What is the average space required for a toilet? How much should you budget for a bathroom renovation? Do you know how to choose a suitable bathroom vanity? You’re not alone in asking these questions when planning a change to your bathroom.
Numerous nitty-gritty details go into a bathroom renovation. And unless you’re a homeowner who has been through the process or are a professional renovator, it’s impossible to know them all. There are many decisions you have to make, like choosing colours, sink styles, bathroom vanities and shower enclosures.
To help you make the right choices for your space, follow these tips and watch your renovation run smoothly, from beginning to end.
5 Essential Bathroom Renovation Tips for Homeowners
From choosing a suitable bathroom vanity to preparing a budget, these tips will help you plan a successful bathroom renovation.
Prepare a Budget
When homeowners have the chance to transform their homes, they want it to reflect their style preferences. Consider it an investment in the property.
However, without a plan, your budget can easily spiral out of control due to several factors, including materials and labour costs.
That’s why important to research local and customized building costs. These will give you an idea of your probable costs and help you set aside a budget – but it’s vital to stick to it. The process can become easier if you choose a bathroom renovation contractor who provides fixed pricing for their services instead of providing an estimate.
To create a budget, consider these factors:
- How much can you afford to invest?
- Are you putting your house on the market in the next few years?
- Which parts of the bathroom are you keeping the way they are?
- Is plumbing work required?
Quick Tip: If you are thinking of selling your home in the next few years, consider its resale value before making design changes and choosing materials. It’s best to select options that have a broad appeal and aren’t specific to your style tastes or preferences. |
Consider the Lighting
While faucets and other hardware with an elegant finish will add to the overall look of your new bathroom, inadequate lighting can detract from it. Along with making the space seem dull, it will downplay the materials used. For instance, a poorly lit bathroom vanity will result in you not being able to see your face properly when getting ready, while one with ample lighting will eliminate shadows.
Bathroom renovation experts recommend installing mixed lighting sources such as wall sconces paired with recessed LED lights over or beside your bathroom vanity’s mirror. Also, think about investing in dimmer switches.
Plan Storage
Sufficient bathroom storage space is vital to put away essentials you may not need every day. Here is the best way to plan it.
Walls
If your bathroom has a lot of empty wall space, consider installing floating shelves with hooks, towel racks, a medicine cabinet, or a built-in linen closet. All of these can be useful to store items and will offer ease of access. However, the option you choose comes down to your style and the space available.
Vanity
When choosing a bathroom vanity, take into account your storage needs and what the unit offers. With a custom vanity, you decide which materials will be used along with its dimensions and storage space. Or you can pick a ready-made one that works with your existing plumbing.
Shower
Most bathrooms have a limited shower area so having a shower niche installed is a great idea. It will give you much-needed space to store your shower essentials and prevent the space from looking cluttered.
Address Ventilation
Bathrooms that are exposed to high moisture and humidity levels on a regular basis require proper ventilation. This can either be in the form of an exhaust fan or windows. If your bathroom doesn’t have windows, look for bathroom exhaust fans based on their noise levels and exhaust capacity.
Don’t Forget the Tiles
Wall and floor tiles can make your bathroom stand apart from the rest of the house. They can also make it look like part of one cohesive design. Additionally, the ambience you are looking to create will be dictated by it.
The size of the tiles, their colour, and how they’re laid out will all play a major role in how the space looks and feels. You can choose from glass, porcelain, natural stone, and ceramic tiles, depending on your budget. However, it’s a good idea to research the different looks and benefits of each to ensure you make the right choice.
Undertaking a bathroom renovation is a great way to upgrade your space and create something you have always dreamt of. However, to do it properly, you need to consider your requirements and those of your family. This will ensure you create a functional space that looks appealing too.