Planning a Bathroom Remodel

Repainting a bathroom or replacing a worn-out fan can make the room feel fresh. However, a major remodel is a different animal.

A well-done remodeling project can add value to your home. It’s important to plan your project carefully. This will reduce unforeseen costs. You may need a permit, for example.

Start With a Plan

A bathroom remodel requires a lot of planning to avoid any unexpected expenses. Before hiring a contractor it’s best to have a solid plan in place for how the project will unfold so you can get a realistic sense of what your budget will be.

For example, you can make a big impact on your space by painting the walls a new color without having to spend thousands of dollars completely changing the room’s layout. Similarly, you can find cheaper material dupes for high-end materials like tile and wood finishes.

If you are going to manage the work yourself, hire a licensed plumber for tasks such as running pipe or installing intricate shower systems. And have an electrician take care of things like wiring and adding outlets in convenient locations.

Set a Budget

A beautiful, updated bathroom can reenergize homeowners and increase a home’s resale value. But a successful remodel requires careful planning and budgeting.

Some elements are nonnegotiable, such as permits and some materials, but many other costs can be controlled. For example, one New York couple found a beautiful cast-iron bathtub on Freecycle, and a contractor suggested that shopping the holiday sales can save on cabinetry and other materials.

Another major component is plumbing and electrical work, which is often expensive because of the nature of the space. There is a lot of plumbing and electricity tucked away behind walls, and unexpected corrosion or failure can add thousands to the cost of a remodel.

Decide on a Design

Once your budget is set, the next step is to decide on a design. If you’re keeping the basic fixtures in place, that’s a fairly simple task. However, if you’re going to be changing the layout of the bathroom that’s more involved.

That can include everything from moving the toilet to relocating the tub and shower. It can also involve making major structural changes, like adding or removing walls.

Getting this part of the project right is key to making your new bathroom look great. And it can help you keep your costs down, too. For example, if you’re planning on installing a walk-in tub, it makes sense to add blocking behind the drywall for support bars now, rather than having to do it later.

Work with a Contractor

Working with a contractor can help you finalize your bathroom renovation design. They’ll know the ins and outs of bathroom remodeling to ensure that any changes are up to code and safe, including determining whether walls are load-bearing or contain wiring and plumbing. They can also handle getting permits and board approvals if necessary.

When hiring a contractor, get estimates in writing. This will prevent misunderstandings down the road. It’s important to compare bids to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Make sure the contractor you choose is properly licensed for your area, and has prior experience with the type of bathroom renovation you’re planning. Sweeten matches homeowners with vetted contractors and handles all permit applications, approvals, and scheduling. You can start your search by reaching out to neighbors, friends, and colleagues for recommendations or looking online.

Get Organized

Bathroom remodels can quickly get out of control, especially without a plan. Spending a few weeks or months in the planning process can prevent a lot of cost overruns and keep the project on track.

Get creative with your planning. Use a website like Pinterest to create a digital ideas file for tile styles, favorite fixtures and clever designs you want to incorporate. When your contractor asks for your decision on a detail, just pull out the board for reference.

Be sure to interview contractors carefully and choose a professional who demonstrates responsibility, competence and trustworthiness. It’s also important to ask for proof of insurance before hiring anyone, as accidents happen. Ideally, the contractor you choose will carry workers’ compensation, personal liability and property damage coverage to protect your home during the renovation.

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