Bathrooms, whether master bathrooms or guest bathrooms have come a long way over the years. No longer are bathrooms only for function; homeowners now want all the latest amenities for a level of style and luxury as well. Remodeling a bathroom is no small undertaking, especially if you plan on moving plumbing. Before you start a bathroom renovation, be sure you are entirely prepared. We have pulled together a few things to consider and created your bathroom remodeling checklist. When you are ready, we are here to help!
Be sure to create a budget
With so many options out there for bathrooms, it is important to have a budget in mind, so you are not easily distracted by all the fabulous options out there. No matter what your budget is, a quality bathroom renovation professional can help you achieve what you want and stay on budget. Before you get started, take a look at what you want to do, and then do your research on what it is going to cost to create that dream bathroom. It is important to have an idea of what the costs are going to be for the features you want. This will include materials, design, and labor. Decide what kind of materials you want and get an idea of what those costs are. Granite or marble countertops, or perhaps something even more exotic? Stock lighting or custom order fixtures? Look at your bathtub: Will it require a complete replumbing job to accommodate or are you staying with the same footprint? Gathering costs and creating a budget will help you enjoy the process and the end results without facing an unanticipated bill at the end.
Decide on the function of the bathroom
Sure, there are the basics of what every bathroom should accommodate for functionally, but this is more about usability overall. How many people will be using it at the same time? Do you want a spa-like bathtub that is oversized with jets and other options for a luxury bath, or would you rather have a steam shower? Both? What kind of lighting will you need for shaving, make-up, etc.? Here are a few key items to consider when choosing a bathroom layout:
- Shower
- Bathtub
- Shower/tub combo
- Toilet/Bidet
- Vanity
Is the bathroom adjacent to another room such as the master when it will always be in view or will it be a closed-off space? Really plan the footprint of your bathroom to make sure it serves your functional and aesthetic needs.
Plan out your color scheme
If you’re completely renovating a bathroom, you’ll likely be choosing flooring, countertops, sinks, faucets, showerheads, shower tiles, glass, and paint, not to mention other bathroom décor such as mirrors, lighting, towel racks, and hooks. It is important to have a color scheme in mind so that all of these go well together and create the overall look you want. This can be overwhelming for many. Your best bet is to work with a bath design professional who can create a color scheme that you will love. Whether you’re going alone on this or using a designer, a checklist can come in handy to keep track of this.
Consider your lighting
Lighting is important in bathrooms! Ever tried to put on makeup or shave in an underlit bathroom? Miserable, right? To plan for lighting, consider what light you already have, such as a window or a skylight, and plan from there. The best approach to a well-lit space is to incorporate layers of task, accent, ambient and decorative lighting. Be sure to plan for all three, then look for the right style. There are many lighting styles you can use for the vanity area including light bars and wall sconces, or small pendants. Work with an electrician so you understand how much light you can and should put in the room.
Do not forget the bathroom hardware
Bathroom hardware includes faucets, showerheads, and knobs, but also includes handles, hinges, towel racks and hooks, and door handles. Make sure you have hardware that is complementary to each other. If you are using oil-rubbed bronze for your shower hardware and faucets but your door handles are brass, it is going to impact the overall look of your bathroom. While everything does not need to match exactly, it should not clash either.
Take a look at bathroom technology
There are all kinds of options to add technology to your bathroom these days so look around and see if any catch your eye. Options include floor heating, under counter appliances such as warming drawers for robes and towels, or wireless music systems. You spend a lot of time in a bathroom; why not make it a luxurious retreat? Be sure to add bathroom technology to your checklist!
Remodeling a bathroom can be a substantial project, but a thrilling one! Follow this checklist to make sure you are staying in budget while putting together the bathroom of your dreams!
We often showcase the latest colors, décor,etc. when it comes to bathroom remodels, but for this article, we’re going to look at bathroom renovation trends: major changes that homeowners made to their bathrooms in 2018 and how that might impact any remodeling you might have in mind for the upcoming year.
Age Appropriate Bathrooms
Many homeowners spent a good portion of the master bath remodeling budget to make their bathrooms more age-friendly. What does that mean exactly? Homeowners are becoming aware of aging-related needs when it comes to master bathrooms as older homeowners plan to stay in their own home longer. Homeowners ages 55 or older represent 52% of renovating homeowners today, with a majority planning to remain in their homes for 10 years or longer (59%). Many are planning on upcoming needs, though the majority are still reacting to needs,such as safety or accessibility, that already arose. Here are some of those aging-related renovations:
- Shower seats
- Shower grab bars
- Low or no shower curb
- Non-slip bathtubs
- Bathtub grab bars
- Walk-in tubs
A small portion of homeowners went further in their renovations to change the floorplan completely for better access, such as handicap access.
New home purchase, new bathroom
A good amount of bathroom renovations wasn’t spurred by current homes needing an upgrade. In 2018, most renovations for master bathrooms came as a result of purchasing a home where renovations were needed or desired by the home purchaser. Homeowners were looking to personalize their master bathroom to better suit their needs or tastes. Upgrades and renovations were as follows (in order of popularity):
- Faucets
- Wall finish
- Flooring
- Lighting
- Shower
- Countertop
- Sink
- Cabinet
- Toilet
- Door
- Bathtub
- Window
Creating a “suite” living space
Master bathrooms and master bedrooms became more recognized as a master suite in 2018, with many renovations pairing the master bath and master bedroom together to create a master suite. According to a Houzz study, nearly one in two master bathroom renovations (46%) is paired with a master bedroom renovation. Here’s an interesting trend: one in 10 master bathrooms is the same size or even larger than the master bedroom; a signal that master bathrooms have moved beyond being simply utilitarian.
Most homeowners hired professionals to do the job
Considering the types of renovations done in 2018, and the fact that more homeowners are looking for a master suite as an overall living space,it’s no surprise that most hired bath interior design professionals for the design and actual renovation work.
The reasons for remodeling stayed about the same
Except for the growing trend of taking aging-related needs into considering, the top reasons for a bathroom remodel stayed about the same for 2018:
- Style and beauty
- Adding to resale value
- Personalizing to tastes
- Spa-like atmosphere
- Energy efficiency
- Functionality
Bathrooms became high tech
2018 saw a surge in new technologies for the bathroom including:
- Self-cleaning toilets
- Built in night lights for toilets
- Self-deodorizers
- Mood lighting for showers
- Digital controls
- Sound systems in showers
- Heated backrests in bathtubs
- Built in sound and vibration in bathtubs
Top décor trends in 2018
Here are some of the more popular décor trends in 2018:
- Nickel - matte (brushed or satin) for faucets and other metal accessories
- Gray on walls and cabinetry
- Brick tile patterns
- Undermount sinks, though vessel sinks gained popularity
- Built-in vanity
2019 is looking to continue many of the trends we saw in 2018.If you need assistance with a master bathroom remodel or renovation, be sure to work with a reputable bathroom renovation specialist to get the results you want.
Bathrooms are not utilitarian anymore. Homeowners not only want practicality and functionality, but also want style, luxury, and convenience. The challenge is, how do you plan a bathroom remodel that can be both useful and luxurious? Here’s what to consider before remodeling your bathroom.
Gather costs and create a budget
Like any remodeling job, a budget can quickly get blown if you get caught up in the bells and whistles, or never researched the cost in the first place. Before you get started, step back and take a look at what you want to do, and then do your research on what it’s going to cost. Regardless of whether you’re trying to do the remodel yourself or are working with a remodeling professional, it’s important to have an idea of what the costs are going to be. This will include materials, design and labor. Decide what kind of materials you want and get an idea of what those costs are. Granite or marble countertops? Stock lighting or custom order? Will that new bathtub require a complete replumbing job to accommodate? Gathering costs and creating a budget will help you enjoy the process and the end results without facing a stunning and unanticipated bill at the end.
Consider the functionality of your bathroom
When people remodel their kitchen, they’re very in tune with the functionality aspect. What needs to be in reach? What’s the flow from the stove to the sink to the table? Oddly enough, the same consideration isn’t always given to the bathroom but it should be! How many people will be using it at the same time? Do you want a spa-like bathtub or would you rather have a steam shower (or both?). What kind of lighting will you need if you’re putting on makeup in that bathroom? Here are a few key items to consider when choosing a bathroom layout:
- Vanity
- Shower
- Bathtub
- Shower/tub combo
- Toilet
What’s the focal point? Is the bathroom adjacent to another room such as the master when it will always be in view? Think not only about functionality by the visuals: if you’re laying in bed at night, do you want a toilet in your line of sight? Really plan the footprint of your bathroom to make sure it serves your functional and aesthetic needs.
Plan out your color scheme
This might seem like a minor point but it’s not! If you’re completely renovating a bathroom, you’ll likely be choosing flooring, countertops, sinks, faucets, shower heads, shower tiles, glass, and paint, not to mention other bathroom décor such as mirrors, lighting, towel racks and hooks, etc. Not having a color scheme in mind can result in a mismatched bathroom. Your best bet is to work with a bath design professional who can guide you through how to create a color scheme that you will love.
Plan your lighting
So often overlooked and yet one of the more important aspects of a bathroom both for functionality and style. Consider what light you already have, such as a window or a skylight, and plan from there. The best approach to a well-lit space is to incorporate layers of task, accent, ambient and decorative lighting. Current bathroom design trends create focus on lighting schemes. To highlight this space, homeowners are using creative lighting techniques, fixtures, and dimmers to create a luxury and relaxing feeling. There are many lighting styles you can use for the vanity area including light bars and wall sconces, or small pendants.
Don’t overlook the hardware
Bathroom hardware includes faucets, showerheads, and knobs, but also includes handles, hinges, towel racks and hooks, and door handles. Make sure you have hardware that’s complementary (not matchy matchy) to each other. If you’re using oil-rubbed bronze for your shower hardware and faucets but your door handles are brass, it’s going to impact the overall look of your bathroom.
Think about technology
To say bathrooms have become high tech is an understatement! There are all kinds of options to add technology to your bathroom including floor heating, under counter appliances such as warming drawers for robes and towels, or wireless music systems. You spend a lot of time in a bathroom; why not make it a luxurious retreat?
Remodeling a bathroom can be a huge project, but an exciting one as well! Having a well thought out plan from the start will help you achieve the bathroom of your dreams!
