From Drab to Fab: A Complete Guide to Bathroom Renovations
So you’ve decided it’s finally time to transform your outdated and uninspiring bathroom into a relaxing oasis that reflects your personal taste and style. Renovating a bathroom may seem daunting, but with proper planning, preparation, and execution, you can create a gorgeous new space that looks like it came straight from the pages of your favorite home magazine.
Defining Your Vision
Before picking up a sledgehammer, it’s important to determine what exactly you want to achieve with your bathroom renovation. Think about the overall look, feel, features, and functionality you envision for the new space.
Planning and Design
With vision and budget squared away, now’s the time for crucial planning and design. Start by thoroughly evaluating your existing bathroom’s footprint, plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and structural elements. Identify limitations that could impact layout or design options for the new space.
The good folk at Bedrock Quartz recommend making an extensive wish list of every feature you hope to include, like double sinks, heated floors, a large glass enclosed shower with marble countertops and bench seating, or a spacious corner soaking tub.
Hiring Contractors
Bathroom renovations, especially significant layout changes or conversions, often require permits and should only be executed by licensed, professional contractors with extensive experience. Before calling in pros to turn your dreams into reality, make a detailed request for proposal to send to a few reputable companies, outlining your exact vision including measurements, materials, desired features, estimated timeline, and budget.
Demolition Prep
Once you’ve assembled your renovation dream team, it’s time to prep for demolition so new design magic can unfold. Have your lead contractor conduct a safety walkthrough to identify necessary precautions before walls come down or dangerous tools come out.
Rough Construction
Once demolition debris gets cleared, assessing exposed bones of the original bathroom really sets the stage for building your dream space from the ground up. The rough construction phase lays the entire physical foundation to support the bathroom’s full functionality, so take time for careful planning upfront.
Finish Plumbing and Electrical
Once underlying infrastructure meets code, you get the supremely exciting task of picking out gorgeous finishes to elevate the functionality and style of your new bathroom. Choose stunning statement fixtures and fittings first since these make the biggest impact aesthetically. Play with mixed metal finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, and gold for eclectic flair.
Wall Finishes and Paint
Choose wall finishes that both withstand moisture and align with your overall vision before painting begins. Consider water-resistant smooth paneling or acrylic sheets behind sinks/tubs for easy wipe-clean care. Or make a statement with wood-look porcelain planks running floor to ceiling behind a standalone tub. Arrange any tile, stone or paneling with appropriate layouts, grout spacing and backing materials per manufacturer instructions for optimal longevity.
Floor Finishes
Bathroom floors take some of the heaviest abuse with frequent water exposure amidst heavy daily traffic so that durability reigns supreme in material selection. Choose finishes that functionally weather moisture fluctuation and foot traffic over time without compromising on aesthetic appeal.
Cabinetry and Storage
Even the most indulgently spacious dream bathrooms need concealed storage for toiletries, linens, cleaning tools and clutter prone personal products. Luckily, scores of style options integrate seamlessly so items remain neatly tucked away without cramping your new found blissful Zen.
Conclusion
The thoughtful personal touches make all the difference in maintaining newly renovated bathroom bliss long after that fabulous reveal. Invest in durable quality materials from the start and care for them properly according to manufacturer instructions. And most importantly, take moments often to stand back and appreciate just how far your space has come to motivate ongoing efforts maintaining its hard-earned glory.