Once you decide on renovating a bathroom, you will be faced with a wide array of choices depending on how big of a change you want to make. Maybe you like the current look of your bathroom but you just want a new bath or shower system. Alternatively, you simply want to add a few details that will liven up your bathroom but do not have an idea of what to do to make it happen. Whichever route you take, you can never move ahead with your plans until you know how far you want to take this renovation. This article looks at five things you need to consider when doing a bathroom renovation.
- Avoid Reinventing the Layout
It can be costly and time-consuming to rip off your outdated bathroom and start from scratch. The best thing to do is to build on the original footprint as it helps keep your budget in check. Changing the layout of your bathroom means that you need to reroute your plumbing and power grid systems, which can cost a large amount of money. You can still achieve your goals for a bathroom renovation by replacing instead of expanding the footage. For instance, instead of making your shower bigger, consider limiting your renovation to the existing measurements to save on demolition costs. A new granite countertop with updated curves can give your bathroom vanity a new look without having to tear into the walls or floor.
- Factor in Storage
The key to a successful bathroom remodel is having enough storage. Toiletries and shampoo bottles piled on the shower floor never display well in a bathroom. Consider adding enough storage without compromising the openness of the space where a user will maneuver. A substantial vanity that offers adequate space for extra towels can be a smart buy. Mirrored cabinets can be used to store personal care products such as electric razors and charge toothbrushes. A recessed medicine cabinet installed above the vanity can also offer a sleeker look and more storage space. You can save needed space by installing it a few inches inside the wall where it can be accessed easily when needed.
- Improve Your Lighting
Most bathrooms tend to have limited access to natural light depending on their location in a home. Replacing old incandescent bulbs with modern light fixtures not only improves the functionality but also the mood of the space. Consider dimmer lighting for the main lights as they help to adjust the brightness when needed. You can opt for bright lighting during personal grooming or when accessing your medicine cabinet. Alternatively, you can use the dimmer switch to reduce brightness when you want to relax in a warm bath for a while as it brings peace and tranquility.
- Proper Ventilation
Poor ventilation is one of the leading causes of mold in wet areas like the bathroom. Without good air circulation, you are likely to trap a lot of moisture and humidity in the bathroom, which can cause other secondary problems like rot and damage to property. Many homeowners overlook the importance of having a well-ventilated bathroom only to regret later once they encounter a mold problem. An open window alone is never enough, which drives the necessity to install powerful fans that can extract all the moisture to the outdoors.
- Overall Design and Aesthetics
One of the strict yet simple rules for a bathroom renovation is to avoid mixing more than two types of tiles, woods, and metals as it pulls the eye away from the real intentions of the designer. You do not want your bathroom to look like a sample room where you display every type of color and design you come across. Sophistication and flow of your bathroom design come from the repetition of materials, which is very essential for small spaces like washrooms. Since bathroom remodels are a big investment, it is important to be wise in choosing designs that will last for several years to come. You can opt for trendy neutrals and clean lines rather than the aggressive fads to give a good first impression.
A good bathroom renovation project can never be successful without involving a professional contractor. Re-painting or changing hardware are some of the simple projects that can be done by DIY enthusiasts. However, if you are dealing with large projects such as installing a new bath, flooring or shower system, consider hiring a professional as they have the right skills and equipment to deal with issues that may arise during a bathroom renovation.