Of all the spaces in your home, a bathroom remodel represents the greatest and fastest return on your home improvement investment. In fact, a recent report by Remodeling Magazine claimed that you can recoup over 86% of your bathroom renovation expenses within a year of resale. It is not just an exciting project, but also a financially rewarding one.
Even if you’re not looking to sell your home, a bathroom remodel can ensure that you keep the space both functional and aesthetically pleasant for all users. Your bathroom is arguably the most personal and practical space in your home. But since it serves multiple functions, usually for two or more people, designing it can be a bit of a challenge without professional assistance.
Indeed, bathroom remodeling is a big project. Here are 3 things to keep in mind before taking the plunge:
1. Hidden Problems
The perfect bathroom remodel will be a balance between your vision and practicality. Unlike a new installation, remodeling an existing bathroom requires you to account for the age and location of existing plumbing and electrical systems, the composition of the existing wall and door, and your cavity space.
Most people choose to remodel their bathroom because of one or more of the following:
- Visible wear and tear – grout falling out, caulk turning black, mildew forming on the walls or ceiling
- Outdated bathroom – outdated fixtures, terrible paint colors, etc.
- Different needs – marriage, the arrival of a baby, a senior parent moving into the home, can all significantly impact the bathroom needs
- Bathroom not your style – you may want to change things if there is nothing distinctive about your bath, or perhaps the details don’t reflect your style
Knowing the changes that you want is important to create a practical bath remodeling plan. But numerous problems may arise, partly because of the project expectations, and also because of the condition of the bath.
To avoid serious problems when your project is underway, you should discuss your ideas and plans with a professional contractor. In addition, a professional should check for plumbing problems, electrical issues, or water damage so you can account for them in your design plans, timeframes, and budget.
2. Working Within Your Budget
It may not always be possible to get everything you want depending on your budget. However, there are some items that you cannot compromise on, like quality shower heads, knobs, behind-the-wall valves, and other items that will be constantly wet. Low quality items will waste your time and money in the long run on fixing leaks and performing other repairs and replacements.
Keep in mind that even a small leak can develop into a major issue that costs you hundreds of dollars in repair costs, like mold and mildew growth, flooding, or insect infestation. Fixing these problems is not only expensive, but also inconvenient as it may mean weeks without access to your favorite bathroom.
3. Taking Measurements
If you want to move fixtures around and install new accessories, you must take into account the height, length, and other vital measurements to ensure that those items fit in the designated position. For instance, if you want to install a new tub, you must measure the space available so you buy one that actually fits in the space.
If you find yourself stuck and unsure about how to progress with your bathroom remodel project, it is okay to reach out to professional contractors. Even if you can’t afford to hire them to undertake the entire project, a professional consultation can save you a lot of headaches and wasted effort, time, and money.