25 Things You Need to Consider Before Your Bathroom Remodeling

January 24 2023

Bathroom remodeling plans can be an outlet for creativity and allow you to design the space you have always envisioned in your home. When you remodel your bathroom, the process will be easier and more successful if you think about the key details during the early planning stages.

Features that matter in your plans include structural elements, aesthetic enhancements, functionality improvements, and logistical investments.

Key Elements of Bathroom Remodeling

There are many components to a remodel in your bathroom, and each one plays an important role.

1. Leave Room in Your Budget for Surprises

Remodeling a bathroom often exposes unexpected issues. Broken pipes, hidden water damage and even pest damage can increase the cost of your remodel.

2. Address Functional Concerns

As you build your remodeling plan, assess the current condition of the bathroom to determine what works and what does not. Identify the areas in your bathroom that you wish were more organized, accessible or functional. Prioritize those issues first.

3. Choose a Theme

Cohesive bathroom designs start with a theme. Are you interested in creating a zen space? If so, focus on wood trim features and natural colors. Modern themes embrace sharper edges and clean lines.

4. Incorporate a Focal Point

When you walk into your new bathroom, you need an area to draw your eye. Choose an elegant vanity with a bright mirror or a new shower enclosure to serve as the focal point of the space.

5. Install Adequate Ventilation

Bathrooms are vulnerable to humidity and moisture issues, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Adequate ventilation controls moisture to reduce the risk of problems.

6. Add Elements for Accessibility

Bathroom remodeling should account for long-term needs and current preferences. If there is any chance that you will retire in the home, add accessibility features, including safety bars in the shower and by the toilet.

7. Upgrade Fixtures for Functionality and Convenience

Modern fixtures can integrate with smart home systems and operate with touchless controls. Consider the style and functionality choices that suit your desired style and design.

8. Select Elements for Ease of Cleaning

Lighter colors are easier to keep clean in the bathroom, including light-colored tiles on the floor and walls. Dark colors show dirt and streaks more easily, so avoid them when possible.

9. Enjoy Supplemental Heating

When you renovate your bathroom, radiant floor heating is a valuable addition. If this is a poor fit, consider heat lamps to release heat directly in front of the shower and the sink.

10. Enhance the Ambient Lighting

Recessed lighting is an ideal solution for ambient lights in the bathroom. These fixtures reduce the risk of broken bulbs and help distribute lighting across the space.

11. Embrace Natural Light

Bathrooms benefit from natural lighting, especially for cosmetic applications and grooming purposes. Skylights and frosted glass windows are great additions to a bathroom remodeling plan.

12. Install Kick-Panel Lighting

Kick-panel lighting is convenient for nighttime bathroom use. Instead of losing an outlet to a night light, you can install low-watt kick-panel lights to illuminate just enough for easy navigation.

13. Plan for Built-in Shelves and Cabinetry

Shelving and storage space is challenging for bathroom designs. Add built-in shelving and cabinets as part of your design, utilizing empty space between structural studs for storage.

14. Improve or Relocate Plumbing

Talk with your contractor about any concerns with the plumbing location. Exterior walls can be vulnerable to cold temperatures, and pipes should be moved if you need to relocate fixtures in the new design. Include drain pipes with a larger diameter for less risk of clogs.

15. Construct Recessed In-Shower Shelving

Your shower space needs room for toiletries without hanging racks getting in the way. When you swap your tub for a new shower enclosure, add recessed shelving for toiletry bottles and soaps.

16. Install Proper Shower Drainage

Shelving in shower enclosures should slope toward the shower floor for sufficient drainage. When water drains, it reduces soap scum, grime, and mildew accumulation. Add sloped shelving to your list of bathroom remodeling ideas.

17. Add a Shower Bench

Shower benches are often thought of as an accessibility feature. Benches serve a convenience function as well. They are beneficial for shaving, washing when you don’t feel well and even as a place to sit when bathing pets.

18. Upgrade To a Steam Shower

Convert your tub to a new shower enclosure with steam shower features. This can turn your new bathroom into a spa getaway after stressful days.

19. Integrate Drying Racks

A leading cause of musty, mildewy odors in the bathroom is damp towels. Heated racks throughout the bathroom can facilitate drying.

20. Install Divided Sinks

His and hers sinks are a popular addition in any bathroom remodeling for convenience and organization.

21. Consider Kid-Friendly Features

Low countertops, integrated step stools, and easy-access fixtures are great for kids if necessary.

22. Incorporate Extra Outlets

Limited power outlets make bathrooms a challenge, especially when you need to use hair styling tools, electric razors and other similar electronics. Add extra outlets for convenience.

23. Choose Water-Friendly Flooring

Bathrooms are prone to water damage issues without the right flooring. Bamboo and tile flooring work well because they resist water damage. They also pair nicely with radiant floor heating.

24. Add a Separate Vanity

In addition to the countertop and sinks, consider a vanity with a comfortable bench. A bright, big mirror and border lights produce a great place for cosmetic application without cluttering your counters.

25. Install a Bidet

Bidets have become popular in recent years and are more accessible than ever. Work with a plumber to add one to your new bathroom.

Tips For Balancing Your Bathroom Remodeling Budget

Consider the funds that you have available for your remodel and prioritize the features that are the most important first. Then, work with your contractor to find the other components that fit your vision and meet the remaining budget. Create a space that helps you relax and unwind.

For more help with your bathroom remodeling plan and budget, check out Bathroom Design Quotes. We can help you find local contractors to create your dream bathroom space. Request a quote and compare pricing today.

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