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10 Top Bathroom Remodeling Tips To Get The Results You Want

Updated: August 7, 2024

Is your bathroom causing you stress with its outdated look and dreary atmosphere? It's time to consider a bathroom transformation!

Whether you're envisioning elegant stone countertops, a luxurious freestanding tub, or a spacious walk-in shower, Cookeville Home Remodeling's top 10 bathroom renovation tips will help you turn your lackluster bathroom into a stunning oasis.

remodel budget

Tip 1: Establish Your Budget (And Adhere To It!)

Renovating your bathroom is a significant investment that can boost both your quality of life and your property value. However, bathroom renovations can be costly - even a simple shower upgrade can cost thousands of dollars!

That's why it's crucial to research the costs of materials, fixtures, and decor thoroughly before embarking on your renovation journey. Once you've set your budget, it's essential to stick to it and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Pro tip: Include a contingency fund in your budget to cover any unexpected costs that may arise.

Consider local pricing

When researching costs, be sure to check prices specific to the Cookeville area. This will help you create a more accurate budget. For DIY projects, reach out to local suppliers for quotes. If you're hiring professionals, contact local renovation contractors to get their estimates.

bathroom floor plan

Tip 2: Start By Deciding On The Toilet's Location

For a complete remodel, you might be thinking about relocating the toilet. Surprisingly, the toilet's position is a key factor in determining the overall bathroom layout.

It should be placed where it's not immediately visible (guests may prefer not to see the toilet as soon as they pass the bathroom), but still fits naturally within the room's flow and isn't crammed into a corner.

Also, consider accessibility for individuals with disabilities when positioning the toilet and other fixtures.

Planning ahead

Determining the toilet's location will help you plan the placement of other plumbing fixtures, such as the sink, shower, and bathtub.

Once you've finalized the toilet's position, you can start planning the room's aesthetics. Consider questions like: Do you want a mirror where the toilet is visible? Should the bathroom cabinet be within reach of the bathtub?

While it may seem unusual to base your entire bathroom layout around the toilet, it's actually the most effective starting point.

Research Your Materials

Tip 3: Research Your Materials Thoroughly

From wall and floor tiles to countertops, there are numerous materials to consider. A successful bathroom renovation depends on the details, including the various textures and materials you choose to incorporate.

However, remember that bathrooms, especially family bathrooms, see heavy use. Therefore, you need to select materials that can withstand moisture, heat, and high humidity levels.

Investing in high-quality materials now can prevent costly repairs or replacements in the future.

Natural stone

Natural stone offers a sophisticated, durable, and timeless look, but it tends to be more expensive than other materials.

You'll need to seal the stone to ensure its longevity in a humid environment. Some stone options to consider include:

  • Granite: Known for its elegance and durability, but frequent resealing makes it more expensive to maintain than other natural stones.
  • Marble: Softer than granite, making it more suitable for less frequently used bathrooms.
  • Onyx: Offers versatility with its range of colors (including orange, pink, and green).
  • Quartzite: Resembles marble or onyx and is scratch-resistant but requires sealing for water protection.
  • Quartz: A blend of natural stone and synthetic materials that doesn't require sealing.

Tiles

Tiles are excellent for floors, walls, and shower enclosures. They provide a clean appearance, are easy to maintain, and offer water resistance. Tiles are a cost-effective alternative to natural stone flooring while still maintaining a stylish look.

  • Subway tiles: Popular in bathrooms due to their water resistance and durability.
  • Zellige: These glossy tiles enhance natural light reflection, making them ideal for wet areas like showers or bath surrounds.
  • Penny and hex: Small round or hexagonal mosaic tiles often come in easy-to-install sheets. They're timeless, budget-friendly, and can add visual interest to floors or walls.

Wallpaper

Believe it or not, wallpaper can be used in bathrooms. It's an affordable way to transform your walls if you're on a tight budget. Just ensure it's kept away from areas prone to water exposure (like behind the sink) and maintain proper ventilation - we'll discuss this more later.

Make The Most Of Available Space

Tip 4: Optimize Your Space Usage

Planning is crucial here. You need to assess your available space before beginning the renovation.

If your current bathroom only has a shower but you're longing for a bathtub, consider how it will fit into the room (perhaps a shower-bath combo could be a solution).

Essentially, it's about setting realistic expectations based on your space constraints.

Utilize 3D modeling tools

If you have access to tech-savvy friends, ask them to create a 3D model of your bathroom. Software like SketchUp is ideal for this purpose.

It allows you to create a scaled model of your bathroom and experiment with different layouts to visualize the final result.

Smaller spaces offer fewer layout options, so you'll need to get creative with storage solutions, which we'll discuss next.

Prioritize Bathroom Storage

Tip 5: Prioritize Bathroom Storage

Renovation presents the perfect opportunity to increase your bathroom's storage capacity. You never realize how crucial storage is until your bathroom becomes cluttered with toiletries, toilet paper, and guest towels.

Consider these innovative storage ideas:

  • Shower storage: A small built-in niche in your shower enclosure can significantly improve storage without taking up extra space.
  • Under-sink storage: Utilize the often wasted space beneath the sink with a cabinet to store items that need to be kept away from moisture.
  • Freestanding storage: If space allows, consider freestanding storage containers for less frequently used items like cleaning supplies and extra linens.
  • Wall-mounted options: Floating shelves, towel racks, hooks, and a mirrored medicine cabinet can maximize storage in bathrooms with limited floor space.
Give Careful Thought to Colors

Tip 6: Give Careful Thought to Colors

If you're working with a tight renovation budget, consider using a single pop of color to make your existing bathroom feel brand new. This could be achieved through a feature wall with eye-catching wallpaper, brightly colored shelving, vibrant plants, or a colorful tile backsplash near the sink.

A light color palette can make a small bathroom appear more spacious (Hint: white is often a great choice!).

Larger bathrooms allow for more color experimentation, but ensure all colors complement each other well. It's best to avoid darker colors, as they can make a space feel smaller and potentially less clean.

Don't Underestimate the Power of Mirror

Tip 7: Don't Underestimate the Power of Mirrors

Mirrors serve a greater purpose in bathrooms than just reflecting your image - they can significantly enhance the perception of space.

Mirrors reflect light around the room, creating an illusion of a larger area.

While a smaller mirror above the sink is practical for quick grooming tasks, consider adding a full-length or larger decorative mirror to visually expand cramped bathrooms.

Lighting Is Crucial

Tip 8: Lighting Is Crucial

Most bathrooms typically have a single ceiling light, which isn't ideal if you use the space to prepare for your day, apply makeup, or check your outfit.

Maximizing natural light during daytime is beneficial. Light colors, mirrors, and tiles help reflect light, brightening your bathroom. If installing new (larger) windows isn't an option, consider using frosted glass instead of curtains or blinds.

Staying within your lighting budget

When renovating, think about adding more light sources throughout the room. If you're on a tight budget, a floor lamp and some lights around the mirror are simple yet effective upgrades.

If your budget allows, replace that unflattering ceiling fixture with wall-mounted lights that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Don't Overlook Ventilation

Tip 9: Don't Overlook Ventilation

Regardless of the climate in Cookeville, your bathroom will inevitably get damp.

For this reason, don't skimp on ventilation when renovating your bathroom. Even if you had adequate ventilation before, there's always room for improvement - and you should prioritize it!

Good ventilation prevents mold growth and helps towels and tiles dry quickly after use.

While a large window is ideal for ventilation, many apartments have windowless bathrooms. Additionally, open windows in winter can make the space uncomfortably cold. Here are some alternatives:

  • Air vents: These small vents can lead outside or into another room, significantly reducing humidity levels in your bathroom.
  • Extraction fans: Exhaust fans help circulate and remove moisture and humid air. When selecting these fans, consider their capacity (air movement rate) in relation to your bathroom size.

Pro tip: Some bathroom fans can be quite noisy, especially in small spaces, so consider their sound levels when choosing a model. Your contractor or store associate should be able to advise you.

work with a remodel professional

Tip 10: Recognize When to Seek Professional Help

DIY enthusiasts may be tempted to tackle the entire bathroom project themselves. While admirable, this isn't always the wisest choice, especially for major renovations involving changes to existing plumbing.

Knowing when to call in a contractor or professional remodeler is one of the smartest decisions you can make. A professional can anticipate potential issues, address minor problems before they escalate, and often source materials at discounted rates.

Hiring a professional also reduces the likelihood of future repairs, as the job is done correctly from the start.

If you're planning a bathroom renovation in Cookeville, Tennessee, Cookeville Home Remodeling is your trusted local expert, and we're eager to share our knowledge with you.

5 Common Bathroom Renovation Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Here are five frequent bathroom renovation pitfalls and tips to sidestep them:

1. Not setting a budget

Many homeowners dive into renovations without a clear understanding of costs.

This often leads to overspending, dipping into emergency funds, or leaving projects incomplete!

Establish a budget before starting any renovation and review it regularly. This ensures you stay within your financial limits and helps identify areas where you can cut costs if certain elements prove more expensive than anticipated.

2. Starting without a plan

A well-thought-out plan is as crucial as the budget. Starting without a detailed, step-by-step plan based on priorities can lead to budget overruns, mistakes, and potential disasters.

Your plan should encompass:

  • Plumbing
  • Ventilation
  • Electrical elements
  • Layout
  • Decorative designs
  • Materials
  • Bathroom accessories

Each phase of the renovation should have clear steps, and this order should be followed to prevent delays or an unfinished bathroom.

3. Thinking you can do it all yourself

Even skilled DIY enthusiasts sometimes need professional help!

There's no shame in calling in an expert for tasks outside your expertise. Hiring a plumber can prevent costly mistakes, while a professional tiler can expedite the flooring process.

Professionals often have relationships with suppliers, potentially giving you access to materials at more competitive prices.

4. Forgetting how important ventilation is

Plan for proper ventilation before beginning the renovation. Ensure windows can open and consider installing a high-quality bathroom fan for improved air circulation.

Homeowners who neglect ventilation often end up battling mold issues, which can be detrimental to health.

5. Falling for fads

Each year brings new bathroom gadgets, features, or design trends that dominate social media.

However, given the significant expense of a bathroom renovation, it's wise to opt for timeless designs over fleeting fads. If you want to incorporate current trends, choose easily changeable elements like paint colors or light fixtures.

This approach allows you to update your bathroom affordably and easily without undertaking a complete renovation every few years to stay in vogue.

FAQs

What is a realistic budget for a bathroom remodel?

Costs typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an average of around $6,300 for a small bathroom.
The total cost depends on factors such as room size, material choices, renovation scale, and labor costs.

What's the most challenging aspect of a bathroom renovation?

There are several challenges in bathroom renovations, especially for DIY projects. The most difficult aspects often include:
-Modifying existing plumbing
-Relocating the toilet
-Ensuring floor levelness (especially when retiling)
-Addressing mold or dry rot discovered during the renovation process

Which part of a bathroom renovation is typically most expensive?

The wet area (including the shower and bath) is usually the most costly part to renovate. It often requires specialized plumbing skills and waterproof materials, which are more expensive. Additionally, installation constraints can increase labor costs.

Final Thoughts

Renovating your bathroom can be an exciting project, but success hinges on carefully considering the 10 tips outlined above!

It's crucial to set a budget, plan the layout thoroughly, and make design choices that will result in a functional and beautiful bathroom upon completion.

For all your bathroom renovation needs in Cookeville, don't hesitate to reach out to Cookeville Home Remodeling. We're committed to helping our clients achieve beautiful homes at affordable rates!

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