Bathroom Remodel is a major undertaking and will put your home out of commission for days or weeks. Be prepared by bringing in a portable toilet and staying with family members for the duration of the project.
A complete overhaul involves changing the footprint of the bathroom, which can include removing walls, altering plumbing, and moving fixtures. These changes will require a permit.
A bathroom remodel goes beyond a simple makeover or fixture replacement. The layout is altered, which can be very disruptive, invasive, and costly. For example, a tub might be removed and replaced with a walk-in shower. Or, a toilet might be moved to another wall or replaced completely.
A major layout change can involve a lot of drywall, plumbing pipe relocation, and electrical rerouting. It might also require moving the bathroom door, adding a window, or changing the shape of the room. If you’re considering a complete overhaul of your existing bathroom, start by drawing out your ideal layout and taking it to your contractor for a discussion about feasibility and costs.
Space planning is critical for a bathroom renovation, but it’s often overlooked. The more walls that contain plumbing pipes, the higher the cost will be. In addition, it’s important to keep in mind that bathrooms usually have load-bearing walls. Rerouting plumbing or electric lines might be required to accommodate a new layout, which can significantly increase the project cost.
For a small bathroom, consider using a partition wall to separate the sink from the toilet and create an alcove for a vanity. This layout allows for plenty of counter space without crowding the space. It also uses a pocket door to reclaim floor space taken by a swinging conventional door.
In a master bathroom, a freestanding tub can be a lovely focal point. But it’s critical to carefully plan out the size and positioning of a bathtub in order to satisfy codes and meet inspection requirements. In this bath, the designer created a beautiful bath by using a framed-in alcove to house a soaking tub, leaving open floor space for the rest of the room.
Plumbing
When you’re ready to start planning your bathroom remodel, it is important to determine what changes are realistic and which ones will require professional assistance. Whether you’re just updating your vanity or completely gutting the room, you’ll likely need to relocate plumbing. If this is the case, it will be best to meet with a plumber beforehand for a consultation. This way, you’ll have a clear understanding of what your project will cost and what timeframe to expect.
During this meeting, you will review the layout of your new bathroom and discuss any potential plumbing changes with your contractor. You will also learn more about the overall cost of your project, including the cost of materials, installation, labor and any necessary permits. At this point, it’s a good idea to create a budget for your renovation and set aside funds for unexpected issues that may arise during construction.
In addition to plumbing work, many home improvements include electrical upgrades. This is especially true for bathrooms, as they often require additional outlets and switches to accommodate layout changes. This is also an excellent opportunity to upgrade to more energy-efficient fixtures, which will help reduce your electricity bills.
Before the renovation begins, it’s important to protect your belongings and cover furniture in the vicinity of the work area. Keeping items safe will prevent them from damage during the remodel and allow you to access them once the work is completed. It’s also a good idea to mark the location of utilities, such as water and electrical hookups. This will ensure that your contractor doesn’t accidentally damage any wiring or pipes while removing existing fixtures. Finally, you should be aware that you will probably need a permit and co-op or condo board approval for your renovation if you live in NYC.
Electrical
If you’re considering a complete bathroom overhaul, you’ll likely need some new electrical wiring. This is not a DIY project, and if you don’t have the experience to do it yourself (and don’t even think about trying), it’s definitely best left in the hands of a licensed professional.
You may also need to install GFCI outlets, as bathrooms are more humid and wet environments and can present more opportunities for electric shocks than other parts of the home. GFCI outlets are designed to detect any problems and prevent shocks in these situations, so they are a necessity for all bathrooms.
Other electrical work you might need to make during your bathroom remodel includes installing additional junction boxes, such as for new switches or outlets, relocating existing ones, adding outlets inside cabinetry and more. It’s also worth assessing whether your current electrical panel needs to be upgraded. The demands of a remodeled bathroom are likely to be more than what your fuse box can handle, and circuit breakers are much more capable of handling these higher-demand loads.
Finally, if you’re planning to add a washer/dryer to your bathroom, it’s important to understand that you will need a dedicated 50A electrical circuit, a drain line, and an exhaust vent. In this case, your Sweeten contractor will probably need to knock down a wall and/or take over two closets in order to accommodate the units.
A well-planned bathroom renovation can bring added function and value to your home, and boost your resale potential. For many homeowners, that return on investment is far greater than the cost of the renovation. Contact Sweeten today to get started! We can help you find vetted contractors, compare quotes, and secure permits and co-op/condo board approvals, if needed.
Flooring
Floors are one of the most important factors in your bathroom remodel. They set the stage and can make a big difference in your bathroom’s overall look and feel. While tile is the most common flooring option for bathrooms, there are several alternatives to consider.
Vinyl is budget-friendly, water resistant (if not waterproof) and can mimic the look of wood and stone floors. It’s also easier to clean than tile and can be more comfortable underfoot. Some types of vinyl are available as click-together planks, which is much easier to install than tile.
Hardwood is a beautiful choice for bathrooms, but it’s not as moisture-resistant as other options and can be susceptible to mold. Laminate is a great alternative to hardwood in bathrooms since it’s water-resistant and looks like real wood.
Linoleum is a classic flooring material that received something of a makeover in the 2000s and is now popular again among eco-conscious homeowners. It’s made of natural materials such as linseed oil, plant fibers and resins, which reportedly suppress allergens and harmful microorganisms.
Stone tile is another beautiful option for bathrooms. It’s durable and adds a rich texture to the room, while also adding value to your home. Tile is usually more expensive than other flooring options, however.
Carpeting is an affordable choice for many people and offers a warm, cozy surface underfoot. But it’s not as moisture-resistant as tiles and is more susceptible to mildew. It’s also difficult to install yourself, so we recommend hiring a professional.
Lighting
When you remodel the bathroom, lighting is an important consideration. You want the light fixtures to coordinate with the design style you’re going for. For example, a contemporary bathroom may look best with lighting that has a geometric feel and modern materials. For a traditional bathroom, you might choose more ornamental designs and brass or crystal materials. Ideally, you should also choose light bulbs that match in color temperature and wattage to create a cohesive lighting plan for the space.
Another important element of bathroom remodeling is adding storage solutions. For example, you might consider adding a linen closet or built-in cabinets to keep your bathroom organized and free from clutter. You can also install a freestanding bathtub or replace your old shower with a more spacious walk-in tub to give the room a spa-like feel. Finally, you can also paint the walls or add wallpaper to refresh the bathroom’s appearance. When painting, choose moisture-resistant drywall and paint for long-lasting results.
Depending on the scope of your project, you’ll need to spend several weeks or even months planning your bathroom remodel before the work begins. Poor planning is the number one reason for cost overruns on bathroom renovations. To avoid this, make sure to establish a budget and gather design inspiration. Take the time to browse magazines and showrooms for creative ideas for your new bathroom. You can also use a website like Pinterest to organize your favorite images and create a digital mood board.
Lastly, make sure to hire licensed professionals for your project. This ensures that the contractor has the necessary skills and knowledge to complete your bathroom remodeling. It’s also a good idea to interview potential contractors and ask for references from previous clients.