Planning a Bathroom Renovation?

Let’s be honest, planning a bathroom renovation can be overwhelming. However, the reward of having a bathroom that is functional, chic, serene and (hopefully) budget-conscious makes it all worth it. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth and successful bathroom renovation in your home.

Step 1: Set Design Details

Many homeowners renovate their bathrooms to create more space and add elegance. When planning a bathroom renovation, consider what changes would make the space more functional. Determine the design details you'd like to include – whether wallpaper, tiles or a new paint colour – to achieve the vibe you want. If this phase of the process feels overwhelming, consider hiring an interior designer or skilled contractor who is familiar with each of these considerations. These professionals can provide a detailed rendering to help ensure the initial vision and result align.

Step 2: Establish a Budget

Now that you’ve determined the materials your design details will need, it is time to acknowledge the factors that will affect your bathroom renovation cost. While it’s possible to refresh and remodel a bathroom for a few hundred pounds, bathroom renovations cost between 4K and 15K on average. The more expensive end of this range would cover a complete remodel, including a new toilet, sink, shower/bathtub, tiling, vanity and lighting. Your budget should cover materials, labour, layout changes and emergency funds. Consider cost-saving tactics like swapping a toilet seat rather than the entire commode to save a few extra pennies during the process.

Step 3: Select Materials

These days, an abundance of budget-conscious materials are available to most homeowners, and almost any desired design concept can be achieved through an affordable alternative.

Marble is a beautiful option for tile, however the price per square foot is often steep. Alternatives such as porcelain and ceramic can be seamlessly swapped into the plan with only minor adjustments and virtually no change in layout.

Step 4: Consider Upgrades

Once material options and costs have been reviewed, revisit the design plan and consider swapping in lower-cost materials to incorporate more upgrades, such as outlets in vanity drawers, rainwater or dual showerheads or even heated floors.

Make sure you finalise the layout and material selection before beginning any layout changes. Changes to the design concept and demolition may incur costly change orders, a hassle in swapping materials and possible shortages of materials needed.

Step 5: Prepare the Space

All done with the design layout and selection of materials? It’s time to get ready for the messy stuff.

Confirm with the contractor if all necessary permits and licenses are obtained. If renovations are being done in a multiunit home, submit any necessary certificates of insurance from companies performing work on your home and confirm the permissible hours of construction for the building.

Keep in mind, the bathroom and any surrounding areas will exist in a prolonged state of chaos. Dust, debris and large tools will be permanent fixtures in rooms and hallways for weeks (at a minimum). Additionally, there will be a somewhat constant stream of contractors in your home, resulting in limited privacy and maximised noise.

The actual renovation work itself can be unpleasant at times but try to remember that it is a small (and temporary) price to pay for a dreamy new bathroom space.

Step 6: Anticipate Surprises

With many vendors and contractors working on the renovation, some aspect of the project may be delayed. If there is no delay, budget bombs often spring up once demolition of the floors, walls and plumbing begins. It's helpful to anticipate these types of surprises and allow space in the timeline and budget for potential setbacks.

Step 7: Go Over Your Bathroom Renovation Planning Guide

• Set design details
• Establish a budget
• Select materials
• Consider upgrades
• Prepare the space
• Apply for necessary work permits
• Start remodeling

A bathroom renovation is a great way to bring new joy (and added value) to an existing space. Although these types of projects can feel overwhelming, these seven simple steps will help keep the renovation on time, on budget, and off your list of worries.

Janelle Christian is a self-care strategist, helping bring wellness into the homes, minds, and careers of busy, overwhelmed, overworked and all-around miserable millennial professionals. She also runs the blog Hey J. Nicole.