AWARD-WINNING
Bathroom Remodeling
AWARD-WINNING
Kitchen Remodeling
Everything You Need To Know About Bathroom Remodeling in 2022
There are different reasons why you would want your bathroom to be renovated. Bottom line, most homeowners would go for bathroom remodeling for three main reasons
- Increasing comfort and safety
- Improving aesthetics
- Increasing the resale value of a home
However, doing this project is not a walk in the park. You have several things to consider before remodeling your bathroom, and the budget is one of the most difficult parts to handle. Before we go any further, always ask yourself, “what is your main purpose for remodeling?”.
The second thing you need to consider is the requirement of a professional designer. Typically, most homeowners would hire them but they will do some of the tasks to save on fees.
For better guidance on bathroom remodeling, keep reading until the last section of this article.
Common Bathroom Remodeling Questions
- 1. When remodeling a bathroom where to start?
- 2. How long to do a bathroom renovation?
- 3. What is the cheapest way to redo a bathroom?
- 4. How do bathroom upgrades increase the value of your home?
- 5. What bathroom updates help sell a house?
- 6. How to makeover a tiny bathroom?
- 7. How to find a contractor to remodel a bathroom?
- 8. How much does remodeling a bathroom cost?
When remodeling a bathroom where to start?
1. Prepare a comprehensive plan
Whether it is a small bathroom remodeling or other things you have to accomplish, planning is a critical factor for its success. In crafting your plan, the estimated budget and design of your bathroom redo are the two most important variables to consider.
When you have outlined your total approximate budget and its breakdown, you have a lesser chance of spending too much for the entire project completion. Likewise, the design of your new bathroom will most likely be affected by the expected budget for the project.
Factors To Consider for Bathroom Design
Color
Most modern bathrooms are having a lighter color tone to promote serenity and purity. There are plenty of ideas for you to choose from which can match to your existing bathroom layout.
Fixtures
Some of the typical fixtures you need to consider include sink, faucet, showerhead, and tub. If the features have high-tech features and are priced reasonably, then that is a good asset for increasing resale value.
Storage Compartments
If increasing your bathroom space will be costly, the best alternative solution is increasing its smart storage compartments. There are plenty of options such as stackable glass/acrylic jars, rope tower of buckets, tall corner cabinets, and more.
These smart storage ideas provide both functionality and aesthetics which can increase overall resale value.
Plumbing and Wiring
If you want your bathroom space to look continuous and sleek, then you need to be good at hiding those pipes and electrical wires without compromising safety and maintenance.
2. Do you need a bathroom remodeling service?
3. Prepare the Tools You’ll Need for Your Part in the Project
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Tape measure
- Caulking gun
- Disposable face masks
- Silicone sealant
- Hammer
- Electric hand drill
- Chisel
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Orbital sander
4. Bathroom Demolition
- Drain your toilet first to avoid any spillage of its waste liquids
- Before removing your bathtub, cover it first. Then, remove the tiles in its studs. Be careful not to destroy its existing plumbing works so you can easily reconnect the new tub.
- Safely remove your wall insulation using a reciprocating saw. Never use a hammer for this job. Wear your goggles, face mask, and gloves for this task.
- Remove other things inside your washroom that needs to be replaced. These things can include vanity cabinets, mirrors, bathroom floor tiles, and others.
- You can also remove the baseboards so it won’t get damaged, then reinstall them afterwards.
5. Installation of Brand New Bathtub or Shower
Once you have completed your demolition works, you can now install your new bathtub or showerhead. If you plan on converting your tub to a shower, we recommend you to have a walk-in shower model. This provides easy access, especially for people with disability. Likewise, it has a sleek modern look with space-saving features.
Different Installation Types of Bathtubs
Alcove
This type has its tub installed in between three walls and the fourth side serves as open space. The fourth side will be the only side with a smooth finish. You can also install a faucet and a showerhead for this style.
Corner Bathtubs
This is your top choice when you have a small bathroom space. It has three sides and installed in the corner of your bathroom. Two of its side are installed along the wall, leaving the third side open. Similar to Alcove, only one side has a smooth finish and opens to the user.
Freestanding
This is the complete opposite of the corner bathtubs because it is ideal for a spacious bathroom area. You can either have a clawfoot bathtub or one with a base that strongly supports the entire weight of the tub. This style provides more elegance for any modern bathroom design.
Undermount
This style is parallel to a drop-in tub but it is installed underneath the deck’s surrounding rim. The tub itself is supported by the bathroom floor. The surrounding deck usually matches the design of the bathroom floor to create a seamless and spontaneous design flow.
Drop-in
This is similar to an undermount tub but with its rim installed on the surface. The overall weight of the tub is much more supported by its rim, unlike the undermount where the weight is evenly distributed on the floor.
Types of Shower
For your bathroom remodeling service, there are plenty of shower types for you to choose from. The final decision will greatly depend on the design and finances of your renovation project.
Digital Shower
This one is highly modern and expensive for installation, but it provides better convenience and aesthetics for your bathroom remodeling. It has a control panel 10-meters from the shower area. You just need to input the temperature and flow of water before getting inside the shower area.
Eco Showers
This modern shower has smart features that can readily adjust the flow rate to conserve and energy. This type can also be present for both mixer and electric showers.
Mixer Shower
This type allows the mixture of hot and cold water before it goes down from the showerhead. You need to have a large tank for hot water in your home for this type of shower system.
Electric Shower
You do not need a large boiler tank for this one. It readily pumps cold water from the source and slowly heats it up as it passes through the heating element. With this, you rest assured of getting a warm bath every time.
Thermostatic
This provides complete peace of mind by avoiding freezing due to very cold water. All you have to do is set the water temperature, and the mixer will readily mix the hot and cold water to get that desired temperature.
6. Upgrade Bathroom Fixtures
You have two main options for your bathroom fixtures, you can either recycle and refinish or buy a new one for an upgrade. When it comes bathroom redo, the main fixtures you can upgrade include sink, showerhead, tub, and faucet.
Shower fixtures
Rain showerhead
This provides you with a nature-feel of a waterfall while getting your relaxing bath.
Body sprayer
This style can be installed in your shower and it provides a massage feel on your body and head. It also produces a mist-like surrounding while you are taking a bath.
Handheld
This is typically seen in most households because of its practicality and functionality.
Wall-mount
This is the standard showerhead style in most households. Oftentimes, there is nothing unique with this one but if offers an affordable price compared to the other styles.
Sink Fixtures
There are different materials used for bathroom sinks such as enameled cast-iron, vitreous china, glass, acrylic, stones, and wood. There are a variety of shapes, colors, and styles to choose from which can greatly increase the aesthetics of your bathroom.
Vessel sinks
This style is ideal when your vanity counter is for powder and makeup. However, this becomes less practical for a full-size bathroom because it is shallower compared to the standard undermount sink.
Undermount sinks
This is the typical choice for standard and large-size bathroom space. It has sufficient depth and beauty to become a good focal point in your vanity counter. It pairs best with a simple to use a faucet.
Pedestal sinks
A pedestal sink has that basin bowl with a long and slender stem running down the bathroom floor. This style is a total space-saver for small bathroom space. Its bowl can be in a rectangle, oval, or oblong shape.
Console
This style has leg frames supporting the basin bowl on top. The space in between the legs can be used for placing shelves, baskets, and towel bars.
Faucet Fixtures
Bridge
This one gives you that classic look with a touch of modern technology. Instead of three holes, it only needs two holes bore into your vanity countertop. Most of its designs are made from stainless steel finish already.
Single-handle
This is also called the single-lever faucet wherein controlling water temperature and the flow rate is done by the single lever.
Spread-fit
This style has the spout and handles placed far apart from each other, around 10 inches distance. This is ideal when the plumbing system of your vanity counter is complex and tight.
Wall-mount
This modern style provides that clean and seamless appearance on your vanity counter. Instead of installing the faucet on your sink countertop, the holes are made on the wall and the faucet is mounted there.
7. New Bathroom Floor
Here are some ideas that can spice up your bathroom floor renovation
Carpet tiles
It provides extra warmth in your bathroom space. No worries when it gets wet, you can easily take off the carpet tiles and let them dry up. Likewise, it provides the cozy feel similar to your living area.
Laminate
It mimics the natural beauty of stones and hardwood while providing good resistance against moisture. Likewise, it is affordable compared to other bathroom floor materials.
Linoleum
It offers a wide variety of colors and designs which can match your classic or contemporary bathroom renovation. It serves as a good alternative to vinyl with good durability factor.
Vinyl tiles
It offers low cleaning and maintenance. Several vinyl tiles mimic the beauty of natural stone and hardwood which is great for increasing bathroom aesthetics. Moreover, it is an affordable material for your bathroom floors.
Natural Stone Tiles
These natural stone tiles can be made from granite, limestone, slate, marble, and travertine. Its natural veining and pattern provide timeless elegance in your bathroom space. Its main setback is price.
Porcelain Tiles
This stone has good anti-stain properties and priced affordably in the market. It is durable and has good resistance against heat. Porcelain tiles promote warmth in your bathroom space.
Ceramic Tiles
It mimics the elegance of natural stones while providing low cleaning requirements. There are plenty of designs and sizes to choose from this material for your bathroom floor. We recommend that you get a rough texture to prevent slippage.
8. Install and paint Upgraded Drywall
After you have taken your old drywall, hang the new replacements and paint them with vibrant color. It is best if the color of your drywall matches that of your bathroom floor as well. Likewise, ensure all the drywall boards are nailed firmly.
For your bathtub or shower wall, you can use a cement board instead of drywall for better durability. You can enhance its waterproofing abilities by coating your cement board with water sealant coatings.
9. Upgrade Vanity Cabinets
If you want to save up, you can reface or refinish your existing vanity cabinets. You can take out the old door and replace with new ones. You can also replace the doorknobs of your cabinets with a chrome-plated finish, same as with its hinges.
10. Finalize your plumbing and electrical connections
Once you are done with all the upgrades and repaintings, you can now finalize the connections of your plumbing and electrical works. You can re-install the plumbing works of your toilet, bathtub, vanity sink and faucet.
How long to do a bathroom renovation?
In most bathroom renovation guide, a typical small bathroom update can take around two weeks or three months. However, there are various influential factors affecting the timeframe for completing the bathroom redo.
Here are some of our approximate time duration for completing certain tasks for a bathroom update on a budget.
Planning Stage
Demolition
Approximately, the demolition stage will take around 4 to 5 days or up to one week. In this stage, your contractor will also put up the support structure for installing new drywalls, ceiling works, and windows.
Ensure your contractor also secures the required permits from your state or city for this action.
Working with your Plumbing and Electrical Connections
Once we are done with the demolition and setting up the support structure, we can proceed with the electrical and plumbing works. This stage is estimated to be completed for 3-4 days or one week.
Just like in doing basement renovation, always make sure your contractor gets the necessary permits if required from your city or state to perform these tasks.
Bathroom Floor Works
Tile Finishing
Wall and Ceiling Works
Sealing Process for Enhancing Water Resistance
Refinishing and Painting
Fixtures and Bathroom Accessories
What is the cheapest way to redo a bathroom?
We will share some smart ideas on the cheapest ways for your bathroom shower redo.
1. Replace Durable and Cheaper Alternative for Tile Floors
However, if your existing floor still looks good, then repainting it would be the smart choice. You save more on the material and labor costs for installing new floor tiles.
2. Keep Your Old Tub and Refinish It
3. Refinish or Reface Vanity Cabinets
Likewise, you can also replace the doorknobs and hinges of your cabinets to get that sleek metallic surface.
4. Upgrade your faucet
5. Do Some of the Works in your Bathroom Renovation
How do bathroom upgrades increase the value of your home?
Some of the typical bathroom upgrades lists include bathtub, cabinets, countertops, floor tiles, lightings, faucets, sink, toilet, and showerhead.
For low-end and small bathroom upgrades, here is the estimated cost for all installed bathroom upgrades.
- Cabinets – $1,300 – $3,600
- Flooring – $900 – $2,100
- Tub – $500 – $1,600
- Toilet – $140 – $260
- Sink – $200 – $910
- Shower head – $460 – $2,100
- Lightings – $130 – $910
- Vanity tops – $910 – $2,100
What bathroom updates help sell a house?
Your inexpensive bathroom updates can also include your faucet and sink. Bathroom sink can cost between $100 – $450 for low-end price. Meanwhile, your plumbing works and faucet can cost between $250 – $1,450 for the low-end setting.
Overall, these simple bathroom updates can greatly make an increase in the resale value of any house. Likewise, you just have to do some of the works, so you can save on fees and labor costs.
How to makeover a tiny bathroom?
Hopefully, it has been clearer on your part as you have read through our article on how to remodel your bathroom. Just continue reading so you get more ideas about it. The usual cost for a budget bathroom makeover is between $1,500 to $15,000. Meanwhile, the bathroom remodeling cost of expansion entails an additional budget between $1,000 to $15,000.
For master bathroom makeovers, the cost typically runs between $10,000 to $25,000. However, most homeowners pay around $18,000 for this project. For this budget, it includes brand new fixtures and cabinets, double bathroom countertops, shower head, and a new bathtub.
Further, if you aim for a luxurious and modern bathroom makeover, the cost can reach up to $50,000 or even higher. With this budget, you can buy custom-made toilets, cabinets, tub, sink, and showerhead.
Tips on Tiny Bathroom Makeover
- Choose to install a corner sink to save much space.
- The edges of your vanity counter must be round to avoid any accidents.
- Choose to install a wall-mounted faucet to save space on your sink counter
- Install an open shelf vanity cabinet
- Install a hanging sink counter so that you will have space underneath for extra storage
- Install towel bar behind your bathroom door
- Install the mirror on the wall behind your vanity cabinet
- Use geometric patterns to make your space larger
- You can extend your vanity counter to your toilet area for more space
How to find a contractor to remodel a bathroom?
Similar to planning the bathroom remodeling budget and design of your bathroom redo project, choosing a licensed bathroom contractor is also critical. Your bathroom space is smaller compared to your kitchen, so design, layout, and measurement accuracy is a must.
Just like choosing the best vanity counter, you need to know the essential features of a good commercial bathroom contractor. Here are some of the features and factors you need to look.
- Company profile and track-record of the bathroom remodel contractor
- Look and verify their licenses, papers, and accreditations from your city or state
- Look at their portfolio and call three of their previous clients for their feedback
- Check for their certificates of having an insurance coverage
- Ask how long will they be able to finish the project
- Ask if the project will be handled by one project manager and team. This is important so that you can easily track any changes or inferior works.
- Ask what are their safety measures to protect your valuable items inside your bathroom and home.
How much does remodeling a bathroom cost?
Factors Affecting Bathroom Remodel Cost
- Area
- Quality of materials and fixtures to be used
- Layout of the bathroom (keep the original or have a new layout)
- Price difference in labor and material per state or city
Bathroom Material Costs (excluding labor costs)
- Plumbing works and faucets – 12% – 16%
- Painting jobs – 5% – 6%
- New lightings – 5% – 7%
- Bathroom door and windows – 8% – 10%
- Vanity tops – 10% – 30%
- Countertops – 5% – 10%
- Flooring – 10% – 15%
- Shower – 5% – 25%
- Sink and toilet – 10% – 20%
Labor Costs for Bathroom Renovations
Meanwhile, the estimated cost for securing building permits is around $360 to $1,900. However, the price fluctuates on each state or city so it is best to consult your local building code enforcement agency.
Estimated Breakdown for Bathroom Labor Costs
- Contractor – $350 – $450 per day
- Plumbing – $1,200 – $2,200
- Design fees – $120 – $520
- Electrical works – $55 – $105 per hour
- Installation of drywall – $35 – $55 per hour
Estimated Bathroom Renovation Costs (based on area)
- 15 square foot – $1,600 – $2,350
- 24 square foot – $2,500 – $3,700
- 36 square foot – $3,800 – $5,500
- 45 square foot – $5,600 – $6,800
Mega Kitchen and Bath
We provide customized and affordable design, fabrication, and installation services for kitchen and bath remodeling. We have been serving the area for more than 10 years. Our state-of-the-art equipment, materials, and process are proven and tested through time.
If you need any professional assistance, don’t hesitate to call us. We can provide a free onsite estimate for your bathroom remodeling works without any obligation. Talk to us anytime.
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