A sleek, updated bathroom can add resale value to your home. It can also protect the health and well-being of your family.
Remodels that involve expanding or significantly changing your bathroom’s floor plan require a permit and more extensive construction costs. These may include transferring or redrilling joists, insulation, and drywall.
The layout of your bathroom is one of the most important aspects when considering a remodel. If you get this wrong, the room can feel cramped and unusable. The good news is that you don’t have to tear down walls or add a new room to get a better bathroom layout. Instead, the term bathroom remodeling refers to changes that affect the style, layout and overall appearance. This includes reviving existing features with different hardware materials, colors and styles or adding in new storage.
A common bathroom layout has the toilet and tub/shower lined up on one wall with a sink on the opposite side. This layout is efficient in a small space and saves on plumbing costs. However, it is not ideal if you are planning to have a door that opens into the shower.
Alternatively, you can move the sink to the corner of the room and place the toilet across from it. This layout is ideal for a full bath and allows the toilet and sink to frame a large window.
Natural light in a bathroom is important for many reasons, so consider positioning an essential piece such as the basin near the window. This is a great idea for a master bathroom layout or even for guest bathrooms. Having a window in the bathroom also helps to bring in more fresh air and can help reduce your energy costs as you use less artificial lighting.
Plumbing
Many homeowners have a vision of their perfect bathroom. But when it comes to implementing this vision, it is important to hire the right contractor to ensure that all aspects of the project are completed according to plan.
Remodeling involves a wide range of work that can impact your home’s plumbing and electrical systems. It is best to hire a professional to handle these changes, as they will know how to properly install new fixtures and materials to avoid issues down the road.
The right contractor will also be familiar with various remodeling techniques and products. They will be able to recommend the best options for your bathroom, based on your preferences and budget. They will also be able to assist you with selecting and purchasing all the necessary materials for your project.
Depending on the complexity of your bathroom renovation, you may need to apply for permits. This will require you to be patient and wait for the approval process. However, this is necessary to ensure that the work done is in compliance with local codes and regulations.
It is also a good idea to consider the accessibility of your bathroom during this time. Installing grab bars and non-slip flooring is a simple but effective way to improve the safety of your home. This will make your bathroom more user-friendly and increase its value in the real estate market.
Electrical
When a bathroom remodel involves changing the look and layout, the contractor will need to do some electrical work. This could include wiring new light fixtures, receptacles (outlets), and switches. The contractor will also need to connect the shower stall, toilet, and vanity to the plumbing and electrical systems.
The lighting in your bathroom is important for both its appearance and functionality. The right lighting will help the room feel bigger, highlighting features and creating a sense of depth in the space. It will also make the space more pleasant to use, as well as boosting resale value.
There are certain lighting requirements that your local code enforces. For example, the lighting circuit must have enough power to run an overhead light and exhaust fan. This should be a 20-amp circuit, and the receptacles must offer GFCI or AFCI protection.
Other electrical requirements in a bathroom include the use of wire connectors (also called twist-on connectors, ring terminals, or cone connectors) to secure the connections between cables and to keep them from touching each other. You will also need to use a big tool kit with pliers that can bend, hold, grab, and cut wires.
You should always consider whether the work you’re planning is a renovation or remodel, and consult a licensed professional to ensure that the changes meet your needs and local code requirements. Many states have laws requiring that certain types of work be done by a licensed professional and may require that your contractor pull a permit before beginning the project.
Flooring
Floors are a big design element that can pull together or detract from the look of a room. While some spaces require more complex flooring choices, a sleek, updated bathroom is one space where the right floors can instantly add value.
Hard-wearing, slip-resistant tile is a smart choice for bathrooms because of its durability and ease of cleaning. A variety of finishes and colors provide plenty of design options to suit your style.
Vinyl, or luxury vinyl tile (LVT), offers a waterproof option that’s easy to clean and can mimic the look of stone and wood. It’s available in planks or square tiles and is also less expensive than the natural products it’s designed to resemble.
Natural stone tile is another good choice, offering the same benefits of durability and a variety of naturally-occurring color and pattern options as ceramic or porcelain. It’s usually offered in a mesh-backed form to help reduce seams where water could slip underneath and cause bubbles or mildew.
Carpeting is an alternative, but it should be carefully considered because of the wet conditions in bathrooms. If you opt for carpet, look for loop or needle-punch styles that are designed to stand up to high traffic and moisture. Also consider installing a vapor barrier to protect your flooring and walls.
Cabinets
Cabinets might not seem like a high priority in a bathroom, but they make the biggest difference when it comes to organization. Think about the ways you store your toiletries, grooming tools, and cleaning products, then design a system that keeps them easily accessible in a well-organized way. Open basket cubbies are great for storing items that don’t fit into drawers, while tall cabinet shelves provide easy access to bottles of cleaner and other bulky items.
When it’s time to pick the cabinets for your new bathroom, consider both freestanding and built-in options. Both offer different benefits, depending on the size of your space and budget.
If you want a traditional look, opt for shaker-style doors with a wood finish to match your vanity. You can also choose slab cabinetry for a sleek minimalist look that lets statement pieces, like unique cabinet hardware or beautiful stone countertops, shine.
Laminate is another option that works well in bathrooms. It’s waterproof and durable, and you can choose between a variety of styles that mimic real wood or go for something more contemporary with faux metal finishes. If you’re working with a tighter budget, look for ready-to-assemble (RTA) or stock cabinetry rather than custom cabinets to save money. However, high-end cabinetry made with furniture-grade materials offers noticeable results that are worth the investment. The right cabinets can elevate your bathroom remodel from basic to stunning.
Lighting
The lighting in a bathroom can elevate the design or detract from it. For instance, a chandelier can make the room feel bigger, but it’s important to choose one that is properly sized for the space. Chandeliers that are too large can look bulky, and they won’t give off enough light to be practical for a bathroom.
Instead, opt for wall sconces or flush mounts for a more compact size. They also provide plenty of light and are ideal for illuminating mirrors or vanity areas. For the ceiling, you can go with recessed wet-rated lights for safety or track lighting for flexibility. Track lights can be adjusted to focus on different areas of the bath or highlight art and decor, and they come in many styles that work well in bathrooms.
Another way to play with the design of a bathroom is by changing the color temperature of the lights. Warmer temperature lighting tends to be more flattering, as it reduces shadows and makes colors blend in. This creates a softer and more relaxing atmosphere, which is perfect for a bathroom.
Once you’ve tackled the big elements of a bathroom remodel, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Consider incorporating grab bars for safety, non-slip flooring to prevent falls, and elegant accents that elevate the design of the space. These finishing touches will help your finished bathroom feel luxurious, and they’ll also increase the resale value of your home.