Whether your bathroom is outdated and in need of a facelift, or you want to revamp the entire space to better suit your needs, there are a number of factors to consider to ensure your project is a success. From logistics to the cosmetic, we’ll cover what you need to know to get the bathroom of your dreams.
Budget
How much money do you want to spend on this project? If you haven’t already, take a look at some of those items that you’re wanting to replace – toilet, sink, shower, tub, tile, fixtures – to get an idea of material cost.
Get out that measuring tape to see how much square footage you may be dealing with if you want to replace tile, whether it’s shower tile or floor tile or both. Check out different materials (example: marble, ceramic, porcelain) and their associated costs.
Setting a budget will help you prioritize your spending and ensure you don’t overspend on your bathroom renovation. Consider not only the material costs but also labor costs, permits, and any unexpected expenses that may arise during the renovation process. It’s a good idea to have a contingency fund for unexpected issues that might crop up.
Additionally, research and obtain quotes from contractors or professionals who will be involved in the renovation. This will give you a clearer picture of the total cost of your project. With a well-defined budget, you can make informed decisions and select the right materials that fit within your financial constraints. Remember that a well-planned budget will help you achieve the bathroom renovation you desire without breaking the bank.
Needs vs. Wants
If you’re working with a limited budget, write out a list of those features you feel are necessary in your bathroom remodeling project versus those that you’d like to have, but are willing to put aside if outside of your budget. Once you’ve found your qualified contractor, they can provide additional information and guidance on what features may add more value to your home, and how to accomplish your goals.
Your qualified contractor can be an invaluable resource in helping you make these decisions. They can provide insights into which features may add more value to your home and offer creative solutions to achieve your goals without overspending.
It’s essential to maintain open communication with your contractor throughout the project to ensure that your needs are met while staying within your budget. By carefully distinguishing between your needs and wants, you can create a realistic and cost-effective plan for your bathroom renovation.
How Do You Select Your Remodeling Contractor Then?
This may be the most important step in your bathroom remodel. When it comes time to select the contractor to handle your remodel, look for local experts and read through their Google reviews, as well as reputable review sites, like HomeAdvisor and Houzz. Review the company’s Website, as well as social media sites, such as Facebook and Instagram for more information and photos of their work.
Also make sure that the company you choose is licensed, bonded and insured. Licensing is important as it ensures your remodeling contractor will carry out the work in accordance with building codes and local regulations. A bonded and insured contractor will provide you with the most protection during the work on your bathroom remodel.
Meet with the prospective remodeler to discuss your project and your budget, as well as the projected timeline. Discuss your list of needs vs. wants, and see what options they provide to you. At the end of the day, it’s not only about the price quoted for your bathroom project, but also about your perception of the quality of their work, and their responsiveness, reliability and honesty.
How To Prepare
Now that you’ve selected your expert contractor, it’s time to select and order any necessary materials (e.g., tile, grout, countertop, fixtures). This is where the expertise of your selected bathroom contractor will come in handy, as they can help you find the best source for the right materials for your project.
Once you have a start date determined, based on the arrival of your materials, you can plan to start clearing out your bathroom. If you don’t have another bathroom to relocate to during the remodeling, keep an open line of dialogue between you and your contractor to ensure your need for access is balanced with their construction needs.
Work Begins
Your selected bathroom remodeler should exercise great care in their work to protect your home as much as possible from the dust, dirt and use of equipment required for both the demo and the rebuild. Make sure you’ve had a discussion about areas that are options for additional workspace should it be needed, so they can ensure that space (and everything in between) is protected.
Depending on the scope of your project, the estimated timeline for your bathroom remodel will vary. Keep in mind that your remodeling contractor and their crew rely upon supply-chain management, and may be subject to delays that are out of their control. Having chosen a reliable and communicative remodeler, you should be kept up to date on progress and any issues.
Final Review
This is the time when you walk through your remodeled bathroom with your contractor to ensure that everything is functioning (electrical, plumbing), that there are no nicks/chips on any surfaces, and the finished product meets your expectations. If you have any questions about your new fixtures/how they function, or how best to upkeep the materials you chose, now is the time to ask. Also verify any warranties provided by your remodeler.
Once you’ve determined that everything meets your satisfaction, congratulations, it’s time to begin enjoying your new bathroom!
If you have any questions about this process or are looking for an expert remodeler for your own bathroom project, please feel free to reach out to us.
