Knowing how to plan a bathroom renovation saves money and stress. When planning a bathroom renovation, it’s important to include what you want changed, a budget that you can afford, measuring the area you need to work on, picking out some materials and fixtures, and drawing up a project plan before you put in any effort. Other important factors in a bathroom renovation plan include plumbing, electrical, ventilation, storage, lighting, waterproofing and building requirements. By planning carefully, you can avoid unexpected expenses, design errors, and delays. When you are updating a small bathroom or remodeling your entire bathroom, it is much easier to keep your budget in check and make a bathroom that is functional, comfortable and fits your lifestyle when you begin by having a plan in place.
Decide What You Want To Change
The first step in planning a bathroom renovation is the definition of a project. When looking for bathroom remodel ideas or bathroom fixtures, first determine what isn’t working in your present bathroom.
Take a stroll through the area and reflect on how you utilize it on a daily basis. Do you have sufficient storage? Is your shower feeling too small? Does the lighting need improvement? Do fixtures need to be replaced? There can also be issues with plumbing, broken tiles, inadequate air circulation, or water damage.
List all that you would like to change. Next, split your ideas into two categories: essential changes, optional upgrades.
Essential work can involve:
- Fixing leaks or broken plumbing.
- Replacing broken or unsafe fixtures and fittings.
- Improving waterproofing
- It’s time to update any outdated electrical wiring.
- Fixing poor ventilation
- Replacing damaged flooring
Additional upgrades may be a larger vanity, heated flooring, upgraded lighting, walk-in shower or extra storage.
This is helpful in case you have a restricted budget. The essential work can be done first, with the option to add upgrades at a later stage if they are desired.
You should also determine if the layout of the bathroom is going to remain the same. Renovations are likely to cost more if the toilet, shower, bathtub or sink must be shifted as this will require new plumbing and drainage. Maintaining the primary plumbing locations can make the project simpler and more economical.
Set A Realistic Bathroom Renovation Budget
When planning the costs of a bathroom renovation, you shouldn’t only consider the apparent materials. Homeowners tend to emphasize on the tiles, cabinets and fixtures but forget to think about labor, plumbing, electricity, waterproofing, disposal and any unexpected repairs.
For a whole-house plan, our home renovation checklist covers goals, permits, contractors and schedules. The first step is to make a rough cost estimate of the individual components of the project. There are a number of things you might put in your budget:
- Demolition and removal
- Plumbing
- Electrical work
- Waterproofing
- Flooring and wall tiles
- Shower or bathtub
- Toilet
- Sink and vanity
- Cabinets and storage
- Lighting
- Mirrors and accessories
- Ventilation
- Painting
- Labor and installation
Maintain a contingency plan for issues that may arise. Aged bathrooms are capable of concealing problems behind walls and beneath floorings. Contractors may find leaks, mold, inadequate previous repairs, or structural issues after the demolition begins.
So to guard against such surprises, you can budget about 10% to 20% of your total renovation expenses.
Avoid purchasing all the fixtures and finishes before the job is done. There’s no point in having a nice vanity if you have not left enough funds for adequate waterproofing and plumbing.
When considering quotations, consider more than the final price. Ask each contractor to explain what is included in each quote. A lower quote could exclude relevant work which is to be charged as a separate cost at a later stage.
Measure The Bathroom And Plan The Layout
When planning a bathroom renovation, it’s essential that the correct measurements are taken. A vanity, shower enclosure, toilet or a door could be impacted by even a minor error.
Find the length and width of the room. Next, identify and note the position and dimensions of doors, windows, plumbing connections, electrical outlets, existing fixtures and ventilation openings.
Create a basic floor plan before purchasing anything. No need of the advanced design software. Using a simple drawing with accurate measurements can make it easier for you to visualize how much space you have.
Carefully consider movement within the bathroom. Doors should be able to open without bumping against fixtures, and adequate space must be available to make the toilet, shower, sink and storage a comfortable experience.
One thing that should be paid special attention to is storage. Bathrooms may be cramped, so space-saving hanger rods or shelves can come in handy. A vanity with recessed shelves, wall-mounted cabinets, mirrored storage and drawers can offer additional storage space without overcrowding the room. A DIY simple wooden bookshelf is another budget-friendly option for a larger bathroom.
If you’re thinking about a change, you should consult a competent contractor or plumber before you decide. Moving plumbing can be more complicated than it looks on a floor plan.
Another convenient factor to think about is accessibility. If you are not currently in need of an accessible bathroom, these amenities can make the bathroom more user-friendly over time: walk-in shower, non-slip flooring, good lighting, and easy-to-access controls.
Choose Bathroom Fixtures And Materials Carefully
The layout is determined and then fixtures and finishes can be chosen. That’s where the design decisions start to become important but practice is still key.
Choose materials that are designed for bathrooms. Floors should be waterproof and have an appropriate slip grade. The material used for the walls should be capable of withstanding the effects of frequent water and moisture.
Tiles are ever popular due to their durability and variety of styles. However, before deciding, take into account maintenance. Tiles that are very small may need more grout clean, and heavier textured tiles may be more difficult to clean.
This is applicable to bathroom fixtures too. Consider the lifetime performance of each product, and don’t just pick it up by the look of it.
For instance, when selecting a shower, take in to account the water pressure, cleaning ease, parts that can be replaced, and the size of the enclosure. When choosing a toilet, consider water use, size, cleaning needs and part availability.
The best bathroom renovation is one that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Choosing materials prior to construction is also beneficial. Confirm tile sizes, fixture dimensions, cabinet sizes and finishes as early as possible. This helps to minimize the chances of ordering items that will not fit within the intended space.
Purchase materials in sufficient time to be delivered. Some items like special order tiles, custom vanities and some fixtures may be delayed. Materials that are not delivered on time can keep a renovation project incomplete.
Plan Plumbing, Electrical Work, Lighting, And Ventilation
Much of the most critical bathroom remodeling is behind walls and ceiling. Additionally, plumbing, electrical, ventilation and waterproofing must be carefully planned for as errors can prove costly later on.
Plumbing should be inspected prior to installing new walls or flooring. Old or damaged pipes may be more easily replaced during the renovation than if a leak occurs in the future.
Also electrical work must be carefully planned as bathrooms are a combination of electricity and water. Electrical outlet, switch, lighting and other electrical work should be installed in compliance with local electrical codes and by a qualified person.
Light should be provided by more than one ceiling fixture. The bathroom can be made easier to use with a mix of general, task and accent lighting.
To help when shaving, putting on makeup or getting ready for work around the mirror, good lighting is helpful. A dimmer light can create a more relaxed ambiance during the night.
Ventilation also is critical. Hot rooms generate much moisture and if the air in the bathrooms is not well ventilated, high humidity can cause condensation, mold, peeling paint and damage to finishes.
The exhaust fan should circulate moist air out of the bathroom instead of circulating the moist air. Prior to closing of walls and ceilings, wherever possible, ventilation should be planned.
A significant aspect of the renovation should also be addressing waterproofing. Waterproofing systems must be installed under visible finishes in the shower area and other wet areas. Don’t skimp on waterproofing. While it might be difficult to replace attractive tiles, it may be much more costly to repair damage to the tile behind the water.
Create A Renovation Schedule And Prepare For Construction
A bathroom remodel is a procedure that can disrupt the everyday life, so it is best to develop a fundamental program prior to the work even getting started. Depending on the nature of the project, some of the steps in renovation might include planning, demolition, rough plumbing/electrical, waterproofing, wall/floor preparation, tiling, fixture installation, painting, and final finishing.
Discuss expectations with contractor. Ask about the stages that might delay construction, and if any items must be delivered before construction begins.
If you have only one bathroom, make arrangements to do without it. Several days of a renovation can be inconvenient; a big renovation can take much longer.
Prior to demolition clear personal property and avoid exposing areas nearby from dust. Discuss dust control & waste removal with the contractor if building work in other rooms.
It’s also a good idea to take notes on the current bathroom prior to starting any work. As plumbing, wiring, walls and floors become exposed during demolition, take photographs of these areas. These records may come in handy when maintaining or upgrading.
When construction is underway, don’t make unnecessary changes. The cost and time of the project can also be extended if tile selections change, fixtures are moved around, or the layout is changed mid-project.
Thoroughly examine the finished bathroom before the final payment. Ensure fixtures function correctly, doors and drawers open, water drains well, and do not see any leaks or damaged finishes. Call for warranties, maintenance and any documentation to be retained.
Final Thoughts
The right planning can save you from a host of unpleasant surprises, and make your bathroom renovation project a smooth one. First, determine what needs to change, next, set up a reasonable budget, then carefully assess the space available. From there, design the “plan,” use quality materials, and deal with plumbing, electrical, ventilation, lighting and waterproofing before any construction work starts.
Not every renovation of your bathroom is the best and most expensive. It is the one that is functional for the users.
Try to make practical changes first. Consider the material that suits you and your budget. Treat hidden systems the same as visible finishes. Most importantly, reserve some funds and time for unexpected problems.
Before you start, also read about the common bathroom remodeling mistakes so you can avoid them. If you know how to plan a bathroom renovation and have the right professionals, a bathroom renovation can enhance the functionality and comfort of your home without having to worry about making expensive mistakes.
