How To Start a Bathroom Remodel Project

The bathroom is perhaps one of the most important rooms to remodel when moving into a new home or preparing a property for sale. Bathrooms are prone to moisture, filth, and grime. We use it numerous times in a day and dirt and bacteria can easily accumulate on surfaces but are completely hidden in plain sight. This is one of the reasons why keeping the bathroom clean and organized is a must. If you have an outdated bathroom, on the other hand, remodeling it will give it a fresh new look that you can be proud of.

Starting a bathroom remodeling project is an exciting task but it can also get a little overwhelming. The fact that it's the smallest room in the house doesn't make redesigning it any less expensive or difficult than remodeling other rooms. Before you start demolishing your tiles and fixtures, read this blog first. Here, we’ll cover the basic things that you should know before starting a bathroom remodeling project. Let’s dive right into it!

1.   Determine your budget

First thing first. The flow, scope, and design of your new bathroom remodel can be determined by your budget. Your budget will serve as your guide and boundary on what to do, what not to include, and what materials and accessories would be practical to use.

Not setting a budget beforehand can cause problems in the future. There’s a high chance that you might overspend, make costly purchasing mistakes, and be cut short on your cash resulting in an unfinished bathroom remodel. Always start by setting your budget first. Once you have set up your budget, you can then proceed to the next phase of the remodel with more clarity.

2.   Determine the scope of the project

Are planning to do a partial remodel project or a full bathroom remodel project? Are you transforming a modest bathroom into a high-end one? Determine the scope or the goal of this bathroom remodel. Check the current state of your bathroom and see whether or not the fixtures need a little upgrade or the tiles need to be changed. Should you add more storage cabinets? What about the paint? Get a pen and paper and list down everything that needs an upgrade.

3.   Create a Timeline

Typically, a bathroom remodel can take a few days to weeks depending on the scope and the number of people who are going to be involved in the project. If you are in a rush and want your bathroom remodel done in a few days or weeks, create a detailed schedule or to-do list for each day and follow it diligently. For example, set up a day to demolish old tiles, sinks, fixtures, and the like. Designate a day to shop for materials and accessories, same with painting, installing tiles, flooring, fixtures, and so on. Having a detailed timeline will allow you to easily track your progress.

4.   Create a Work Sequence

When remodeling a bathroom, following a set procedure will help you avoid costly mistakes and a lot of clean-up work. Starting at the top of the room is best practice whether you are repainting or tearing off drywall. Modify your ceiling first, then your walls, and finally your floors to protect your new pieces.

5.   Look for bathroom issues

You don’t really want to build over something with hidden damage. Before you start, always check the status of your bathroom. How old is it? What is its renovation history? Are there any problems with the plumbing, ventilation, and function?

The biggest hidden issue you could run into in your home, depending on its age and how well it was constructed, is water damage, so look for structural flaws in the floor structure, improperly vented plumbing, old, rusted pipework, damaged tile non-working shower and bathtub fixtures. Issues like these need to be tackled first before layering over a new plan for your bathroom.

6.   Measure Everything

Before you sit down and plan your layout, design, and interior style, measure the dimension of your bathroom first. In some cases, the cost of a bathroom renovation can be determined by the square foot. Measurement is necessary to conduct an initial cost estimate as well as to plan the layout. You want to avoid purchasing bathroom fixtures and furniture that won’t fit the space. Before going to the store, double-check that you have the appropriate measurements and specs. Design

7.   Select Plumbing Fixtures

A bathroom remodel is not complete unless all fixtures and features—including the shower, bathtub, toilet, bidet, sink, faucets, and shower heads—are updated or repaired. Changing out the door knobs, drawer pulls, and shower door hardware is another very simple way to alter the appearance of your bathroom.

8.   Decide What Cabinets and Storage to Put

Adequate storage space is necessary for the bathroom. However, for small compact bathrooms integrating cabinets and shelves is a huge challenge. Before you purchase manufactured vanities and cabinets for the bathroom, make sure that you have enough floor space available for the items. Your bathroom shouldn’t be too cramped so pick the most appropriate storage solution for your space. Some homeowners often get their bathroom storage cabinets custom-made especially if they have an asymmetrical bathroom layout.

9.   Think About Ventilation

In a damp space like the bathroom, ventilation is essential.  Poor ventilation can cause your bathroom to become moldy, moist, and even dangerous to your health. Selecting the proper fan, finding the ideal location for installation, and managing the electrical wiring are additional challenging tasks that require careful planning. Proper ventilation not only keeps the bathroom clean and hygienic. It also lengthens the life of certain bathroom materials and fixtures.

10. Mind the Lighting

Without proper lighting, a bathroom may become inconvenient or even dangerous, so consider using design lighting that serves both practical reasons and mood-enhancing purposes. Plan to use as much natural light as possible first; for artificial lighting, it's recommended to have at least 4 watts of artificial light per square foot.

11. Decide Whether to DIY or Hire a Contractor

Lastly, after you’ve done the budgeting, planning, and designing, decide whether your bathroom remodeling project is something you can DIY. Doing it yourself will save you money on labor costs. However, hiring a contractor ensures that the project will be finished fast and with fewer errors. There is no right and wrong. It is all just a matter of assessing your capabilities to make a practical and informed decision.

Now that you’re ready to kickstart your bathroom remodel project, let us tell you how your space can help if you decide to do it all by yourself. At spaice, we provide you with a variety of services from design consultation, designing the space, and creating virtual 3d walkthroughs, to estimation and project management. Get in touch with us and achieve the bathroom of your dreams in just a few clicks.