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How to Prepare for a Bathroom Remodel

When considering a bathroom remodel, one’s imagination can take one to a place of pristine perfection or a construction nightmare. Both images could be accurate at some point in the process. It is essential to plan your project to ward off any potential issues.

By asking yourself a few key questions, you will be able to define the scope, better understand the result, and stay within your budget.

Figure out the Level of Bathroom Remodel

Before beginning a bathroom remodel, the essential thing to decide is the scope of the project. Remodeling projects can be divided into four groups: a surface-level remodel, a more comprehensive renovation, reconfiguring the space, or a complete overhaul with a new location. No matter the renovation type, planning is essential to ensure the project is successful.

Surface-Level Remodel

If the foundation of your bathroom is still in good condition and you’re happy with the size and layout, a surface-level remodel might be the most straightforward option. This type of renovation would involve changing the walls, ceiling, and floor while leaving the basic structure of the bathroom intact.

The concept of a surface-level bathroom renovation is to conceal or mend harm without necessitating replacing as much as could be anticipated under the possibilities. This results in less garbage and is more eco-friendly than other bathroom remodeling levels. As materials used in covering up and repairing are more economical than materials used for replacement, this likewise implies a significantly more affordable bathroom renovation.

Gut and Substitute

When you opt for this type of renovation, you will maintain the same layout and placement of your existing bathroom. However, everything will be taken out, and the walls and flooring will be bare. Subsequently, all new plumbing fixtures, vanity, flooring, and lighting will be put in. During this time, old wiring and plumbing will be replaced with newer materials.

Finding replacements for the components taken away during a bathroom renovation can often be challenging. Items such as towel bars, toilets, and vanities can typically be cleaned up or refurbished. However, flooring, tubs, and showers usually become too damaged during removal to be reused. You can partially or entirely gut a bathroom. A few walls containing the majority of wiring and plumbing might be stripped of their drywall. In contrast, the remaining walls and ceiling may remain in their original condition, apart from a final layer of paint.

Transform the Layout

When carrying out a bathroom renovation that alters the design, the exterior shape and boundaries of the bathroom stay put, but the fixtures and fittings inside the space are rearranged.

At this level of remodeling, it is considerably more complex than just changing the cosmetics or even a piece of furniture. It might include altering the location of items like the bathtub/shower, toilet, and sink, which can be a time-consuming, intrusive, and messy process and expensive. Nevertheless, it is often essential to do so. This level also comprises rewiring, plumbing modifications, and complete replacement of fixtures.

Transform the Entire Bathroom

Significant renovations to the bathroom can involve more than just replacing the old features. Some of the most intensive remodelings need to involve significant changes to the overall structure of the room, such as shifting or eliminating walls, extending the exterior wall outwards, or lowering or raising the roof. This is usually done to make the bathroom bigger, transform a shared bathroom into a principal one, or enlarge a small bathroom by removing part of a bedroom to accommodate it.

What Will Be the Cost?

The price for renovating a bathroom can vary a lot, but it is always an expensive endeavor. An essential upgrade of the surfaces and fixtures might cost a few thousand dollars, while a typical mid-level refit with complete component replacement typically runs between $15,000 and $18,000. Extensive revamping can even run up to $30,000 or more. Even though most bathrooms are comparatively small, the high cost comes from the need for subcontracting (such as plumbers and electricians) and the expensive components (for example, hardware and cabinetry) that are required.

Decide whether to undertake a bathroom remodel or enlist a professional contractor’s help.

Decide whether you would like to remodel the bathroom or seek assistance from a specialist. If you are motivated, you can manage the project yourself and make minor changes. However, not all tasks are of the same difficulty level. Placing a new toilet is straightforward while constructing a new tiled shower is best left to the experts. Consider which activities are feasible for you and which to allow the professionals to manage. Consider that hiring a professional to complete work of high quality is an investment in the future of your bathroom.

When you employ a contractor, be sure they possess the proper certification. It is also essential to be conscious of the necessary permits for electrical, plumbing, and general construction operations. It is recommended to secure these permits promptly to avoid any potential delays.

An Overview of Bathroom Remodeling

Once you have a plan in mind, think about the timeline of the restroom renovation and figure out if this is something you are willing to tackle.

Generate a Floor Plan

The design of the bathroom is primarily determined by how it is currently set up, as it is challenging to move around the plumbing components. Generally, the water supply and drainage will be situated near one wall. Although the toilet can be shifted, it is usually a costly endeavor many people are unwilling to take on. Nevertheless, if the layout could be better and the budget accommodates it, you can rearrange the items.

Apply for Building Permits

It is essential to consult the relevant authorities in your area to find out what codes and permits you may need for your bathroom renovation. Generally, minor changes such as replacing the sink or laying the flooring would not require a permit, while any work involving electricity or plumbing would have to be authorized.

Take Down the Bathroom

When the bathroom overhaul project is on the pricier side, it is necessary to take out the shower or bathtub, toilet, sink counter, flooring, and wallboard, either partly or entirely.

Enhance or Upgrade the Plumbing and Electrical Systems

Considering that the main determinants of bathroom-related problems are plumbing and electrical services, it is necessary to invite a plumber or electrician to install the bathroom fixtures as per the requirements.

Install the Bathtub or Shower

The principal task of the comprehensive bathroom renovation is to add either a shower, bathtub, or a combination of both. It is the subcontractors of the contractor that execute the assignment, not the plumber.

The installation typically takes up to two days when utilizing a pre-fabricated shower or tub. If tile work is included, the endeavor can run for several days or even a week due to the need for the tiles to dry in multiple steps.

Paint the Bathroom

Now that the walls are visible and the main components are yet to be put in place, it’s time to give the bathroom a coat of paint. Generally, satin or semi-gloss paint is used to guard against humidity.

Install the Bathroom Flooring

When selecting a flooring option for a bathroom, it is essential to find a material that is both moisture-resistant and aesthetically pleasing. Popular choices for this type of space include ceramic and porcelain tile, natural stone, luxury vinyl flooring, sheet vinyl, and vinyl tile, all known for their ability to resist water.

Install the Toilet

The toilet is positioned above the flooring, and the operation can take no more than one hour if the necessary connections are already installed.

Install the Bathroom Exhaust Fan

As per the building regulations, all bathrooms must be sufficiently ventilated through an operable window or a ventilator. Due to the high humidity level in the bathrooms, many homeowners decide to install a fan, even if a working window is available.

Install the Cabinet, Counter, and Sink

The bathroom countertop and its supporting cupboards, in addition to the fitted basin, are the focal point of most activities that take place in a bathroom. Therefore, it is worth investing time and money into this region. The more luxurious countertops include quartz-engineered stone, organic stone, and a solid surface. Beneath the countertop could be a vanity cupboard for storage purposes. If you have limited area in the bathroom, consider putting a pedestal sink in place of the vanity cabinet.

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