Planning to remodel your bathroom is a significant decision and requires determination to get the job done as it involves a lot of complicated steps. By following these bathroom remodel steps, you will have a hassle-free remodel.
A bathroom remodel is a necessary as well as an easy way to upgrade your homes. But before you start to remodel your bathroom, it is essential to look at the steps involved.
Planning
Planning is the first step to remodel your bathroom, and it even includes creating your budget and understanding bathroom remodel costs. First, you will have to decide what needs to be remodeled. Then you need to think of the items you need to replace or refinish. After looking at all the factors you have made up your mind, you will have to plan your budget.
It would be best if you got an estimate from several contractors before you start remodeling. If you are on a tight budget and need to remodel, you will have to spend a lot of time completing several tasks. However, since a bathroom is a highly complex space, it is best to hire a professional to do the job.
Demolition
After you are done with planning, removing the old tile, along with flooring and fixtures, is the beginning. After that, start with the removal of the shower, sink, and tub. Removal of the toilet requires a rag, so that leakage of sewer gases can be prevented.
Demolition is an important step and you have to do it with care. So if you are unable to remove any one of the fixtures, it will be wise to hire a professional. In some cases, to check water damage, you will have to remove the flooring, so you have to account for that added expenditure in your budget.
Painting
Painting is the next important step you have to follow for remodeling your bathroom. After completing the demolition, the bathroom space is free, and that’s the best time to choose the color for your bathroom and start painting.
However, painting a bathroom can be a pain since there is water all around along with moisture. Some manufacturers make and sell bathroom paint that has water-resistant capabilities. We recommend trying that. In case you are unable to find bathroom paint, you can also tile the bathroom walls.
Installing New Shower and Bathtub
Now that your bathroom is painted, you will have to install new fixtures. You will have to pick up a shower or tub for a seamless look that will go well with your modern decor and space where you had installed them earlier.
With showers, you will get three choices, rectangle, square, or pentangle. The base shape is important as that will determine the layout of your shower space.
Further, with your new bathroom remodel, you may want something extra. For that, if you have space, try installing a new bathtub or a combination shower.
Plumbing
Now you have installed a new shower, tub, and toilet, it’s time for the next bathroom remodel steps. For that, you need to start the plumbing for new fixtures. Toilet flange, shower, and bathtub are some examples. You also need to add controls for the shower.
Sometimes, it is important to add a water line extension to direct the flow. Besides, adding a second bathroom sink for double vanity is also a good idea.
Blocking for Grab Bars
As the wall is open, it is good to add studs and install a grab bar. Although grab bars aren’t mandatory, it’s good to have them there. For instance, if you have a senior family member, the grab bar support could be beneficial for them.
Installing New Fixtures and Features
Installing new fixtures involves the fitment of electricals as well as other bathroom essentials. As wiring is a complex task, we recommend hiring a professional.
After you have finished electricals, it’s time to go with the vanity and cabinets or shelves; if you want to go with cabinets bigger than the earlier ones, you may need to create some space.
You may also need to plug in electricals inside the cabinets if you want to add lights or charging outlets. If you had 15-amp circuits, consider upgrading them to 20-amp ones to be future proof. Also, remember to reallocate additional sockets for hairdryers and trimmers.
Close the Walls
After all the fixtures and fitments are complete, it is time to close the walls. For this, you may need to install cement boards. Remember, as bathrooms contain humidity, installing a vapor barrier is necessary for the shower stall and tub.
Cement boards are resistant to moisture, so it is better to use them for the walls. Along with that, the vapor barrier aids another level of protection.
Install Flooring
There are several flooring options to remodel your bathroom based on your layout. However, we will go with the more popular choice, that is tile. You can choose from ceramic or porcelain tile for your bathroom flooring.
You can start by tiling the shower and bathtub areas, followed by other places. Remember to tile your walls before you move on to the floor.
Grout is another option that will help adhere to the tiles more precisely in the over floor and necessary corners. In addition to that, grout provides extra bonding capabilities, such as preventing cracks and chipping.
Install Lights
The last step of your bathroom remodel is installing a new ceiling and wall lighting. Moreover, this will add a contemporary feel to your modern bathroom remodel.
The right bathroom light does much more than just lighting up space. Not only does it light up the bathroom, but it also ties in the overall design. While you’re at it, do not forget to install an exhaust fan in your bathroom (for obvious reasons).
To complete your bathroom remodeling, you can also install trims around your mirrors or shelves. They not only add the design elements but also give the finishing touch to your bathroom.
But the main job after completing these steps is to take a hot bath after all the work is done in your brand new bathroom.