Bathrooms are the number one spot that homeowners love to remodel, even more than kitchens. Due to their smaller size, bathrooms require less time and effort to revamp than kitchens. Plus, this decreased space equals lower cost: less flooring and paint, fewer cabinets, and countertop. When making decisions about a bathroom remodel, there are several important factors to consider.
Here are some key aspects to take into account…
Budget: Determine how much you are willing and able to spend on the remodel. This will influence all other decisions, from the scope of the project to the materials and fixtures you choose.
Scope of the Project: Decide whether you’re doing a complete overhaul or just making minor changes. Are you updating fixtures and finishes, or are you reconfiguring the layout and adding new features? All of this needs to be determined early on.
Timeline: Determine how long the project will take and whether it fits within your schedule. Consider any time-sensitive factors, such as a special event or guests arriving. Also if permits or regulations are required, will these be issued in a timely manner to suit your remodel. As well as supply and installation dates.
Now it is time to look at the functionality and practicality of the space itself, so here are 12 things to know before taking on a bathroom remodel…
#1 – Aesthetic Preferences are Key
Determine the style and look you want for your bathroom. Whether it’s modern, traditional, minimalist, or something else, this will guide your choices in fixtures, tiles, paint colours, and other design elements.
#2 – Fixtures and Fittings Cannot be an Afterthought
Choose the type and style of fixtures, such as sinks, faucets, showerheads, and toilets, before you start, as they need to be integrated into the whole design. Take time to consider factors like water efficiency, durability, and aesthetics.
#3 – Durability is Key to Materials and Finishes
Select materials for flooring, countertops, walls, and backsplashes. Consider factors like durability, ease of maintenance, and how they fit into your overall design scheme.
#4 – Accessibility for all users of the space needs to be considered
Consider how the bathroom is currently used and if there are any changes you’d like to make to improve its functionality. This could include repositioning fixtures, adding storage, or altering the layout. If relevant, consider whether you need to make the bathroom more accessible for people with mobility challenges. This could involve features like grab bars, a walk-in shower, or a raised toilet.
#5 – Create Blank Space with Built-Ins
Avoid going horizontal when vertical space is at a premium. Small bathrooms can benefit greatly from built-ins like recessed soap dishes, medicine cabinets, and even toilet paper roll holders. Ceiling lights can be made flush with the ceiling by being converted into recessed lighting. Create more space by utilising the wall space.
#6 – Ventilation is not optional
A bathroom must have a means of ventilation, such as a window or an exhaust fan, in accordance with building codes. When shopping for a fan for your bathroom, it’s important to consider both its exhaust capacity (how much air it can move per minute) and its noise level. Even a moderately noisy fan can be overbearing because of the enclosed nature of most bathrooms.
#7 – Flooring must be practical as well as beautiful
Although solid wood floors add a lot of charm to bathrooms, they aren’t the most functional option for this space. Choose flooring for your bathroom that is durable enough to withstand frequent use. Vinyl tiles, luxury vinyl planks, and ceramic or porcelain tiles are popular choices for bathrooms. When it comes to water resistance, sheet vinyl flooring really stands out. You may simply floor a small bathroom with a single-width of sheet vinyl, eliminating seams altogether.
#8 – Colour can be a feature
If you want your tiny bathroom to look larger, stick to a colour scheme that’s predominantly white or light. A room painted in dark tones will make you feel cramped and trapped. Fixtures (the loo and the bathtub) should be white or a light hue. Ceilings painted any colour other than white or off-white tend to make a small bathroom feel even smaller.
#9 – Lighting in the bathroom is crucial
Plan for adequate and appropriate lighting. This includes ambient, task, and accent lighting. Consider natural light sources as well, if available. When people need to examine their hair and faces up close, the illumination in the room is typically subdued and focused on one point, such as the ceiling. Sconces should be installed at the very least to provide light around the mirror in the bathroom. The problem is that bright light isn’t always desired. A dimmer switch is a simple item that may greatly improve the ambiance of your bathroom. The dimmer switch is great for soothing soaks in the bath after a long day.
#10 – Everything is storage
Assess your storage requirements. Consider installing cabinets, shelves, or other storage solutions to keep the bathroom organised and clutter-free. Also freestanding furniture, such as a chair or cabinet, can be a great design element if you have the room for them. To make up for the lost square footage, you can create concealed storage elements within these items such as storing towels in a laundry hamper or soaps, and other small objects under the seat of a chair.
#11 – Think of the number of hooks required then add more
Hooks are the simplest way to create the illusion of extra counter space in a wet room. Clothes, robes, and towels can all benefit from being hung on a hook. Hooks can be mounted to the reverse of doors, the side of cupboards, or empty wall space.
#12 – The bathroom can never have too many mirrors
Most people only associate mirrors with toilets when they need to check their appearance (makeup, hair, etc.). Mirrors are functional in the bathroom, reflecting light and creating the illusion of more space. In addition to the mirror that already exists above the sink, many homeowners choose to install a second mirror in the room. In small bathrooms, utilise large-format mirrors that span the full wall. Also it’s important to allow air to circulate behind mirrors to prevent the growth of mould.
If you follow these suggestions, you just might be able to give your bathroom a facelift without breaking the bank. Planning a bathroom redesign that satisfies your needs, stays within your budget, and improves the room’s aesthetic and practicality is possible with some careful thought given to the aforementioned considerations.