Congratulations! You made it to 2023 as a homeowner – what a feat it was to get here but boy does it feel amazing; am I right? Whether you are settling into a new home or spring cleaning an old one, renovations are always on the forefront of our mind – especially renovations for our dusty and crusty bathrooms! When the time comes and your renovation plans become your reality, Charleene’s Houses want to ensure you are well-educated, economical, and choose designs that are long-lasting for your lifestyle. Here are some do’s and don’ts we believe are pertinent for your bathroom renovation.
Plan Ahead
Renovations cost a lot of money, we all know that. So when the moment comes and you are finally able to pull the trigger, be rational with your timeline.
Do:
Sit down with your hired contractor and discuss lead times for all chosen materials as well as the demolition and installation process. Make sure to discuss the preparation for demolition as well as who is responsible for clean up – will you be responsible for debris or will the crews use plastic sheeting? As supplies are delivered, where will they be stored until installation? How will your floors be protected from any damage throughout the process?
Don’t:
Don’t choose a time for your bathroom renovation to take place when you know you need it the most. If you host the holidays, we understand why you may think this is the right time to commit; however, we advise you to plan ahead and start renovations late summer or wait until the new year.
Do:
Accommodate yourself and your family while the renovated bathroom is out of commission. Some homes only have one bathroom where you will need to organize the logistics of where bathroom use will take place in the interim. Others may have multiple bathrooms but the family is used to having their own space so sizing down for a period of time is an adjustment you should prepare for.
Don’t:
Don’t forget you are down a bathroom during renovations. Most people have their routine of when they get ready for the day and shower, but that is while you have your own space. While bathroom space is condensed, create temporary routines for household members to avoid traffic jams. We also recommend you utilize space in other rooms such as bedrooms to get ready outside of toilet and shower use.
Create a Sensible Layout
When it comes to creating your dream bathroom, it is easy to get caught up in the “ooh’s and ahh’s” as the options are endless. We recommend you make conscious decisions that best suit your family as well as your budget.
Do:
Look over your finances and create a budget. Most importantly, we suggest you stick to your budget. It is very easy to upgrade your selections as you go; however, those “small” costs do add up.
Don’t:
Don’t create an unrealistic bathroom renovation based on Pinterest findings. Consult with a professional prior to looking at your options so you don’t make a plan based on things that don’t work for your layout. Vanities, toilets, bath tubs; they all have different dimensions that could affect your renovation.
Do:
Make decisions based on longevity. How long do you plan to live in the home? Will this be a shared space? Will this layout work for your family in the future? We don’t suggest you opt out of a bathtub if you plan to raise children in this home within the next few years.
Don’t:
Don’t cut costs on the important things. With endless options comes various prices. There are some things, such as hardware and molding, that you can opt for the lesser alternative, however we advise you always choose quality plumbing. Your decision for your faucet and other plumbing fixtures should not be based on the appearance alone. Poorly made fixtures often have plastic gaskets and other pieces inside that quickly break down, affecting water flow and other performance features. Your plumbing fixtures are so important that some professionals actually use your plumbing as your starting point for the entire renovation and build off of that.
Bathroom Designs Professionals Always Recommend
Finally! We made it to the fun part!
Do:
Create a focal point that reminds yourself why you invested in your bathroom renovation. It could be as simple as wallpaper, your vanity mirror, or even a lighting fixture – give yourself that “wow” moment every time you walk into the room.
Don’t:
Don’t get caught up with the latest trends. We understand you love a rustic design, but is it timeless? It is much more cost effective to create a timeless layout and update your decor as you please.
Do:
Invest in bathroom amenities. Most professionals recommend heated floors in your bathroom. Contrary to common belief, the amenity is rather inexpensive and easy to install. This small update will take your bathroom to the next level and provide you a daily, spa-like experience. Additionally, pay attention to the small details. Typically you will find yourself plugging a thing or two into your bathroom outlets. To elevate your bathroom experience and eliminate cluttered counters, professionals always recommend in-drawer outlets.
Don’t:
Don’t splurge on the unnecessary. Unless you are planning on using your newly renovated bathroom as a wet room, professionals recommend you tile only as needed. Between cost and labor, tiles are one of the more expensive parts of bathroom renovations. You can paint the room and add details, such as wainscoting, that is more cost effective and adaptable for future adjustments.
Out with the old and in with the new! Charleene’s Houses are here to help you! From kitchen updates to bathroom renovations, we are here to help busy families with their home remodeling anywhere within Northern Baltimore! Contact us today so we can bring your visions to life!
