Do’s & Don’ts of Bathroom Remodeling

 

 

Whether you’re looking to replace only a few details or renovating an entire space, bathroom remodels without proper planning can be both expensive and nerve-racking. A bathroom remodel can be a challenging endeavor with many moving parts. That’s why we have compiled seven of the most common bathroom remodel mistakes, and we talk about how to avoid them during your next renovation.

 

DO: have a plan

 

Jumping into a bathroom remodel hastily is a surefire way to make mistakes and spend money unnecessarily. Even though bathrooms tend to be rather small, the number of details and services required within that small space means you need to be prepared.

Every successful renovation begins with a plan. Do your homework before contacting a contractor or designer. Collect photos of bathroom designs and features that you like and make a list of your likes and dislikes in your current bathroom. This will assist your team in narrowing down your options when you begin the design process.

 

DO: think about the future

 

If you’re planning to renovate your bathroom, there is a good chance you’ll only be able to do it once. Because of this, there are a few modifications that can help you plan for the future while maintaining comfortable and accessible spaces for all ages. Walk-in curbless showers and built-in benches are features that could be considered a luxury now but become vital as we age gracefully.

If part of your renovation includes reconfiguring the bathroom entry wall, consider widening your doorway. This will allow for easier access for someone using a walker or a wheelchair in the future. Installing comfort-height toilets is another easy change that will be beneficial down the road. If mobility becomes an issue in the future, the added height will ease accessibility.

 

zero entry shower and grab bars

 

DO: hide your toilet

 

If you have the space, hide the toilet. When you step into the bathroom, the toilet is the one feature you don’t want staring at you. Reasons for separating the toilet from the rest of the bathroom are functionality and aesthetics. If the toilet is private, more than one person can comfortably use the space. WHenyou don’t have enough room for a private water closet, use a knee wall or partition wall to visibly separate your toilet from the other areas of your bathroom. If neither of these is possible, try to position the toilet directly behind the main entry door to avoid a direct line of sight.

 

hide toilet when designing bathroom

 

DO: make it light and bright

 

The brighter your bathroom, the more spacious it appears. Poor lighting in a bathroom can make it difficult to complete tasks, and more shadows are cast where you don’t want them. During the planning process, have a strategy for lighting. Try to incorporate layers of lights that can each be turned on and off individually. These layers might include overhead ceiling lights, vanity lights, and wall sconces. Don’t forget to include separate ceiling lights in your shower and toilet areas. No one wants to shower in the dark.

Depending on the scale of your remodel, you should decide if there are structural modifications that could be made to allow more natural lighting into your space. This can be accomplished by expanding existing windows or adding new windows, transoms, or skylights.

 

bathroom lighting in layers ceiling vanity and sconces

 

DON’T: get caught up in trends

 

Because bathrooms can become dated in as little as five years and they are one of the more expensive home investments, don’t get caught up in passing trends. Try keeping your high-end purchases as classic and neutral as possible. Big ticket items, such as tile flooring or shower design, are good examples of this. Having a blank canvas will make it easier to update your design as trends change, and they will appeal to a wider market if you ever sell your home. Decorative details such as rugs, towels, art, and wallpaper can always be used to add pops of color, pattern, and texture.

If you are thinking about incorporating a popular metal fixtures and you’re concerned about longevity, don’t go all in. Mixing metals is the perfect way to introduce a trendy element without fully committing to design trends that come and go.

If you’re unsure about which design trends will last, look to history for guidance. Subway and penny round tiles are two patterns that have been around for over a century. These two tile designs have evolved over the years to take on a more modern appearance, and I believe it is safe to say that they are not going away anytime soon.

 

stay classic and neural when remodeling bathroom

 

DON’T: forget to plan for storage

 

Bathrooms, as we all know, are usually the smallest rooms in the house. As a result, insufficient storage is a common issue. If you’re renovating, don’t forget to account for storage from the start to ensure your new bathroom is both functional and attractive.

Does your home have a separate hall closet, or is your primary storage for linens, toiletries, and cleaning supplies located in the bathroom? If the latter, think about your layout. Is there somewhere a linen closet could be constructed? When space is tight, consider maximizing storage options with linen towers that can be incorporated into your vanity design. Another great space saver is a built-in medicine cabinet recessed into the wall. Are there areas where floating shelves could be installed, possibly over a toilet or a soaking tub? Every little bit of space counts when maximizing storage in your bathroom.

 

 

DON’T: forget the little details

 

Small details can become big issues. A misplaced outlet in a vanity can make getting ready for your day challenging. What about a shower with no towel bar within reaching distance? Small details are much easier to resolve beforehand.  During the planning phase, do a trial run. How do you move about your day? What is your bathroom routine? Create a list of optimal locations for outlets, towel bars, and other functional accessories.

 

hairdryer outlets, towel bars, shower niches

 

A bathroom remodel can be exciting, but it can also be daunting if you don’t have a solid plan. It’s crucial to think the process through from start to finish since it’s such an important area of your home. We hope that these tips have your creative juices flowing, and that they’ll aid you in planning your dream bathroom.

 

If you missed last month’s blog post on how to select the perfect paint color, check it out here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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