The bathroom is one part of the house where things can get grimy and unattractive really quickly, and you may be itching for a new look. Whether you are just sprucing a few things up or looking to gut your whole bathroom, there are lots of things you want to keep in mind before beginning a bathroom remodeling project.
Not Budgeting Enough
While you may not be able to budget your remodel down to the last cent exactly, you can take steps that will allow you to put together a pretty solid budget that won’t get totally blown. The average remodel is about 16,000, but you want to give yourself a nice cushion. This is particularly true if you have an older home where you may need to make repairs that you can’t anticipate now. And because bathrooms are a wet area, you may uncover various types of water damage and even mold.
Employing a Jack of All Trades Contractor
When it comes to remodeling your bathroom the right way, you don’t want to just hire a contractor who dabbles in all types of jobs. Really zero in on the contractors that have experience with remodeling bathrooms. There are lots of unique components in a bathroom that can cause a lot of headaches down the line if they are not tended to properly during the remodel.
No matter where you are located, whether Kalamazoo or Colorado Springs, you can find a local business that can provide this specific service.
Getting Too Trendy
While you want to create a fresh, modern look, you don’t want to go overboard with the latest trends oozing from every corner. Some touches here and there are fine, but the bulk of the design should lean towards something timeless and classic.
You really can’t go wrong with neutral colors, simple tile and a nice, clean look. This is particularly important to keep in mind if you think you may sell your house one day. Unless you have someone who is willing, and has the budget, to gut certain areas of the house and totally do it to their liking, this could be a deal breaker.
Prioritizing Form Over Function
While you want your bathroom to look nice, it is not like your bedroom or living room…its primary purpose is largely functional. So, be careful not to get carried away with form. It is easy to get swept up in the aesthetics—picking out paint colors, tiles, new fixtures, storage options and the like.
Don’t forget about designing a bathroom that allows you to move around easily and makes sense. You don’t want to end up with knees up against the shower while sitting on the toilet or not being able to open drawers all the way.
You can have the beautiful bathroom you want, just be sure to design it smartly.
Cheaping Out
You may not need the highest quality tile to create a nice bathroom, and you don’t want to spend money on things that aren’t really necessary and you can’t afford anyway. But, you don’t want to cheap out on the important stuff that will cause huge headaches down the line. Don’t go for the cheap cabinets that don’t fit properly, or the lower quality underlayment that can lead to water damage.