One of the top three spaces in the home that directly relates to the property value of the home and its overall resale value is the bathroom. Not just a utilitarian room, a bathroom can be transformed into a spa-like experience or seen as an extension of the master bedroom. Not only important for its functional and aesthetic values, bathroom remodeling is also a complex remodel—consider how many thousands of gallons of water and waste flow through such a small space during the scope of a year. Like any home improvement project, bathroom remodeling is an expensive endeavor which disrupts the flow of a home for a limited time.
Before the bathroom remodeling process, homeowners should consider three main factors before getting into the long-term mess of a renovation project. It is vital to make sure all concerns regarding the budget of the project and the needs of the residents are fully understood. Make a list of pros and cons for every decision and weigh them out as the process continues. This ensures a master plan that considers form and function, needs and that level of design which adds to property value.
Consider the Budget
How much do you have to spend? This is the main concern regarding bathroom remodeling: how can the form and function be achieved at a certain price point? Consider the needs of the space. Not every room necessarily must be gutted down to the subfloor and wall studs in order to achieve a perfectly-appointed bathroom space. However, whether the remodel is just a cosmetic update or a complete gut and renovation, creating a budget and sticking to it will help keep overall costs under control.
Much of the budget can be wasted on products over construction. One tip is to spend the most money upfront on construction needs, and upgrade appliances over time, as more money is saved and the homeowners are able to invest it back into their space. The main question is, what is vital to the bathroom remodeling? Every bathroom, in theory, should have a toilet, sink, and bathing space. What are the goals of the renovation? Does the homeowner desire a better floor plan or more storage? The glass shower and luxury jetted bathtub may be nice to have, but are they key to the enjoyment and use of the space? Perhaps that answer is, “Yes, definitely,” but asking these question leads homeowners into deciding what is truly important for their space.
Consider Household Need and Function
Certain homeowners have different needs for their bathroom remodeling projects. For example, a large family may need multiple sinks and a lot of storage space. A busy professional in a high-stress job may just need a jetted tub to relax away the strain of work. An active young person may only use the space as a utilitarian space and requires easy cleaning for a quick shower and shave. Then again, others may like to sip wine and watch television from their bathtub.
During many bathroom remodels, showers, toilets and sinks are out of commission, which means the family will have to to seek normal restroom activities elsewhere. As you prepare for your next bathroom remodel, you need to decide how long you or your family can function without this bathroom. Not being able to use a second bathroom may not mean much for a young couple, but a second bathroom can provide great value to a family of five. Some families may not be able to function on a day-to-day basis with only one bathroom. Therefore, if your remodeled bathroom is not functional during the renovation process, it is always important to consider how long you and your family can function without the additional restroom.
Finding a Professional Team
In a contracting market where someone can put a sign up and start taking bids, finding the right crew of workers is important when it comes to a bathroom remodeling project. Sometimes, the space may be out of commission for several weeks, so it’s important to trust those who work in and around one’s home.
The best way to track down a reputable bathroom remodeling contractor is word-of-mouth. Ask friends and relatives for advice. Construction is such a personal project, and if a client is happy enough to recommend work to another person, one can be assured that the service was satisfactory.
With the advent of the internet, one can check online to confirm or deny recommendations, as well as finding contact information in which to narrow down one’s choices. Write down a list of needs and questions, and contact several remodeling contractors to arrange an in-person job estimate. Working with a licensed contractor with up-to-date insurance is another sign of a professional bathroom remodeling team.