Bathroom Remodel is easier if you know what you want to change beforehand. Having an idea of your desired bathroom layout and materials helps contractors understand your vision when estimating.

It also helps to know how much you’re willing to spend on materials and labor. Keep in mind that unexpected costs like weather, delays with materials and contractor issues can add up.

The layout of a bathroom is a critical element that can have a big impact on your remodel cost. It’s also a great place to get creative and make changes that improve your space. On the simplest level, you might change the position of fixtures like tub/shower, toilet, and sink. This is less invasive than knocking down walls or changing the footprint of the room and typically requires only some rerouting of plumbing pipes.

On a larger scale, you might change the shape or size of the bath or even add an entirely new room. This is more invasive and expensive than changing the position of fixtures, but it can give you the space to accommodate a lot of your wants and needs. This is where it’s best to work with a remodeling contractor that has experience and can help you with planning, drawing up plans, and making sure your renovation stays on budget.

Before you start your layout change, consider how you’ll use the bathroom. This will guide some of your decisions around things like storage, countertops, and flooring. For example, if you have young children, you may want to install a bathtub with rounded sides and plenty of access for diapers and toys. Identifying your family’s daily activities can also drive other decisions like adding a linen closet to an adjacent wall or putting in a double sink to accommodate two people at once.

While you can often find pre-designed bathroom floor plans online, it’s important to create a custom design for your project. This way, you can clearly communicate what you want to your contractor and keep the lines of communication clear. Using software like RoomSketcher can help you do this and is free to download. Also, always hire a licensed and insured contractor for your remodel. They should have personal liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage coverage to protect you in case of accidental damage or a job that goes over budget.

Storage

A bathroom is often a messy, high-traffic space that can become a catch-all for half-used beauty products, extra linens, and cleaning supplies. Adding plenty of storage is an easy way to keep the room clean and organized, regardless of how large or small it is.

There are endless options for bathroom storage, including open shelving, closed cabinets, and a mix of both. For example, Home by Polly incorporated floor-to-ceiling shelving to offer ample storage while also serving as chic decor. Shelving is also a great option for hiding away appliances, like blow dryers and curling irons, to prevent visual clutter.

In addition to changing the look and functionality of the room, many homeowners decide to remodel their bathrooms for increased resale value. However, these projects require a lot of planning and can be very expensive. It is important to budget for this project properly and work with a professional to ensure it is done correctly.

A remodeling project that involves gutting the room or altering its footprint can be very time-consuming and invasive, but it is sometimes necessary to achieve the desired look. For example, if you want to convert a tub into a shower, that will involve removing the old tub and installing a new walk-in shower.

In these situations, it is often best to consult with a general contractor to discuss feasibility and costs. The contractor can help you plan the remodel based on your goals, design ideas, and budget, as well as recommend contractors and materials to fit your needs. They can also assist with permitting and board approvals, as well as provide guidance on plumbing and electrical changes. Be prepared to make accommodations for staying in a hotel or visiting family during the remodel, and try to stagger the renovations so you have one functional bathroom at all times.

Flooring

The flooring is one of the bigger ticket items in a bathroom remodel. But, homeowners often overlook it while debating a whirlpool tub or glass-block walk-in shower. This is because most traditional wood floors are not a good choice for a bathroom, as they can swell and buckle in humidity. However, there are other options that can be just as beautiful while being more suitable for a wet space.

Tile is a popular and durable bathroom flooring option that offers a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures. It’s also easy to clean, and it resists water damage, slippage, and stains. Another popular option is vinyl, which has a waterproof surface and can be embossed to create the look of stone or ceramic tile. It also resists moisture, stains, and odors.

Linoleum is another option that received a makeover in recent years, becoming popular with eco-conscious homeowners. It’s made from linseed oil, plant fibers, and resins, and it has antibacterial properties that suppress bacteria and mold. It’s also nonslip and warm underfoot.

A more luxurious flooring option is natural stone, which lends a rustic or elegant finish to your bathroom. Marble, travertine, and color body porcelains are classic choices that add value to your home. But, it’s important to remember that natural stone is a limited resource and requires more maintenance than other flooring materials.

Other options for a wet room include engineered hardwood, which uses a layer of real wood over plywood for extra durability, and vinyl planks that look like real hardwood but are waterproof. Another great option is cork, which is harvested in a sustainable way so that the tree can regenerate.

Lighting

When it comes to remodeling your bathroom, good lighting may not get as much attention as a new tub or vanity, but it’s essential for a well-lit space. The right lighting creates a spa feeling and elevates the room’s overall ambiance, not to mention making grooming and self-care tasks easier.

There are several options for bathroom lighting, depending on your budget and style preferences. Recessed can lights are a tried-and-true fixture and come in a variety of sizes and styles, from dome-covered bulbs to ornate chandeliers. Pendants above a bathroom sink are another option for overhead lighting. If you want a brighter fixture, choose one with a dimmer switch to control the amount of light.

Task lighting is necessary around the mirror for shaving, makeup application and other grooming activities. You can add regular or low-profile recessed lights or wet-location (damp and waterproof) recessed lights specifically made for showers and tubs. Alternatively, you can install surface mount lights on either side of the mirror or replacement mirrors with built-in lighting. Whatever you do, make sure the light is glare free so you can see yourself clearly.

The rest of the room needs ambient (or general) lighting, which can be accomplished with ceiling-mount fixtures or sconces. For an industrial look, expose the bulbs and try Edison-style fixtures. For a more elegant design, a chandelier is a popular choice. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, a skylight is also a viable option for natural light, although you’ll need to install blinds or a motorized blackout shade to cover it when the sun goes down. You can even add a small table lamp for added illumination.

Fixtures

The bathroom sink, bathtub and shower fixtures you select are one of the room’s most prominently displayed features, so they play a big role in the overall look. Whether you prefer a sleek modern design or a classic style, there are plenty of choices to choose from. You can also find options that incorporate extra storage solutions like towel bars and shelves for a functional but attractive upgrade.

When it comes to the shower, you can also pick from a range of sizes and shapes, depending on your space and preferences. Choose a rectangular or square basin, or go with a pedestal base for a more traditional look.

You can also select the type of showerhead you’d like, from a rainfall head to an invigorating body spray. If you’re planning to keep your existing tub, consider adding a tub-shower combination for added functionality.

Faucets are another important consideration for your remodel. There are many different styles and finishes to choose from, including oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, and polished chrome. The best choice for your bathroom will depend on the overall style and color scheme you’re going for.

Once you’ve chosen the fixtures for your new space, you can move on to the final touches that bring your remodel together. Decorate the space with accent pieces that add a personal touch, like colorful artwork or framed family photos. You can even include recessed or built-in storage solutions that provide additional storage without taking up valuable floor space. Once all of these components are installed, your bathroom will resemble a finished room, ready for you to enjoy!