If the bathroom is feeling cramped or just outdated, it’s time to renovate. A complete renovation is a huge undertaking, but it’s going to be a fantastic way to get the perfect bathroom, free up more space, and create a bathroom that functions properly. For those who are ready to start designing the new bathroom, there are a few steps to take to make sure everything is considered.
Look for Inspiration
Take the time to look for inspiration to get a good idea of what the overall design should look like when the bathroom is done. Create a list of design ideas, adding links or photos to a folder to make it easy to flip through everything and narrow down the inspiration photos to just those that would work perfectly for the new design. When working with a designer, this will help them visualize what the bathroom should look like when it’s done.
What is Needed in the Bathroom?
Before renovating your bathroom, take some time to think about what needs to be changed. Is there anything missing from the current bathroom? Maybe there’s not enough storage, only one vanity for two people, or the shower needs to be larger. By thinking of what needs to go in the bathroom, it’s easier to start planning what the new bathroom will look like.
What Needs to Go?
Think about what needs to go, too. Maybe there’s a tub that’s never used. Getting rid of it could make room for a larger shower or bigger vanity. Perhaps there’s storage space that’s awkward and hard to use. Removing it can free up more floorspace for the new design and other storage can be added where it’s more convenient. Look carefully to see what needs to be removed from the bathroom.
Measure the Space
Measure the space in the bathroom to get a good idea of just how large it is. By measuring the space, it’s easier to draw a rough sketch of where everything will go to help decide on a layout. It can be more expensive to move plumbing fixtures, but that may be a necessity to get the most out of the space. Before doing that, though, it’s important to figure out exactly where everything will go and how it will fit.
Decide on a Budget
It is important to decide on a budget before starting to work on the renovation. Small things add up fast, and it’s incredibly easy to end up spending way too much money on the bathroom remodel. Instead, take the time to go through everything carefully and determine how much should be spent on each part of the bathroom as well as the overall cost. There may be some wiggle room in the budget, but this will help keep it from getting out of control.
Who Will Do the Work?
A lot of work is needed for the bathroom, from the design to plumbing, electrical, tile work, and more. Adventurous homeowners may decide to tackle some or all of this on their own, but it is recommended to work with professionals for the design and installation. The reason behind this is that bathrooms do need to be installed carefully to prevent potential issues, like water coming in contact with electricity or leaks causing structural damage in the long run.
Lighting and Tiles
Start thinking about the lighting in the bathroom as well as the tiles. Overhead lighting can illuminate the room, but task lighting is often desired in a bathroom near the vanity to help with getting ready in the morning. Tiles can be used not only on the floor in the bathroom but in the shower design, too. Think about the color, style, and texture of the tiles to find the right ones for every part of the bathroom. Consider textured tiles to make the bathroom less slippery.
Tub and/or Shower
Is there going to be a tub and a shower in the bathroom? Maybe there’s just a large shower or a combo piece. Consider how the bathroom is used now as well as how it may be used in the future when deciding on this. Depending on the size of the bathroom, there may be room for a larger tub and a smaller shower or a big shower with a small tub.
Vanity and Sink
The vanity and sink are a necessary part of the bathroom for getting ready in the morning or before bed. If two people are sharing a bathroom, it may be a good idea to consider two sinks so both people can get ready at the same time during the morning rush. If there is limited room in the bathroom, opt for a vanity and sink setup that takes up less space so there’s more room for other components.
Storage Spaces
Storage is often at a premium in bathrooms, but this is something that can be fixed by thinking about storage options before the bathroom is renovated. Take a look at various storage hacks or other ideas for adding storage to small bathrooms to see what might need to be implemented in the design. It may be possible to add storage in unique ways so there is plenty in the bathroom.
Anything Else?
Take a little bit to think about how the bathroom is used, who is using it, and more to see if there’s anything else that needs to be considered in the design. Consider implementing new technology in the bathroom, like built-in music or automatic lights to turn them on or off with a voice assistant. These things can be added into the design from the beginning to make sure the bathroom is perfect.
If you’re planning on renovating the bathroom, start thinking about what you need and don’t need today. Take a look at the bathroom and look at inspiration to start figuring out what you’d like the bathroom to look like. Then, work with the professionals to finalize the design and install the bathroom so you can start enjoying it as soon as possible.
