Just know that bathroom remodeling doesn’t have to be a daunting task. To make the planning process less overwhelming, set a clear budget, use basic fixtures, and get creative. Set an expectation of how much you want to spend by researching materials, installation costs, and labor fees to establish a realistic budget. Fixtures like bathtub, toilet, and sink range from basic to more advanced, affecting the costs accordingly. Narrow down your needs based on each fixture, look up creative ways to lay out each room while maximizing the space you have and need. If there’s not enough space for a separate bathtub and shower, try a shower curtain or glass panel to divide the two. By making the best use of the space you have you’ll have more options that work for you.
Style and functionality should go hand in hand. There are many bathroom designs you can draw inspiration from and still remain practical. Tie the room together with matching fixtures and accessories and pick colors that make the room more inviting. Planning a bathroom remodel can be a time-consuming task. Preparation is key.
Set a Budget
Depending on the materials, size of the bathroom, and financial situation you’re in, bathroom remodeling can seem costly. Thankfully, there are ways of conducting a bathroom remodeling project on a budget, though you must start by setting a budget first. Look over your finances and decide the maximum amount you’re able to spend. Then, look over your bathroom and decide what you’d like to prioritize getting remodeled.
Visualize and list your remodeling project
When you look over your bathroom, visualize what you’d like it to look like. If you’re on a tight budget, narrow down what you believe is essential to be redone. Are you hoping to remodel the windows, shower, sink, cabinets, mirrors, and/or hoping to refresh the color? Maybe you are hoping to incorporate tile or granite. Or, maybe you’re undecided on what you want it to look like.
For inspiration, check out some of the most common conventional bathroom remodeling designs and research common interior decor styles to match. Take inventory of each specification you’d like, in addition to the actual measurements for each specification to fit.
Research for additional costs
Each item in your inventory should have its own cost. Go through each item to research estimates and see what you can afford. Granite, tile, fixtures, high-tech shower heads and toilets, and vanities can be costly so write down a range of what you’re looking to spend for each. Then research common types for each and assess where you fall for each type. Bathroom tiles can range from granite, ceramic, porcelain, slate, marble, and travertine. Bathroom fixtures range from recessed lights, track lighting, pendant lights, vanity lights, wall sconces, and even LEDs! The cost of these fixtures is more dependent on the size needed than the bathroom tiles, which can range in cost per square foot based on the materials.
Speaking of the materials, let’s discuss the types, differences, and costs of those further.
Choose the Right Materials
Deciding on the materials you want to utilize is highly dependent on the type of aesthetic you’re looking for, as well as the budget you can afford. We’ll list some of the most common materials used in home remodeling, however, it is important to keep in mind with demand and inflation, costs can vary greatly.
Common budget-friendly materials
The most budget-friendly bathroom materials are ceramic, porcelain, vinyl, laminate, or materials that are pre-finished, e.g. pre-finished cabinetry. Sometimes, pre painted trims or molding can also be less expensive than paying the cost of labor – weigh the costs of both options.
More expensive materials include marble, granite, travertine, solid wood cabinetry, stone or high end porcelain, designer lighting, and luxury custom mirrors. These can cost hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars depending on the line item or project.
Long-term savings with energy-saving options
Kohler, American Standard, Aqua Glass, Maax, Bootz, Sterline, and Jacuzzi all make bathroom fixtures and appliances within all different price ranges. Mostly all Kohler and American Standard products are reviewed highly for being budget-friendly and durable, however, you can’t go wrong with any of the brand names listed here. If you’re looking to adhere to a conscious budget, seek energy-saving fixtures that may be slightly higher in cost but help reduce expenses in other ways. Check reviews on energy-saving toilets and see if they do help decrease monthly expenses by being more power-efficient than competing products.
When you’ve decided on the brand and products you want for each aspect you’re looking to remodel in your bathroom, it’s time to contact a contractor.
Hire a Professional
Look for reputable contractors such as Reliable Home Remodeling. You’ll want to work with a contractor who is professional, reliable, experienced, and has a decent portfolio of quality work. Professionals like Reliable Home Remodeling will be able to provide quotes based on the work you describe over the phone. They should also have a decent amount of online reviews. However, if you’re undecided based on only a few, you can also ask them for references when you call.
For over 30 years, Reliable Home Remodeling has been providing Long Island homeowners with superior, reliable, and cost effective remodeling services. As a family owned business, our highly trained contractors have proudly helped to transform numerous Nassau and Suffolk County properties with our superior quality services. If you’re looking to remodel your bathroom, give us a call at 631-530-1515.