How to get the most out of your bathroom renovation
It's the beginning of the year, and many people are planning to remodel their bathrooms, so we put together this guide to show you how it's done. You'll find all the information needed for a successful renovation from start to finish and even some design ideas for those looking! Find out where to find the best components, learn which type of material holds up better over time, everything there is to know before starting your renovation. Keep reading because I'm sharing all my secrets about remodeling your bathroom. Yep, even what it costs.
PLAN YOUR RENOVATION CAREFULLY
Plan everything out in advance. This includes the layout of the room, the type and placement of fixtures, and the materials you'll use. A good contractor will lead you in the right direction. They should help you understand what is possible, what type of materials will be needed, and make sure you don't miss anything.
Once you've made all your plans, you can finalize your budget. Avoid making changes once construction has started. If you decide to change your mind in the middle of the project, it's ok, your contractor should be very flexible in helping you achieve your new goal, but it could mean additional labor costs; therefore, the price may need to be adjusted. As long as everyone can be flexible, changes to the plan will be a breeze.
CHOOSE HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS THAT WILL LAST
This is especially important for bathrooms, which can take much abuse over time. If you're working with a contractor, they should be able to tell you the best places in Birmingham to shop so you'll find high-quality tile, paint, vanities, and fixtures. We recommend Alabama Cabinets for vanities and the V&W Showroom for tubs, sinks, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures.
A good bathroom vanity is functional, provides storage, and has a timeless design. It's also essential to look for vanities made from all-plywood construction and avoid cabinets made of pressboard which can easily break down in a high humidity environment like a steamy bathroom.
A good toilet will be stylish and powerful enough to flush everything down. No one likes a commode that must be flushed several times to get the job done.
A good faucet will have a full metal body. Some of the inside components will be made of plastic or nylon, which is fine but avoid any plastic body fixtures.
Avoid going to tile superstores with exceptionally cheap tile. There's a reason it's so cheap. Tiles at these places usually don't make the first cut on quality control which can lead to imperfect and crooked grout lines. Robert F. Henry is a great place to find high-quality tile. They're located in downtown Birmingham, AL.
Be sure to get good paint. High-quality paint costs about $15 to $20 more a gallon but will perform much better and last much longer. Check out our painting article to find out the best colors to use in 2022
DON'T BE AFRAID TO GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR DESIGN
There are many ways to make a bathroom look stylish and luxurious. A good start is to pick your color palette. Once you have an idea of what your walls will look like, you can start making other design choices like tile and fixtures.
There are many places to find bathroom design ideas. Some people look online on sites like Instagram by searching hashtags like #BathroomDesign or #GreenBathrooms, in magazines like Birmingham Home & Garden, or even in other people's homes for inspiration. Going to the Birmingham Parade of Homes or the Birmingham Home Show is also a great way to get inspired. It's essential to focus on your taste, style, room size, and layout when gathering ideas. If you see a bathroom you like, save the picture and note the specific elements you want to incorporate into your design. Creating a vision board can be a huge help when describing your goals to a contractor.
ASK FOR HELP IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO SOMETHING
Many people are asking the same question. Should I remodel my bathroom myself or hire a contractor? Well, the answer depends on a few factors.
Some people are handy and enjoy doing home renovations themselves. If you're one of those people, it can be a great way to save money on the remodel cost because the labor cost is one of the main elements of a contractor's quote. However, it's critical to be realistic about your skills and what you can accomplish yourself. There's a lot that goes into a successful bathroom remodel. You'll need to be skilled at
Demo and proper disposal
Framing and structural support
Mechanical rough-ins like Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC.
Sheetrock hanging and finishing
Installing doors and trim
Painting
Shower pan installation and proper leak testing
Concrete pouring with the appropriate slope for the shower floor
Tile installation
Cabinet installation
Installing the final fixtures like faucets, toilets, and shower trim
Shower glass installation
If you're not confident in your ability to do the work yourself, it's best to hire a contractor even if you only need them to complete a few of the phases. They'll have the experience and expertise to get the job done right, and they'll likely be more affordable than trying to do it all yourself. Plus, it will be their responsibility to make it right if done improperly.
MAKE SURE THE BATHROOM IS FUNCTIONAL FOR YOUR NEEDS
So many people make the mistake of overlooking this detail. When designing your bathroom, it's necessary to consider all of your needs. Don't forget about things like storage, lighting, and ventilation.
Storage is critical, especially if you have a small bathroom. You'll want to choose cabinets and shelves that offer plenty of storage space. Be sure to include a vanity cabinet with lots of drawers, and a medicine cabinet is always handy if you can incorporate it into your design.
You'll want to choose fixtures that provide good task lighting. A ceiling light is usually the best option. Make sure there is enough ambient light in the room so that it's not too dark. Our rule of thumb is to provide multiple light sources - from can lights on the ceiling to vanity lights on the wall. Too much light in the bathroom isn't a thing. If separate switches turn on the ceiling lights and wall lights, you can choose the perfect amount of light for every situation.
Ventilation is also imperative. Not only is it a code requirement, but you'll be glad it's there when trying to remove all the steam after your shower. Choose a ventilation fan that can adequately remove all the moisture. We recommend using a can light style fan. A can-fan combo gives you all the ventilation you need but looks like the rest of the lighting on the ceiling.
Pro Tip: Install the light on the same circuit as the rest of the ceiling lights and install the fan on a separate switch. It's always nice to turn the fan off once the humidity in the room normalizes.
BE PREPARED TO MAKE DECISIONS
Renovations can be time-consuming, so have a clear idea of what you want. Even if you think you have planned everything for your bathroom remodel, there may be a surprise that changes a minor detail. For example, the plumbing may be different from what was expected, requiring a change in the design or causing a fixture to be reordered. Be prepared to make last-minute decisions quickly so that the remodel can continue smoothly. A good contractor will communicate openly about these things and remain flexible in helping you achieve your bathroom vision. They should recommend options to point you in the right direction.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE LITTLE DETAILS
Most people forget about the little details that give every bathroom its finished look.
Robe hooks
Towel bars
Towel rings
Toilet paper holders
Mirrors
Artwork
Any other decor you like to complete the design.
Also, adding a tile backsplash or putting up some new wallpaper can make a difference.
