.
There are also many different ways you can pay for your remodel. You can pay cash directly, or you can apply for a loan. One of the most popular ways to finance home remodels is with a home equity loan because it’s tax-deductible. Other options include refinancing your home, Federal Housing Administration loans, and private loans. The most critical budgetary consideration is remaining realistic — don’t spend outside your means or cut corners hoping to save money.
Design Considerations
Your bathroom will be a frequently used space, which means it’s important that the space is both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. Some of the important design considerations include:
- Slip-resistant flooring: The bathroom is a wet place! You’ll want to choose flooring that reduces the risk of falling. Small tiles with wide grout lines are a good option, but there are seemingly endless options available to choose from.
- Storage space and cabinets: Whether you are remodeling your master, guest, or a hallway bathroom, storage and cabinetry are important decisions. Invest in quality cabinets that can stand up to the humid bathroom environment.
- Lighting options: From daylight lighting options to LED and halogen bulbs, there is a lot of variety in bathroom light options. Generally, natural lighting is the best for grooming and make-up application.
- Countertops: Countertops can cost quite a bit compared to other facets of a bathroom remodel, but it’s ultimately worth it to opt for low-maintenance options like granite countertops when you factor in time spent cleaning and overall aesthetic appeal.
- Paint vs. Tile: Paint and tile come at very different price tags. Depending on your budgetary restrictions, you may be limited in the spaces you can incorporate tile. Consult your contractor to determine the options available to you.
Plumbing Considerations
One of the most significant expenses in your entire bathroom remodel will be the plumbing. You’ll need to consider the shower, tub, and drain size, shower flooring, under cabinet plumbing, and insulated plumbing. If you decide to reorient the room in any way, plumbing costs will be higher. It’s also important to think about the kinds of fixtures you’d like to see in your remodeled bathroom, as all of these items will add to the total cost.
Bathroom Remodeling Contractor Considerations
A big part of hiring a contractor is doing your homework, which includes asking for references, reviewing insurance policies and state licenses, discussing contract details at length, information about possible subcontractors, and honing a desired timeline for your project.
There are many horror stories about contractors walking off a job site or failing to complete the project in a timely manner, so it’s important that you carefully vet and choose a contractor that you can trust with your home.
For more information about bathroom remodels, estimates, and our selection of bathroom remodeling and design services, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today!
