Are you considering a bathroom remodel but feeling overwhelmed by the prospect? Rest assured, with careful planning, the process can be smooth and satisfying. By asking yourself some crucial questions about your planned room, you will better understand the project's parameters, have a clearer view of the finished product, and stay within your budget. This blog post will provide you with tips to help you get started.
Choose the Extent of Your Bathroom Remodel
To begin, establish what size and level of bathroom remodel you desire. If you don't plan for anything else, be sure to set this in stone before starting the process.
These remodel can be classified into four categories: surface remodel, gut and replace remodel, layout change, or entirely new look. The fourth level of renovation is usually starting from scratch with an entirely new room- which might not even be in the same spot as the previous one.
Surface-Level Remodel
A surface-alteration bath remodel is the simplest type of remodeling. If you're happy with the general layout and size of your bath, and the surfaces (walls, ceiling, floor) are in good condition, then a surface level might be right for you.
The idea of a surface-level remodeling is to avoid replacing things as much as possible. Creating less waste, this type of remodeling is more eco-friendly than other options. It's also cheaper since you're using materials to cover and repair rather than replace items.
Gut and Replace
With this extensive remodel, you won't change the layout or fixture locations. You'll remove everything from the walls and flooring down to the studs before adding new plumbing, lighting, vanity, and flooring. Oftentimes, when walls are open during renovation projects, new wiring and plumbing are installed.
Many of the items that are removed aren't easy to replace. The towel bars, toilet, and vanity can often be cleaned or refurbished but the flooring, bathtub, and shower usually suffer too much damage during the removal process to reinstall them.
The renovation process can be done either partially or in full. For example, depending on the amount of re-wiring and plumbing required, one or two walls might need to have their drywall stripped. The other walls and ceiling usually only require a new coat of paint.
Change the Layout
Changing the layout involves rearranging items within the room, without changing the size or shape of the space.
Replacing or refurbishing your bathroom can be quite the project if it involves moving around fixtures like the tub, shower, toilet, or sink. This process is often difficult and expensive but occasionally necessary. Alterations to the layout also include electrical, plumbing, and full fixtures.
Change the Bathroom Entirely
When we talk about changing the bath's footprint, this goes beyond simply gutting the area or even moving around some of its fixtures. The biggest types of remodeling jobs include making major changes to the room's structure that will change its perimeter. This might involve taking down walls, adding on to an exterior wall, or playing with the ceiling or roof.
The goal is to either make the bathroom bigger or convert a common bath into a primary one. Sometimes, we expand small baths into bedrooms to create large ones instead.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost for this can differ significantly, with even a simple redo of the surfaces and fixtures costing several thousand dollars. If you desire more comprehensive changes, however, be prepared to spend anywhere from $15000-$30000 or more.
Even though small in size, the high cost of a renovation typically comes from the need to hire specialized contractors (plumbers and electricians) as well as expensive elements such as fixtures, cabinetry, etc.
Bathroom Remodeling Overview
When you have a general plan, take time to consider the remodeling project schedule and think about if this is something you want to experience.
Develop a Floor Plan
The floor plan is dictated by numerous pre-existing factors, such as the location of water pipes and drains.
Some people may be against moving the toilet because it may cost money that they don't want to spend. However, if the floor plan isn't working and you have enough in your budget, then it might be worth considering relocation.
Apply for Building Permits
Before you start your bathroom remodel, be sure to check with your local permitting agency about codes and permits that may apply. Generally, simple improvements like changing out the sink or installing new flooring don't require a permit. However, electrical and plumbing work generally must have a permit before it can be started.
Demolish the Bathroom
For a medium-sized or greater, you will most likely have to remove the shower or bathtub, toilet, vanity sink cabinet, flooring, and drywall–either all together or in various combinations.
Add Electrical Systems and Plumbing
Many issues originate from problems with the plumbing or electrical wiring. As a result, a plumber or electrician will likely need to visit and fix these amenities according to specifications.
Install the Shower or Bathtub
The shower, bathtub, or shower-tub combination installation is the largest sub-project within the remodeling project.
If a prefabricated shower or tub is being installed, it is usually complete within a couple of days. When tile work is involved though, the project can take several days to a week because tile curing happens in multiple stages.
Paint the Bathroom
Since the bathroom walls are exposed and there are few major fixtures installed, now is an ideal time to paint. Usually, walls are painted with a satin or semi-gloss paint to resist moisture damage.
Install the Flooring
The floor is one of the most supporting areas in your home, so it needs to be both moisture-resistant and stylish. Ceramic and porcelain tile, natural stone, luxury vinyl flooring, sheet vinyl, and vinyl tile are the five best materials for withstanding water damage while still looking good.
Install the Toilet
This project should only take an hour or so, provided that all the proper hookups are in place beforehand. The toilet is then installed on top of the flooring.
Install the Fan
Every bathroom must have proper ventilation according to the building code, whether that means an openable window or a fan. Most homeowners choose to install a fan because of the high amount of moisture usually present.
Install the Cabinet, Counter, and Sink
Because the counter and sink are where most activity takes place, it's worth taking your time to choose materials carefully and potentially spend more money.
For counters, some popular choices include quartz-engineered stone, natural stone, or solid surface. Underneath the countertop is usually a vanity cabinet for storage; however, if you're short on space pedestal sinks are a great solution that takes up less room.
Finishing Touch
Remodels can be a great way to improve the look and feel of your home, but they can also be expensive and time-consuming. By planning ahead and taking your time, you can minimize the headaches and maximize the results of your place. Have you started planning your bathroom remodel yet? If not, these tips should help get you started.
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