Bathroom design for remodeling is an opportunity to begin and end the day in a space that is efficient and creates the right mood. Form and function come together to maximize utility and aesthetics.
Remodeling a bathroom presents a unique set of challenges, especially if the existing floor plan is less than optimal. Often the layout and design of the family bath – the one in the hallway to the bedrooms, the bathroom used by guests when there isn’t a powder room – is glossed over. Especially in older homes, this is often the only bathroom. How do you make it work for everyone?
3 Tips to Get Started
Tip #1: Make a List
Actually, make three lists. It is critical to know what is “broken,” what would fix those things, and what you ultimately want to achieve.
The first list is a critical look at what isn’t working. For example, the room is dark, the window – if there is one – is awkwardly placed, the flooring is unappealing, there isn’t enough storage, the fixtures are old, etc.
The second list is for everything that is needed to make the space work for the family. Think about who uses the bathroom and when. Likely everyone uses it in the morning, for instance. Would it be helpful if two people could comfortably brush their teeth at the same time?
The third list is everything you want in the space. How do you want it to feel? How do you want to feel when you’re in the space? In the morning maybe an energizing vibe gets you ready for the day. Perhaps you’d like to watch the news while getting ready for work. In the evening a sanctuary to help wind down for a good night’s sleep. These may seem like polar opposites. On the contrary, both can be achieved through skillful bathroom design and remodeling. Tip #2: Consider Your Budget
Tip #2
This step comes after creating the lists so that budget isn’t the only factor. It may not be possible to do everything to create your ideal bathroom, but it is possible to bring it very close. Remember that in addition to materials and labor, there may be permits and other less obvious expenses. Once you’ve decided on a budget, set aside five to ten percent as a contingency for unexpected discoveries. The balance is your budget for the project.
Compare Your Lists
It’s time to prioritize the must do, would like to do, and splurges. Internet searches are useful for obtaining rough estimates of what each element will cost so you can allocate the budget accordingly. This will help you home in on the elements that are most important to you as you scale back or eliminate various components of the design.
Tip #3: Carefully Research Contractors
Gathering referrals from friends and family is a good place to start. Presumably, they would not recommend someone who did inferior work for them. Visit showrooms, not only for ideas, but to get a sense of who they are. Chat with the sales staff and in-house designers. Perform an internet search of bathroom contractors, including the showrooms you visited. Do not be taken in by the number of stars; read the reviews.
Engaging a design and construction company, especially one with extensive experience in bathroom design for remodeling, will save you time, money and stress.
Time: Using a design and construction company is one stop shopping, beginning with the design. They have a cadre of trusted subcontractors. These relationships streamline the process.
Money: These firms have long-standing relationships with vendors. This can mean discounts or other beneficial considerations for fixtures and finishes or timelines for delivery, for example. This may enable achieving more of those “love to have” items.
Stress: Any remodel can be stressful to live through. When you work with a design firm, they handle the day-to-day details, keeping the project on time and on budget. Their vast experience allows them to deal with the unexpected calmly and efficiently. They’ll handle the details and keep you informed.
Bathroom Design for Remodeling Your Sanctuary
Choosing the right bathroom design and remodeling company means this project is more likely to achieve the goals you have. Earlier we mentioned a bathroom that is both energizing and relaxing: an apparent unachievable dichotomy. An experienced bathroom designer, however, can deliver on that through their understanding of the use of lighting and color, for example. Get this relationship right and the bathroom you want to spend time in is within reach.
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