Bathroom renovation is definitely a worthwhile investment if you want to get the most out of your home. There’s no need to spend thousands on remodeling when you can get a similar or even better result with a few weekends and some sweat equity. In fact, you can often do the job yourself and still save money.
First, start by cleaning up that mess. Don’t worry if your bathroom cabinets need a coat of paint or scrubbing. A little elbow grease will go a long way towards making your bathroom sparkle and shine. Before you get started, make a plan. If you have any design skills, you can draw up a floor plan and work from there.
Next, figure out what needs to be done in the bathroom and where. You should have an idea of how big the room needs to be. It’s usually a good idea to take measurements before starting anything, but if you don’t, visit a local home improvement store or call the manufacturer for help. Then you’ll have your basic layout down on paper and know where to begin.
Take stock of the area you have and how much space you have for renovating. This will guide you to figure out where you need to put things. Look at the largest area you have and judge if it’s possible to fit your furniture into the space. Sometimes it’s just impossible to move large pieces around in a small bathroom; in those cases, you may need to get creative.
Next, think about what you want to accomplish with the bathroom. Are you looking for a place to soak after a long day? Do you want a place to lower your feet or lay in the sun? These are questions you need to answer before you start working. You don’t want to get the design wrong; it’s too easy to change your mind once the bathroom is underway. So take your time and get it right from the beginning.
Once you know what you want to do in the bathroom, then you need to decide what you want to do with each room. What you want from the bathroom depends on what you need in there. Whether you’re replacing shower curtains or just installing a new bathtub, here are a few things you’ll need to know for every phase of the bathroom renovation project:
The toilet and vanity are the most obvious places to replace items, but bathrooms can get confusing. For example, is it more important to replace the toilet or the sink? Or maybe it’s a combination of the two. If you haven’t thought through your remodeling plans, contact a bathroom specialist or construction company to help. They will be able to help you decide what you need to do and how to implement your ideas into your new space.
Even if you don’t think you have the time, money or inclination to complete the bath renovation yourself, don’t worry. Many professional companies are available and can do most of the work. If this is a larger project that you need to tackle on your own, call in a contractor to do the heavy lifting for you. He’ll give you an accurate price quote and make sure you have all the pieces you need to complete your masterpiece!
The first item on your list is the bathtub. Your bathtub will dictate the style and layout of the rest of the space. You want the tub to be the centerpieces of the room, but you also need to choose the proper size. Take into account the number of people who will be using the bathroom and get the right size, that provides enough room for them all, without being too crowded.
Next up is the vanity. This will give you the opportunity to accessorize your bathroom with added touches. If you love a clean, minimalist look, then a pedestal sink will give your space the refined look you’re after. If you like a busy, bolder look, then go with a wall-mounted sink or a floor-to-ceiling fixture. Whichever you choose, be sure to pick one that blends in with the rest of the space and doesn’t look out of place.
Finally, take a close look at the tiles. Your bathroom is going to look empty without them; so don’t skimp on this important item! Find a tile that fits your design, your color scheme, and your budget, and you’ll have the washroom of your dreams!
