Though your bathroom may not be the first stop in a house tour, that’s no reason to understate its appeal. No longer just hidden away for practical use, the modern bathroom as we know it is a place where you can pamper yourself and relax all in one. You don’t need to move houses to get the bathroom of your dream. Doing a bathroom renovation can take your current bathroom and, in a few precisely planned steps and preparations, enhance its functionality, update its look and raise its status to a room worthy of showing off.
Budget
Before beginning any physical work, it’s important to set a budget. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and work backwards from there, factoring in essential costs like materials, fixtures, etc. By doing this, you’ll get a better sense of the scope of the project and just how extravagant you can be with it.
Measurements
Bathrooms typically tend to be the smallest rooms in the house, which means you have to use the space precisely. Measuring your bathroom first will help you get an idea of what renovations will be possible and will help when shopping for materials, determining storage capacity, and more.
Key Priorities
Once your bathroom is measured, you will need to assess your needs and determine what features will be necessary for your finished space. It is helpful to determine who the bathroom will be primarily utilized by. For example, a guest bathroom that will only be used occasionally won’t require all the bells and whistles. Similarly, if it’s for your master bedroom en-suite, you may want a space where you can pamper yourself. It is also important to consider things like special accessibility fixtures and requirements for those that lack mobility.
Layout
Once it’s time to design a layout or floor plan, there are a few factors to keep in mind. It’s more cost effective to keep plumbing and fixtures where they are rather than moving them to a new spot. If you choose to make plumbing changes, the project may become more costly. If these reworkings are necessary for your project, your bathroom measurements will be key here as well.
For most bathrooms, you will want to factor in the big features first:
- Shower – In most small bathrooms, a shower stall will be a practical solution. Larger spaces will have the luxury of accommodating a shower/bath combination.
- Sink/Vanity – A single basin will be sufficient in guest bathrooms but if you are refurbishing an en-suite, you may wish to include a pair of sinks and vanity if you have the space.
Fixtures, Fittings and More
After assessing your necessities, you can begin to think about the little things that will help make your space unique. These things include hardware and fittings, floor and/or shower tile and lighting possibilities. Each design aspect can change the look and feel of your space and help to update it with a more modern aesthetic. You can view an extensive selection of these items at our three conveniently-located Kitchen & Bath Design Centers.
Design Style
For many, the most enjoyable part of bathroom renovations will be choosing a design or theme and decorating the space. This is your opportunity to get inspired and add a personal touch the project. Beyond paint colors and tile selections, it can be helpful to consider things like hand towels or artwork that you already own and use those as a starting point for your design.
Ventilation
In a room with as much water and steam as a bathroom, incorporating ventilation in your renovation plans is key to ensuring the integrity of the space remains, even after a hot shower. Opening windows regularly can be helpful if available, but in a windowless bathroom, ceiling exhaust fans will mitigate dampness and help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Proper ventilation will also help prevent the warping and decay of wood and saturation of insulation, so the space not only continues to look nice but stays safe as well.
Professional Assistance
Bathroom renovations may initially seem like an overwhelming task, but with a little help from our professional Cabinet World staff, the job can be done well and within your budget. Even if you plan to manage the project yourself, a free consultation with us can make the process more efficient and affordable.
Whether your bathroom is big or small, a renovation can take it to the next level to meet your every need. When you consider these factors before you begin, your project will be set up for success.
