A sleek, updated bathroom increases your home’s resale value. It can also improve the overall quality of your living experience.
Before starting your remodel, be sure to make a budget that you can stick with. It’s also a good idea to get a credit card that offers 0% interest for the duration of your project. When in doubt, hire a professional Milwaukee Bathroom Remodeling contractor.
Cost
Bathrooms are small spaces, and reworking the layout is often more expensive than simply replacing existing fixtures. The size of the bathroom, the scope of the remodel, and the materials used all affect the cost. However, a well-planned bathroom remodel can save money. For example, using quartz instead of marble can cut costs since the latter is more costly. Also, purchasing items like low-flow toilets, water heaters, and light fixtures can lower energy costs.
In addition to replacing existing fixtures and finishes, a full remodel may include changes in plumbing or electrical wiring. These upgrades are typically more expensive than simple fixture replacements because they involve removing the wall to access the pipes and wiring. A full remodel also allows for a change in the location of the sink, shower, or toilet, which can require moving the plumbing lines.
Another cost to consider is the installation of new lighting and ventilation. Adding a light fixture can add $100 to $500, depending on the type of fixture chosen. A new ventilation fan runs from $375 to $450. GFCI receptacles for outlets, if required by code, cost $100 to $300 to install.
Unexpected costs are a part of any remodel. For bathrooms, these can include mold abatement or more work than planned. Water is intrepid, and it will find even the smallest cracks in tile or drywall to grow mildew and mold. This can create a damp atmosphere that promotes health issues for anyone who uses the bathroom.
Design
The design of your bathroom remodel is one of the most important aspects of your project. It will determine how long the job takes, how much it costs, and how well it looks. It’s a good idea to hire an experienced bathroom remodeler to help you decide on the best layout and design for your space. You can find plenty of ideas for your bathroom design online or through magazines. Just make sure that the designs you choose match your budget and style. You should also think about how your new bathroom will fit with the rest of your home.
If your bathroom is dated and you want to sell it in the future, you may want to consider changing the layout of your bathroom. However, this is a big task and can be expensive. You’ll also need to change the plumbing and electrical system.
It’s important to hire a licensed and insured contractor for your bathroom remodeling project. This will protect you from shoddy work, and it will also ensure that the contractor obtains the necessary permits. If the remodeling is done incorrectly and causes a fire or serious water, mold, or structural damage, your insurance company will not cover the repairs.
Many people are unsure of the difference between a renovation and a remodel. While both projects add value to your home, they are different in some key ways.
Layout
Like laying out furniture, arranging fixtures is a critical part of remodeling your bathroom. The arrangement of your fixtures can alter the perception of space, making a small room appear twice as large. It’s also a good way to boost a cramped bathroom’s appeal and functionality. For example, by replacing an underused oversized tub with a chic shower area, you can create an attractive focal point that will increase the bathroom’s utility and appeal.
In a new home, the layout of your bathroom is critical because plumbing pipes are expensive to move. When possible, try to keep plumbing fixtures on one wall to reduce costs. If you’re working in an existing home, avoid rerouting plumbing lines that are located on load-bearing walls. These walls can be damaged or weakened by rerouting, and the cost of repair will add to your project’s budget.
Ideally, your bathroom layout should provide ample floor space for maneuverability. For this reason, it’s best to locate a tub or shower away from the toilet. This will prevent water from splashing onto the toilet and make it easier to use.
Many homeowners choose to swap out a tub for a shower-tub combo to maximize space. This is a great option for small bathrooms, and it will still allow you to soak your cares away in a comfortable bath. However, it’s important to remember that removing a bathtub can significantly reduce the resale value of your home. If you’re unsure whether a tub removal is worth the investment, consider asking a professional to advise you on your options.
Functionality
One of the most important reasons to remodel your bathroom is to improve its functionality. This can be achieved by adding more storage space or upgrading your appliances. It can also help you save money on your energy bills by reducing the amount of time and water you use. Additionally, a modern bathroom is more likely to have updated plumbing fixtures that are less prone to clogs and leaks.
Another reason to consider a bathroom remodel is to add value to your home. A modern and stylish bathroom will be more appealing to potential buyers, which can lead to quicker sales and higher offers. Additionally, it can increase your home’s equity and may even qualify you for lower interest rates on mortgages and credit cards.
A remodel can also fix problems that you have been living with for a long time. For example, if your bathroom has an old bathtub that you dislike, replacing it with a custom shower can make the room look and feel brand new. Additionally, if your bathroom is constantly clogged or leaking, a remodel can upgrade the plumbing fixtures to prevent these issues from occurring in the future.
Energy Efficiency
When it comes to bathroom remodels, energy efficiency is one of the most important considerations. Upgrading your existing fixtures and appliances with eco-friendly options can save you a significant amount of water and electricity, cutting down your utility bills. This can also help to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your home’s comfort. For example, replacing traditional bulbs with LED lighting can help you save up to 75% on energy consumption and offer a longer lifespan.
You can also upgrade your plumbing system by adding new water-saving toilets and faucets, as well as installing a tankless water heater. These will help you cut down your utility bills and reduce water waste. In addition, insulating the walls and floors of your bathroom can help keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer, further reducing your energy bills.
Finally, incorporating energy-efficient lighting is another great way to improve your bathroom’s efficiency. You can install recessed lighting, add extra lights, or even use dimmer switches. You can also add motion sensors or timer switches that will automatically turn off your lights when you’re not using them, saving you money on electricity in the long run.
Storage
There is a wide range of storage options that can be used in bathrooms to help them remain organized and clutter-free. Shelving is a great option as it can be placed in almost any location within the bathroom. It is also cheaper than a cabinet or vanity and can be a great place to store aesthetically pleasing items such as perfume bottles or expensive cosmetics. There are many different shelving types available so a quick search on the internet should provide you with plenty of inspiration.
Using pretty clear storage bins is another way to keep things organized, as it will allow you to see what’s inside without having to open the container. It’s also a good idea to label them as this will make it easier to find what you need when you need it. For a smart way to organize hair tools, try over-the-door baskets that are designed to hold blow dryers and other appliances.
The choice between renovating and remodeling your bathroom will depend on several factors, including the size of the project and its complexity. It’s essential to understand the difference between these two projects so that you can make the best decision for your home. Both will add value to your house, but they do so in a different way. Remodeling is more of a total transformation, while renovation is more of a cosmetic change.