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7 Things to Consider Before Starting a Bathroom Remodel

We believe that a Bathroom Remodel  is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home. However, there are a lot of decisions involved to ensure you end up with the bathroom that fits your family’s needs.

By putting extra thought and planning into what you want to accomplish with your remodel project, you are more likely to end up with the bathroom of your dreams as the end result.

This comprehensive overview will walk you through the different things you need to consider when preparing for your bathroom remodel.

1. Which bathroom do you want to remodel?

The type of bathroom you are looking to remodel will determine which upgrades make the most sense in your space. For example, you would approach a master bathroom renovation differently than you would a guest bathroom that is rarely used.

 

Your master bathroom is a personal space that gets used every day, so you’ll likely want to put more time and thought into how the bathroom is laid out, the materials that are used, etc. Additionally, if you share your master bathroom, you might want to consider double sinks in your vanity for extra space.

 

If you’re upgrading a child’s bathroom, on the other hand, you may want to focus less on high-quality style and more on functionality. After all, kids won’t care about granite floors!

2. Decide how you plan to use the space

If you plan to remodel your primary bathroom, take a moment to think about how you currently use the space and how you hope to use it in the future.

Do you get ready for the day quickly, without giving your bathroom a second thought? Or do you prefer to spend hours soaking in your tub, treating your bathroom as your own personal spa?

The materials you choose for your bathroom remodel may vary depending on your answer.

3. Determine the layout

 

The best way to maximize the space in your bathroom is to be strategic with the layout of the room. At Gehman Design Remodeling, we can help you determine how to best utilize your space to make your bathroom feel bigger and more functional.

 

We recommend designing your bathroom so that the toilet is not the first thing you see when you walk into the room. In some cases, our clients choose to add a water closet to their upgraded bathrooms, which is a separate room for the toilet with a door for added privacy.

 

Design with the future in mind

 

It’s worth noting that you should plan your layout with the future in mind. How will your family change over the next several years? Are you just starting your family or will your kids be out of the house soon?

 

The answer may impact how you choose to approach renovating your bathroom. Similarly, if you are planning to sell your house in the next five years, make sure any updates you make will increase your property value.

 

4. Decide on a bathtub, shower, or both

 

The main star of your bathroom should be your shower or tub area. When designing your new bathroom, you’ll need to decide if you want a shower, bathtub, or both. First, start by thinking about what makes the most sense for your daily needs.

 

If you have small children, you will want to make sure there is a tub in their primary bathroom. Or, if you have an older family member with more limited mobility, you might want to convert your old tub to a shower for a safer bathing option. If you’d like to have access to either, then we can help you develop a plan for that as well. If you can dream it, we can do it!

 

5. Think about areas that are often overlooked

 

There’s nothing worse than completing a bathroom remodel and realizing that you would have loved to add a feature that you failed to think about before starting the project. Avoid this regret by taking time to think through the different aspects of your bathroom that are often overlooked.

 

Lighting

Good lighting can make your bathroom feel bright and open, while poor lighting options can leave your space feeling dark and dreary.

 

Before starting on your remodel, think about how much light you want in your bathroom and plan accordingly with extra windows, beautiful fixtures, and/or recessed lights. Fortunately, there are a number of tips and tricks that can help create the perfect lighting for your space.

 

Storage

Don’t let storage be an afterthought when planning your bathroom remodel! Instead, plan storage options into your design for a more functional bathroom.

 

Think about how you would like to use medicine cabinets, space under the vanity, linen closets, etc. before you start your project. And don’t forget to install accessible outlets throughout your bathroom and in storage areas, if needed.

 

Flooring

Do you need to replace your current flooring? If mold or mildew has developed underneath your tile, it could lead to extra work and excess costs. You should also think about any flooring upgrades you might want to make.

 

For example, if you’ve always dreamed of warming your feet in the morning on heated floors, you’ll want to plan for that prior to beginning the renovation process.

 

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is key in a bathroom, as excess moisture can build up in the space and cause problems down the line. Built-in fans can help remove moisture from the air, keeping your bathroom protected from moisture-related issues.

 

Hot water tank

Imagine spending the money to install a new soaking tub, only to realize you can only fill it halfway before the hot water runs out. While your hot water tank isn’t actually in your bathroom, it plays a role in making your bathroom a more enjoyable space.

 

If you’re planning to install a soaking tub or multi-head shower, you may need to install a larger hot water heater to accommodate your new space.

 

Considerations when doing a Bathroom Remodel

6. DIY vs. Contractor

After planning out your bathroom, you may be tempted to go the do-it-yourself (DIY) route and tackle the project yourself.

 

While DIY may be cheaper up front, it can lead to costly issues later on if everything is not done correctly from the start.

 

Additionally, taking on a complicated DIY bathroom remodel is time-consuming and stressful, and you might find that you are in over your head.

 

This will leave you looking for a contractor to clean up what you’ve started and correct any errors you’ve made.

7. Set yourself up for success when working with a contractor

 

Once you’ve determined how you plan to use your new bathroom, the layout you want, and the details for your space, you’ll want to reach out to contractors to find the right team for the job.

 

Budget

Before you even make the initial call to a contractor, it’s best to have a set budget in your mind and a good understanding of what that budget can get you.

 

It will allow you to have a more honest conversation with contractors so that everyone is on the same page and it will help you feel assured that you’ll be comfortable paying for your project.

 

 

Contract

Before you sign a contract, be sure that it properly outlines the scope of your project. The contract should include:

                             Details about the colors, styles, and materials that will be used.
                             A clear description of what the contractors will do.
                             The approximate start and completion dates.
                             The total price, broken out by line item.
                             Information about warranties for both materials and workmanship.

 

 

Communication

As with every relationship, communication is key between you and your contractors. Never assume that your contractor is on the same page as you are. Even if it seems redundant, it’s better to spell everything out clearly so there is no confusion.

 

If you’re ready to begin your bathroom remodel, Gehman Design Remodeling would love to be the team you choose to work with on your project! Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.