If you’re getting ready to renovate your home, whether it’s for the first time or you’re undergoing a renovation to improve your current space, there are a few dos and don’ts that are worth following to avoid any pitfalls and ensure the job is completed to your satisfaction. While it’s tempting to take shortcuts or wing it, these tips from bathroom remodeling experts can help you stay on track and keep your bathroom remodeling project on budget.
1. Get your design right from the start
While it’s tempting to jump into a bathroom remodeling project haphazardly, rushing a renovation can make the process much more expensive. Instead, begin collecting ideas and laying out a plan before you even contact a contractor or a bathroom design company. Do this by scouring online design sites, browsing magazines and visiting showrooms to get a feel for what you like and don’t like in bathrooms.
2. Think about accessibility for the future
You may not need a walk-in shower or comfort-height toilet now, but being prepared for the possibility of these changes in the future will save you time and money in the long run. Adding blocking for extra support bars, reconfiguring the bathroom entry or installing a raised toilet are all simple changes that can make your bathroom more accessible for people with mobility challenges in the future.
3. Don’t cut corners on materials
When it comes to building a new bathroom, it is important to choose materials that will last for the longest possible time. Choosing materials that aren’t as durable or easy to maintain can cost you more in the long run, and can lead to costly mishaps such as mold and mildew growth.
4. Buy from reputable brands
While you can find some quality materials at any hardware store, it’s best to only buy products made by reputable companies. Buying from a reputable brand will also mean you’re less likely to encounter any problems down the track if something needs replacing or fixing.
5. Make sure you have proper ventilation
While a well-lit and ventilated bathroom will help keep mold and mildew from growing, lack of adequate ventilation can result in your space feeling stale and unusable. Fortunately, there are plenty of solutions on the market that will make your space airier and more welcoming, from a simple bathroom fan to a whole-house dehumidifier.
6. Don’t overcrowd the bathroom
When planning a bathroom renovation, don’t forget to include enough storage for everything you need, but not so much that it makes the room feel crowded and uncomfortable. In addition, don’t block off light by putting too many pieces of furniture in the bathroom.
7. Make a lighting plan for your bathroom
While most homeowners will install a ceiling fixture to illuminate their bathroom, proper lighting is often overlooked or an afterthought during a bathroom renovation. It is best to sit down with a lighting expert and determine which kinds of task, ambient or accent lighting would work for your bathroom.