What You Should Know Before Remodeling Your Bathroom
As you consider remodeling your bathroom, you will face many decisions. So much goes into bathroom renovations that unless you’re a professional or a homeowner who has been through the process multiple times, many of the details, processes, and options will sound like a foreign language.
If you have a bathroom remodeling project on the horizon, developing a working knowledge of what to expect can take the renovation from a chaotic whirlwind to a gratifying and even enjoyable process. Here are some things our bathroom remodeling company believes you’ll be glad to know as you head toward having the bathroom of your dreams.
1. Find Out What a Bathroom Remodel Costs
The cost of a remodel varies by geographic area, project size, materials chosen, and many other factors. It is difficult for any bathroom remodeling contractor or company to provide an accurate cost estimate without seeing your unique space.
Half bathrooms tend to be the least expensive to remodel, while master bathrooms and accessibility-friendly bathrooms are often the most expensive.
A general rule of thumb is to follow the 5-10 rule: anticipate spending 5-10% of your home’s value on remodeling the bathroom. For example, if you live in a $500,000 house, the typical bathroom remodel costs would be approximately $25,000 to $50,000.
For homes valued at under $100,000, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) advises homeowners to anticipate spending no less than $10,000. Spending below the $10,000 threshold for a bathroom remodel often involves cutting corners that will lead to issues (think leaky plumbing or linoleum floors that quickly wear out) that may result in more expenses to have the job corrected a second time.
2. Great Lighting Takes Planning
Lighting options come in all shapes, sizes, styles, and price points. If you want your bathroom to have flattering lighting, it will require careful thought and placement.
One option is overhead flush mounts in the center of the ceiling to diffuse light. Wall sconces may be enough for an already well-lit space. If you’re remodeling a bathroom with the intent of regularly using the space for makeup application, vertical fluorescent lighting flanking the mirror may be the way to go.
Know your vision for how the bathroom will function and plan accordingly. Good lighting is essential and will define the style of the room.
3. Remember to Include Accessible Outlets
One potential frustration at the end of a DIY bathroom remodel can be forgetting to include properly placed electrical outlets. You don’t want to find yourself ready to use the sparkling new space only to realize that the plug for your hairdryer is across the room from the mirror.
Consider what you’ll use the space for, how many outlets should be included, and where.
4. Seemingly Little Things Like Grout Make a Big Impact
If you’ve never added tile to a kitchen, bathroom, or another part of your home, you may not even realize you can choose the grout for the lines surrounding the tile.
Grout seals out dirt and water, simultaneously providing visual compensation for any sizing differences between individual tiles. It’s up to you whether to select a grout that will stand out or blend in. If cleaning grout is something that might drive you bonkers, you’ll want to avoid white.
5. Make Mirrors More Than an Afterthought
When planning your bathroom remodel, be sure to include mirrors in the design. Have an old vanity mirror you’re thinking of tossing? Consider saving it and having a contractor or local glass shop cut it into two mirrors or another shape or style customized to your style. If you live in an older home or simply love history, incorporating an antique mirror can add charm and individuality.
Bathroom mirrors, like many other aspects of bathroom renovations, can be a place to save or splurge – just be sure to make it part of your budget and plan.
6. Don’t Skimp on Ventilation
Neglecting to factor in proper bathroom ventilation could lead to a buildup of mold and mildew. Before you know it, those issues can spread to the bathroom walls, flooring, and even the cabinetry – ending in even greater expenses.
The steam from hot showers and baths needs a place to escape, so include a quality fan in your bathroom remodel to ensure the work will last for years to come. Depending on the square footage of your bathroom, your remodeling company may even advise installing a second fan for adequate ventilation.
7. Include Some High-End Splurges
Interior designers recommend choosing a couple higher-end materials and finishes for your bathroom remodel as your budget allows. Doing so will make the small space appear luxurious.
Because of the generally smaller scale of space bathrooms offer, using expensive materials often yields a bigger wow factor. It’s up to you whether you opt to do this for your wall coverings, flooring, countertops, vanity, tile, or whatever feature your heart desires.
8. A Full-Blown Remodel May Not Be Necessary
Perhaps you’ve recently moved into a house and the bathroom wallpaper or tile is sending you over the edge. We’ve got great news: you may not need to completely overhaul the bathroom to wind up with a look you can live with and love.
Oftentimes a bathroom remodeling company can work with you to accomplish something on a smaller scale that can fit your budget constraints or address the main headache, rather than tackling everything at once. This might mean refinishing tile, painting a vanity, adding wallpaper, switching out the light fixtures, upgrading the hardware – the options are out there for you to decide, and we can help.
Quality Bathroom Renovation Company Serving Oxford, PA and Surrounding Areas
Ready to get the updated bathroom of your dreams? Harbor Stone Construction is here to help you. At Harbor Stone Construction, we offer unmatched service for bathroom renovations in Oxford, PA and the surrounding areas. Our local, family-owned business is a full-service commercial and residential remodeling company you can trust.
Whether you’re looking for a large, small, or master bathroom remodel, our company possesses the knowledge and experience to successfully complete the project with superior workmanship. Contact us via phone at 610-467-0872 or online form to schedule a free quote today.