Have you been watching HGTV and dreaming of a master bathroom that rivals a luxury spa? Or does your bathroom have sea green fixtures and really needs a facelift? Or perhaps it’s just too small and you simply want one that both you and your partner can use at the same time?
Whatever the reason, there are several things you must consider before beginning a bathroom remodel project. It’s the smallest room in your house but one of the most expensive to remodel. With an average cost of $9,463, you can expect to spend a good bit of money [1]. Fortunately, it tends to be money well spent with an average 62% return on investment [2].
To be truly happy with your new bathroom and maximize your money you will want to plan wisely. So, what are the top 5 questions about bathroom remodeling you should definitely ask before you get started? Keep reading to find out exactly what you need to know.
Do your pipes need to be updated?
During a bathroom remodel, you have the perfect opportunity to get a good look at your existing pipes. There may already be signs that they need to be replaced. For example, the water flow may be slow or have a yellow or brown tint. You may also see visible signs of trouble such as leaks or rust on exposed pipes. Even if they seem to look okay to the naked eye, it is smart to have a licensed plumber examine them. They can often identify hidden issues that might not become apparent for months or years. What better time to update your pipes than when you are already tearing out flooring, fixtures, and tiling?
Often a remodel means moving fixtures around. Something as simple as changing the shower head from one side to the other will require repiping. After watching YouTube and DIY shows, you may be tempted to tackle it yourself. Be forewarned, running new pipes is a job best left to a professional. The last thing you want is to complete a project and learn there is a leak after everything is covered.
Do you have issues with ventilation that need to be addressed?
Good ventilation is crucial in the bathroom. If it’s not up to par, moisture will coat your walls and woodwork, creating the perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold. Be sure to talk to your contractor about the size and style of ventilation system your bathroom needs, as well as the right spot to ensure it gets the job done most effectively.
What are my flooring options and what would work best?
We’ve all seen (or at least heard about) those homes that have carpet in the bathroom. Gross, right? So, carpet is definitely out of the question, but that still leaves you with a variety of choices. You want it to look good but don’t let aesthetics drive your entire decision. Think about who will be using the bathroom and the long-term maintenance.
Porcelain tile and ceramic floors are a smooth and durable option, yet they also tend to be slippery. This might be trouble for older family members or young children. Today, natural stone is becoming more popular in upscale homes, but it requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Vinyl flooring is often used in the bathroom because of its durability and slip resistance. Today’s vinyl flooring can mimic tile, stone, even wood however it has a lower return on investment and can look “cheap” if not installed properly. Again, this is an area where things can look easy to install but hiring a professional might be the better option.
Is there a chance to create more storage?
If your current bathroom lacks storage space (and most of them do), use your remodel as a chance to get creative with your storage options. For example, although you may love the look of a pedestal sink, a vanity offers under the sink storage for towels. Add a cabinet above the commode for toiletries. Place plenty of hooks and towel bars on the walls and incorporate stackable bins within your cabinets to keep things organized.
What should I do about fixtures?
The choices for bathroom fixtures are endless. Some are incredibly fancy, like a shower with multiple heads and heated toilet seats. Others are focused on conservation, such as low flow toilets and high-efficiency shower heads. Keep practicality and comfort in mind, while also remembering that you’ll probably be using this bathroom for years to come. You may want to stay away from something over-the-top that you love now but might grow to hate in time.
Now that you know what questions to ask, contact Express Repiping. They can help you find the answers, plan and execute the bathroom remodel of your dreams.
[1] https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/five-most-popular-most-expensive-home-improvement-projects/
[2] https://www.modernbathroom.com/blog/post/2017/06/20/average-bathroom-roi
