Are you considering a bathroom remodel but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place! Remodeling a bathroom is no easy task, but if you prepare and plan, it can be a very rewarding experience. This ultimate guide to a stress-free bathroom remodel will provide you with the best practices and tips to ensure your remodel goes smoothly. From planning and budgeting to deciding on materials and finishes, this guide will provide all the information you need to make your bathroom remodel a success. So don’t worry, and let’s get started!
Benefits of a bathroom remodel
Before starting a bathroom remodel, it’s essential to understand the benefits of a remodel. Remodeling an older bathroom can be a great way to add value to your home in the event of a sale. If you’re hoping to increase the size of your bathroom, remodeling is a great way to do this without requiring you to break out your architect’s blueprints. If you’re hoping to update your bathroom to current trends, remodeling is also a cost-effective way to do this while keeping your budget under control. Other benefits of a bathroom include improving functionality, energy efficiency, and aesthetic value.
Planning your bathroom remodel
After you’ve decided to go ahead and remodel your bathroom, the first step is to plan for the remodeling process to help you keep your costs under control, know exactly what you want, and ensure everything goes according to schedule. You’ll first want to clearly define your remodeling goals to get started. What are you hoping to accomplish with the remodel? What are your needs and wants? Once you’ve defined your goals, you can sketch a floor plan. If you’re adding space, you’ll want to measure the existing space and any additions. Now that you have all the measurements, you can sketch a floor plan with your desired layout. If you’re hoping to replace your existing fixtures, plumbing, or other elements, you’ll also want to sketch out the locations of these elements. However, if you’re hoping to keep your existing fixtures and plumbing in place, you can sketch out your desired layout around these elements. Once you have your goals and desired floor plan, you can begin to create your budget.
Calculating your budget
Now that you have a clear idea of what you want and how you want it, you can start calculating your budget. It’s important to understand that there are two main components to every budget: the cost of the remodel labor and the cost of the materials. The remodel labor cost is the first number you’ll want to calculate. This number represents the price of hiring a general contractor and the cost of all the labor required to complete all the work. The cost of the materials is the second component of your budget. This represents the price you’ll pay for all the materials, fixtures, and items you’ll need to complete the remodel. You’ll want to break down these two components to get an accurate budget. When breaking down the cost of the materials, make sure to take into account shipping costs. You’ll also want to break down the cost of each item. This will make it easier to decide which items you wish to purchase yourself and which items you want your contractor to buy for you. Break down the cost of labor by itemizing all the work you want to complete. This will help you to stay on budget and know exactly what you’re paying for.
Deciding on materials and finishes
After calculating your budget, you can select your bathroom’s materials and finishes. This is often an exciting part of the remodeling process, but you’ll want to keep in mind that your decisions will affect the overall cost of your remodel project. When deciding on materials and finishes, keep your budget in mind. You don’t want to skimp on quality, but you also don’t want to overspend. To help keep your costs down, you can shop at HomeDepot.com, Amazon, Wayfair, and other discount retailers. You can also save money by buying less expensive finishes and materials. You don’t have to go all out to create a beautiful bathroom. You can use less costly materials, such as vinyl flooring instead of tile, or less expensive finishes, such as painted walls instead of wallpaper.
Best bathroom remodeling practices
Here is a list of what we think are the best practices for a successful bathroom remodel project:
- Verify your contractor’s track record, license, liability, and workman’s compensation insurance.
- Understand the scope of work and budget thoroughly.
- Make sure your contractor provides you with a project schedule. Most professional remodeling contractors offer online project portals where the project’s schedule, contract and billing paperwork, and daily progress pictures.
- Make sure your chosen general contractor is responsive and easily reachable in case you need to communicate critical last-minute changes, if necessary.
- Make sure the contractor protects the work path and, if possible, build temporary containments with 6-mil plastic to reduce construction dust from going all over your home.
- Provide easy access to the contractor’s tradespeople to the work area.
- Assign a bathroom for the use of the workers or ask the contractor to provide an outdoor portable toilet and sink.
- Ask questions if you need clarification on any aspect of the project.
- Try to learn from and enjoy the process as much as possible. After all, a bathroom remodel project is not an everyday event for you and your family.
Designing a bathroom with accessibility in mind
If you’re remodeling a bathroom or designing a new one, it’s important to keep accessibility in mind. This is especially true if you’re remodeling a bathroom for an aging parent or loved one. When designing a bathroom, make sure to include the following features. First, place grab bars within easy reach. You can do this by installing wall-mounted or freestanding bars. It’s also a good idea to install bars in the shower or over the toilet. Next, make sure to provide easy access to toilets. This can be done by placing the toilet near a wall and installing a toilet with an open back. Adding a footrest, seat belt, and knee space underneath the toilet is also a good idea. Make sure also to provide easy access to the shower. You can do this by keeping the shower head at a comfortable height and installing a walk-in shower or a shower bench.
Preparing for the remodel
Before you begin your bathroom remodel, you should do a few things to ensure a smooth and successful remodel. One of the most important things you can do is create a schedule and stick to it. It’s easy to get excited and start the remodel before you’re fully prepared. If you rush the remodel, you’re more likely to run into issues that could have been avoided through proper planning. Another thing you’ll want to do before beginning your bathroom remodel is research the best practices for remodeling your particular type of bathroom. You’ll want to make sure to follow any local building codes and zoning laws, and you’ll also want to comply with any homeowners association regulations.
Troubleshooting common bathroom remodeling issues
First things first, it’s important to note that some of these issues listed below may not be the result of an issue with your remodel. It is possible that they were issues before you ever began your remodel. This is why it is so important to make sure you plan ahead and prepare for the remodel correctly.
- Problem: Your contractor is behind schedule. Solution: Don’t panic! This happens more often than not and is completely normal. Make sure the contractor has a written contract that includes the estimated start and end dates. Ask your contractor to explain to you how he plans to get back on schedule.
- Problem: Your contractor doesn’t have the proper permits. Solution: Double-check to ensure your contractor obtains all of the necessary permits and make sure that city building inspectors conduct the required field inspections.
- Problem: You didn’t select materials that are code compliant. To avoid this, ensure that your contractor approves your materials list before purchasing them.
Problem: Your contractor had to make last-minute changes to the project. Solution: Ask questions about why these changes were necessary and how they will affect the budget and schedule. - Problem: Your contractor doesn’t have a change order system. Solution: Make sure you ask about your contractor’s change order process and forms. Consider this a red flag if your contractor doesn’t have one, or his answer lacks clarity.
- Problem: You selected materials that are difficult to work with or install. Solution: As mentioned above, ensure your contractor approves your materials list ahead of time and that installation labor charges match the actual complexity of the materials to be installed.
- Problem: Your contractor doesn’t have experience with your type of job. Solution: This is a red flag you should identify during your contractor due diligence and interview process.
- Problem: Your contractor didn’t hire the right subcontractors. Solution: Unfortunately, this is a common problem when the remodeling market is heated. High demand means limited availability of the most qualified tradespeople. Make sure your contractor tells you how he will correct any errors made by an unqualified or inexperienced subcontractor.
Dealing with any unexpected issues
If you encounter any issues during your bathroom remodel that wasn’t part of your original plan, make sure to schedule a contractor walk-through. That way, you can identify problems and get them resolved as soon as possible. Make sure to note all deficiencies on a walk-through checklist and note when they were discovered. If you note these deficiencies within 30 days of the walk-through, you should be able to get them resolved at no cost to you. If you delay, you could be responsible for paying for any repairs. If you follow these best practices and tips, you should be able to complete your bathroom remodel successfully.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve made it to the end of this guide, you should feel confident with your ability to complete a successful bathroom remodel. Overall, there are a lot of considerations to take into account when it comes to bathroom remodeling. It is important to take the time to plan out the project and make sure you are making the best decisions for your budget and needs. With careful planning and research, you can create a beautiful and functional bathroom that you will enjoy for years.
If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced team to help you with your bathroom remodel, you should consider hiring Sparkle Restoration Services. We have the experience and expertise to ensure that your bathroom remodel is done right the first time. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to get started on your bathroom remodel.