A bathroom renovation is a big and exciting project for most homeowners. However, there are some things that you need to go over first if you want the project to be a success.
Here is our “10 Point Checklist”:
- How much is this going to cost?
If you have not yet decided how much you are willing to spend on your renovation project, if you set a specific budget, it could help you when making decisions about what you can and cannot include in the remodel. A budget for a complete new main bathroom can run between $8,000 and $12,000 depending on the owner’s choice of tile and fixtures and guaranteed good quality workmanship.
- What is the expected time frame for the project?
Contrary to what many homeowners think, a bathroom renovation takes more than a few days. It really doesn’t matter much how big the bathroom is either. The duration depends on the number of items to be replaced. You should also consider the amount of time spent on ordering and purchasing materials like tiles, fixtures, and more. Give a time allowance for the cabinets and other items that are customized. Typically, a complete 3 piece bathroom can take 1-1/2 to 3 weeks. This is a safe time lime to plan for. If this is your only bathroom arrangements will need to be made for this or do the renovation over holidays.
- Is there a possibility of a hidden problem surfacing sometime during the project?
Most problems revolve around water damage in the tub shower area. For full renovations we remove the drywall around the tub or shower down to the studs. We start fresh with new drywall specially designed for tubs and shower areas. Any water damage will be visible and we repair these as needed. Costs are usually less than $500 to fix the problem. That doesn’t include costs to fix water damage that seeped down to lower levels.
- Do you already have a design in mind?
It would be helpful if you have an idea of what you want your bathroom to look like. Some factors to consider are your choices for tiles, tubs, showers, vanities, faucets, lighting and paint colour. To help deciding what you need to choose, we provide a list of shopping list of the product you will need to select (vanity, faucets, etc.) and we can provide recommendations on these.
After you’ve picked out your product we do the picking up and delivery.
- Will it be a safe bathroom?
Modern bathrooms are designed to be safe and last a long time. Electrical wiring is protected with special safety breakers. Tile or vinyl is designed for non-slip. And tubs and showers can have handi-grab bars. Bathrooms are one of the top rooms in the home where people hurt themselves. But they shouldn’t be. We help minimize this with proper choice of materials.
- What do you plan to have for storage?
There are many storage solutions such as cabinet shelving units over the toilet and if your bathroom has room consider a free-standing cabinet. Add a medicine cabinet – new models are attractive designer models that store your daily essentials. Even if you don’t have one now, we can install one easily.
- What kind of lighting do you have in mind?
Lighting is commonly over the vanity but an extra ceiling light over the tub or shower is a good idea. Larger bathrooms will often include a ceiling light.
LED lights are now the rule and many fixtures come ready with a built-in LED light and no bulb required. LED lights last almost forever and use a fraction in electricity.
- Getting hard to climb into your tub?
Knee and hip surgery are causing many of our customers to convert their tub to a walk-in shower. This makes getting in and out really easy and safe. Add grab bars and you’ll be safe as can be.
Modern walk-in shower kits have seats and shower faucets have hand held wand so you can relax and shower sitting down.
- Ensuite renovations vs main bathrooms vs powder rooms?
For ensuite bathrooms add 50% to 75% to the cost for the extra size and addition of a separate shower. Ensuite master bathrooms are the focal point of homeowners as the main bathroom of use. Why not indulge?
A well-done ensuite bathroom will add value, dollar for dollar, to your home. Plus add pleasure as a place to relax. Many original builder ensuites are poorly designed and if it’s more than 20 or 25 years old, it probably can use an complete make-over.
Customize it the way you want. We can provide help with ideas we know will work. We can often relocate fixtures to make it more practical – we’ll let you know if it’s doable. Most people get rid of those builder-installed jet tubs 1980s and 90s and replace it with a modern free-standing tub that takes up a fraction of the space and totally opens up your ensuite bathroom.
Main bathrooms and powder rooms are usually done in stages along with the ensuite bathroom. Doing all two or three bathrooms allows you to coordinate the décor so your home flows top to bottom.
- Quality vs Expensive upgrades.
We actually don’t recommend our customers over-spend on their bathrooms. It’s not necessary. Areas to splurge are tile and faucets. Maybe add granite or quartz tops. And spend a little extra on things like lighting.
Surprisingly, going the extra mile on top quality faucets and such, does not add significantly to your overall cost. The actual work to install these is virtually the same so you get full 100% benefit to buy that beautiful Kohler or Grohe faucet. It’s well worth it and will make your bathroom truly uniquely yours.
Top 10 Summary
So there you have a quick top 10 for bathroom renovations. We like to keep it simple so your experience is all positive. Once we’re done you will be pleased at the results and you will have a beautiful modern bathroom to enjoy for a long time
