Regardless of its size, a bathroom is one of the few rooms in the house where you can find some privacy and peace amidst all the noise of daily family life. We all frequent this room many times a day, so besides functionality, we also want it to provide a welcoming feel of comfort and luxury.
If your bathroom is currently failing at this, it’s time for a remodel. Most people dread these types of projects since there are many things to consider before you start. Without any previous experience or at least some working knowledge as to what to expect and what to consider, a bathroom renovation project can indeed become your worst nightmare and a bottomless money pit.
Luckily, it doesn’t have to be so when you follow this list of tips and suggestions.
Plan in advance
Good planning is the basis of any successful project so make sure you get well acquainted with potential remodelling costs before you start. Take into careful considerations the size of your bathroom, the type and quality of materials you’re planning to use and whether you’re going to do some work or you’ll leave it all to the professionals.
It’s crucial for the success of the project to put your expectations into clear perspective and be realistic about what you can expect with the budget you have at your disposal.
Layout and dimensions
Your next step in planning is precise sizing up of your bathroom and layout changes. Be sure you know the exact measurements not only of your bathroom but also of the elements you’re planning to install, such as the new tub, sink, shower, toilet or vanity. This will help you be more efficient in your planning and design.
For instance, one of the most typical considerations is the height of your sink. Typically, countertops are installed at 32 to 34 inches off the floor, but this will vary depending on whether you’re getting an under or above counter vessel sink. If you’re going for the latter, you’ll need to make the counter height lower so you can comfortably brush your teeth or wash your hands later.
If you’re dealing with a small bathroom and the space is tight, there are a couple of space-saving ideas you might consider. For example, think about installing a corner sink to free up space and enable free traffic. Or go for a tiny bathtub instead of the standard size. A lot of companies are putting out chic and stylish tiny bath designs so just because you have a small bathroom doesn’t mean you need to give up the luxury of having a relaxing bath in the evening.
Upgrades
A more serious upgrade that will not just add value to your home but also leave you worry-free over a longer period of time is upgrading your water heating system. If your system is over 10 years old, consider a complete change and upgrade to a contemporary electric hot water system, which is specifically designed for indoor installations and is very convenient for emergency changeovers, since it has dual handed connections.
This type of upgrade may eat up most of your budget, but there’s no room for despair. You can still achieve your dream remodel design with a few tricks. For example, if you have an older home, you may have vintage wall tiles which you can keep as a cool feature that can blend in nicely with contemporary elements, such as modern lighting fixtures or stylish vanities.
This might even leave a bit of your budget intact and that can be used for a few high-end finishes that will give your bathroom a luxurious vibe, such as wall coverings, countertops or faucets.
Lighting
Good lighting is a design trick that can make a big difference in any room. If done correctly, it can completely transform your bathroom at a low cost. Functionality does come first in a bathroom, but it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice elegance and style. For a sophisticated look, you might replace old-fashioned mirror lights for a chandelier in the centre of the room as a focal point, and for a more modern look, go with recess lights placed strategically so that every part is adequately lit.
By taking the tips outlined here into considerations when planning your bathroom remodel, you’ll be able to find the right measure between what you want the end result to be and the realistic possibilities of your budget and renovation costs.
