How a Bathroom Renovation Can Add Value to Your Home

Adding new bathroom fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, and new storage options can add value to your home. These cosmetic changes are considered a remodel and do not require a permit.
A renovation involves more significant changes to your bathroom layout and will require a permit. Examples include converting a tub into a shower, moving the toilet, or increasing storage.
Budget
A bathroom renovation is an opportunity to make a visible difference in your home. While some costs are nonnegotiable, others can be reduced through choices and sweat equity.
Replacing flooring and paint are simple ways to freshen the look of a bath. Adding new lighting is another affordable way to transform the space.
The cost of a bathroom remodel varies widely depending on the scope of work and the materials you choose. Often, more extensive changes—such as moving an outlet or replacing a water heater—require permits and will increase labor costs.
Universal design upgrades—such as installing grab bars in the shower or a comfort-height toilet—require more sophisticated plumbing and electrical work that should be left to professionals.
Layout
Whether you’re building new or remodeling, the layout is one of the most important decisions to make. Keeping plumbing on the same wall, especially in guest bathrooms, is a cost-saving design. It keeps plumbing lines from running through load-bearing walls and saves the cost of rerouting.
A small bathroom layout that separates the sink from the toilet and tub/shower can give more privacy to users. It’s also a good solution for older homes that lack more than one sink.
Layout changes that alter the footprint of a bath include converting bathtubs into showers, moving the toilet, enlarging the shower, and adding more storage. These can require major alterations to wiring and plumbing.
Plumbing
For most bathroom renovations, a licensed plumbing contractor is needed to make sure all of the wet area elements like the tub/shower and sink(s) are properly installed or modified. This includes replacing or adding drains, faucets, and toilets.
Many cosmetic updates, such as a fresh coat of paint, are DIY-friendly and don’t require a professional. However, tiling is best left to professionals for obvious reasons.
A plumber can also provide helpful insight on layout and reconfiguration, including the location of pipes and fixtures. This helps reduce costs and headaches down the road. Some changes like moving plumbing or electrical may need a permit and should be checked with the city before proceeding.
Electrical
Lighting is a critical element in any bathroom, but especially one that gets more use than most. A good electrician should be involved early in the process to ensure that the right types and fixtures are placed where they’re needed.
Electrical and plumbing work are generally more extensive than cosmetic upgrades, and they may require a permit. Changing the layout or knocking down walls, rerouting lines, and installing a new tankless water heater all fall into this category. A remodel also requires a permit if the first four feet of drywall needs to be replaced for health and safety reasons. This includes homes built before 1979, which may have lead in the paint.
Lighting
Upgrading to new fixtures will also improve your bathroom’s energy efficiency. This means that you’ll be using less water and saving on your utilities bills.
Adding a skylight or adding more natural light can make a huge difference in your bathroom. These additions can be costly, but they are also a great way to increase the value of your home.
Layering lighting is important in bathrooms, and a well-lit room feels spacious. Consider installing recessed cans or wall sconces for overall illumination and accent lights to highlight features like art or mirrors. Many projects in the bathroom can be done by homeowners, but some tasks require a licensed professional.
Finishing
Once the major renovation tasks are complete, homeowners can choose to add finishing touches that give it a unique style. This is an exciting part of the process, and a great way to create a space that will be relaxing and enjoyable for years to come.
Decorative fabrics like bath mats, towels and window coverings can add color, texture and pattern to a room. Choosing fabric items that compliment the overall design theme of the bathroom is also important.
Upgrading the bathroom with a universal design is a great way to provide accessibility for all users of the space. This could be as simple as adding grab bars to the shower or a comfort-height toilet. This type of project will typically require a permit and should be completed by a licensed contractor.
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