Home renovations are something that most go through at some stage of  home ownership. You may have bought a home that is lovely with the perfect layout, but it just doesn’t suit you style wise. So you embark on cosmetic changes and the odd renovation project here and there. It may be that like us, you’ve bought a home with the idea of a complete renovation in mind. From new kitchens and bathrooms to knocking down walls and extensions, you are not afraid of any of it. Some people love home renovation projects and others would rather have their teeth drilled than to go into one. But, knowing that home improvement is a reality for all homeowners, everyone loves tips on how to make it easier.

There are two rooms in the home that seem to be the place where most renovations happen; the kitchen and the bathroom. Our kitchen was the prime example. There were not enough cabinets and the layout was just not conducive to creating family meals. But, not having a nice, functioning bathroom was more than an inconvenience. It was stressful and miserable. I literally had to walk to a neighborhood gas station several times a day to use their facilities! Needless to say, getting the bathroom in working order was a huge priority. Here are some tips that might help you if you’re in the same spot we were.

 

Decide on a Style and Layout

The first thing you want to do is to decide on the style of bathroom you want in your home. Even if the space is small, your bathroom still reflects your style. My house is a Victorian so it was important to me to reflect that style in the bathroom. But more than that, I had to decide on its layout. 

Think about what is most important to you regarding this room. For me, a large walk in shower just wouldn’t cut it. I have to have a bathtub big enough to soak in. Luckily we had an antique clawfoot bathtub on the 3rd floor that needed a new home.  A lot depends on the space you have available, but think about what’s there now, and the changes you want to make. You may have space for a separate shower and bath, or you may want to make the room feel bigger by combining the two. But, you can really run into major issues if you have to reroute plumbing.

Hiring a Professional for some Aspects Saves Money in the Long Run

Many renovation projects are things you are capable of taking on yourself. You may love to have a paintbrush in your hand, feel comfortable knocking down walls, and you are good at most DIY related projects. But bathrooms are a little trickier than just the standard things you may be able to accomplish in your home. Moving around your plumbing and rerouting pipes are most times best left to professionals. You may also find that plumbing emergencies usually occur at the least opportune time such as when you are renovating and uncovering potential issues or underlying problems that have been there for some time. Having an expert on hand will make the project run smoother and ensure things are done up to code so you won’t have problems down the road.

Have a Budget in Mind

It is important for you to understand that you need to have a budget in mind for the project. I don’t know anyone who has a money tree that allows unlimited spending. Wouldn’t that be nice? Having a budget means that you can stick within what is affordable for you. It also keeps the stress level down from worrying about how you are going to pay for things. Make sure that you factor in the costs of materials, fixtures, and also the labor  you might need for things you can’t do yourself. Think of everything from the exhaust fan to the toilet; from the vanity and sinks to mirrors and lighting.

Have a Contingency Fund for the Unknowns

While you may have taken time to come up with a budget that covers your bathroom renovation,  you will also want to have a separate emergency fund as a backup for those “just in case” moments. When you begin a project, and things get dismantled and removed, you never know what you are going to uncover. You likely won’t know the quality of workmanship that went before you. There could be underlying issues such as plumbing or electrical problems that could eat into your budget. Having a contingency fund helps to take care of those emergency situations.

Make Arrangements for Lack of Facilities

When you bathroom is being renovated, that can often mean that there won’t be the ability to shower and in some cases for a period of time, no working toilet. Ask your plumber for his schedule of work. Be specific. It’s ok to ask when he’ll be turning off the water or when the new toilet is going in. A good plumber should tell you when these types of interruptions are going to occur, so make sure you make alternative arrangements. This could be using a shower at the gym, asking a neighbor for some help, or using a family member’s home. Hopefully you have more than one bathroom or toilet in your home, but if you don’t, plan ahead of time so you don’t feel like you are being an inconvenience to someone.

Plan Your Design and Decor

While the project is underway, take some time to think what you want the overall look to be. Now is the time to start thinking about color schemes, paint colors, and ultimately how you want your bathroom to look. Think about towel bars, shelving, and storage. Again, you want the space to reflect the overall style of your home. Picking out a vanity and mirrors can be a lot of fun. This is a big investment and you want it to reflect your style. Maybe you’re unsure of what style you want. Pinterest and Instagram are great sources of inspiration and can often give you some ideas that you may not have even thought of previously. If you’ve been the type to just throw things together, the bathroom is a great place to choose a style and go for it.

Shop the Internet for the Best Prices

Finally, you may want to take the time to shop on the internet for much of what you need for your bathroom makeover. While you’re shopping home improvement stores, take pictures of things you like. Be sure to get model numbers and such so you can find them online later. Besides often finding better deals for the exact items, you can also read reviews to help guide your decisions. Other platforms like eBay are another great way to source some bargains for your new room. Small businesses that advertise on social media like Instagram could also provide you with some great unique items for a fraction of the price. Nothing is better than a bargain price on high end pieces!

I hope these tips may help you manage your renovation project without too much stress or drama.

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