Giving your bathroom a “facelift” is one of the best ways to not only increase the value of your home, but also to make one of the most-used rooms in the house more inspiring and welcoming. But before you go ripping out fixtures or measuring the space for your new bathtub, here are a few important things to consider while remodeling your bathroom:
1. Make the old new — Your primary purpose for remodeling should be to eliminate any old, leaking, or damaged furniture, fixtures, or plumbing. You want to install new furniture that adds beauty to the bathroom, but which is also functional and practical. New fixtures are less likely to leak, and may help to reduce water waste. By changing out the plumbing, you can prevent leaks that could cause major damage to your home. THIS is why you are remodeling the bathroom!
2. Go energy-efficient — The amount of money you’ll spend on low-flow toilets or eco-friendly shower systems will be offset by the amount of money you’ll save over their years of use. By reducing your water waste, they reduce your monthly water bills. Best of all, they help to shrink your carbon footprint and protect the environment.
3. Consider the cost of expanding — Sometimes, there is space for you to make your bathroom larger. It may mean tearing down a nearby wall, but it could be a great way for you to expand your bathroom to accommodate a hot tub or a larger shower stall. However, be aware that this sort of expansion tends to be costly and time-consuming. Make sure it’s really what you want before you call in a contractor to start working on it.
4. The job may be bigger than you think — What might have started out as a simple upgrade of your toilet and sink may turn into a complete remodeling of the bathroom, thanks to chipped and cracked tiles, sagging wallpaper, leaking plumbing, and old fixtures. When planning the budget for your bathroom remodel, make sure to add in at least 10% more than you think you’ll spend just in case of “extra” expenses.
5. Function over form — While many people want give their bathroom a whole new look, you have to remember that the bathroom is one of the most functional rooms in your house. You ONLY go in there to use the bathroom, take a shower, wash your hands, or apply your personal care products. Don’t let yourself get so focused on the look of your new bathroom that you forget to make it a fully-functional bathroom that is practical for you and anyone else who uses it.
A bathroom remodeling can be a good way to increase your home’s value and make your house a more inviting place, but make sure you do it right!
