Although bathrooms are among the smallest rooms in a home, they are a big job to tackle when it comes to remodeling. Roll up your sleeves and let the planning begin.
Function first. List the functional aspects of the current floorplan and what you would like to change. Are there dead spaces? Can two people comfortably move around the room? Do you want a bigger shower? Do you want an open or enclosed toilet? Are there elderly or disabled people to accommodate? Bring your vision to life by sketching a plan.
Style guidelines. In what era was your house built? Do you want the bathroom to reflect the style of that time period? Keep that in mind when making your selections. Search photo galleries on Pinterest as well as professional designer and home improvement websites. Bookmark looks you admire. The most helpful sites will list prices for everything used in a makeover and provide the sources or information on achieving a similar look.
Hire a pro. You can save money on a project if you have do-it-yourself skills. But if the job goes beyond cosmetic changes, your best bet is to hire a contractor. Many remodeling jobs require electrical and plumbing changes that require the work be done by licensed professionals to pass local building inspections.
After doing your research, it’s wise to ask three reputable companies to submit plans and bids. Evaluate and compare each plan. Don’t automatically equate bid prices with quality of work. Make sure your estimates break out material and labor costs. It is also vital to get the proper building permits.
Decisions, decisions. Be prepared to answer questions on all the little details that go along with a bathroom redo. Counter space and storage size, sink and faucet style, shower and tub configurations, lighting and mirror selections, and tile sizes and colors are among the decisions you will face. Don’t forget: Keep your budget in mind when making your decisions.
