5 Things to Consider Before Your Bathroom Remodel

Has your bathroom seen better days and a remodel just can’t be put off any longer? Thinking of using your tax refund to give your bathroom some TLC? Regardless of the motive, there are several things that you should consider before you start taking a sledgehammer to the walls.

1. Budget

First and foremost, your budget for your remodel should be at the top of the list of things you consider before diving headfirst into a renovation. Things can get out of hand fast (as seen on every HGTV show ever) so not only should you have a contingency fund in place but also be firm but flexible when it comes to lighting and fixtures. Sure, you may love recessed lighting but do you have the funds for the complete electrical overhaul it may require? Never be afraid to shop around for contractors (please, don’t take this on yourself unless you a Bob Villa) but remember, cheapest is not always best and trust your gut.

2.Time

In most cases, you’ll be able to use PARTS of your bathroom during your remodel. If you have more than one bathroom available, this is much less of a concern. However, if you are a single bathroom household, the amount of time your project will take is definitely something to consider when planning out your remodel. We can’t imagine many things worse than carting a family of five back and forth to grandma’s to shower on a daily basis. If you are going for a complete gut job, it may worth considering staying elsewhere until the major portions of the project are complete.

3.Plumbing

Piggybacking on timing, if you are going to a complete gut job or reconfigure, you’ll want to get to know your plumbing before starting the project. Your current infrastructure may not lend itself well to your dream bathroom and knowing if you’ll need to tackle major plumbing projects in addition to construction is something you will want to be aware of before committing to any design layouts and major fixtures such as tubs and showers.

4.Space

Mapping out your current square footage will help you gain a better understanding of whether your bathroom dreams are realistic or not. Even if you aren’t completing a total overhaul of your bathroom, having a grasp on the space available will save you time and money in the long run. Maybe you are doing something as “simple” as replacing a vanity and you love double sinks. Can you fit double sinks in your current space without having to reconfigure your plumbing? These are things you want to think about before ordering ANYTHING.

5.Functionality

Last but certainly not least, knowing what you are looking for from a functionality perspective can help put you on the path to remodel to success. Things to ask yourself are: Who will use this bathroom? Do I need in bathroom storage like a linen closet or shelving? If yes, how much? If you have toddlers teetering around, it may not be in your best interest to install a shower stall sans tub. If you are lacking a linen closet in another area of the house, the last thing you want is to complete an amazing remodel and suddenly have 15 towels without a home. Functionality and style go hand in hand so keep your lifestyle and taste in mind when dreaming up your space.

Of course, there are no less than 100 other things you will need to consider when it comes to your remodel but by keeping these 5 in the back of your mind both before and during the process, you’ll save yourself a headache (and probably a few dollars) in the long run.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we have experts available to help guide you through the entire process. Give us a call or drop us a line on the web to schedule an in-home consultation so we can provide you the best advice for your space.