A bathroom remodel is a major undertaking. But with careful planning, you can make sure your bathroom turns out just the way you want it to—and save yourself time and money along the way. Here are some bathroom remodeling tips to keep in mind while planning your project.
How to Remodel a Bathroom
Consider Your Priorities
Before starting any remodeling project, it's important to sit down and think about your priorities. What do you need from your new bathroom? Is low maintenance more important than luxury? Are you looking for extra storage? Or do you prioritize eco-friendly features? Once you know what's important to you, making decisions about materials, fixtures, and features will be easier.
Find Inspiration
You wouldn't start building a new home without first doing some research and gathering inspiration, so don't try to remodel your bathroom without browsing online resources or visiting showrooms first. Look at examples of other bathrooms to get ideas for layouts, materials, colors, finishes, and more. This will help you create a vision for your own space that you can share with your contractor or design team.
Decide If You’re Going to DIY or Hire a Contractor
Some projects are DIY bathroom remodel-friendly, while others require a professional's expertise. For example, if you want to update your bathroom flooring, you may be able to install new tiles yourself—but you'll probably need to hire a plumber to add a new sink or toilet. It's important to consider your skills and budget before deciding whether to DIY or hire a contractor for your project.
Make a Plan
Once you know whether you’re going to tackle the project yourself or hire someone, it’s time to start planning. If you’re doing it yourself, this is when you’ll finalize your design and create a budget. If you’re hiring someone, this is when you’ll interview contractors and get estimates.
Prepare for the Demolition
Make sure you prepare for any demolition by clearing out valuables from the space and removing any items that are difficult (or dangerous) to move. To ensure that your new space turns out just the way you want it, thoroughly remove existing fixtures and materials. Other important steps to take during the demolition phase include:
- Setting up dust barriers.
- Disposing of old materials properly.
- Protecting any surfaces that won't be affected by the renovation project.
The mental aspect of the demolition phase is often overlooked, but taking the time to prepare your mind for this transitional period can be extremely helpful. This means understanding that there will be a lot of noise, dust, and general disruption during the demolition phase—so make sure you're able to focus on the big picture and stay motivated during the process.
Get an Accurate Cost Estimate and Stick to Your Budget
Expenses are always important to consider when embarking on any home improvement project. Before starting any work, get multiple quotes from contractors so that you can compare prices and get the best deal. As a general rule of thumb, keep in mind that the average cost of a bathroom remodel can range anywhere from $2,000 to $18,000. Of course, this will vary widely depending on the size and scope of your project as well as the quality of materials used.
It's important to set a budget and stick to it. Make sure to factor in all costs, from materials and labor to any additional costs such as permits. Also, be sure to leave some wiggle room in your budget for unexpected expenses.
Know When to Start Your Project
There’s never a perfect time to start a bathroom remodel, but there are some things to remember when deciding when to start your project. If you live in an area with long winters, for example, starting your project in the fall or winter might not be ideal because of the weather conditions. And if you have small children or pets, conducting work while they're out of the house might be best so they're not disrupted by the noise and commotion.