Bathroom remodels can be rewarding processes that increase both the comfort and value of the home. Yet, without a guided plan, many homeowners struggle with their home improvement project, spending extra time, energy, and money on steps they don’t need. According to recent data, even a mid-range bathroom remodel can cost $25,000 on average, while upscale remodeling jobs can cost over $79,000.
With the baseline remodeling cost so high, this article aims to help homeowners plan their dream bathroom remodel step by step and avoid unnecessary extra costs. Thoughtful planning can help protect a dream bathroom transformation from becoming a nightmare remodel, or two.
1. Define the Project’s Scope and Vision
Before beginning the process of sourcing materials and choosing fixtures, homeowners should first try to define the scope of their remodel. This means asking important questions about the project’s priorities such as expectations of aesthetic and purpose.
For example, a remodel that aims to revamp the style of the bathroom to be more in line with the architecture will have a different scope than one that prioritizes increasing storage space. Likewise, remodels that a homeowner plans to live with for years should prioritize different costs than those in a home they plan to sell within the next few years.
Homeowners can consider making a list of “deal-breakers” to begin putting the project in perspective. Regardless of whether the remodel prioritizes layout changes, aesthetic choices, material updates, cabinet updates, color shifts, or architectural redesigns, these priorities should be clear to both the homeowner and their contractors.
2. Set a Reasonable Budget
The quality and cost of materials can change the project’s budget, but this is not the only way that renovations can go over the initial cost expectations. Unexpected expenses, project delays, and other unwelcome discoveries can cause the cost of a bathroom remodel to go up unexpectedly.
During the renovation process, contractors may discover a pest infestation, rotted floors or walls, discontinued materials, out-of-code wiring or plumbing, or other causes of project delays. This can lead to permit costs, additional labor, and other unforeseen issues, underscoring the importance for homeowners to always be honest about their budget and prioritize the most important elements of the remodel.
Communicating the budget with contractors and designers helps to manage expectations and make judgment calls based on the owner’s priorities. Around 10-15% of the total budget should be set aside for unforeseen problems to make sure there’s enough leftover to complete the project as planned.
3. Prioritize the Layout
While it may be tempting to begin a bathroom remodel by choosing lights, tile, sinks, bathtubs, and paint colors, the layout should be the priority when beginning the plan. The first step is deciding whether the bathroom will be modern or traditional to guide the tone of the remodel. For some owners, drastic changes may not be needed; however, if the current layout fails to meet certain needs, the investment may be worth it.
This would be a good time to ask whether the house will be sold in the next few years, which can make a layout change a less worthwhile investment. Accessibility is also a pertinent issue since many homeowners remodel bathrooms to make the space easier to use or accommodate a disability. If the doors, cabinets, drawers, and fixtures are not easy to access, a more open and organized floor plan could be a valuable investment.
4. Choose the Right Materials
The materials and finishes should fit within the project’s budget, match the intended tone of the remodel, and offer the right balance of durability and elegance the owner envisions. Natural stone can offer a comforting, spa-like experience when used to create floors and counters or accent certain fixtures.
Bathroom cabinetry should be moisture-resistant, so homeowners should ask their designers about customizing the work to match their vision. Brushed metal, luxury vinyl, and natural stone provide durable and decorative options that homeowners can mix and match according to their budget.
5. Focus on the Flow
Flow is important in any room, but it’s arguably most important in the bathroom, which needs to be comfortable, durable, and elegant even through daily use. The first step to refining the flow is to find ways to reduce clutter and improve the placement of the room’s key features: the toilet, sink, door, cabinets, and shower.
By opting for recessed, floating, built-in, or custom fixture options, homeowners can work with their designers to find creative ways to maximize storage, declutter the room, and improve flow. Lighting is another essential aspect of flow since overhead lighting, task lighting around mirrors, and accent lighting around architectural details can enhance the practical use of the room while bringing its style to life.
6. Partner with Design Professionals
Planning a bathroom remodel is a multi-step process that homeowners don’t have to do alone. At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, our goal is to bring homeowners’ visions to life by helping them plan the best layout, choose the right materials, and keep the right priorities to build the bathroom of their dreams.
Our designers and builders are accomplished in meeting and exceeding the expectations of our clients. Our high quality materials can be seen in our expansive showroom to better support your vision. Contact our team today to see what your luxury bathroom vision can look like in reality.
