Renovations of any kind are a daunting process. But when it comes to the batha space that needs to be both hyper-functional and serene, practical and, ideally, a little bit luxethe stakes somehow seem higher. There are a million decisions to be made along the way, from mirror to groutand the price tag can be surprising. What to know before you begin? Take our advice:
When youre functioning as the general contractoror even working with a general contractoryou have to spell out every part of the plan, and never assume everyone is up to speed, say the mother-daughter team behind Matriarchy Build inHow to Avoid Rookie Remodeling Mistakes. Someone we know had a contractor demo the wrong bath, they add.
Think of renovations like surgery: to avoid getting the wrong knee replaced, make surethen make sure again, then again, then one final timethat the proper knee (or bathroom) is marked and agreed upon.
Think you can remodel your bathroom head to toe for a couple thousand dollars? We hate to tell you: the average cost of a bathroom remodel was $11,364 in 2016, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). A basic, low-grade renovation with less expensive materials or smaller swaps could run from $1,500 to $5,000, while a top-of-the-line, tip-to-toe renovation could run up to $23,000.
NKBA estimates that, broken down, most of this cost comes from fixtures and plumbing (about 29 percent), followed by counters and surfaces (21 percent), labor (20 percent), and cabinetry and hardware (16 percent). Keep in mind: they advise that, all told, your bathroom project should cost no more than 5 to 10 percent of your homes value.
You may be tempted to upgrade your bathroom with a dramatic freestanding bath. But it might not be the most practical choice going forward, particularly if youre petite, hate cleaning, have an old rickety house, like to take long baths, or take more showers than baths. Read more about the merits of built-in baths (and showers) versus freestanding options in10 Things Nobody Tells You About Clawfoot Bathtubs, as well as inRemodeling 101: Romance in the Bath: Built-In vs. Freestanding Bathtubs.
Dont think you can install a few lights and call it a day: because bathrooms are sometimes small and/or dark and filled with mirrors (which complicates how light bounces around), lighting requires careful thought and placement. The simplest way to light a bath is a single diffuse light in the center of the ceiling. Have a bathroom thats already pretty bright? A pair of wall sconces should be sufficient. Thinking about ceiling-inset downlights? Place with care: avoid installing directly over light-colored countertops (since those will reflect the lights), and place close to the wall over a vanity to maximize light when looking in the mirror. And if you spend a lot of time applying makeup, consider vertical fluorescent light fixtures on either side of the mirror. For more pro tips, seeRemodeling 101: How to Install Flattering Lighting in the Bathroom.
You dont want to get to the end of a renovation and realize youve forgotten to consider the outlets. Think of these outlet errors: you have to plug your hairdryer in across the room, and cant see yourself in the mirror from there. Or, youd like to keep your electric toothbrush charging at all times, but neglected to install an outlet in the medicine cabinet. Or, you share your bathroom with your spouse, but only installed an outlet on one side of the vanity. To avoid these mistakes, readRemodeling 101: Where to Locate Electrical Outlets, Bath Edition.
Forget the endless stacks of tile samples your contractor will show you: you need only remember a few key varieties. The types of tile that are particularly hardy, long-wearing, and timeless in the bathin shower stalls, on floors, and on wallsare porcelain, glass, natural stone, cement, and, of course, subway tile (a type of ceramic tile so popular were counting it in its own category). The options become a lot simpler once you whittle down to these time-tested options; then choose a color and a shape and go from there.
(Need help sourcing subway tile? See7 Favorite Architect-Approved Sources for Subway Tile. And read more about timeless tile options inRemodeling 101: A Guide to the Only 7 Types of Tile You Need to Know.)
Grout may be an afterthought in the scheme of your whole remodel: its a small, andas Meredith points out in Remodeling 101: How to Choose the Right Tile Groutunsexy element of the bath. But, she adds, its hugely important: It seals out dirt and water, compensates for small size differences between individual tiles, and firms up the structural integrity of an installation.
How to choose the right grout for your bath? Answer this series of questions: Do you want the grout to stand out, or blend into the tile? Is the grout in a high splash zone, or a fairly dry place? (If itll be getting wet a lot, as in a shower stall, opt for synthetic grout; go for cementitious grout everywhere else). Will dirty grout drive you crazy? (If so, avoid white.)
See more considerations inRemodeling 101: How to Choose the Right Tile Grout; then learn how to keep it looking new inEverything You Always Wanted to Know About Grout and Caulk (but Were Afraid to Ask).
Toilets are not one size fits all: if you have a small space, consider a petite toilet (see 10 Easy Pieces: Compact Toilets). Or, opt for a traditional or modern floor-standing toilet, water-conserving toilet, or wall-mounted toilet.
So much of creating a bathroom that feels both serene and well-functioning comes down to good storage. Be sure to look for storage opportunitieseven small, simple oneswhen drawing up your plans, to make them feel integrated and not added-on. For example, architect Malcolm Davis says: I like to place a couple of tall shallow cabinets hidden in a stud bay. You dont need deep shelf storage; a shallow shelf can store a lot. I like to put a recess in the shower and I try and integrate towel bars to feel built in. Read more about his tips inExpert Advice: 10 Essential Tips for Designing the Bathroom, and see 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Bathroom Storage over on The Organized Home.
Maybe youve moved into a new house and cant stand the tile in the bathroom, but dont have the budget to replace it completely. Or maybe youre renting andcant remodel (if you want your security deposit back, that is). The good news is you might not have to demo everything and start fresh. If its the tile you want to upgrade, consider tile refinishing, like blogger Athena Calderone did inBefore/After: A Perfectionists $1,000 Bathroom Overhaul in Brooklyn. Or swap out a few basic fixtures (lights, faucets) for a big impact, as inExpert Advice: 10 Tips for Transforming a Rental Bath.
More inside intel on remodeling projects and materials, large and small:
Continued here:
10 Things Nobody Tells You About Renovating Your Bathroom
- A woman requested her contractor pay her back after a shoddy bathroom renovation. Hes been convicted of her murder - MSN - October 28th, 2024 [October 28th, 2024]
- QC home remodeling business continues familys 100-year tradition - KWQC - October 17th, 2024 [October 17th, 2024]
- Regency Construction and Remodeling SD Expands Premium Home Remodeling Services in San Diego, CA - openPR - October 17th, 2024 [October 17th, 2024]
- San Francisco bathroom renovation startup that raised millions goes down the drain - San Francisco Business Times - October 17th, 2024 [October 17th, 2024]
- We Asked Readers What Their Biggest Bathroom Reno Regret Was Heres What Stressed Them Out Most - Apartment Therapy - October 17th, 2024 [October 17th, 2024]
- Three bathroom designs that get a peaceful feeling from shades of green - The Boston Globe - October 17th, 2024 [October 17th, 2024]
- Make Use Of Corner Counter Space In Your Bathroom With A Chic Organizing Solution - House Digest - October 17th, 2024 [October 17th, 2024]
- How Much Does It Cost to Get Rid of That Dated Bathtub? - House Beautiful - September 29th, 2024 [September 29th, 2024]
- Emily Henderson just revealed a 'happy beige' bathroom remodel proves this warm neutral is anything but sad - Homes & Gardens - September 29th, 2024 [September 29th, 2024]
- Show Us Your Ugly Bathroom - WZID - August 25th, 2024 [August 25th, 2024]
- David Bromstad Says Removing This Bathroom Feature Can Hurt Your Resale Value - House Digest - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Lifespan Construction in Tumwater Has 5 Useful Tips for Planning Your Dream Bathroom Remodel - ThurstonTalk - March 14th, 2024 [March 14th, 2024]
- HGTV's Erin Napier Introduces A Stunning Bathroom Feature You'll Want To Replicate - House Digest - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- JEREMY SPECIALIZING IN * INSTALLATIONS * REPAIRS * REMODELING * DRYWALL * PAINTING * BATHROOM ... - Kdminer - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- Features to consider for a relaxation-themed bathroom remodel - Citrus County Chronicle - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- The Latest Bathroom Renovation Trends - The Good Men Project - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- The Shower Door That Can Make A Small Bathroom Look And Feel Bigger - House Digest - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- Small Space, Big Impact: Creative Shower and Bath Remodels for Compact Bathrooms - FINE Homes and Living - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- 7 Bathroom Trends That Will Make a Splash in 2024 - Better Homes & Gardens - December 20th, 2023 [December 20th, 2023]
- How can you design a bathroom that never dates? | - Homes & Gardens - December 20th, 2023 [December 20th, 2023]
- Hammer and Hand, a custom home remodeling company based out of Naples, FL, is being praised for their excellent work and customer service. - Digital... - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
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- Mayflower Construction Group Highlights What Makes Its Bathroom Remodeling Team Apart - Digital Journal - December 28th, 2021 [December 28th, 2021]
- Where to spend and where to save in a small bathroom - Real Homes - December 28th, 2021 [December 28th, 2021]
- Global Power Tools & Accessories B2B e-Commerce Marketplaces 2021: COVID-19 is Prompting Buyers and Sellers to Consider Third-party Digital... - November 4th, 2021 [November 4th, 2021]
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- 75 Beautiful Bathroom Pictures & Ideas - February, 2021 ... - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- 13 Best Bathroom Remodeling in Tulsa, OK | NewsOn6 Reviews - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Bathroom Remodeling Contractor | DFW Improved - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- How to Design a Bathroom (with Pictures) - wikiHow - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Bathroom Remodeling | Fixture Replacement, Extensions ... - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Bathroom Remodel Cost Estimator - Bathroom Cost Calculator - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
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- Rooms and Spaces Design Ideas : Photos of Kitchen, Bath ... - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
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- Flow and Functionality - Design and Living Magazine - Design & Living Magazine - February 16th, 2021 [February 16th, 2021]
- 7 home renovations that can pay off at sale - Newsday - February 16th, 2021 [February 16th, 2021]
- Shower Remodel: Worth the Investment? - Motley Fool - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Reshape the bathroom into a functional sanctuary - Times Union - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
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- The Pantone Colors of the Year for 2021 are Ultimate Gray and Illuminating - The San Diego Union-Tribune - December 26th, 2020 [December 26th, 2020]
- Kitchen And Bath Remodels Up During COVID-19 Restrictions - Forbes - December 10th, 2020 [December 10th, 2020]
- Kitchen and bathroom remodeling made simple with Granite Transformations of North Phoenix - Yahoo News - December 10th, 2020 [December 10th, 2020]
- The Homeowner's Guide to Shower Heads - MSN Money - December 10th, 2020 [December 10th, 2020]
- Have yourself a very married Christmas - Farm and Dairy - December 10th, 2020 [December 10th, 2020]
- Global Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market (2020 to 2024) - Featuring Duravit, Geberit and Kohler Among Others - ResearchAndMarkets.com - Business Wire - October 23rd, 2020 [October 23rd, 2020]
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- Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Is Available in San Rafael, CA - Press Release - Digital Journal - October 15th, 2020 [October 15th, 2020]
- The Global Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market is expected to grow by 226.25 mn units during 2020-2024 progressing at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period... - October 15th, 2020 [October 15th, 2020]
- 9 Tips For Selecting The Right Sink For Any Room in the House - HouseBeautiful.com - October 15th, 2020 [October 15th, 2020]
- Wisconsin Homeowners: Renovation Guide To Remodeling The Bathroom - Patch.com - October 10th, 2020 [October 10th, 2020]
- 'Christina on the Coast': Christina helps friend Cara and her husband remodel their main bedroom and bath - MEAWW - August 14th, 2020 [August 14th, 2020]
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- Re-purposing the home in the age of COVID-19: offices, gyms, bonus rooms - RochesterFirst - August 14th, 2020 [August 14th, 2020]
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- 5 Home Remodeling Tips from the Pros Pasadena Weekendr - Pasadena Now - June 10th, 2020 [June 10th, 2020]
- Ready to remodel but stymied by pandemic? Here's what you can prepare now - Minneapolis Star Tribune - June 10th, 2020 [June 10th, 2020]
- How IBW cellular coverage solution providers adapted and grew during COVID-19 with Cel-Fi products - RCR Wireless News - June 10th, 2020 [June 10th, 2020]
- Petri Plumbing & Heating offers HVAC advice to owners of older homes as temperatures rise - Salamanca Press - June 10th, 2020 [June 10th, 2020]
- 'Good Bones' Season 5 Episode 1: Mina and Karen turn their most expensive investment yet into a gorgeous home - MEAWW - June 10th, 2020 [June 10th, 2020]
- Why It Pays to Keep Track of Home Improvements - Accountingweb.com - May 27th, 2020 [May 27th, 2020]
- Mississippians struggling with unemployment claims. Payments on hold after more than two months - Clarion Ledger - May 27th, 2020 [May 27th, 2020]
- Americore Construction Inc. Is Becoming One of the Premier Services for Interior Design and Renovation - Virtual-Strategy Magazine - May 24th, 2020 [May 24th, 2020]
- Family Is Asking the Community for Help - SweetwaterNOW.com - May 24th, 2020 [May 24th, 2020]
- Pretty Litter Review: Keeping Tabs on Your Cat's Health | WIRED - WIRED - May 24th, 2020 [May 24th, 2020]
- Dear Renters: These Are the DIY Home Repairs You Can Make Without Getting in Trouble - InsideHook - May 24th, 2020 [May 24th, 2020]
- Before-and-After Bathroom Remodels on a Budget | HGTV - May 21st, 2020 [May 21st, 2020]
- 4 Bathroom Decor Ideas To Help Your Bathroom Stand Out - Motley Fool - May 21st, 2020 [May 21st, 2020]
- Cody Stashak preparing for future as a father and as a major leaguer - Press of Atlantic City - May 21st, 2020 [May 21st, 2020]
- Armstrong Hall's renovations receive mixed reviews from students - The Signal - May 21st, 2020 [May 21st, 2020]
- Meyers and Elle Leonards remodeled Wilsonville mansion is for sale at $3 million (see before and after photo - oregonlive.com - May 21st, 2020 [May 21st, 2020]
- Condemnation, sympathy after man helps wife kill herself - Los Angeles Times - May 21st, 2020 [May 21st, 2020]
- COVID-19 Economic Impact Report on the United States Cabinets Industry - GlobeNewswire - May 21st, 2020 [May 21st, 2020]
- Best Bathroom Remodeling Contractors | ConsumerAffairs - May 16th, 2020 [May 16th, 2020]
- Hurting, contractors are implementing coronavirus measures to protect their clients and themselves - Home Improvement, New Developments - Boston.com - May 16th, 2020 [May 16th, 2020]
- COVID-19 Economic Impact Report on the United States Cabinets Industry - Yahoo Finance UK - May 16th, 2020 [May 16th, 2020]