How to Plan a Successful Bathroom Renovation

From dimmable sconces to an ombre steam shower, a beautiful new bathroom can add comfort and value to your home. But it’s a complex project that requires expert skills and careful planning.

A gut renovation can involve dropping walls, rerouting plumbing lines and rewiring electrical — generally stripping the room down to the studs and subfloor. It requires professional design or architectural services and permitting, as well as locally-qualified general contractors.

1. Plan Ahead

Bathroom renovation requires plenty of planning, especially if you want to stay within your budget. Start by visiting design showrooms and talking to a designer to handpick each aspect of your new bathroom.

You may also need to get building permits if you are changing the layout of the bathroom or removing structural elements. Once you have the permit, demolition can begin. This is where the old fixtures, flooring, drywall and more are removed to make way for the new ones.

2. Budget Ahead

A solid budget is a must for any renovation project. It will influence what services you can afford and the types of products you can buy.

Always leave room for unexpected expenses like a rusty water line or a joist that’s too close to your new toilet location. It’s also common for homeowners to change their minds mid-renovation, and that can easily break the bank.

You don’t have to pay for the entire project upfront – consider a personal loan from Georgia’s Own with low rates, flexible terms and no collateral required.

3. Hire a Contractor

For a bath remodel that’s complex in scope (think moving walls and plumbing), it’s best to hire a contractor. These pros are certified, licensed, and insured to perform the work safely and up to standards.

Ask contractors for their credentials and visit their previous projects to assess their workmanship. Make sure that any verbal estimates are put in writing, and the quotes cover all aspects of the job, including labor and materials.

4. Work With a Designer

Unless you are a skilled DIYer, it is best to work with an expert bathroom designer for your renovation. This will save you money and prevent hiccups during the construction process.

A design-build firm will provide both creative and technical design services. They will also manage the remodel project from start to finish. This unified approach can help reduce project timelines and eliminate misunderstandings between you and your contractor.

5. Get Permits

In some cases, your renovation project will need a permit to ensure that it follows local safety regulations. Getting a permit before starting construction can help avoid fines and potential insurance issues.

The amount of work that needs a permit will vary on a case-by-case basis, but it typically includes structural changes and major electrical or plumbing updates. Cosmetic changes like swapping tiles or fixtures may not require a permit.

6. Remove the Old

Refinishing a tub and replacing the flooring are relatively inexpensive projects that can make a bathroom feel brand new. However, this type of project is a bad idea in homes with old plumbing that’s in poor condition. Potential buyers are turned off by old, rusty pipes that can leak and wreak havoc on the walls and floor.

Refinishing can cause damage to the original surface and may require costly repairs later. In addition, refinishing may damage the wood subfloor and drywall underneath.

7. Paint the Walls

Painting the walls is more than just an aesthetic step – it’s also a practical one that can help prevent future problems. Flat paint doesn’t hold up well in a damp room, so look for semi-gloss finishes that are mold- and mildew-resistant.

Before you start painting, use trisodium phosphate (or TSP) to clean off any soap scum or other gunk from the wall surfaces. It will make your new paint job last much longer.

8. Install the Fixtures

Installing new fixtures is a great way to give your bathroom a facelift. In addition to being more aesthetically pleasing, new fixtures can be easier to use and offer features like touchless activation that help save water.

It’s always good to leave a cushion in your budget for unexpected plumbing issues that might arise during the remodel. This is why it’s important to hire a contractor who has experience and carries liability insurance.

9. Add Accessories

Bathroom accessories help to pull a design together. They are not only functional, but they can also add color and pattern to a space.

Mirrors are a necessity and can help to make a room feel larger. Consider a backlit mirror that is glare-proof and doubles as a night light.

Other important bathroom accessories include shower seats, grab bars, slip-free surfaces and a wide doorway. Safety is essential in the bathroom, especially if you have elderly or disabled family members living with you.

from Bathroom Renovations Wollongong https://ift.tt/6kq1m3K
via IFTTT