How to Plan a Complete Bathroom Renovation

Before renovation work begins, it’s important to make design decisions and select materials that align with your vision and budget. Doing so reduces frustration and delays later in the process.

Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves to determine what to include in your renovation. Budget for permits, shipping periods and unforeseen issues.

Layout

The layout of your bathroom is a key part in creating a space that’s both functional and serene. Before you start tearing up walls and ripping out plumbing, create a floor plan for your new bathroom using RoomSketcher (it’s free to try!).

Keep in mind that any modifications to your bathroom’s layout will impact both cost and timeline. Moving plumbing hookups, drains, and ventilation will increase the price tag dramatically compared to simply replacing existing fixtures.

A smarter space plan can also help you save money during a bathroom remodel. For example, by placing a tub in an alcove area, Leigh Lincoln of Pure Salt Interiors saved room for a long vanity that can accommodate double sinks. This helps the bathroom feel more spacious and less cluttered.

Storage

In this project, the bathroom’s existing wet space and its fixtures—including a tub or shower, vanity, sink and toilet—are replaced with items you handpick. It is often the longest part of a full bathroom remodel and it can last up to a few weeks.

Depending on the size and finish level of your upgrades, you may need to modify the bathroom’s existing storage area. For example, if you plan to replace your vanity and want it to house more storage, you may need to install new power outlets.

Many improvements can be made to a bathroom without requiring a complete renovation. This could include adding a new mirror or towel hooks, painting the walls or cabinets, or swapping out your bathroom hardware. These simple updates are typically quicker and less expensive than major construction.

Lighting

The bathroom needs the proper lighting to be comfortable, functional, and inviting. This is often overlooked during a remodel, but it can have a dramatic impact on the overall look and feel of your new space.

Work with an electrician to establish the best combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting for your bathroom. Make sure to use natural or warm light colors and minimize shadows.

Modifications to the bathroom often include changing light fixtures, expanding shower sizes, adding storage spaces, or repainting. These can make a big difference in your bathroom and help increase its value for future homeowners. Local permits are often required, depending on the project size and scope of changes.

Ventilation

If you’re changing your bathroom’s layout, the power supply will need to be modified. Qualified electricians will fit the switch-boards, vanity lights and ceiling lamps, heated tower rails and other electrical fittings. They will also install plumbing fixtures like sinks, faucets, showers and toilets, laundry connections and smart bathroom accessories.

Add a skylight to brighten your bathing area. Operable models are ideal if wall space is limited, and they boost energy efficiency levels too.

If your building’s alteration agreement allows washer/dryer installations, consider adding one or two in the room. Sweeten homeowners Isis and Stephano built a new closet in their small NYC bathroom to accommodate the appliances, and it took “their contractor’s Tetris skills to make it work”. This was a larger project that lasted over a month.

Energy Efficiency

Incorporating energy-efficient measures into a bathroom remodel benefits the environment, reduces utility bills, and enhances home comfort. These include opting for low-flow toilets and shower heads, installing insulation around hot water pipes, and replacing the traditional tank-style water heater with an on-demand system that heats water only as it’s needed.

Lighting fixtures that use LED bulbs consume less energy, last longer, and emit a cooler color temperature than their incandescent counterparts. Installing motion sensors or timers in bathrooms and plugging appliances into power strips when they’re not in use are other simple yet effective ways to cut energy usage.

An experienced contractor will be able to assess your bathroom’s current energy efficiency and identify any improvements that can be made. They should also be able to provide information on local energy incentives, rebates, and tax credits.



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