Bathroom Remodel Considerations: Things to Consider Before You Remodel Your Bathroom 

Bathroom remodeling can be fun. However, it’s also a massive task. For instance, you may need a permit for some types of remodels. Failure to get the permit can land you in legal trouble, sometimes resulting in a small fine.

Another possibility is purchasing the wrong size fixtures. Bathroom fixtures come in all shapes and sizes. You must know the sizes needed. Otherwise, you may end up with the wrong fixtures. Or, you might bring in the wrong finishes.

We’ve rounded up four primary bathroom remodeling considerations to help you get started on the right foot. 

1. Budget considerations

An average bathroom remodel costs between $10,000 and $15,000, according to Angie’s List. However, the costs can spiral way out of control if you’re not careful. So, the first bathroom remodel consideration is the budget.

Begin by asking yourself whether you have enough money. How much money do you need for the remodel, and how much do you have at the moment? Typically, the materials consume about 80% of remodeling costs, while the installation takes up 20%. So, if you want to keep the costs down, you should look at the materials. Cutting down on luxuries can help keep the budget t a modest level.

An important follow-up question here is where the balance will come from. Most homeowners prefer to save up for remodels while others take out loans. You can even take out an equity loan for the remodel. The bottom line is that you must have the money at hand at least a few weeks to the remodel.

2. Design considerations

Another vital consideration when planning a bathroom remodel is design. What exactly are you looking for? A few considerations here include choosing the right flooring, fixtures, and furniture. When choosing a flooring material, remember that the bathroom is a wet room. Therefore, you want slip-resistant flooring. You may also want heated flooring under the tile.

Wood in bathroom

As for furniture and fixtures, we all need cabinetry and countertops in the bathroom. Choose cabinetry that won’t warp in damp conditions and low-maintenance countertops that are both durable and water-resistant. Granite makes an excellent choice.

From there, consider wall dressing and lighting. You can either paint the wall or install tiles. Both are excellent options. Alternatively, you can install wallpaper. The key advantage of wallpaper is that you can install it today and remove it the next day if you don’t like the look. It’s also very affordable. For lighting, begin by bringing in plenty of natural light through the windows. Then, add an LED, fluorescent, or halogen lights for ambiance.

3. Plumbing considerations

This is where you choose showers, tubs, and the toilet. When choosing showerheads and the tub, begin by considering how large a drain you want. A 1.5-inch drain is the industry standard. However, you can opt for larger drains to minimize clogging. Then find the right toilet.

Rustic styles closely resembles the farmhouse and country styles.

Another thing to consider here is medicine cabinets and under cabinet plumbing. A recessed medicine cabinet provides hidden storage space while keeping the bathroom clean and organized. Once you’re done installing the cabinets, you need to do the plumbing to ensure proper drainage. The idea is to eliminate any obstructions that may cause plumbing issues down the line. Sometimes you may have to reconfigure the plumbing to accommodate the cabinets.

Still on plumbing, keep in mind that plumbing pipes can freeze when it gets extremely cold. Thus, you need to take better care of all pipes that run along the exterior wall. The only way to protect your pipes from bursting is to insulate them.

4. Contractor considerations

Finally, you should also strongly consider whether you’ll hire a professional remodeling contractor and, if so, how to find the best one. Ideally, you should consider professional remodeling. The main reason is that a professional bathroom remodel specialist will even help you think out the considerations in this list. They’ll also know if you need a permit and help you get it. However, if you’re s staunch DIYer, you can also remodel your bathroom yourself and save the contractor fees.

Assuming that you’ve chosen to work with a remodeling professional, the first step is to find the right contractor. Are they licensed? What are their professional credentials? Can I speak to their past clients? These are just some of the questions to ask. You can always get referrals from friends and family.

Beyond finding the right contractor, consider whether they have insurance cover. Insurance is critical in case of accidents. Otherwise, you may have to pay their medical bills out of your pocket.

Summary

That’s it! With the above bathroom remodel considerations covered, you’re now ready to begin the actual remodel. Good luck.