At some point, remodeling your bathroom can do it some justice. Whether you’re targeting a guest bathroom or master bathroom, it’s possible to completely revamp the area’s style, accessibility, and functionality. Why not boost your bathroom design by spicing things up?
Maybe your bathroom has seen some leaks, broken tile or clutter. Maybe you need to remodel as part of a disaster restoration plan. Or, maybe you simply want to change things up. Whatever your reason might be, a little information can go a long way. Before calling your contractor, though, ask yourself these five questions:
Question One: Who’s Using the Bathroom?
Your bathroom’s regular visitors is your primary concern. Think about it: A bathroom for kids needs less space, a safe and easy-access shower and plenty of space for towels, toiletries and cleaning products. A guest bathroom, meanwhile, benefits from a clean, minimalistic design to make things easier for newcomers. Bathrooms frequented by elders may require extra features.
Depending on your bathroom’s traffic, you can start narrowing down remodeling options. Scope out your washroom, make a few notes about who’s going to use it—and get ready for Question Two:
Question Two: What’s the Budget?
This is your second-most important question. How much money do you want to spend on the remodeling job? Are you gutting the entire room? Or, are you shaping it up to boost your home’s resale value? Does the bathroom have broken tile, leaky fixtures, mold or mildew?
As a rule of thumb: The average cost of a bathroom remodel is between $3,000 and $20,000. It’s a big range, but it accounts for simple revamps and complete overhauls alike. The more you’re changing, the more you’ll spend. As such: Prioritize the necessities. Your bathtub, toilet, sink, vanity, and lighting are priorities.
Question Three: What About Extra Costs?
Once you’ve researched the approximate price of your remodel based upon every touch-up area, it’s a good idea to eliminate any expenses you can avoid. Likewise, take care in researching some costs which aren’t readily apparent—such as:
● Dumpster rental costs for removed tile.
● Utility costs to cover water loss or reduction.
● A contractor’s approximate hourly pay.
● New fixtures, vanities or features.
Question Four: Will There Be Enough Storage?
The storage factor is a common pitfall. Many bathrooms have less square footage than other rooms. If you’re changing your bathroom completely—shoot for more space. Sometimes, a smaller sink area is better. Even more so if there’s storage beneath it. When in doubt: Mounted cupboards are a great alternative to big, lavish vanities.
Question Five: What About Ventilation?
Much like storage, ventilation is commonly forgotten. Washrooms are notoriously humid. Moisture gets everywhere, clinging to mirrors, tile, walls, and woodwork. A damp environment breeds mold and mildew. That is, however, unless you make the space a little drier.
Account for this moisture before installing a vanity. Can the material cope with humid air? What about rapid temperature changes once the door is opened? Installing a new, wider, ventilation fan is never a bad idea.
Once you’ve asked these questions, you’re good to go. Contact your contractor to browse some great remodeling ideas. Definitely contact them if you need disaster restoration. Worn-out windows, moldy crevices, and even damaged grout are no-go DIY projects.
At Intelligent Design Corporation, we love helping homeowners get the most out of their washrooms. Give us a call at (763)-315-0745, and let us know about your remodeling ideas. We’ve serviced the Minneapolis and St. Paul Metro area for many years, and we’re always excited to assist homeowners in constructing an awesome bathroom overhaul.