What You Need to Know About a Bathroom Remodel

A well-designed bathroom remodel can add both beauty and value to your home. It’s important to keep a firm budget in mind, however, as there are some costs that are nonnegotiable, like labor and permit fees.

Some tasks you can do yourself, such as painting, but others, such as installing a new shower, should be left to professionals.

Layout

Getting the layout right is key to a successful bathroom remodel. Moving tubs, showers, and toilets is expensive and if you’re building new it will require rerouting plumbing pipes.

The best bathroom floor plans leave room for all the basics, while limiting the amount of wall space that holds plumbing. A single wall design is simple and saves labor costs, but can limit your choices if you want to add extra storage.

Leigh Lincoln of Pure Salt Interiors used thoughtful spacing to create space for two vanities, a soaking tub, and a shower in this primary bathroom. The result is a beautiful and functional space that feels spacious and luxurious.

Plumbing

The plumbing is one of the most significant expenses involved in a bathroom remodel. The plumbers will need to install new pipes for the new sink, tub and shower and connect these to the existing water supply lines.

The plumbers will also need to install drain stubouts for the faucet and toilet, mount the toilet flange and run water and drain supply lines to these fixtures. They may need to conceal some of the pipe behind the wall or in the floor, depending on the final layout.

Some projects require the plumbers to replace old galvanized steel or cast iron plumbing pipes. This can significantly increase the costs of the remodel.

Electrical

The bathroom is a place where water and electricity meet, so it requires specialized wiring. The best way to ensure that your remodeled bathroom meets code requirements is to have a professional electrician manage the work.

This includes things like installing a new 20-amp receptacle circuit for plug-in appliances, or upgrading the existing ones to include GFCI and AFCI protection. It also includes making sure that light switches are located outside of shower and tub areas, to avoid potential fire hazards.

For more extensive remodels, such as changing the layout or adding a tub, it may be necessary to get permits and building board approvals. This step can add to the overall project time and cost.

Flooring

Changing the flooring is a big part of any bathroom remodel. It’s an opportunity to experiment with pattern tile or go bold for a dramatic style.

Waterproof vinyl is available in long planks that resemble wood and square tiles for a stone-look. These floors are easy to clean and resist mildew and mold.

Laminate is another affordable option that looks like wood or tile. It’s easy to install yourself but requires a proper underlayment and vapor barrier to prevent moisture damage.

Cabinetry

If your bathroom cabinets are old and outdated, replacing them will give the room a major upgrade. From a simple painted vanity to wall-mounted, floating cabinetry, you have plenty of options for your new bathroom cabinets.

Storage for makeup, linens and cleaning products is essential in the bathroom. Adding more shelves and drawers will keep clutter off your countertops, freeing up space for accessories and other necessities.

Stock cabinetry is cheaper than custom designs, but offers less variety of styles and finishes. Stainless steel cabinets cost more but pair well with modern design schemes.

Lighting

If the only light in your bathroom comes from a fixture over the vanity, you’re missing a big opportunity to make your space feel more luxurious. Add ambient lighting fixtures and a powerful exhaust fan to better remove moisture and make your room more inviting.

A tile professional can lay down a shower or tub floor that stands up to water, traffic and the general wear and tear your bathroom gets over time. They can also help you choose a primary color and texture for the walls and trim.

Accessories

Bathroom remodeling is a cosmetic upgrade that includes various accessories. It is different from renovation in that it doesn’t involve reworking the structure or layout of a room.

Accessory choices make all the difference. Paint is an important component of any remodel and can add high value to your home.

Choose a color that fits your style and matches the rest of your home’s decor. Other accessories include storage solutions like floating shelves and floor or wall-mounted cabinets. Hanging baskets for bath towels, a hamper for dirty clothes and a stylish trashcan help keep your space organized.

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