Renovating your bathroom can be very rewarding. Before selecting the new tile or bathroom design, however, there are some things to consider so that your project comes out just the way you hope it would. Since it can be daunting to renovate a bathroom, we’ve prepared some questions you might ask when remodeling your bathroom.
How much time will you need?
Many people believe that it will only take a few days if they remodel a small bathroom or take far less time than a larger one. But you would be surprised how long it takes.
Your contractor would have to go through precisely the same procedures as they would in a larger bathroom, depending on how many things you change in the bathroom.
However, planning does include not only determining the length of the renovation project but also time spent ordering and buying tiles, furniture, and time to build custom-built vanity or cabinets to ensure that they can be installed when the contractor requires them.
For those with just one bathroom in their home, time management is also essential because you have to make plans to shower and use the toilet while the bathroom is being taken down.
Have you accounted for all costs?
Renovating your bathroom is a great investment in your home’s value. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), a bathroom remodel’s average total cost was $11,364 in 2016. A simple, low-grade renovation could range from $1,500 to $5,000 with less costly materials, while a no-expenses-spared renovation could be $23,000.
NKBA states that broken down, much of this expense comes from installations and plumbing (about 29%), followed by counters and surfaces (21%), labor (20%), and cabinetry and hardware (16%). Keep in mind: they advise your bathroom project should cost no more than 5 to 10 percent of your house’s value.
What order of operations should you take?
When it comes to bathroom renovation, you can save yourself from a lot of clean up time and errors by doing the job in a particular sequence. As a rule of thumb, start at the top of the room. Start with the ceiling, then the walls, then the floors to prevent damage to your new parts.
Is your drain wide enough?
Residential plumbing often uses 1.5-inch drain pipes. You will be shocked to see how much gunk and hair gets into the drain. The bigger the pipe, the less likely it will get clogged. The cost difference to move to a 2-inch drain is virtually zero, so unless your construction does not allow for it, you should consider expanding your shower drain to 2 inches.
If you live in a region where winter temperatures drop below zero, your water pipes mustn’t route through an outside wall.
Are you working with a remodeler you can trust?
Any contractor that you want to work with on your bathroom remodel will be in your home for an extended period. The professionals that you want to bring into your home should be people you can rely on. Ensure that the mission statement from your contractor aligns with your personal beliefs.
Don’t just settle for any contractor – make sure you have faith in them. Anyone who does your remodeling should treat your household and family with the same respect they’d have in their own home.
Home Forever Baths
Have you decided to remodel your bathroom? We’re happy to help. Sit down with our professional remodelers to go over your bathroom renovation goals, budget, and needs. Based on that, we will provide a free quote. For more information, please contact us today.
