The Dos and Don’ts of Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom remodeling is a popular home improvement project that can significantly enhance your home’s value and aesthetic appeal. However, avoiding common pitfalls requires careful planning and execution. Read through some dos and don’ts of bathroom remodeling to keep in mind when embarking on your bathroom remodeling journey.

The Dos of Bathroom Remodeling

Get Several Bids and Hire a Pro

Remodeling a bathroom yourself can seem easier, but doing so can be complicated in practice. Bathroom remodels involve carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, all of which require the expertise of a professional. They’ll know building code requirements, which walls are load-bearing, and how to cope with surprises from past renovations.

It’s not uncommon to discover, for example, that in the past, workers cut (and therefore weakened) floor joists in order to run plumbing pipes into an upstairs bathroom space. A pro will know what to do to keep your remodel moving while also fixing past mistakes that might make your bathroom unsafe.

Ask around for recommendations to find contractors who have completed successful projects for friends and family. Review their websites comprehensively, and narrow your list to three candidates.

It’s critically important to know what you want the end result to be so that you’re ready to tell a contractor what you want. Include the general price range of materials (low-end, moderate, or luxury) you want for each element of your new bathroom.

It’s unwise to give a specific upper limit number, in part because surprises always happen. Additionally, you can’t know the current costs for every fixture, knob, and towel rod or the contractor’s labor costs of installation.

But you should expect your contractor to explain all estimated costs, including where contractor discounts on materials appear and what aspects of the project your money will go to. That way, you can plan for contingencies and adjust your expectations if a “moderate” range estimate comes in too high for your budget.

An expert contractor will submit a detailed bid, including a schedule of allowances for materials, fixtures, and estimated labor costs within the range you identified.

Don’t reflexively choose the lowest bid; instead, check references carefully to get a sense of what it would be like to work with each contractor. Are they responsive? Do they return calls promptly? Do their workers and subcontractors show up on time? Did they keep the worksite clean and respect the private areas of your home?

Additionally, you want to inquire about how they obtain discounts for materials such as tile, tubs, sinks, and plumbing fixtures. Listen to your gut about whether a contractor “clicks” with you and whether you could see that person working in your home for several weeks or even months.

Have a Detailed Plan

Before you start any work, discuss a detailed plan with your contractor. Is the style of the tile critically important to you? Or is your non-negotiable item an oversized tub with a ledge that allows you to create a spa experience with candles and a bucket of champagne?

You may simply be looking to update a tired look, and as long as you can do that at a reasonable cost, you’ll be happy. Just be sure to communicate your vision clearly.

Prepare for Surprises

Cost overruns are a common issue in remodeling projects. To avoid this, set a realistic budget that includes at least a 20 percent contingency for unexpected costs. Before you accept a bid, be sure to factor in the cost of labor, materials, fixtures, and any permits or inspections required.

Consider Functionality and Efficiency

While aesthetics are important, your bathroom also needs to be functional and efficient. Consider factors such as storage space, water efficiency, and ease of cleaning when choosing your design, materials, and fixtures.

Think about how many people will use your bathroom regularly, how they’ll store their personal care products, and where you’ll hang towels. Wall-mounted cabinets can provide extra storage without taking up floor space. Lighting should be bright enough to do your make-up or shave, or you can opt for a gentler glow that contributes to a calm atmosphere.

The Don’ts of Bathroom Remodeling

Neglecting Ventilation

Good ventilation is crucial for preventing mold and mildew growth in a bathroom. Don’t overlook this aspect of your remodel. If your bathroom doesn’t already have a ventilation fan or if it’s not adequate for the size of the room, be sure to include one in your remodeling plan.

Inadequate Lighting

Lighting is often an afterthought in bathroom remodels, but it shouldn’t be. Good lighting is essential for many hygiene tasks. Consider incorporating layered lighting into your design, such as ambient lighting for general illumination, task lighting for specific purposes, and accent lighting to highlight design elements.

Cutting Corners on Materials

While it might be tempting to save money by choosing cheaper materials, these materials can end up costing more in the long run. Invest in high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the constant moisture and heavy use bathrooms typically endure.

Rushing the Process

Remodeling a bathroom takes time. Rushing the process can lead to mistakes or shoddy workmanship. Be patient, and assume that delays will happen. Weather or supply chain delays can disrupt scheduled work, holidays can cause delays, and correcting past anomalies uncovered during the process can extend the time to completion.

Forgetting the Future

Are you planning to expand your family or age in place when your nest is empty? Think about what the future will look like in your home and how your bathroom remodel can accommodate things that change over time.

The concept of universal design takes into account accessibility for people of all ages and abilities. Even if it’s not yet time to install grab bars and a shower bench, the structure should leave opportunities for those modifications in the future.

The Advantages of Comprehensive Planning and Expert Design

By thinking ahead, considering the dos and don’ts of bathroom remodeling, and expecting the temporary inconvenience of the remodeling process, you can ensure that your project is a success. Your choice of contractor is likely to be the most important decision you make, so don’t rush the process, and make sure you check references thoroughly. That way, your path to a beautiful, comfortable, and functional bathroom that you’ll enjoy for many years to come will be as smooth as possible for the duration of the project.

Remember, the key to a successful remodel is careful planning, patience, and a focus on quality and functionality. For Winston-Salem bathroom remodeling, contact Reece Builders for responsive service and high-quality work.