Having a bathroom remodel checklist is a smart move as there are many details that need to be considered when in the planning phase. Our bathroom remodel projects in South Florida vary from client to client, but they share some things in common.
Here are the most important considerations when planning a bathroom remodel to help it go more smoothly.
Basic Checklist for Bathroom Remodels
Starting a bathroom remodel project is exciting but it can become overwhelming, time-consuming, and costly if you don’t have a plan. That’s why following a basic checklist like the one below will help ensure your project stays on track.
1. Budget
Bathroom remodels can cost upwards of four to six figures which is why creating a budget is crucial to keep costs in check. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recommends spending 5 to 10 percent of your home’s value on a bathroom remodel. However, your budget could end up being more or less.
2. Contractor
Depending on the complexity of the bathroom remodel (electrical, tiling, plumbing, etc.), hiring a contractor is often a smart move. Also, a reputable contractor can save you stress and time by doing the job correctly and more efficiently than doing it yourself.
3. Timeline
Remodeling a small bathroom can sometimes take as much time as a larger bathroom if your contractor will have to go through all the same steps like ordering and purchasing tiles, fixtures, and cabinetry.
It’s particularly crucial to plan the project’s timeline if your house only has one bathroom because you’ll need to make arrangements for where to shower and use the toilet while the bathroom is being remodeled.
4. Hidden Problems
It’s important to discover any hidden problems like water damage or corroded plumbing before the bathroom remodel is underway so you don’t get any unexpected surprises that bust your budget and timeline. Again, this is where hiring a contractor comes in handy.
5. Measurements
Accurate measurements of the bathroom’s size, the location of existing plumbing pipes and electrical wiring, and the dimensions of fixtures will help prevent needless mistakes like purchasing stuff that doesn’t fit.
6. Design
There are many design considerations like paint color, tile, shower, vanity, and more. Research is key to creating a design that is both beautiful and functional. It’s also good to consider how the bathroom design will affect the home’s resale and how well it fits in with the rest of the house.
7. Plumbing and fixtures
Make a separate list of all of the things you’ll need to achieve the new bathroom design. Common plumbing and fixtures that are replaced in a bathroom remodel: shower, bathtub, toilet, sink, faucet, showerhead, mirror, vanity, medicine cabinet, door handles, and drawer pulls.
8. Storage
Take the opportunity to increase storage by adding a medicine cabinet and selecting a vanity with drawers instead of doors to easily organize items. Another way to expand storage is by installing shelves on the walls.
9. Walls and flooring
Water-resistant materials are a must for bathrooms’ moisture-heavy environment. Tile, laminate, and stone are popular materials for walls and flooring. (Check out our quick guide to bathroom wall materials for more information!)
10. Lighting
Install lighting in your shower, around the vanity, and anywhere else to fully illuminate the space. A dimmer switch is a great option to control the lighting and mood. Proper lighting offers many benefits like making a bathroom more functional for grooming, enhancing the bathroom’s design, and making a small bathroom look bigger.
Finding a Bathroom Remodel Contractor
There are many factors to consider with bathroom remodels, but having a basic checklist makes the planning process much simpler. However, even the most thorough homeowners can miss things here and there, which is why partnering with a licensed and insured contractor will ensure the project stays on track.
Platinum Sand Construction has over 25 years of combined experience with home renovations and offers a variety of bathroom remodel services like design, demolition, and installation in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Palm Beach, and more.
Call 561-299-4000 or schedule a free bathroom remodel quote today to start your project!
