Remodeling your bathroom can be quite the task — especially if you are dealing with outdated decor or a small or awkwardly-shaped space. There is a lot that goes into a bathroom remodeling project, and if you have never been through the process, it might feel a little overwhelming and complicated. Don’t let that stop you. A remodeled bathroom can make you feel happier while you live in your home, or if you are planning on selling anytime soon, it may help your home sell faster or for a higher price.
Before you start ripping out cabinets or demoing your sink, check out these tips our team at Bad Lizard has come up with to help you remodel your bathroom. Proper planning can help turn a nightmare remodeling experience into a pleasant one!
CREATE A REMODELING BUDGET
The best place to begin any remodeling project is to come up with a budget. According to Angie’s List, an average bathroom remodel can cost anywhere from $10,000 – $15,000, with labor accounting for approximately 20% of the budget. Of course, actual expenses vary, but a lot of the cost depends on the size of your bathroom and the products you choose to update during the remodel. Knowing what you can and cannot afford will make it easier to figure out what you want to replace and where you need to get a little creative.
To create a bathroom remodeling budget, you’ll need to consider these questions:
- Are you looking to sell within a few years?
- Do you want to change the location of plumbed-in items?
- What parts of the new bathroom are essential?
- What can you afford to invest?
We also recommend setting aside some money for unexpected expenses. Mold or water problems are common discoveries found during bathroom remodels that can greatly impact your budget.
DEVELOP A BATHROOM DESIGN
Once you have settled on your remodeling budget, it is time to start thinking about bathroom design. You should develop a design that aligns with your vision for your space, budget constraints and personal skill-set (if you plan on DIY-ing some of the work yourself).
Make sure to nail down these design elements before starting your bathroom remodeling project:
- Color scheme: What colors do you enjoy? What colors work well with the decor already in your home? Think about these things ahead of time to ensure that your new bathroom color scheme doesn’t clash with the rest of your home.
- New fixtures: Will you replace your tub insert? Are you installing a brand new sink? Replacing one or both of these fixtures will add to the time and budget of your remodeling project.
- Storage spaces: Where will you keep your towels and toiletries after your bathroom remodel is finished? If you’re removing a closet to expand the bathroom, make sure you have shelving or cabinets installed to make up for lost storage space.
- Location of utilities: Do you know where your electrical wiring and plumbing pipes are located? Take accurate measurements for each of these, so you don’t end up needing expensive repair later on.
CONSIDER INCORPORATING SOME HIGH-END MATERIALS
Since bathrooms are usually smaller spaces, we recommend splurging on a few higher-end materials and finishes during your remodel. These materials are a good investment and make your space feel more luxurious. You may even find that if you use these materials in a small portion of your bathroom that they can fall well within your budget.
We think that remnants are a great example of this concept. To learn more about what they are, check out our recent blog post all about remnants here. For customers who are remodeling their bathrooms, remnants are an inexpensive alternative that can add value to your space. Our remnant special pricing often includes extras like sinks and backsplash/side splash pieces at no additional charge. We also have great options for the DIY-er. We can custom fabricate vanity tops or other work to your specifications. When finished, you simply pick up your order and install the product.
At Bad Lizard, we are happy to say we offer a large remnant selection. Our indoor remnant department allows our customers to browse through our inventory and find a unique piece that they can use for smaller projects throughout their homes (like bathroom vanities). Our remnant pricing is very competitive and often allows our customers to bypass the minimum square footage requirements that our competitors and box stores often have.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT VENTILATION
Bathrooms are prone to being damp and steamy, so it is imperative to install proper ventilation systems to keep the moisture in your bathroom to a minimum. If ventilation systems are not installed properly, mold will grow in the space. Mold can cause a variety of problems, including health issues, staining and expensive damage.
Ventilation usually comes in the form of:
- Windows and window vents
- Exhaust fans
READY TO START REMODELING? CONTACT BAD LIZARD FOR YOUR COUNTERTOP NEEDS
Undertaking a bathroom renovation project is a big decision, but at Bad Lizard Granite & Quartz, we want you to make the best decision possible! While we don’t build out full new bathrooms, we believe that having a vanity countertop that works with the rest of your bathroom design is essential.
If you have any questions about countertop materials, colors, or more, please don’t hesitate to call us at 304-472-6483 or contact us online.