What to Know Before Renovating Your Bathroom

Finally getting to do that major bathroom renovation you have been dreaming of is an exciting prospect for homeowners. However, before you start looking at tiles, or begin tearing up your flooring, it is important that you take a moment to plan out your renovation and make a few key decisions.

Often homeowners will get into their renovation and realise that there were decisions they should have made early on in the process that they overlooked. To help you be better prepared as you start your renovation, here are a few things you will need to consider.

Set a Realistic Budget

The first thing you should do as you begin to plan your renovation is to take a moment to sit down and make a budget. Figure out how much you are willing to, or can afford to spend on this renovation, and plan out where your money will go throughout the project. This will help to prevent you from making the mistake of blowing your entire budget on tiles and light fixtures, leaving you with an unfinished bathroom. Additionally, while you may have dreams of completely redesigning your bathroom layout, remember that it can be extremely expensive to move fixtures such as toilets, bathtubs, and sinks as you will have to run new supply lines for them. You should then consider early on whether you can realistically afford to move these items, or whether you can live with your bathroom's current layout. Planning more than one bathroom renovation? Here's how to stick to your budget.

Consider Lighting

The functionality, atmosphere, and aesthetics of a bathroom relies heavily on having proper lighting. You should then consider lighting early on in the process, as this will allow you to install the required wiring while everything is still torn up rather than attempting to do this later on. Consider in-ceiling lights for general lighting purposes, as well as task lighting such as sconces flanking your mirrors to help you get ready in the morning. Decide how much lighting you will need for your space before you begin demolition.

Make Sure You Have Enough Storage

You will also want to make sure that you incorporate enough storage into your bathroom redesign to realistically handle all of your products and accessories. If you do not plan enough storage into your design, your bathroom counter, and even your floors will quickly become cluttered with all the products you don't have room for. Consider adding cabinets and shelving if you have room, as this will help to keep your bathroom free of clutter. You should also consider adding built-in nooks into your shower/tub space, as this will help to keep your tub/shower organized.

Research Contractors

Perhaps the most important decision you will have to make is deciding what contractor you want to work with. It is important that you thoroughly research contractors in your area to find a reliable person you feel comfortable working with. Look for a company who has experience working on bathroom remodels, and request sample pictures of previous work to decide if they are a good match for your project. Once you have a list of potential contractors,
meeting with each one in person can help you to determine who you feel the most comfortable working with.

These are just a few of the things you should consider before beginning your bathroom renovation. Head over to Cook & Bathe for more renovation advice to ensure that your project goes as smoothly as possible.