Whether you want to add a spa-like retreat or a simple update, renovating a bathroom involves balancing aesthetics and functionality. Set your priorities and work with a contractor to create a plan that meets your needs. Contact Bathroom Renovation Jacksonville FL for professional assistance.
Expect a few surprises; contractors often uncover hidden water damage when removing walls or removing old fixtures. Plan for the unexpected by leaving a cushion in your budget.
When it comes to bathroom renovation, the layout is a big deal. Getting a bath up to code and adding the style elements you love takes careful spatial planning. And that planning begins before the first spade hits the ground.
To ensure that your new bathroom meets code and suits your daily routine, you need to start by evaluating how the room is used now and who uses it regularly. A bathroom that gets used by multiple family members at once will need a different layout than one that’s mainly a master suite. And a tub or shower with a built-in seat will require a different layout than one that doesn’t.
Similarly, if you plan to sell in the future, your renovation may be more cosmetic than if you’re planning on staying in the house for the long haul. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make smart upgrades that improve functionality and increase resale appeal. For example, installing a pocket door reclaims space lost to conventional swinging doors, and a wall-mounted toilet offers more privacy while eliminating the need for a pedestal.
A popular bathroom layout has a single sink, toilet, and tub/shower lined up together along a short wall. This narrow floor plan is efficient in small spaces and helps keep construction costs down by keeping the plumbing on one wall. And a wall-mounted sink also keeps the room feeling open and spacious.
If your home has the space for a full bathroom, consider opting for a layout with room for a double vanity. Choose a furniture-style or floating vanity for a more intentional design and personalize the look with a paint color that coordinates with your walls. You can also add warmth with beadboard wainscoting, which can be painted the same color as your walls or contrastingly for an artistic effect.
Fixtures
The next step in your bathroom renovation is to install fixtures and fittings. Fixtures are permanent features that are plumbed or screwed in and cannot be easily moved or replaced unless the entire bathroom is being renovated. Bathroom fixtures include faucets, sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets.
When selecting bathroom fixtures and fittings, consider the function of your space. For example, a full bath is often a “family bathroom,” so if you have young children, the functionality of the showerhead may take priority over the style. In this case, a high-tech showerhead with multiple jets might be a better fit than a sleek vessel sink.
If you want to add a little architectural interest to your bathroom, consider using arches as an accent for the vanity or replacing standard doorways with arched ones. These design elements can make the room feel more spacious and create a focal point.
Once you have chosen all the materials and layout of your new bathroom, it is time to install the fixtures and fittings. This is a major undertaking and requires professional help from licensed plumbers. It may involve resizing water lines, moving drains, or adding outlets. Ensure that all work done during this phase complies with local building codes to avoid costly inspection penalties.
Once your bathroom fixtures are in place, it is important to maintain them properly. Keeping up with regular cleaning is essential to prevent buildup of hard water stains, which can cause corrosion and damage to the surface of the fixture. Using a descaler or salt deposit remover product on a regular basis can help to prevent this problem. In addition, it is a good idea to invest in a bathroom water softener, especially if you live in an area with hard water.
Lighting
Lighting makes a big difference in the overall functionality and ambiance of a bathroom. It is important to have both general lighting and task lights for specific tasks like shaving, brushing teeth, and applying makeup. You should also consider installing a recessed or ceiling mount fixture for ambient light. Finally, it is very important to have ventilation in the bathroom to protect against humidity, mildew, mold and peeling paint.
Upgrading your bathroom doors is another way to instantly modernize the space. If you’re planning on changing the door frame as well, make sure to install a new window that will fit the new opening and improve energy efficiency.
Ventilation is crucial to protecting your new bathroom from the common problems of older bathrooms such as rotting trim, leaking shower stalls and mold and mildew. If your bathroom is lacking in adequate ventilation, be prepared to spend extra money on a new fan and ductwork to properly circulate the air.
If your home is older, it is likely that the electrical in your bathroom is not up to code. This means that you will need to upgrade the wiring with a dedicated 20-amp circuit, GFCI outlet, and enough outlets to accommodate all of your electronics. Also, it is very important to replace any existing plumbing that is not up to today’s standards. Typically, this will involve relocating the toilet and shower fixtures. Additionally, any leaking or rusting water valves and piping must be repaired or replaced as needed. It is important to get all of these items done before you begin your renovation.
Materials
Choosing the right materials for your bathroom renovation will have an impact on its durability, cost efficiency, and upkeep. Your selections will also affect the style and look of your bathroom, so it’s important to consider each option carefully. Porcelain and ceramic tile are common replacements for tiled floors and walls, but there are many other options available as well.
A variety of factors can impact the cost of materials, including where you live, local demand, and supply chain availability. High demand and short supply can increase prices for common materials like drywall, cement board, and tiles. Additionally, skilled tradespeople are required for some tasks, resulting in higher labor costs.
For example, a cup of paint may only cost $5, but the labour to spread it over an entire room, tape it, mud it, and sand it can add up. Similarly, a sheet of drywall may cost $12, but the labour to cut and hang it, tape it, mud it a couple times and sand it can cost $100.
When it comes to countertops, solid surface materials such as Corian offer a seamless appearance that’s durable and easy to clean. Concrete is another material that’s gaining popularity for its versatility and industrial aesthetic. Additionally, it can be customized in terms of shape and color. Other materials to consider include laminate, granite, and marble quartz.
Design
A new bathroom can be more than a functional space. It can be a reflection of your personal style and a place to relax. That’s why it’s important to plan your renovation carefully before starting work. Having a clear vision of what you want your finished project to look like is the best way to make sure the job stays on budget and doesn’t derail from its original scope.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider hiring a designer to help you create your dream bathroom. They can help you sort through your options and find the materials that best suit your taste and budget. They can also suggest ways to maximize your space and improve its functionality. They’ll be able to recommend skilled tradespeople (plumber, electrician, tiler, carpenter) to carry out the construction tasks.
The design phase can be lengthy and stressful, but it’s the key to ensuring your renovation goes smoothly. Make sure your contractor has a clear idea of what you’re looking for, so they can avoid costly mistakes. For example, it’s best to plan for access panels in walls before you start your renovation. This way, you won’t have to knock through your beautiful new wall to get at the plumbing later on.
Keep in mind that design fads fade quickly, so it’s best to stick with classic choices for the most important fixtures like the sink, tub and toilet. You’ll be able to swap out accessories and decor more easily when you want a change. However, don’t be afraid to use bolder accents for smaller elements like mirror frames and towels, so that your bathroom can evolve over time.