How to Handle a Bathroom Remodel

A modern and updated bathroom can significantly increase the value of your home. It can also make it cleaner, more efficient, and aesthetically pleasing.

Consider reducing water usage with low-flow toilets and showerheads. You can also reduce energy costs with new lighting and appliances. And ADA-compliant fixtures are available for those with limited mobility. Click https://www.milwaukeebathroomremodelingpros.com/ to learn more.

bathroom remodeling

Many homeowners are eager to revamp the appearance of their bathrooms with eye-catching showers, vanities, and upscale sink fixtures. These cosmetic changes are often a do-it-yourself project. Still, professionals must handle plumbing upgrades to avoid costly mistakes leading to a flooded house and even structural damage.

To ensure your new bathroom is up to code, it’s critical to check with your local planning or building department to see what kind of permit you’ll need for your remodel. For example, changing the layout of your bathroom, moving an outlet, or replacing your water heater requires a permit and the expertise of professional plumbing contractors.

Aside from the permits, your plumber will also be responsible for removing and rerouting any existing plumbing lines affected by your renovation and installing any new fixtures you’ll add to your space. This is one of the most important steps in any remodel and will ensure your renovation runs smoothly. By carefully scheduling your plumbing services, you can save yourself the hassle of calling a plumber in an emergency.

A bathroom remodel can include changes to the electrical system, including upgrading the wiring or installing a new fixture. Adding more outlets for convenience may also be necessary, especially with the advent of smart technology and today’s need for multiple charging stations in the home.

A licensed professional should do a rewiring project in a bathroom because this room is surrounded by water and requires specialized wiring to handle the moisture. New receptacle outlets with USB ports are another popular upgrade for homeowners looking to stay up-to-date with modern technologies.

Cosmetic changes to a powder room can be more cost-effective than a high-end redesign of a large primary bath, which could require demolition and drywall installation, relocating plumbing, and installing a tankless water heater and radiant floor heating. A contractor can help you design your ideas and recommend a budget for the entire project. Establishing a realistic budget is important so you don’t pay more in interest and expenses than your home is worth.

A bathroom remodel is often a significant home improvement project that involves a wide range of services. From cosmetic changes like a new coat of paint to replacing a tub, these projects can vary in cost and complexity.

The flooring you choose is one of the most important decisions in a bathroom remodeling project, and it can affect the look and feel of your space. Many homeowners opt for tile, which is highly durable and waterproof. It also comes in various colors and patterns, allowing you to customize the aesthetic.

Wood floors are another popular option for bathrooms. Cork, in particular, is a great choice for eco-minded customers as it’s made from the bark of harvested trees that re-grow within nine years. It’s also resistant to mold, mildew, and moisture.

For those looking for a more luxurious floor, natural stone offers a premium finish to boost your home’s resale value. However, it’s typically more expensive than other flooring options. In addition, the grout lines can be prone to staining and require regular maintenance.

Bathroom lighting often needs attention, but a well-lit bathroom is essential to turning your bathroom into a spa-like retreat. From lighting fixtures to recessed and ambient lighting, new lighting can provide the ideal illumination for your daily grooming tasks while creating the right mood.

Light fixtures for a bathroom are available in many different styles and finishes to complement your space. One popular option is a flush mount ceiling light that lies flat against the ceiling and can be upgraded with a decorative fixture if desired. For recessed lighting, ensure you get a damp-rated or wet-rated light fixture that is safe for use over the bathtub or shower.

Wall sconces are another popular choice for the sides of the vanity and should have frosted or semi-opaque shades to reduce mirror, window, and eye glare. These are typically installed 80 to 85 inches from the floor. Accent lighting is also important in a bathroom remodel and can be achieved with dry-rated fixtures like pendants or sconces.

Cabinets have a major impact on your bathroom’s look and feel. Choose from unassembled versus finished cabinets, stock versus custom, and contemporary versus country options to fit your style. Opt for moisture-resistant materials like solid wood, plywood, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Cabinetry also comes in different grade levels with various finish and styling options.

For example, painted or stained options provide a fresh, contemporary look, while distressed and antiqued finishes lend an old-world charm. Decorative details, like raised panel doors, add sophistication and craftsmanship to your reno.

Other cabinet services include adding recessed lighting, replacing outdated medicine cabinets, and making a bathroom look brand new. Refinishing an existing vanity and installing a new mirror can bring your bathroom to the next level. These cosmetic changes cost less than a complete bathroom remodel, which could involve knocking down walls, flipping the layout, and requiring plumbing and electrical work. You may also need to install a new exhaust fan, which typically requires hiring a professional to do the electrical and venting work.

Whether it’s time to modernize your bathroom or your countertops are damaged, dated, or stained, replacement is an important part of any remodel. Your contractor can help you choose the right material to create a cohesive style and tie in your other design elements.

Laminate is a popular choice for budget-minded homeowners. It’s been through many technological advances since those Formica countertops you used in your first apartment, and today’s high-pressure laminates can accurately mimic the look of granite or marble.

Tile is a versatile countertop option that can add dramatic designs or simple elegance. It’s also fairly easy to repair if it gets chipped or cracked.

Quartz and Corian are other durable, long-lasting options that can be fabricated into custom shapes. They may cost more than natural stone, but they’re a good investment in heavy-use bathrooms or if you’re remodeling to prepare your home for sale. They’re non-porous and don’t need regular resealing like granite, making them easier to clean than other countertop materials. They’re also available in colors and textures that complement traditional, contemporary, or transitional decor.

The list regarding bathroom fixtures is long, and the options are even more diverse. Faucets come in several styles and designs, including bridges (two levers offset from each other) and centers (one central base unit faucet with handles). Showers come in various materials, from glass and fiberglass to enamel and concrete. Tubs are made of multiple materials, including acrylic and cast iron.

Choosing the right bathroom fixtures can elevate your home’s look from functional to a true luxury experience. The most important factor when selecting fixtures is determining your budget. This will help you eliminate designs that are out of your price range and narrow your choices.

Next, consider your priorities and needs. For example, do you need a vanity light to make applying makeup easier or a recessed lighting fixture to help with ventilation? Lastly, consider your preferred style. Traditional, transitional, and contemporary are popular choices for bathroom styles because they match well with most architectural home designs. However, you can also go bold and creative with your bathroom by blending styles.

The right accessories help your bathroom remodel feel complete. From storage jars and trash cans to a new shower curtain or framed mirror, the right bath décor reflects your style.

Add extra bathroom storage with built-in shelving or wall-mounted cabinets. Choose from a wide range of shelf materials, including reclaimed barn wood and metal for a rustic vibe or sleek, contemporary glass and wood shelves for a modern look. Shelves can be used to display artwork or hold toiletries and other items.

A spa-like feeling is important after a long day, and one way to achieve this is by having a place to relax in your tub. Consider adding a standalone bathtub in various styles and sizes to your remodeled bathroom. Whether you want to create a place for relaxation in your master bath or add grandeur to an en-suite guest suite, the right bathtub will pamper you. Some tubs save on water by reducing aeration to help reduce your home’s utility bills.