Are you feeling uneasy every time you’re using your toilet or shower? This only means it’s time that you consider doing your budget bathroom remodeling this year.
This life-changing project isn’t easy, yet we’re sharing the best bathroom remodeling tips to make it smooth and easy for you. Likewise, you can visit our showroom to get some bathroom remodeling ideas you can implement in your project.
Additionally, our professionals can help you tie up these tips and your preferences in achieving your dream bathroom remodel.
Here are the 9 must-know tips for your bathroom renovation:
#1 Talk To Everyone Using the Bathroom
To achieve a holistic result for renovating your bathroom, you need to ask the opinion of the other family members inside the house and allow enough time in the remodeling process to develop each idea before work begins. Gather all their suggestions, make a list, and share that with your bathroom contractors. A successful bathroom remodel also depends on planning the process, the construction sequence, and structural needs early so you know what to expect and where to spend time before work starts.
A seasoned bathroom remodeling company like Fairfax Kitchen and Bath can effortlessly adjust to your preferences so that your bathroom makeovers are worthwhile. Contractors also recommend finalizing material selections before demolition and ordering them in advance to help prevent delays. Before any electrical or plumbing changes, research local codes and permits first, and set aside extra money by adding 10-15% to your budget, with a contingency fund of 20% to 30% for hidden issues.
#2 Finalize Your Layout and Budget
The layout of your bathroom dictates its function and aesthetics, so you need to carefully plan for that. When mapping out a new bathroom, account for how much space each fixture needs, including clearances for the toilet, tub, sink, and vanity, before choosing a layout. Basically, there are six layouts for you to choose from, which include the following:
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Half bath or Powder Room: This one is intended for your guests, and it has the basic things: vanity, mirror, toilet, and sink.
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Separate Shower area: If your powder room is already there, and you want to save on cost, then constructing a shower room is most feasible.
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Three quarter bath: This is slightly larger than a half bath since it can accommodate a shower area plus all those amenities in a powder room.
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Master bathroom: It’s very spacious and it can hold two vanities, a tub, and a shower area.
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Adjoining baths: If you have a large family size, then this layout is ideal for you. It has a separate toilet area alongside your three quarter bath.
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Bathroom with laundry area: This layout is suitable for condos and apartments, where we can install a laundry area inside your bathroom.
For example, a typical bathtub needs about 5 by 2.5 feet, while a typical shower stall should measure at least 4 by 6 feet.
In a tiny bathroom, consider a corner sink to improve flow, and opt for a single-sink vanity to preserve more countertops, which are typically planned at 32 to 34 inches high.
We’re done with the layouts, now let’s move forward with the average cost to renovate a bathroom. Generally, to remodel bathrooms on a mid-range level, it’ll cost around $16,000 to $25,000 for both materials and labor. Costs vary widely based on bathroom size and material quality.
However, if you’ll be moving some pipes and electrical wiring, then your cost can skyrocket to $30,000+. In older homes, hidden water damage can force you to replace subflooring or fixtures and raise the budget fast.
#3 What Bathroom Type Do You Want?
Besides determining the layout, you also need to consider what bathroom type you want to have today. Basically, you have three options:
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Powder room
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Standard bathroom
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Wet bathroom
Typically, you can have all these types inside your house, and we recommend that you have a half bath for your guests, so you can keep the privacy of your master bathroom.
Among these types, you’ll need a contractor for your wet bathroom since waterproofing needs to be perfectly done. Quality waterproofing is especially crucial in shower areas for a functional result. Moisture-resistant walls and finishes also help prevent long-term water damage. Most homeowners opt for this type since you’ll have no more problems with moisture and water.
#4 Do You Want A Tub or A Shower?
Before you decide, you need to reflect on how many times you take a full bath and a shower. If you frequently do full baths, then installing or keeping your bathtub is ideal.
When planning for a tub, make sure there’s enough clearance between it and the door so the layout still feels comfortable to use.
On the other hand, if you’re always on the go, then having a shower is great since you can quickly rinse off dirt and sweat.
In some layouts, a shower is also the better choice for easy access.
Conversely, you can also have both worlds since they serve different purposes. Likewise, you have the flexible option of whether to take a bath or just a quick shower.
#5 Let There Be Light Fixtures!
If you want to keep the airy and clean feeling in your bathroom, then ensuring lighting supports both function and style is essential. You have two options for this: natural and artificial lighting, and the best result usually comes from layering light fixtures instead of relying on one source alone.
We can install a small window in your bathroom that allows natural light to come in, at the same time, letting moisture come out. Our staff usually install one above your shower area since it’s where moisture content is most high, which is one example of improving both comfort and decor.
Conversely, LED bulbs are the most practical since they last longer, and with dimmers we can readily adjust them based on your preference for better control and efficiency. We can install them underneath your vanity mirror and wall-hang cabinets. To improve visibility where you need it most, incorporate task, accent, and ambient lighting layers, and install sconces or vertical fixtures beside the vanity.
Also, having recessed lighting which can be remotely controlled adds beauty and drama to your spa retreat bathroom space. A remodel is also a great opportunity to improve electrical outlets for grooming tools and other accessories.
#6 Windows and Active Exhaust
Moisture is one of the biggest problems all homeowners face when it comes to cleaning and maintaining their bathrooms. If you don’t control this, then it can support the growth of molds in your tiles and grouts.
To avoid this, we can install an active exhaust system for your bathroom remodeling. Conversely, we can also install a small window or vent on top of your shower area to let moisture go outside.
#7 Choose the Right Materials and Plumbing Fixtures
If you’re working alone in renovating your bathroom, then picking the right products and materials can be tedious, and choosing the wrong ones can create maintenance and durability problems. To make that easier for you, then you can hire a remodeling contractor since they have the expertise and supplies for all bathroom fixtures you’ll need.
Here are some of the common products you need to have for your budget bathroom redo, and for floors and walls, porcelain or ceramic tile is a common choice because it is durable and water-resistant:
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Vanity with tops
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Vanity cabinets
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Sink and faucet
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Showerhead
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Tub
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Backsplash
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Tiles
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Waterproofing chemicals
Porcelain tile is also a popular option for shower surrounds and other bathroom surfaces, while natural stone can work if you’re prepared for more upkeep. If you want a simpler cosmetic update, a fresh coat of mold-resistant paint can help refresh walls around the vanity or hand wash area without a full renovation. When buying materials, purchase all tile at once with 10-15% extra so you can avoid color discrepancies and mismatched batches later. Larger formats mean fewer grout lines to scrub, while mosaic tile can provide better traction on the floor. For fixtures, porcelain sinks are common and easy to wash, but they can chip if handled roughly.
#8 Consider Having Luxurious Amenities
Besides the basic things you need to have, there are additional features you can install for your modern or classic bathroom renovation. These luxury upgrades can also improve everyday function, and even small choices can make a real difference when you’re taking a bath.
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Heated flooring, which is a worthwhile investment for comfort
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Heated towel rail so damp towels have a dedicated place to dry
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Recessed storage compartments
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Shower bench
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Remote controlled lighting
Practical storage add-ons like baskets or a medicine cabinet also help organize health essentials and keep the room from feeling crowded.
Water-saving upgrades are worth considering too, including low-flow showerheads that deliver 2.5 gallons per minute, faucet aerators that can reduce sink water flow by over 30%, and WaterSense toilets that use just 1.28 gallons per flush; overall, WaterSense plumbing fixtures are 20% more efficient than federal standards.
If you’re planning higher-end additions, think ahead about outlet and layout needs for a bidet toilet, furniture-style vanities, or even an energy-efficient hybrid water heater, which can cost around $2,000.
#9 Multiple Showerheads
If you’re an avid fan of showers, then you’ll love having various Showerhead types since choosing multiple showerheads can elevate style while also affecting plumbing planning in your bathroom makeover. Some of the common showerhead types are handheld, power body sprayers, waterfall, overhead, wall-mounted, and more, and a glass enclosure can help showcase the overall design.
Alongside this, you also need to properly choose the right shower trim, valves, and thermostat for controlling water flow and temperature. Low-flow options can help balance comfort and efficiency, and many showerheads deliver up to 2.5 gallons per minute with proper flow control. A licensed plumber should handle changes to plumbing fixtures and electrical tasks to help prevent leaks, avoid costly water damage, and meet building code.
Looking for A Reputable Bathroom Remodeling Guide or Remodeler?
Fairfax Kitchen and Bath is your best remodeling contractor and design center to partner with for your budget bathroom makeover. We have over 11 years of experience and we train our team every year.
We guarantee the success of your bathroom renovation through our keen eyes for details and with our quality products.
If you want some amazing bathroom remodeling ideas, then you can visit our showroom in Fairfax VA, Sterling VA, or Bethesda MD between 9 am to 5 pm from Mondays to Saturdays.
Also, we offer a free estimate and design services for everyone in MD, VA, and DC.
Get in touch with us today, so you can realize and live your dream bathroom remodel.
If you need a free estimate or advice, then contact us today or visit us on Instagram anytime.
