By reeves Any type of renovation is a difficult task. The stakes are higher when it comes to bath renovations. This space must be both functional and relaxing, practical, and elegant. You will need to make a million decisions, from grout to mirror, and the cost can be quite surprising. Here are some things to consider before you start. Follow our advice.
- Do not assume that your contractor is on the exact same page.
Matriarchy Build’s mother-daughter team explains how to avoid rookie mistakes in remodeling. They add that they know of someone who had a contractor remove the wrong bathroom.
Renovations are like surgery. To avoid the wrong knee being replaced, ensure that the correct knee (or bathroom) has been marked and agreed to.
- What is the cost of a bathroom remodeling project? There is more to it than you might think.
You think you could remodel your bathroom from head to toe for only a few thousand dollars? According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the average price of a bathroom remodel cost $11,364 in 2016. An inexpensive, basic renovation using less-expensive materials or small swaps can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. A more expensive, top-of the-line renovation that includes all the necessary upgrades could cost up to $23,000.
NKBA estimates that fixtures and plumbing account for 29 percent of the total cost. Counters and surfaces are next at 21 percent, labor (20 percent), cabinetry and hardware (16%). Remember that your bathroom project should not exceed 5-10 percent of the home’s overall value.
- It is possible to reconsider your statement-making bathtub.
It’s tempting to remodel your bathroom with a stunning freestanding tub. It might not be the best choice for you if your bathroom is small, cluttered, prone to cleaning, or if you have a rickety home.
- Planning is key to flattering lighting.
You can’t just install a few lights in a bathroom and forget about lighting. Bathrooms are often small, dark, and full of mirrors. Lighting must be carefully planned and placed. A single diffuser light at the ceiling’s center is the best way to lighten a bath. A bathroom that is already bright enough? Two wall sconces will suffice. Ceiling-inset downlights are an option. Avoid placing them directly on top of light-colored countertops as they will reflect the light. Instead, place them close to the wall and over a vanity to maximise light for the mirror. If you spend a lot time applying makeup, vertical fluorescent light fixtures may be a good option.
- Do not forget to put in accessible outlets.
It’s not a good idea to forget to check the outlets at the end of any renovation. These outlet mistakes can be described as: You have to plug in your hairdryer across the room and you can’t see in the mirror. You might also want to charge your electric toothbrush at all times but forgot to put an outlet in your medicine cabinet. You might also share your bathroom with your spouse but have only one outlet.
- Tile is a simple matter of remembering a few types.
You don’t need to memorize the hundreds of tiles samples that your contractor will show, but you do need to know a few key varieties. There are a few types of tile that are durable, long-lasting, and timeless for baths: porcelain, glass and natural stone, cement and subway tile. (A type of ceramic tile so beloved we have categorized it as its own category). Once you have narrowed down your options to these tried-and-true options, the rest is easy: choose a color or a shape and then go from there.
- The grout can make or break your bathroom.
Grout might seem like an afterthought when you’re planning your remodel. It’s small and, as Meredith points to in Remodeling 101: The Right Tile Grout: How to Choose the Right Tile Grout, not very attractive. She adds that grout is vital: “It seals dirt and water, compensates small size differences among individual tiles, and strengthens the structural integrity of an installed.”
How do you choose the right grout to use in your bathroom renovation in auckland? This series of questions will help you decide if the grout should stand out or blend in with the tile. Do you want the grout to be in a high-splash area or in a dry location? If it will be getting wet frequently, such as in a showerstall, you can opt for synthetic grout. Otherwise, cementitious grout is recommended. Do you find dirty grout driving you crazy? Avoid white grout if you are concerned about your health.
- You have a small space? You can have a compact toilet.
Toilets do not come in one size. If you have limited space, consider a compact toilet. (see 10 Easy Pieces – Compact Toilets). You can also choose from a traditional or modern wall-mounted toilet, water-conserving toilet or floor-standing toilet.
- Storage is not an afterthought.
Good storage is key to creating a bathroom that feels serene and functional. When designing your bathroom plans, make sure you look for storage options, even small ones, so that they feel integrated and not an added-on. Malcolm Davis, an architect, says that he likes to hide a few tall shallow cabinets in a stud area. A shallow shelf can hold a lot more than a deep shelf. To feel more integrated, I prefer to place a recess into the shower.
- You might not even need to remodel.
Perhaps you have just moved into a new home and are unhappy with the tile in your bathroom. However, you don’t have enough money to completely replace it. Maybe you rent and cannot remodel (if your security deposit is returned). You don’t have to take everything down and start over.