Here’s Your Ultimate Guide to the Do’s and Don’ts of a Bathroom Remodel

Successful bathroom remodels take a little planning and forethought.

Undertaking a bathroom remodel is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. For many homeowners, it’s a status symbol and one of the first times they can bring a substantial personal touch to their home. However, it’s a sizable investment, one big enough to make most people think twice before diving in unprepared.If you’re ready to remodel your bathroom, but need some help figuring out how to do it right, we’re here to help. Use the tips in this post as a guide for pulling off a successful bathroom renovation and you’ll have all the tools you need to bring your vision to life. Search out design inspiration to help you get started.

The most valuable remodel projects have three important features. Keep them in mind when considering bathroom remodeling ideas:

1. Low Maintenance Selecting finishes that are easy to keep looking clean and new not only saves you money and time in maintenance but also extends the life of your remodel by looking new and fresh longer. Consider the following ideas for a low maintenance bathroom:–Quartz counters instead of marble–Quality faucets that are built to last a lifetime–Glass shower doors treated with water anti-spotting agents.

2. Energy Efficient One of a home’s biggest selling points today is energy savings. Water shortages and rising utility bills make this a priority for home buyers. Energy efficiency is also big from an environmental standpoint. When planning your great bathroom remodel, these items maximize energy efficiency:–Tankless water heaters–Low flow toilets and faucets–LED lighting instead of traditional incandescent–Radiant floor heating–Insulated windows.

3. A light, bright bathroom All homeowners look for bright, open spaces. The brighter your bathroom, the larger it looks. And if you’re investing time and money into upgrading your bathroom, don’t let your design choices go unnoticed in a dark, shadowy room — lighting will showcase your bathroom remodel investment beautifully. Three ways to create a brighter bathroom:–Add windows and skylights–Use lighting for different purposes throughout the bathroom–Choose finishes and surfaces that are reflective and light when thinking about remodeling your bathroom, be sure to ask yourself if each item fits the three features above. Luckily, the latest high-design trends not only look beautiful but address these points. Keep reading to see our do’s and don’ts of bathroom remodeling and for the best bathroom renovation ideas.

DO: Find design inspiration first

Every great home remodeling project — but especially those that come with a hefty price tag — must start with a plan. Before you start on the physical aspects of the project, like tearing up flooring or putting in a rain forest shower, have a firm idea of what you want your final product to look like.

To do this, use websites such as Freshome to find design ideas. (If you’re really unsure of how to define your personal style, our Defining A Style Series is a good place to start.) Remember you don’t have to strictly adhere to one particular type of design. Feel free to pick and choose elements from different styles until you land on a look you love. Remember to keep your budget in mind.

DON’T: Forget to consider your budget

Once you have your inspiration in mind, it’s incredibly important to be realistic about your budget. Consider how much money you have to spend, as well as how much your ideal project would cost. Though it may not be the most pleasant task to undertake, looking at your finances will help you get a sense of which aspects of a renovation are most feasible for you.

That said, there are a few things you can do to help keep your project affordable. Get quotes from a variety of contractors before deciding who to hire, consider doing some of the work yourself to save on labor costs, and look for wholesale stores in your community that will let you buy the materials at a discount. Keep your most expensive items neutral.

DO: Keep high-end items neutral

Since bathroom remodels are such a huge expense, one of our favorite tips is to keep your high-end purchases as neutral as possible. In particular, we’re talking about things like tile flooring or shower design. Allowing these features to be more of a blank canvas will make it easier to alter your design as trends change and ensure that they have a broader appeal if you ever sell your home.

Keep in mind that including these neutral elements doesn’t mean your bathroom will be boring. Infuse your personality into the space through accessories, which are easier to change over time. Think about using a few visually striking elements like bold paint colors, mirrors, hand towels and floor coverings. Be sure to include some creative storage solutions.

Do: Get High End Lighting 

The largest energy efficiency you can add to your bathroom is through LED lighting. According to the US Department of Energy, LED lights use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting. Besides savings energy, LED lighting adds a beautiful design element. They can be programmed to change colors and can be used safely near water. Because they’re easy to install in any bathroom, they are perfect for DIY projects. Besides task lighting, some innovative ways to use LEDs include:–To add color to the water in a tub or sink–As a color wash effect on a wall–To backlight wall mirrors–To light counters or shelves

DON’T: Go without storage

If there’s one feature of a bathroom remodel that doesn’t get much attention, yet is still appreciated, it’s storage. Whether you want to store extra toiletries or a few sets of guest towels, having them on hand whenever they’re needed is an incredible benefit.

If you have the room, consider bumping out a wall to include an extra storage closet and built-in shelving. Even if moving walls is outside your budget, find an organization unit that fits in with your aesthetic. Doing so will give your space a polished quality that’s well worth the added effort and expense. Make the shower your showpiece.

DO: Splurge on the shower

Just like any other room in your home, the bathroom needs to have a focal point, or a design element that’s meant to draw the eye. According to research by MarketWatch, luxurious showers are one of the most popular features among home buyers, so it may be a good feature to highlight. Think of it this way, you’ll get to enjoy multiple showerheads and heated floors now, with the added benefit of knowing your investment will probably pay off down the road.

Interestingly, the same research found that soaking tubs have fallen out of favor. Many feel they aren’t used often enough and take a lot of effort to clean. Consider skipping this expense, if your main goal is to eventually sell. That said, it’s also important to take personal preference into account. If possible, include an impressive vanity.

DON’T: Skimp on the vanity

The bathroom vanity is another feature where you can make a big statement. Options that feature double sinks, large mirrors, and plenty of storage are on-trend. If possible, opt for one with a luxe top in a material such as granite or marble to add even more visual interest to the space.

Keep in mind that you can always change up the look of your existing vanity if needed. Giving it a new coat of paint is a relatively simple DIY project that will change the room’s look. You could also switch out the drawer pulls or even buy a new topper from a home improvement store to freshen up the bathroom’s aesthetic. Follow these do’s and don’ts for a successful bathroom remodel.

Do look into a Floating vanity:

To make a bathroom appear larger, skip wall-to-wall cabinets and open up the space. A good way to do this is by building a bathroom counter or vanity that appears to float. Another way to get the look is by skipping the traditional cabinet vanity base and using a sofa table with open shelving below. Make sure the table is a minimum of 16” deep to fit your sink(s).

Completing a bathroom remodel can be an exciting yet daunting experience. On the one hand, there are few things more satisfying than knowing you’ve put your own personal stamp on your home. On the other, these projects can get so pricey that taking the first step can be intimidating. If you’re looking for a guide for how to make your remodel a success, look no further. These are the tips you need to transform your bathroom into an oasis.

Have you ever completed a bathroom remodel? What tips can you share from your experience? Let us know in the comments.