Top 8 Things to Consider When Planning a Bathroom Remodel

So, you’re planning to update your bathroom. Maybe it’s been too long since you replaced the flooring, or you’re merely getting tired of the been-there-done-that style. Whatever your goals may be, the design and function of your bathroom are an essential component of your home. And, you’re likely going to spend enough time in there to get the most out of your remodel.

Regardless, although it’s a small space, updating a bathroom is not as easy as it may seem. Whether youre looking to remodel the entire area, update the look, or add more functionality to your bathroom, it’s an exciting and fun project. But, there are a few fundamental things you should consider before taking a sledgehammer to the shower tile. Believe it or not, bathroom remodels often come alongside plenty of unexpected problems. It may even cost more than you’ve set aside to make it happen.

To help you on your journey toward what might be your biggest DIY project yet, we’ve conjured up a list of eight of the most essential factors you should evaluate before diving into your bathroom remodel headfirst.

1. The Function

The intended use of your bathroom plays a considerable part in its design. Is the bathroom for personal use? Does the space need to accommodate guests? After all, the features you’ll want in your personal bathroom are much different than those you’ll need in a children’s bathroom. Whether you are remodeling a bathroom or designing one from the ground up, it is imperative to consider what people need when using the space. Consider the primary use of the room before beginning your design, so you can have a better idea of what your remodel will entail.

2. The Cost

Your neighbor might have finished their bathroom remodel for less than $5,000, but each space is unique, and each remodel will come with its own expenses. You never know what you’ll run into, whether it’s electrical issues or mold. Before jumping into your remodel, evaluate your finances and get a better idea of what is realistic for your particular space. Expenses can vary depending on the size of your bathroom, the quality of materials you choose, and whether you’ll need to hire a contractor. And, to be safe, it’s a good idea to plan on the cost of your bathroom update being more than you’ve set aside.

3. Plumbing

When it comes to plumbing, it’s far from uncommon to run into a range of problems that you were not expecting. Relying on plumbing is easy until something goes wrong. That said, things like leaky pipes, rust, old plumbing, water damage, etc., can lead to an expensive and troublesome renovation. It’s indispensable to keep the plumbing in the back of your mind, so any frustrating issues that might potentially arise dont leave you blindsided.

4. The Required Materials

It’s impossible to finish a remodel without the necessary materials. While you’ll likely run into something that you don’t have but need during the process, it can make a significant difference to list the essential materials that will help you complete the job before diving in. Materials include tools, tile adhesive, caulk, paint, gloves, safety goggles, silicone sealant, and much more. And, you’ll also need to consider the larger details that you’d like to update and whether you’ll need flooring, tile, countertops, and other essentials.

5. Updating Features

If your bathroom has been around for ages without undergoing any renovations, it might lack the technology and updated features that we have today. You’ll likely need to consider updated the lighting, amping up the wiring, installing proper ventilation, and other crucial aspects that will affect your bathroom’s functionality. And, whether you’re planning to live in the house for a while or put it on the market shortly, it’s important to choose features that will keep it up to date for years to come. Also consider adding useful features like cabinetry with plenty of storage, niches for toiletries, shelving, etc.

6. How the Remodel Will Affect Your Daily Life

Bathroom renovations are generally not short-lived. That said, it’s vital to plan for how the update will affect your schedule and your everyday life. If you’re tearing up your only bathroom, consider whether you should stay elsewhere during the process, so you’ll have access to a functional bathroom. Or, if you have a busy schedule for the next few months, it might be a good idea to push things out until you have more time to focus on the remodel. And, if your bathroom needs to be finished by a specific date, its convenient to plan enough time to allow for any unexpected hiccups.

7. Unexpected or Hidden Problems

You might be super excited about your new bathroom flooring or the updated showerhead. But, it’s easy to overlook the possibility of hidden problems that might lie beneath the surface. Whether you find walls that aren’t level, discover bad wiring, or run into poor plumbing that led to an unfortunate moisture problem, always expect the unexpected. It’s smart to plan for an additional 10 to 20 percent in expenses, extra time, and other possible renovation disruptions that you otherwise would have ignored.

8. A Universal Design

The average bathroom doesn’t always accommodate unique circumstances. If you’re planning on aging alongside your space or have a current situation that requires additional accessibility, take note of what your bathroom will need to allow for these cases. It might be useful to install slip-resistant flooring and grab bars that will offer additional safety for you or others with less physical ability. Or, it could be beneficial to shoot for more of a wet room style–a barrier-free shower flush with the floor, wider door frames, and lower sinks to accommodate wheelchairs and other conditions. Additionally, hand-held showerheads and easy-to-grip handles can be useful for people of all abilities.

Bottom Line

A bathroom remodel is nothing short of exciting, but there are plenty of factors that come into play during renovation. HGTV might not be behind the corner to ask for tips, so take note of these eight essentials to ensure that you’re ready to get to work.

But, if you get stuck, don’t stress it. Bathroom renovations can quickly turn from fun to troublesome. Fortunately, at Vinson Construction, our team of expert contractors offers full-service craftsmanship to help you design and implement your bathroom goals. We service the entire Sacramento area with your needs in mind—we’ll renovate your bathroom as if it’s our own and leave you with the ideal mini-vacation. Contact us today to request a quote!