When planning your bathroom remodel, there are several things you should know. These tips will help you avoid costly mistakes and save money.
Cosmetic changes include changing tile colors, shower heads, and vanities. Adding a storage closet or expanding the space are also cosmetic changes. Layout changes include converting the bathtub into a shower or moving the toilet.
The bathroom layout is important in creating that peaceful, spa-like feeling you want when you walk into the room. It also requires careful attention to ensure you get the best use of the space without compromising your home’s safety, comfort, or functionality.
In many cases, a new layout is a must in remodeling an existing bathroom, but even if you’re building a new house and laying out the bathrooms, it pays to have a floor plan to help guide your choices. This can help you achieve your desired style and aesthetic while staying within your budget.
One of the first things you should consider when laying out your bathroom is how it will be used. A family bathroom used by multiple people throughout the day will require a different layout than one used by guests or children. It’s also essential to remember that building codes specify certain requirements, such as a vapor- and water-resistant ceiling and GFCI outlets.
Choosing a layout for your bathroom is a major part of determining how much you spend on your remodel. It’s also good to consult with a professional designer before beginning your project. This will help you understand the costs associated with your options and ensure you get a fair price for your work. A reputable designer should have the proper credentials, an appealing portfolio of past projects, and references that attest to their quality. They should also be licensed and insured and bring a wealth of ideas. This will save you time and money in the long run.
Countertops are a big part of the bathroom’s aesthetic and can add a lot of character to the room. The countertops can help tie together the look of the sink, toilet, and light fixtures, and they’re often where homeowners start a remodel project. It’s important to consider how durable the countertops will be and how easy they are to keep clean when selecting a material.
The countertops have many different options, including ceramic tile, marble, granite, and quartz. Tile is inexpensive and available in various colors and patterns, but the grout lines trap dirt and gunk and can be difficult to maintain. Marble countertops are a luxurious option but are susceptible to scratches and stains. Granite is another natural stone option with a timeless appeal but can be more expensive than quartz.
Quartz countertops are made from one of nature’s hardest and most abundant minerals. Manufacturers add pigments, resins, and recycled content to create a countertop that looks like natural stone. They’re heat-resistant and don’t require sealing like granite.
Concrete is another trendy option for countertops. It can be cast in situ for a sleek and modern look or stained to match the other bathroom finishes. It’s durable and scratch-resistant, but it can crack over time and needs to be sealed regularly. Quartz and concrete are more expensive than ceramic tile, but they can increase the value of your home and last a long time with proper care. If you want something affordable and low maintenance, there are also several options for laminate countertops. These are made from layers of paper and resins fused into a semi-rigid plastic sheet.
After all the drywall is finished and flooring installed, it’s time to install fixtures. This includes the larger plumbing components, like tubs and showers, sinks and vanities, toilets, and other items. The bathroom remodeling products you choose should be functional as well as attractive. You can purchase faucets, mirrors, and hardware in various design styles and finishes, so you’re sure to find items that coordinate with your tile, paint, and other decor.
Some remodeling experts recommend using the same fixture finishes throughout the bathroom to create a cohesive look, but mixing and matching can be fun, too. Look for quality finishes that are durable and resistant to corrosion, cleaning products, tarnishing, and wear. Chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, and satin nickel are popular choices for modern bathrooms. Some even have a lifetime warranty, so you can be confident they will last.
You’ll also have to decide between a freestanding or built-in bathtub and whether you prefer a shower or tub/shower combo. Consider adding a shower curtain rod for a touch of style and practicality if incorporating a built-in tub. You can choose from some shower heads, including hand-held and rainfall options. Many are water efficient, too.
If you’re installing a new toilet, you can choose from traditional floor-mounted or wall-mounted models that save space by keeping the tank hidden in the wall. Many are also low-flow for a more eco-friendly option.
Then there’s the tub filler and drain, which you can get in various styles and sizes. Some are touchless, which is great for a busy family bathroom. You can add features like a heated towel rack and an LED digital shower temperature gauge.
Bathrooms are high-traffic areas that are subject to water in all its forms — showers, tubs, toilets, and faucets. Because of this, it’s crucial to have highly durable flooring that also looks good underfoot.
Some flooring options, including natural stone, cork, tile, and vinyl, are perfect for bathrooms. Stone offers a unique, rustic, durable look that adds value to your home. It also comes with various textures and patterns that make each floor look different, so no two bathrooms are the same. However, it can be slippery when wet, so a mat is recommended.
Tile is another popular choice for bathroom floors because it’s versatile and water-resistant. It’s available in various colors, shapes, and sizes, so it’s easy to find a look that fits your style. It’s also an excellent option for those with allergies, as it does not release VOCs, which are chemicals that can irritate the respiratory system.
One of the biggest factors in choosing a flooring material is budget. Vinyl is a less expensive option with various patterns and colors to mimic the look of other materials, such as wood or stone. It’s important to note that vinyl is not as durable as other options and may not hold up well to frequent foot traffic.
Another thing to consider is whether you want to install the floors first or last. Some people prefer to do the floors first, as this can help with plumbing and subflooring access, while others like to complete all of the other elements of the bathroom before tackling the floor.
The paint job might seem minor to your bathroom remodel, but it adds much value. The right color and sheen can transform your bathroom into a bright, clean retreat where you can relax or start your day off.
Whether you paint the bathroom yourself or call a pro will depend on your budget and timeframe. If your walls need extensive repairs before painting, calling in a pro might be a better investment. Also, if you want to paint chair rails and detailed crown molding, that will add to your total cost because it takes more time to prep than simple flat walls.
You can save on costs by doing some of the prep work yourself. For example, if you’re replacing wallpaper, it’s a good idea to spend a few hours on a Saturday removing the old wallpaper and washing the walls with mild soap and water. This will help cut down on the labor your contractor needs and may save you a few hundred dollars.
Choosing high-quality premium water-based latex paint for the bathroom is important. While oil-based paint has a great reputation for durability and stain resistance, it’s not good for the toilet because of its high moisture content. Latex paint is more durable and easier to clean, and many brands have improved their formulas to be mold-resistant, too. Semi-gloss and glossy paints will best resist moisture and stains because they have more resins and binders than flat paint. However, they may show signs of wear faster than matte paints. That’s why it’s a good idea to wear neutral white or gray to keep the look consistent.