Here’s Your Ultimate Guide to the Do’s and Don’ts of a Bathroom Remodel
Successful bathroom remodels require a bit of planning and forethought.
Undertaking a bathroom remodel is exhilarating and stressful. For many homeowners, it’s a status symbol and one of the first times they can bring a substantial personal touch to their home. It’s a hefty investment, though, big enough to make most people think twice before diving in unprepared. If you’re ready to remodel your bathroom, but need help figuring out how to do it right, we’re here to help. Use the tips in this post as a guide to a successful bathroom renovation, and you’ll have all the tools you need to make your vision a reality. Find design inspiration to help you get started.
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The most valuable remodeling projects have three important characteristics. Keep these in mind when considering bathroom remodel ideas:
1. Low maintenance Selecting finishes that are easy to keep clean and new not only saves you money and time on maintenance, but also extends the life of your remodel by looking new and fresh longer. Consider the following ideas for a low-maintenance bathroom:–Quartz countertops instead of marble–Quality faucets built to last a lifetime–Glass shower doors treated with anti-staining agents
2. Energy Efficient One of the biggest selling points of a home today is energy savings. Water shortages and rising utility bills make this a top priority for homebuyers. Energy efficiency is also important from an environmental point of view. When planning your large bathroom remodel, these items maximize energy efficiency:–Tankless water heaters–Low-flow toilets and faucets–LED lighting instead of traditional incandescent–Radiant floor heating–Insulated windows.
3. A light and bright bathroom All homeowners look for open and bright spaces. The brighter your bathroom is, the bigger it will look. And if you’re spending time and money upgrading your bathroom, don’t let your design choices go unnoticed in a dark, shadowy room—lighting will showcase your bathroom remodel investment beautifully. Three ways to create a brighter bathroom:–Add windows and skylights–Use lighting for different purposes throughout the bathroom–Choose finishes and surfaces that are reflective and light When you think about remodeling your bathroom, be sure to ask yourself if each element fits to the three characteristics above. Fortunately, the latest high design trends don’t just look beautiful, they address these points. Read on to see the do’s and don’ts of bathroom remodeling and the best bathroom renovation ideas.
YES: Find design inspiration first
Every big home remodeling project, but especially those that come with a hefty price tag, should start with a plan. Before you start on the physical aspects of the project, like breaking up the flooring or installing a rain shower, have a clear idea of what you want your final product to look like.
To do this, use websites like Freshhome to find design ideas. (If you’re really not sure how to define your personal style, our Defining a series of styles is a good place to start). Remember that you don’t have to strictly adhere to a particular type of design. Feel free to pick and choose items from different styles until you find the style you love. Remember to keep your budget in mind.
DON’T: forget to consider your budget
Once you have your inspiration in mind, it’s incredibly important to be realistic with your budget. Consider how much money you have to spend, as well as how much your ideal project would cost. Although it may not be the most pleasant task to undertake, looking at your finances will help you get an idea of what aspects of a renovation are most feasible for you.
With that said, there are a few things you can do to help make your project affordable. Get quotes from a variety of contractors before deciding who to hire, consider doing some of the work yourself to save on labor costs, and look for wholesale stores in your community that allow you to purchase materials at a discount. Keep your most expensive items neutral.
DO: Keep high-end items neutral
Since bathroom remodels are a huge expense, one of our favorite tips is to keep your luxury purchases as neutral as possible. In particular, we are talking about things like tile floors or shower design. Allowing these features to be more of a blank canvas will make it easier to modify your design as trends change and will ensure they have broader appeal if you ever sell your home.
Keep in mind that including these neutral items doesn’t mean your bathroom is boring. Infuse your personality into the space through accessories, which are easier to change over time. Consider using some visually striking items, such as bold paint colors, mirrors, hand towels, and floor coverings. Be sure to include some creative storage solutions.
Do: Get high-end lighting
The most energy efficient you can add to your bathroom is through LED lighting. According to the US Department of Energy, LED lights use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lights. In addition to saving energy, LED lighting adds a beautiful design element. They can be programmed to change colors and can be safely used near water. Because they are easy to install in any bathroom, they are perfect for DIY projects. In addition to task lighting, some innovative ways to use LEDs include: To add color to the water in a tub or sink As a color wash effect on a wall To illuminate wall mirrors To illuminate counters or shelves
NO: Go without storage
If there’s one feature of a bathroom remodel that doesn’t get a lot of attention, but is still appreciated, it’s storage. Whether you want to store extra toiletries or a few guest towel sets, having them on hand when you need them is an incredible benefit.
If you have the room, consider knocking out one wall to include an additional storage closet and built-in shelving. Even if moving walls is out of your budget, find an organization unit that fits your aesthetic. Doing so will give your space a polished quality that is well worth the extra effort and expense. Make the shower your jewel.
DO: Splurge in the shower
Just like any other room in your home, the bathroom should have a focal point or design element that draws the eye. According to an investigation by market clockLuxurious showers are one of the most popular features among homebuyers, so this can be a nice feature to highlight. Think of it this way, you’ll be able to enjoy multiple shower heads and underfloor heating now, with the added benefit of knowing your investment will likely pay off in the future.
Interestingly, the same research found that bathtubs have fallen out of favor. Many feel that they are not used often enough and require a lot of effort to clean. Consider skipping this expense, if your main goal is to eventually sell. That said, it’s also important to consider personal preferences. If possible, include an impressive vanity.
NO: Skimp on the dresser
The bathroom vanity is another feature where you can make a big statement. Options that feature double sinks, large mirrors, and plenty of storage are all the rage. If possible, opt for one with a luxurious countertop in a material like granite or marble to add even more visual interest to the space.
Keep in mind that you can always change the look of your existing vanity if you need to. Giving it a fresh coat of paint is a relatively simple DIY project that will change the look of the room. You can also change your drawer pulls or even buy a new countertop from a home improvement store to freshen up your bathroom aesthetic. Follow these tips and don’ts for a successful bathroom remodel.
Look into a floating vanity:
To make a bathroom appear larger, skip the wall-to-wall cabinets and open up the space. A good way to do this is to build a bathroom counter or vanity that appears to float. Another way to achieve the look is by skipping the traditional cabinet dresser base and using a sofa table with open shelving underneath. Make sure the table is a minimum of 16” deep to accommodate your sink(s).
Completing a bathroom remodel can be an exciting yet daunting experience. On the one hand, there are few things more satisfying than knowing that you have put your personal stamp on your home. On the other hand, these projects can be so expensive that taking the first step can be intimidating. If you’re looking for a guide on how to make your remodel a success, look no further. These are the tips you need to transform your bathroom into an oasis.
Have you ever completed a bathroom remodel? What tips can you share from your experience? Let us know in the comments.
