5 Things to Consider Prior to a Bathroom Remodel
Once your bathroom remodeling project is over, you get to enjoy the gleaming new tiles, fresh shower and modern vanity. The road to getting the job done, however, can be paved with pain, rising costs and headaches. Before you launch into a remodel of your bathroom, be sure to talk to your contractor and design team about these critical elements:
Function
Consider what you need the room to do. Is a full bath necessary, with a tub and standup shower, or can you get by with just a shower? New vanities, for example, are now required to be 36 inches high, whereas older homes generally have vanities that stand 30 inches tall. If you have young children in the home, you might want to consider installing a vanity that’s two levels in height to accommodate all family members. A master bath’s function will be very different from a children’s bath, as well as a guest bathroom. A master bathroom may have more of a relaxing, spa-like feel. On the other hand, a guest bath will be much smaller but can also pack a punch with wow factors like unique lighting.
Efficiency
There are a variety of efficiency factors to consider throughout the bathroom. For example, if you go with tile flooring, choose the varieties that are easy to care for. Limestone and other porous tile requires lots of maintenance to keep up the seal. Glazed or porcelain tiles, on the other hand, hold up well under wear and tear. Be sure to choose flooring that’s got grip, too, in order to avoid slips and falls.
Style
If the rest of your home is traditional in style, don’t choose an over-the-top contemporary theme in the bathroom. It’ll turn off future buyers and may even cost you down the line when you need to make adjustments to the relatively new space just to attract an offer. In addition, consider the design of the space. If you won’t be using the half bathroom but once a day, a neutral color palette and simple décor will suffice. On the other hand, if you’ll be using the soaked tub on a nightly basis, you’ll want to invest more time and thought into a soothing, relaxing design.
Longevity
The bathroom should last for many years, so before you go wild with color or off-the-wall design, keep these tips in mind: Use neutral colors and consider a universal design so that doors are wide enough for seniors with walkers and showers and tubs have grab handles and walk-in access.
Lifestyle
While a bathroom remodeling project is an investment that generally increases the value of the home, you should also design a space that suits your family’s lifestyle. If you have a large family with active teens, it’s wise to invest in a full second bath. This way, your children won’t risk hurting each other while waiting on their 10 minutes of early morning bathroom time. If you need extra storage or a second linen closet, by all means, include this must-have in the design of the space.
Planning and thoughtfulness take a bathroom remodel and make it great. Consider the function of the space as well as the value the remodel will deliver. Keep efficiency and safety in mind, and ensure the style is in line with the rest of the home. Design the space with the future and your lifestyle in mind, and you’ll end up with a project well done.
