14 Do’s And Don’ts When Remodeling Your Bathroom

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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People often expect to experience stress and mess when they consider renovating their homes. The truth is that there’s a tinge of reality into it, only if you fail to do things that need to be done. If you feel like your bathroom is long due for a remodel, now’s the perfect time to pursue your home improvement project.

This article will be helping you with what to do and what not to do when conducting a bathroom renovation. You won’t have to worry about breaking the bank with your project and compromising quality, as long as you’d be careful with your choices of contractors, fixtures, and procedures.

Here Are The Things You Can DO For Your Bathroom Remodeling

Take note of the following tips and tricks that you can do to remodel your home beautifully. These are basic but helpful advice, so follow them, and you'll be satisfied with the outcome of your project.

1. Do Consider A Budget First 

You must first determine what your budget is after you've found inspirations and distinguished designs. It's essential to take into account your budget because you’d want to control all expenses. You can determine which aspects of a renovation are most feasible for you by examining your finances. You can see which procedures are necessary and which ones you can do later when you have more spare money.

To assist in keeping your project priced reasonably, you can do a few things, such as:

  • Try to find quotes from different plumbing and electrician contractors for your bathroom reno.
  • You may opt to do some fixing yourself if it's not something dangerous and complicated.
  • Check different stores and hardware shops to see which products are of excellent quality, but aren’t too expensive.
  • Stay updated on days that stores hold sales and offer huge discounts.

2. Do Plan Out The Design For Your Bathroom 

Design your bathroom according to a plan because it’ll serve as a guide through and through. Professional bathroom remodelers will ensure this happens when they perform the work for you. But, if you're planning to do the project yourself, having a plan will go a long way. It’ll serve as a guide so you can achieve your dream results.

When your contractor devises a plan for you, make sure that you're on the same page and know all the details, even the smallest ones. A little thing in the overall plan may make or break the entire project, so always keep up with changes and updates.

3. Do Hire A Reliable And High-Quality Bathroom Remodeler 

Bathroom remodeling can be a DIY project if it's small scale, and you only need to create minor revisions. However, if it already entails waterproofing, plumbing works, as well as electrical fixtures, then it's best to rely on a professional bathroom remodeler. They should be the only ones who can tackle the waterproofing system in your bathroom to ensure your and your family's health and safety.

Also, when you hire them to do this chief task, you can rest easy, knowing that the job is done perfectly and professionally. New home construction and home remodels are their forte, so rely on them to do these monumental tasks.

4. Do Follow Building Codes 

When doing a bathroom remodel yourself, you might be tempted to forgo permits and inspections. You might find it troublesome to comply, but you must stop and think a while because it might lead to some costly disasters later on if you bypass such legal actions.

Later on, you may have problems with the quality of the projects, especially their safety. These might result from firing, flooding, and other unfortunate accidents. The best way to undertake these building codes and compliance is to leave them to your contractors. They’ll be the ones to deal with them while you sit pretty and enjoy a safe and sturdy bathroom that your legal sectors have approved.

5. Do Choose And Add Bathroom Features You Want 

When remodeling your bathroom, make sure the features you want are included. If you have designated enough budget for this project, why don't you spare some bucks for things that you need. It’s been a long time that you've tolerated your old bathroom, so now’s the time to enjoy splurging on a comfortable and luxurious one. That is, of course, if you can afford it. Creating your own tranquil and relaxed space is essential to go back home and replenish your energies from a long tiring day at work.

To give you some ideas, here are some upgrades that are worth every penny:

Heat Flooring 

Put a radiant heating system beneath the floor of your bathroom to enjoy the warmth; this is specifically useful during winter seasons. This system is robust and can be installed beneath your flooring, like ceramic tiles or stone. You can go for this feature if you feel like lounging in the bathroom for quite a while after showering. This will warm up your feet, while making you feel calm, warm, and cozy. 

Ventilation Fan 

Most modern bathrooms nowadays are equipped with ventilation fans. However, if yours hasn't been renovated for so many years, then you probably don't have this fan yet. This should be a priority feature that needs to be added to your bathroom upgrade. This allows a good airflow within. It gets rid of steamy mirrors and makes you breathe well inside the secluded space even if you stay for a longer time. So, make sure to find the best product among the best exhaust fans in the market today.

Heated Towel Bars 

Heated bars are capable of heating your towels so that when you take them off the bars, your body will be wrapped up with comfortable warmth. These are usually electrically operated, but if you prefer to go for a cheaper way to heat your towels, just simply depend on the shower steam to heat your towels from the bar installed inside, then you can still enjoy the same warm benefits.

Storage Solutions 

Adding pretty and practical storage to a beautiful bathroom will make it even more stunning. This is aesthetically beneficial, but more than that, it improves your things and their organization. You can find places for your cosmetics, hygiene care products, and everything else.  There are various kinds of storage solutions—from closets, to cabinets, to door inserts and racks.

Chandeliers 

Adding a chandelier to the bathroom is a quick and easy way to liven up a hardworking area. You can either hang it from the center ceiling of your bathroom or put it beside the window so the sun's reflection can shimmer through the crystals and other accents of the chandelier. This is a great way to make your bathroom look divinely luxurious.

Floating Vanity 

Avoid wall-to-wall cabinets in your bathroom to make it appear larger. This is a brilliant tip for those who have a smaller cubic area for bathrooms. This is where floating vanities come into play. They look minimalist, yet sleek and offer you a counter or place for putting your daily bath essentials.

Floor Rugs 

A tiled floor rug is another added feature for your bathroom that contributes to its overall comfort and aesthetics. Tile rugs give the bathroom a customized and personalized look, like other bathroom decors that you might want to add. You can go for differently colored area rugs that’ll suit the color palette of your bathroom.

6. Do Choose Great Lighting 

Your bathroom can be made more energy-efficient by installing LED lights. Your bathroom's lighting plays a significant role in its overall look. Even when choosing LED lights due to their eco-friendly aspect, some lighting fixtures change colors, which helps make your bathroom look more unique and beautiful. Ensure to purchase lighting fixtures that are safe to use near water.

7. Do Go For Good Showers 

If you've been a homeowner for many years by now, you already understand that each area or living space in your home needs to have a focal point. In your bathroom's case, it should be the shower. Aesthetic- and functionality-wise, it should be the focus when you're doing your bathroom remodel. It's where you take your showers, so your showerhead, faucets, drainage, and other shower fixtures must be all high-quality, sleekly designed, and smart to use.

8. Do Go For Timeless Bathroom Designs And Accents 

When remodeling a bathroom, you should consider whether you plan to stay in your home for a long time or possibly sell it to a new homeowner. Envisioning long-term scenarios will allow you to better decide on designs suitable for it in the long run. Skip the trends when doing your bathroom remodels, stick to primary colors and neutral hues, as well as go for timeless and unique pieces and designs.

Here Are The DON’TS When Remodeling Your Bathroom

Like any other home renovation, you must be mindful of the things that you shouldn’t do. Here are a few that you need to remember:

9. Don’t Do The Electrical Wiring Jobs By Yourself 

When doing a bathroom remodel, it’s difficult and dangerous when tackling electrical wirings. This is for the reason that the bathroom involves water and electricity at the same time. Hence, it's safer to leave the electrical wiring jobs to a professional bathroom remodeler.

10. Don’t Keep Following Trends 

When you've been browsing online for bathroom design inspirations, you might be tempted to go for a notable trend that most homeowners have been following recently. Although this might seem tempting, it won't be a smart move in the years to come. Trends aren’t retained, and you might be regretting choosing them when they're already out of style and outdated in the future. Therefore, it's wise to follow staple and practical features that’d still look good over the years.

11. Don't Rush Everything 

Once you've decided to install a new bathroom, you probably want it completed as soon as possible. You're too excited or too eager to get things done that you forget that it's an ultimate big no-no. Rushing often leads to poor quality, which, in turn, would increase your expenditures when some fixtures would become faulty and damaged. Spending several weeks or even months planning your bathroom project depends on its size and scope. Take it one step at a time, and you'll eventually acquire your dream bathroom in no time.

12. Don’t Buy Bathroom Fixtures Online Without Seeing The Real Products 

The convenience of online shopping will tempt you to buy plumbing and electrical products online. However, you should pause for a while and rethink. Researching online and comparing products is fine, but it would be best to check them first before actually buying them. Sometimes, things bought online don't seem to be the way they appeared on the screen.  It’s always a good idea to visit a showroom or design center before purchasing. There are also possibilities that you can find products that have excellent quality and reasonable price.  

13. Don't Put So Many Things In The Bathroom 

Bathrooms shouldn't be crowded. If possible, go for a minimalist design for your bathroom. Less is more, and everything becomes more beautiful and elegant when there are just a few things. The space in your bathroom isn’t much, so maximize the use of every space. Your bathroom should be designed so that it makes the most of its space, without feeling crowded or cramped. You can check out tips and resources to make your bathroom look large, without putting so much in it.

14. Don’t Waterproof The Bathroom By Yourself  

When remodeling their bathrooms themselves, many homeowners run into problems with waterproofing. Although they’re less familiar with waterproofing techniques, they persist in doing it, often resulting in distress and failure. Save yourself from buying the tools and materials because you'll only waste them, and you'd be paying double in the end. Hire a professional bathroom remodeler instead. With proper certification and licenses, they know how to execute the appropriate waterproofing system for your bathroom.

Conclusion 

It can be both thrilling and daunting to remodel a bathroom. Although you might be skilled to do some minor DIY tasks, it would be best to leave the plumbing and electrical wiring jobs for the pros. They already have a system and flow that’ll lead to a successful bathroom renovation. Transform your bathroom now with the support of a reliable contractor and achieve your bathroom goals soon. 

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.

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