When it comes to bathroom renovations, there are plenty of mistakes that can be made before you even start to do anything, and it’s really easy to get things wrong before you rip out a single fixture. And this isn’t because you’re not considering your options, you’re just not approaching it from the right angle.
This post is going to look at some key decisions you need to make before you start your bathroom remodel.
Assess Your Bathroom Layout Before Choosing Fixtures
Before you choose your new taps or pick out the mirror with the built-in demisters, actually look at the layout of the bathroom you have to work with. Take full measurements of the walls, spaces between any vanity units or doorways, window positions, and existing plumbing, too. This will give you an idea of the space you have to work with.
From here, mark out the usable floor areas you have once doors are open, cabinets are accessible, etc.
Then simulate the new layout using the existing room and outline where new basins would be in your toilet, shower, etc. Do you have enough space to move around easily, and can you open drawers without blocking the door? The more you mock up the room, the easier it will be to see what the space can really accommodate before you rip everything out.
Prioritise The Features You Actually Use
Not every bathroom needs to accommodate the same features; everyone has different needs and requirements, which is why it’s important for you to prioritise based on your lifestyle and your family’s needs.
Determine which few features are essential to your daily habits, for example, if you need a comfortable bathtub to lie in, or if a walk-in shower is more important to you. Or is it storage space that’s going to make all the difference? Choose 2 or 3 things that are non-negotiable and work with them, and make sure each task, whether it’s bathing, brushing teeth, or applying makeup, has the space and amenities it needs for you.
Plan Plumbing Locations
But you already have plumbing? True, but your plumbing might need to be updated once you start renovation or alteration to accommodate newer features or a full room redesign and overhaul. And as pipes are usually buried in walls or under floors, especially in older homes, this can increase the cost of the renovation drastically.
Start by identifying where the water supply and drainage lines already run. Then, if the layout works reasonably well for what you have planned, keeping fixtures in the same place or close to where they currently are can save you money. See if you can tweak your layout or design choices to accommodate the current placement and still do what you need. If not, then factor in changing the plumbing to your overall costs.
Select Fixtures That Fit the Space
Once you have confirmed the layout and plumbing, you can start choosing fixtures for the space. Now, it’s really important that you choose fixtures that fit within the space you have mapped out rather than forcing the layout to adapt to oversized pieces that don’t quite fit.
Use masking tape to create the outline of the fixtures and open doors, window, etc.,c around it to see how much clearance you have and avoid any issues post installation. This is something that is important if you’re buying a new bathtub, for example, and you’re choosing a bigger size or a different shape to the one you have currently. The same goes for adding new shower enclosures or oversized vanities. Make sure your decisions are based on actual dimensions, not just photos and guesswork.
Confirm Ventilation and Lighting
Here’s the thing: these aspects are essential for bathroom remodels, but they can often be overlooked in relation to their importance.
Bathrooms generate a lot of moisture, and you need to be aware of how that will be dealt with in your new bathroom remodel. Because without sufficient ventilation, moisture will settle on walls, ceilings,ngs, and grout lines, and cause long-term problems like mold or peeling paint.
You need to choose an appropriately sized fan for your bathroom and ensure it can handle the main moisture source. You need to be running your fan for 15-20 minutes after a shower to help prevent lingering humidity.
Then you need to ensure you have the correct lighting in your bathroom, too. Combine overhead lighting with task lighting for effective layered lighting that illuminates from different angles for different tasks. So think ceiling lights with lights around the mirror to avoid harsh shadows, and then, remember to add switches in the logical place for ease of use so you can find them fast when you need to, ie, around vanities or entrances.
Set Your Budget and Prioritise It
You need to know how to both set a budget and distribute it through everything you need.
Your main investments need to be in the fixtures, plumbing, labour, tiles, and lighting. From here, you can spend the rest on accessories, so you’re getting a well-functioning bathroom that works for you, not one that looks good but isn’t giving you what you need.
Break the budget down before any work is committed to, so you can spend what you have correctly. Ensure you have a contingency fund of around 10-15% to cover any unexpected issues, i.e., failing plumbing or supply issues and damages.
And if you do have anything left over at the end, you can use this to invest in high-end fittings, or you can add any extras you didn’t think you’d be able to afford.
A bathroom renovation can add a lot of value to the property and also boost your quality of life. But only if you’re strategic about how you plan the renovation and you include your lifestyle in the plans. The best bathroom is the one that offers the most value, is one that works for you and your life, not one that only looks good on the cover of a glossy magazine.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
