Thompson & Boys LLC will be a great way to add value to your home. However, it can become very costly if you aren’t careful.
Poor planning is one of the main causes of cost overruns. Having a realistic budget and finding a good contractor to manage the project is best.
Depending on your chosen layout, you can make your bathroom feel more spacious or create a more luxe environment. The bathroom layout is the first step in the design process. It determines where the toilet, sink(s), tub, or shower are placed and how they are arranged within the space.
The best layout depends on your family’s needs. Ideally, you want to maximize functionality, making sure that everyone can use the bathroom at once without getting in each other’s way. If you’re building a new home, your options are wide open, but if you’re remodeling a preexisting bath, you must be mindful of existing plumbing hookups and drain locations. Moving the site of a toilet, sink, or tub adds to your remodeling costs, so choosing a layout you’ll be happy with for the long haul is important.
A compact bath can be an efficient choice if you’re working with limited space. Placing all fixtures on one wall limits construction costs and makes the room feel bigger. Consider a bathtub/shower combo and a double vanity for a larger bath to accommodate multiple users at once. That also provides more style and storage options than a separate tub and shower.
A framed alcove in the wall can tuck a large, freestanding tub or a shower-tub combo away and conserve floor space. That is a popular choice for family bathrooms, allowing plenty of storage in the vanity.
If you have a tall ceiling in your bathroom, consider taking advantage of it with a single run of mirrored cabinetry. That can add an impressive look to your bathroom and make the room feel bigger by reflecting more light around the space. Alternatively, opt for floor-standing cabinets and vanities with streamlined proportions or sleek, narrow legs to keep your bathroom clean and uncluttered.
There are a variety of options for enhancing your bathroom’s storage capacity. Adding a medicine cabinet, a linen closet, or more drawer space in the vanity can help keep your home tidy and organized. You can also install more accessible outlets for electrical items in the bathroom and your cabinets.
Many homeowners consider cosmetic changes like a new vanity, cabinet, or countertop as part of their remodel. These changes typically keep your bathroom’s overall layout and design the same. However, some upgrades may make your bathroom more functional if they address specific daily routines or problems. For example, adding a wall niche to hold shampoo or relocating the toilet to save room are both upgrades that can improve function and create a better bathroom for your family’s needs.
When considering whether to renovate or remodel, remember that it’s important to choose upgrades that fit your lifestyle and that you can live with for a long time. You also want to choose upgrades that will add value to your home if you sell it.
The best way to avoid pitfalls is to have a well-written plan and a licensed professional working on your project. Before hiring a contractor, interview several candidates and request proposals, estimates, and a start and end date for the work. It’s also a good idea to ask if the contractors carry personal liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage coverage. You’ll also need to check with your local planning or building department to find out what permits you might need for your renovation. Changing your bathroom layout and/or installing new electrical wiring requires permits.
There are several options available for bathroom flooring. Natural stone and hardwood are higher-priced options, but vinyl and laminate flooring mimic their appearance at a much lower cost.
Another popular option is concrete, which is impervious to moisture and can last a lifetime. However, a concrete floor can be cold and hard to walk on. If you opt for concrete, make sure it has a textured surface so that it offers some grip.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are warmer underfoot than concrete but can be slippery if finished with a smooth surface. Choose a textured tile that requires more grout, providing better traction. Porcelain and ceramic are also very receptive to radiant heating, which can be laid underneath the tiles.
Sheet vinyl is inexpensive, has various patterns, and is easy to install. However, it can develop bumps and curls over time and is difficult to repair if pierced with a sharp object. It’s not recommended for areas where water or steam is prevalent.
Linoleum is a natural product that received a revival in the 2000s and is now an eco-friendly option. It consists of linseed oil, plant fibers, and resins, suppressing allergens and harmful microorganisms. It’s available in many patterns and resembles tile, wood, or marble. It’s durable and resists mold and mildew, but it is not recommended for high-traffic areas or those concerned about slipping.
Choosing the right lighting options is essential to the functionality and beauty of your bathroom. Insufficient or harsh light makes grooming mistakes more likely, while a lackluster scheme dulls your spa-like atmosphere. A dimmer switch on your overhead light is a must-have to help you transition from bright summer mornings to a softer glow for evening bathing.
There are several different types of lights that you can use in your bathroom depending on the kind of space you want to illuminate and what your remodeling goals include. For example, accent lighting can highlight a specific architectural feature like an archway or built-in cabinet, illuminate nooks and coves to create a more welcoming vibe, or highlight the detail of a tile pattern or other decorative feature.
Pendant lighting is another great option for bathroom fixtures as it provides a design centerpiece that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and can accommodate different light bulbs to give you the perfect look. If you’re looking for a more dramatic statement fixture, you can opt for chandeliers that can be dimmed and come in various finishes to fit your taste.
For general lighting in the shower and vanity areas, you should opt for recessed downlights that can be adjusted to focus on what’s important. You can add sconces set above eye level for task lighting in your vanity area and provide bright, direct light with less shadow. You can also opt for recessed lights behind a mirror to create a more flattering reflection without overshadowing your face.
Bathroom remodels can range from a simple makeover to gutting the space and adding a tub or shower. The cost and scope of the project depend on how much work you’re willing to do and what features you’re looking for. It’s important to plan the renovation with your family’s needs in mind. For example, if you plan on selling the house in the next few years, skip the vessel sink and granite countertops to focus on fixtures that appeal to various buyers.
Some of the largest remodels are a complete layout change. This level of change is more invasive and expensive than a cosmetic update or fixture replacement because it can include moving the toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower. It may also require rerouting plumbing pipes and electrical wiring. It’s always wise to consult a licensed plumber to help you determine how much rerouting or plumbing changes will add to your budget.
Another element to consider is the effect of your design choices on resale value. Trendy or ultra-modern styles can be difficult to sell in a market where buyers prefer more traditional tastes. If you need clarification on what designs will stand the test of time, consult a professional interior designer who can help you find a style that fits your taste and budget.
If you live in a homeowners or condo association, discussing your remodel plans with the board is important. These groups have their own rules about remodeling and renovations and may require permits. Getting the necessary permits can take longer than you might expect. So, it’s best to start the process early.
CATEGORY: REMODELING bathroom bathrooms, bathroom remodel, bathroom remodeling, bathroom remodelers
