A bathroom remodel requires a team of professionals—plumbers, electricians, tile setters, cabinet installers, and painters. Some homeowners choose to do a bit of the work themselves to save money.
However, structural changes are best left to a professional for safety and code reasons. The following are tips to help you get started with your remodel: 1. Determine your budget. Contact Remodel My Bathroom San Jose now!
Some elements of a bathroom can quickly add up, like luxury materials or custom features. However, a homeowner can save money by finding areas where they’re willing to cut corners or make sacrifices.
For example, a high-end shower pan may add up to $4,000. By choosing a less expensive one, the total cost can drop significantly. Similarly, a new vanity can cost $3,000 or more, but refinishing an old one instead can lower the price by up to 40 percent.
Another area where a homeowner can cut costs is in labor fees. Typically, hiring a contractor and a plumber will run between 40 and 65 percent of the overall remodeling budget. However, homeowners can save on labor by doing some parts of the job themselves, such as replacing a toilet or painting the room.
Homeowners can also save on labor by shopping for cheaper materials at discount stores or online. Additionally, by completing some tasks themselves, they’ll be able to avoid the high markups that contractors charge for their services. Lastly, by ensuring that their remodel adheres to local safety regulations and codes, they’ll save on any plumbing or electrical work that may be necessary.
Layout
It’s important to carefully consider the layout of your bathroom before starting a remodel. A few well-placed changes can improve both traffic flow and the functionality of the room. For instance, you may want to replace hinged doors with sliding or folding ones during a remodel to prevent blocking space and make it easier for people of all ages to enter and exit the room.
It can also be helpful to create both a floor plan of your existing bathroom and a layout for the new one before beginning the project. This helps you visualize the changes and communicate them effectively to your contractor. You can easily do this using a tool like RoomSketcher, which is free to use for basic floor plans.
It’s a good idea to stick with neutral options for major fixtures like sinks, tubs, and showers. That way, you can still have some style flair without committing to an ugly design that will be hard to replace down the road. You can add more color and pattern with accessories and other surface-level upgrades. Also, consider a dimmer switch for your lighting to set the perfect mood and improve your ability to see when bathing or applying makeup.
Design
When deciding on the design of your bathroom remodel, consider how you use the space. If you want to make the room more functional, you might want to add heated floors or a rainfall shower head. You can also choose a new color scheme to freshen up the look.
The type of materials you choose will impact the cost and maintenance of your bathroom. Tile, for example, is water-resistant and comes in a variety of styles and colors. Vinyl is another budget-friendly option that provides similar style and durability.
Another important aspect of the bathroom design is lighting. Having the right amount of task, accent and ambient light is essential for safety and functionality. A well-lit bathroom can also enhance the look and feel of the room.
Full remodels include more significant changes to the bathroom’s layout, such as relocating fixtures like the tub/shower, toilet and sink. This is a more involved project than a cosmetic makeover, and it typically requires professional help. It may also require moving plumbing and electrical wiring, which can be quite invasive and expensive.
Materials
The materials used in a bathroom remodel should provide functionality and reflect the style of the room. For example, porous materials like wood and fabric can absorb water and cause mildew, while non-porous materials like tile and vinyl resist moisture, mold, and stains.
It’s also important to consider ease of maintenance when selecting bathroom materials. Choosing durable, easy-to-clean materials helps reduce the time and expense of cleaning. For example, tile is easy to clean and comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures that complement any décor. Solid surface counters are another popular option for their sleek, modern look and durability. They’re non-porous and stain-resistant, and can be easily repaired if scratched or chipped. Concrete countertops are gaining popularity as well, for their versatility and industrial aesthetic.
Depending on the scope of your bathroom remodel, you may need to purchase new materials for flooring, walls, ceiling, and more. Basic plumbing tools such as pliers, hammers, tape measures, screwdrivers and adjustable wrenches will be helpful for completing plumbing rough-ins and installing fixtures. You’ll also need a reciprocating saw to cut through materials quickly and efficiently, including wall studs, plywood subfloor, and drywall.
Plumbing
The most important step in any bathroom remodel is making sure all the plumbing lines are functioning correctly. It’s best to hire licensed professional contractors for the job because mistakes in this area can lead to expensive water damage and even unsafe living conditions.
To start, shut off all water and remove existing fixtures (toilets, vanities, tubs, showers, cabinets). Once the demolition is complete, plumbing and electrical work can begin. This is called rough-in and involves installing the pipes, wiring, and HVAC ductwork that will service the new fixtures.
During this stage, it’s also possible that hidden damages may be discovered that need to be addressed before any further construction work can take place. This includes things like rusty water heaters that will need to be replaced or leaks that need to be repaired. Having these issues fixed early on will help keep costs down for the entire project and avoid any surprises down the road. Adding storage and extra space is another common upgrade that many homeowners look for during a bathroom remodeling project. This is an easy way to increase the functionality of the room and make it feel more open and spacious.
Electrical
A bathroom remodel typically includes changes to plumbing and electrical, so this is a good time to update the wiring. New wiring isn’t just a safety precaution, but it can also open up other possibilities for your bathroom. For example, if your space can accommodate a washer/dryer combo (check with your building’s alteration agreement and the unit manufacturers to be sure), you’ll need both a hot and cold water connection and 50A electrical circuit at minimum. This is a project that requires a licensed electrician.
Adding lighting is another upgrade that can have a big impact on the look of your bathroom. Wall sconces and vanity lighting can add style without breaking the bank. For more dramatic lighting, try a skylight or frosted glass window that lets in sunlight while maintaining privacy.
A minimum of a 20-amp circuit is required by code for a bathroom to have at least one overhead light fixture and exhaust fan. This ensures enough power to safely use other appliances, such as hair dryers. Evaluate the amount of time you spend in your bathroom and plan accordingly for additional outlets, as well as adequate capacity in the wired system. A professional electrician will ensure your bathroom meets the requirements of the National Electrical Code.
HVAC
The HVAC system in a bathroom is often overlooked during renovation projects, but if the existing system can’t handle the load of a full remodel it may be time to consider adding new ductwork. In addition to installing new heating ducts, your HVAC contractor can also add cooling ducts to bring in cold air in the summer.
Depending on the scope of work, you may need building permits. Once the permit is secured, demolition can begin. This process involves shutting off water, removing flooring, and tearing down walls to create a blank canvas for the remodeling project. Once all demolition is complete, framing can begin. This is when plumbing and electrical wiring are installed behind the walls and tubs or showers are placed.
It is important to plan ahead and remove or cover furniture, rugs and other belongings during construction. Renovation activities generate a lot of dust and debris that can travel throughout your home. Changing your air filter to a HEPA filter during the renovation process can help trap these particles, reducing energy costs and strain on your HVAC system. It is also helpful to have a good game plan for dealing with power outages and water issues that may arise during construction.