Bathroom remodels are tricky. They’re usually awkwardly shaped and have limited space to work with. Not to forget that there is complicated plumbing and electrical work involved. Before you start, you should always read about the best bathroom remodel tips.
Before you move ahead with your bathroom remodel, you need to take cognizance of some tips and ideas.
Even for expert remodelers, bathroom remodeling can often pose a challenge. Here are some tips to help you get started on your bathroom remodel.
1.   Start With a Wish List
Before you start with the remodel, analyze your current bathroom. It’s crucial that you understand what needs to be changed and what doesn’t. After this, you also need to finalize the layout of the bathroom.
When it comes to the layout, it is important that you do not make any unnecessary changes. Moving fixtures like the toilet and sink is an expensive and tedious affair because of the complicated piping and labor work involved.
2.   Set a Budget
Before you dive into remodeling your bathroom, you need to set a fixed budget. It doesn’t matter whether you’re gutting the entire bathroom or simply changing the hardware. You should have a set budget for the remodel before the process begins.
Tip: Set 20% aside for emergency expenses. Bathrooms are prone to extensive damage. Unfortunately, they reveal themselves later in the remodeling process. At that point in time, you do not want to search for additional money.
3.   Reach Out to an Expert
Whether it is a minor remodel or a DIY project, make sure that you enlist the help of an expert. As mentioned earlier, bathrooms are fairly technical. You have your plumbing and electrical work to consider. Hence, you should run your plans by an expert to cover your bases.
4.   Use Your Money Wisely
There are plenty of ways your budget can be used. The only question is: how do you plan on using it?
Making smart monetary choices is crucial when it comes to remodeling your bathroom. The wall you want to break down? It has complex plumbing behind it. Working with plumbing equals a higher budget. Sometimes, you might have to sacrifice some design choices for the sake of your wallet.
However, there are times when you must spend freely. Spending money on fixtures like bathtubs, sinks and other long-standing items is always a good idea. These are elements where you don’t want to compromise. This is one of the most critical bathroom remodel tips.
5.   Make Smart Decisions
Every remodeling project has a certain ROI. Coincidentally, the ROI on bathroom remodeling is among the highest. The way in which you approach the remodeling should be based on the timeline of your house as well.
For instance, if you plan to put the house on the market in five years or less, you should remodel the bathroom based on a buyer’s perspective. However, if you plan on staying for longer, the bathroom should be designed for your personal taste and value.
The reason to do this is that trends tend to stay for a shorter period of time. Hence , any design choices you make will fetch you a higher ROI in the coming five years as compared to seven or ten years down the line.
6.   Don’t Forget About Storage
Even though storage is essential, it is often overlooked and understated during the remodeling process. Do not underestimate the importance of planning storage options for your bathroom. Instead of keeping it as an afterthought, consider a more proactive approach.
Finding the right bathroom storage options takes time, patience, and space as well. You have to make sure that you make sound storage choices. If your budget and space allow, you can also break down walls to create a storage nook. Similarly, if you don’t have space, you might need to consider recessed shelving.
7.   Remember Sweat Equity
Even though your bathroom is a complicated space, do not underestimate the value of sweat equity. Granted, you cannot move fixtures or replace plumbing. However, there are many tasks that do not require expensive labor.
For instance, you can paint cabinets, replace vanities, and do some light demolition work by yourself. Even the smallest of tasks will end up saving you a considerable amount of money in the long run.
8.   Keep It Simple
Sometimes, simplicity pays off better than you can imagine. Bathroom remodels can get expensive quickly. However, if you stick to simple and clean design choices, you will not have any issues.
Steer clear from non-essential changes, ornate moldings, and detailing. In the end, functionality triumphs design. If your budget allows, splurge on the essentials. Spending money on high-end variants of fixtures pays off more than spending money on minor design elements.
The simple design allows you to stick to your budget and provides you with more bang for your buck in the long run.
9.   Hire Wisely
Before you decide on a contractor, consider asking around. Talking to multiple contractors will give you a better idea about the market cost for your remodel. This will help you make the right choice. Remember, cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean better. It’s wise to stick to the mid-range to get the best value in terms of contractor pricing and reliability.
Similarly, when it comes to hiring plumbers, electricians, designers, etc. check their credentials wisely. Avoid working with unlicensed tradespeople and stick to those who do not hesitate from signing a contract.
Remember, you are saving yourself from a lot of trouble by working with licensed tradespeople. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to working with such crucial aspects of your bathroom remodel.
In Conclusion
Remodeling your bathroom is an exciting yet daunting decision. Hence, these bathroom remodel tips will help you make sound decisions and provide you with the knowledge and help you need to ensure your bathroom remodeling process is quick and easy.
