Your bathroom may be among the smallest rooms in your house, but that doesn’t mean planning a bathroom remodel is simple. Further, bathrooms are the second most challenging room in the house to remodel after the kitchen.
Plenty of unique factors come into play while remodeling a bathroom. Besides, it is essential to consider the primary function of the bathroom (master or guest bathroom), who uses the bathroom (including their ages), specific needs such as stabilizer bars in the bath or shower, and how to maximize storage space.
Moreover, you will make important decisions about paint color, flooring, lighting, countertops, sinks, bath, shower, toilet, and fixtures. Thinking about what you really want and need from your bathroom remodel takes a little effort. However, considering that time between remodels is usually 10-20 years or longer, it simply makes sense to plan your bathroom remodeling project as effectively as possible.
How Extensive Do You Want Your Bathroom Remodel to Be?
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The first thing to consider while planning a bathroom remodel is the overall picture or the scope of the project. Bathroom remodels are usually classified into three categories: minor, mid-scale, and major bathroom remodel.
Once you’ve decided on a comprehensive plan, think about the timeframe for the bathroom remodeling project and determine if the whole plan fits your needs or not.
Surface Modifications
On the low verge of the spectrum, you may like to preserve the basic layout and volume of the bathroom, and the surfaces (walls, roof, and floor) are in decent shape.
For a minor, surface-level bathroom remodel, the aim is to cover and not remove. The focus is more on patching a few dated elements without attempting anything drastic.
Remove Everything and Start Over
This level of remodeling keeps your previous bathroom layout and fixture placement while gutting the space to the studs and installing all-new plumbing fixtures, vanity, flooring, and lighting. You could also make minor changes to the wiring, but nothing significant.
Change the Layout
Changing the bathroom layout entails more than just gutting the room and rearranging the fixtures. Structure alterations, such as shifting or removing walls, pushing out an outer wall, or changing the ceiling or roof, are among the most extensive remodels.
The purpose is usually to expand the bathroom or transform a guest bathroom into a master bath. Further, it involves changes in equipment such as the tub, toilet, or sink. Wiring adjustments and entire fixture replacement are common additions to layout changes.
How Much Will a Bathroom Remodel Cost?
The cost of remodeling a bathroom varies greatly, but it is always expensive. A basic makeover of the surfaces and accessories can easily run into thousands of dollars, usually between $10,000 and $12,000.
In contrast, a typical mid-level remodel with complete fixtures replacement costs around $15,000 to $18,000.
However, a full bathroom remodel might cost anything from $30,000 to $100,000. Although most bathrooms are usually of smaller dimensions, the high cost is due to the extensive amount of subcontracting (i.e., plumbers and electricians) and the costly elements needed (fixtures, cabinetry, etc.).
Should You Renovate Your Bathroom Yourself or Hire Experts?
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At this point, you must assess the project and determine if you want to complete it yourself or engage a professional. A major reason behind doing the remodel yourself is if you want to save on bathroom remodel costs. You should be able to redesign the bathroom yourself if you are motivated and only want to make minor changes to the surface.
Not every job is the same. A new toilet is straightforward to install; however, tiling a new shower should be best left to the professionals.
Determine which aspect of the bathroom remodel you should take on yourself and which you should leave to the specialists. If you decide to engage a professional, one of the first things you should do is check to see if they are fully licensed.
Also, go through the previous works of the contractor you wish to hire. Additionally, it would be best if you take quotes from multiple contractors or remodeling companies. It will help you hire the best contractor for your bathroom remodel project.
How Much Time Will a Bathroom Remodel Take?
The length of the bathroom remodel largely depends on the extent of the project. Here is a breakdown of the time frame for various bathroom elements:
Install the Bathtub or Shower
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Installing the shower, bathtub, or shower-tub combo is the largest sub-project within the broader bathroom remodeling project.
If you’re installing a prefabricated shower or tub, the process normally takes only a few days. When working with tiles, the project can last many days or even a week to allow the tile to cure in stages.
Painting
Next comes the painting part. As the bathroom walls are exposed, and most of the major elements are still missing, this is the best time to paint them.
You can also paint your bathroom walls in satin or semi-gloss paint to protect them against moisture. Further, the painting will take anywhere between two to three days during your bathroom remodel.
Cover the Bathroom Floor
The flooring of the bathroom plays a key role in planning a bathroom remodel. For flooring, there are several options available. Depending on your budget, you can go with any material, from cheap subway tiles to premium natural stones.
The bathroom’s flooring depends on the total area to be covered, but you should count at least a week for the work to finish.
Installation of Countertops, Cabinets, and Sinks
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Bathroom activity revolves around the bathroom counter and base cupboards, as well as the installed sink. Therefore, taking your time and even spending a bit extra for this region is worthwhile.
Quartz, natural stone, and solid surface are some popular choices for premium countertops. A vanity cabinet for storage could be located below the countertop. If you don’t have enough room for a vanity cabinet, try installing a pedestal sink instead. Count anywhere between seven to ten days for installation of these elements.
Additional Tips to Planning a Bathroom Remodel
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Use Monochromatic Colors
To reflect light in the room, choose light monochromatic hues and tiles from floor to ceiling. Install a glass shower door and use high-gloss paint to achieve the same effect.
The use of neutral and light hues will make your bathroom appear larger and more noticeable. You may also add a light and dark color scheme to your bathroom to make it appear larger.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Excess moisture might cause issues such as slick flooring. As a result, strategically placed built-in fans can aid in the removal of moisture, keeping the space clean and dry.