The average bathroom will set you back around $10k; that’s a lot of money. And perhaps more worryingly, approximately 9% of homeowners regret their bathroom decisions.
When it comes to remodeling projects, planning is the absolute key. You want to consider your options carefully, weigh up the individual parts, and work out how they’ll come together as a cohesive unit.
In this guide, we’ll give you an overview of what you need to consider before even thinking about starting your bathroom remodeling project. Considering we’re all struggling with rising costs, there will be some focus on where you can get the best bang for your buck.
Add 20% To Your Budget
It’s rare that you will be able to stick to your budget. Most homeowners will go over by an average of 10%, if not more. The first thing you should do is to invest proper time to figure out how much everything will cost. Don’t forget to count labor on top of all of the materials, even if you plan on doing some of the work DIY-style.
Once you’ve done the meticulous financial planning, add another 20% to the budget. No matter how careful you think you’re being, there is always something you’ve missed or that will come up once the work has started.
Understand Your Shower and Tub
Before you remodel your bathroom, you need to have a clear understanding of how you want to configure your shower/bath. If you have room for a freestanding tub, it’s definitely worth considering; it can add substantial value to your home, particularly in a kid-friendly neighborhood.
For most people, however, a shower/tub combo solution ticks most of the boxes. This can even work in small spaces, but otherwise don’t be afraid to ditch the tub completely. The walk-in shower, particularly if fitted correctly, can give you the spa vibe you’re looking for. Here’s how:
- Say bye to the doors. Think about a free shower solution. It can open up your bathroom space and will help with mold issues too. Make sure the drainage is done properly, though!
- Invest in the right shower head. You can have the most beautiful bathroom, but if the shower head isn’t right, you will not get that luxury experience you’re looking for. Do your research and pick the shower head that works best for your bathroom.
- Thermostatic shower valves are great at regulating water temperature. Say goodbye to scolding and annoying pressure changes too.
Consider the Quick Wins
If you’re on a budget, don’t despair. There are a couple of things you can do that won’t damage your bank balance too much:
Luxury Bath Mat
For just under $200, you can give your bathroom an instant injection of spa-level quality. The luxury bath mat will be far more expensive than the average one you can buy from your local IKEA, but the difference is very much noticeable.
Consider, for example, the beautiful Persian or Turkish rug; they have an enduring and timeless appeal. Don’t go for the standard variety, however, but opt for companies that specialize in products for the bathroom. These will have an increased lifespan and will be suitable for the high levels of moisture in the average bathroom.
Paint Job
It’s the one that works for pretty much any room in the house, and the bathroom is no exception. The materials are super affordable, but make sure that you look for paint that’s specifically made for bathrooms!
Upcycled Mirror
Your bathroom mirror has both a significant practical and aesthetic role to play. Instead of going for your standard product, consider finding an antique or second-hand mirror you can upcycle.
This simple trick can turn even the most boring bathroom into something that exudes character and individuality. And if you’re willing to put in some elbow grease, it’ll be dirt cheap!
Ventilation Matters
When remodeling our bathrooms, we often tend to focus on style over substance. It’s far more exciting to think about giving the room a spa break aesthetic, rather than thinking about the plumbing, for example.
But ignoring practical issues will make life difficult going forward. Specific attention needs to be given to ventilation, as your bathroom will generate a lot of moisture for obvious reasons. Look at ensuring your window is large enough, that it can be opened, and that you have an exhaust fan built for your room specifications.
Do You Really Need to Remodel?
Finally, and we don’t want to be a Debbie Downer here, but it’s worth asking yourself if you can park that remodeling project until next year or beyond. It can often be easy to get swept up by the excitement of a brand new bathroom, but think about whether you can afford to spend that full $10k.
If your bathroom is still functional, consider making just a few of our budget changes and save the ‘big stuff’ until your savings account looks a little beefier. Small changes can have a big effect on the overall aesthetic, and that can cost you just a few hundred dollars.
But of course, if it’s time to finally let go of that dated 90s decor, a full bathroom remodel is 100% worth it! Keep our tips in mind and you’ll be part of the majority of people who are absolutely elated with the results.
