The Best Tips To Make Bathroom Remodelling

Bathroom Remodeling: Things to Consider Before You Remodel Your Bathroom

Getting ready to start a new bathroom remodeling project? Is this your first time going through a home renovation? It’s an exciting chapter of your life and one that should be approached the right way. We compiled our favorite tips and tricks to help you learn the perfect balance between your creative customization needs and functional design ideas that can help you tie the whole bathroom together.

We all want a bathroom that would be a reflection of our personal style and be able to deliver the comfort we need at the same time. However, aside from that, it’s also important that it has the right fixtures and amenities that are capable of providing function and value as well. Fortunately, through careful planning, finding the right contractors, and choosing the right design, you can have it all.  Here are some of the best tips that could turn your bathroom remodeling dream into reality.

 

Know What a Bathroom Remodel Costs

Before you begin any project, it’s important to put your expectations into perspective when it comes to how much money you’re willing to invest. The size of your bathroom, the quality of materials you want to include and whether you’re planning to do some of the labor yourself all can affect the cost of a remodel.

Don’t Make the Toilet the First Thing You See When You Open the Door
Ask a bathroom designer what his or her best tried and true tip is, and this is what you’re likely to hear. The reasoning is simple. Oftentimes bathroom doors get left open, meaning that you or any guest in your home walking by will see the toilet — which, come on, isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing thing to look at. If you’re hoping for a spa-like vibe, putting the john front and center in the design can sort of kill the mood as you’re transitioning into the room. So, what should you make the focal point? Anything but the toilet.

 

Establish Your Bathroom Makeover Design

Before you do any bathroom remodeling yourself, you should settle on a new design that fits your vision, as well as your skill set. There are so many different ways to approach a bathroom makeover, ranging from swapping out the vanity to gutting the space and starting over from scratch.

Here are a few design elements you absolutely need to nail down before you start your bathroom renovation:

  • Color scheme: Are you a fan of blue hues? Or perhaps shades of gray fit the rest of your decor? Know ahead of time to make sure your new bathroom tiles don’t clash with your choice of paint.
  • New fixtures: Will you replace or remodel your shower/tub? Are you installing a new sink? Replacing one or both of these fixtures will add to your project time and budget.
  • Storage spaces: Where will you keep your towels and toiletries post-remodel? If you’re removing a closet to expand the room, make sure you have shelving or cabinets to make up for the lost storage space in your bathroom.
  • Location of utilities: Do you know where the electrical wiring and plumbing pipes are located? Make sure you have accurate measurements for each of these so you don’t end up needing expensive repairs.

 

Find the right materials for your bathroom remodel

Your bathroom costs will vary based on the materials, not just because of the type of product being installed, but also the labor put into the installation. A steam shower and heated tile floor, for example, will be substantially more expensive on both fronts than a standard walk-in shower and laminate floors.

“The cost of materials will vary whether you’re going with an expensive European brand or a generic American brand,” Glenn said. “There are different materials, too. Luxury tiles or flooring can be much more expensive to install than a laminate floor but it’s going to give you almost the same look. Different products can be installed that can give you a phenomenal look at a much lower cost. Shop around. Don’t go with the super cheap stuff, but keep the cost down by going with cheaper reliable brands.”

 

The bathroom renovation timeline may be roughly estimated as the following:

  • Demolition: Stripping of the old bathroom can take from 2-5 days, depending on how tedious the job is, which level the bathroom is on (for ease of disposal of materials), the materials used in the space, and whether asbestos removal will be necessary.
  • “Rough in”: Once the bathroom has been stripped out, the plumber and electrician disconnect old pipes and wiring and run new ones through the room, without hooking up the final connections. This can take 1-2 days per trade, so around 2-4 days in total.
  • Carpentry preparation: The carpenter prepares the structure of the room by building the bath and shower bases, and alters the wall, floor and ceiling if necessary in preparation for the tiling and plastering, which can take roughly 2 days.
  • Plastering: The plasterer will need to seal up the room, which can take up to 3 days including several coats of plaster or render and drying time in between.
  • Waterproofing: The waterproofer must then apply several coats with 24 hours drying time in between to ensure that leaks are properly prevented. Therefore, this process can take from 2-4 days.
  • Tiling: The bathroom is then tiled, which can take from 2-7 days depending on the size of the tiles, the intricacy of how they are to be laid, and whether they will be installed from floor to ceiling. The relevant tiling prep work is also done before they are actually laid. After they are installed, grout and silicon is added to the critical joints, which can take from 1-3 days.
  • Cabinetry: Cabinets are often installed after the tiling is completed, and usually only takes one day. In addition to cabinet storage, you can opt for these DIY storage ideas for your bathroom.
  • Final fitouts/hookups: The plumber and electrician return to finish off the their fittings that were roughed in at the beginning. This includes the toilet, sink, bath, taps and underfloor drainage, as well as the fans, light fittings and switches. This can take from 2-4 days.
  • Accessories/final touches: The glazier installs the shower screen and mirror. If you need some inspiration, these shower screens will leave you breathless! The other accessories are also installed, such as the towel racks and toilet paper holder. The carpenter also fits a new door if necessary, and caulking is also completed. This process can take 1-2 days.
  • Painting: The painter can finish anytime after the tiling is completed by painting the walls, ceiling, as well as any architraves, windows and doors if required. A final clean is then completed. This final work can take 1-2 days.