Is your bathroom outdated? Is it too small for your growing family? Are you getting ready to put your home up for sale?
Any of these reasons and more can warrant a bathroom remodel.
While the process may not be without occasional hiccups, there are some tips that can make your renovation as smooth as possible.
One of the most important aspects of remodeling your bathroom is to know where you should start.
Let’s take a look at the steps that will take your bathroom from blah to beautiful.
Step 1: Get inspired.
Your journey to a new bathroom begins with your vision. What do you want your new space to look and feel like?
There are a multitude of places from which you can get ideas.
Look at home improvement magazines, study design books, browse online, and draw inspiration from your friends who have bathrooms you love.
It’s a good idea to create a list and gather photos of what you’d like your new bathroom to look like in order to go over it when you’re talking with potential contractors.
Once you have your vision in mind, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Make a plan
This phase of the project is where your inspiration and ideas turn into an actual plan.
The factors that need to be a part of your strategy are:
- Budget. Have a handle on how much money you can spend on the renovation before you start shopping! Don’t be disappointed by having your heart set on a giant tub that you can’t afford.
- Style. What kind of a feel do you want your new bathroom design to give off? Do you love color? Is your style modern or traditional? Nail down the answers to these questions in order to keep consistency throughout the process.
- Layout. Think about any element that would necessitate a change in the structure of the room. The addition of small children or an elderly parent to your home can require special consideration. Are your changes going to be structural or mostly cosmetic?
You should have answers for all these layout questions because your next step is to decide on a company to help you turn your vision into reality.
Step 3: Find a contractor
Don’t underestimate the power of utilizing professionals. They’re experts at what they do and will be a key part of how your remodel turns out.
You’ll want a contractor who is licensed to work in your area and who is willing to listen to your ideas while guiding you through the process.
Don’t be afraid to ask for references and to read online reviews of the company you choose to work with.
Step 4: The fun stuff
It’s time for the best part! The shopping!
Your contractor will help you as you made decisions about:
- Toilets.
- Sinks, vanities, and mirrors.
- Bathtubs and/or showers.
- Countertops.
- Flooring.
- Lighting.
Your budget may not allow for you to replace each of these items but this gives you a good idea of what you may be shopping for.
Step 5: Let’s do this!
You’ve done your part and now it’s time to pass the reins to your qualified contractor.
If you don’t have another bathroom to use while one is being remodeled, you may want to make other arrangements.
Your contractor will give you an estimate of how long the project will take, but keep in mind that delays could come that are out of anyone’s control.
They won’t be so upsetting if you know that they’re a possibility!
Your first relaxing bath in your cozy new bathroom will make any of the problems along the way well worth it.
