If your bathroom is outdated or doesn’t fit with your lifestyle, remodeling can improve the look and function of it while also increasing the value of your home. The right layout, fixtures, amenities, and more all work together to create a bathroom that fits your home and lifestyle. Turn your dream bathroom into a reality with these bathroom remodeling tips:

1. Go in with a Plan

There are a lot of details to consider in a bathroom remodel. You may know exactly what you want or you might not have any idea. Either way, going in with a plan will help ensure the contractor is able to give you a remodeled bathroom you will be happy with. Not having a plan or thinking about what you want in a bathroom is one of the top bathroom remodeling mistakes to avoid.

Specify Details If You Know What You Want

If you already know what your dream bathroom looks like, one of the useful bathroom remodeling tips is to start by putting it on paper. Write out all the details you’ve been dreaming about. You can even sketch out some ideas and gather inspirational pictures if that’s what you prefer. Any information you can provide about the end result you want will help your contractor bring it to life exactly the way you’ve imagined.

Think Through Some Questions If You’re Not Sure What You Want Yet

If you have no idea what you want your remodeled bathroom to look like, you can still go into the process with a plan. Instead of focusing on the end result, which can be overwhelming at first, try focusing on your current bathroom. What were the signs it’s time to remodel your bathroom that motivated you to get started?

Is there anything you like that you want to keep? What don’t you like? What frustrates you about your current bathroom? Gathering some notes on questions like these is an essential step on any bathroom remodel checklist and answering them will help your contractor work with you to develop a bathroom you will love.

2. Consider Function

Knowing what you like and don’t like about your current bathroom is a good start. With that in mind, you can think about how you would like your remodeled bathroom to function. Do you need more counter space or a double vanity? What about the mirror? Thinking about this can help you choose the best vanity for your bathroom remodel.

Do you want to replace your current shower/tub combination with a walk-in shower unit? There are many benefits of a walk-in shower. But, if your dream bathroom has a soaking tub too, then you want to take those wants into account.

Taking a moment to think about the limitations of your current bathroom and how you want your new bathroom to function can help determine the layout, features, and more. Improving the function and flow is one of the benefits of a bathroom remodel. Making sure you take the time to identify what you don’t have from your current bathroom and what you need from your new one ensures you get that benefit and more.

3. Think About Accessibility

Bathroom upgrades are popular home renovations to make during retirement. Sometimes, the upgrades are all focused on comfort and luxury, but they also tend to consider accessibility and safety as well. Making sure you think about accessibility is one of the essential bathroom remodeling tips.

Thinking about accessibility when remodeling a bathroom is one of the home remodeling ideas for aging-in-place and it makes a difference to anyone, of any age, who uses mobility aids, can have balance issues, and more.

First-floor bathrooms, roll-in showers, grab bars, non-skid mats, wider doorways, and more are all features of an accessible bathroom remodel. Not only do they ensure easy access, navigation, and safety for anyone using the bathroom, but these upgrades also often improve comfort overall for everyone.

4. Pick the Right Bathroom Flooring

The right bathroom flooring is one of the important things to consider when remodeling your bathroom. When it comes to your bathroom floors, you want something water-resistant or waterproof that also looks good. These are important considerations when choosing flooring.

Tile is a classic floor choice. Baseboard tiles are durable and add an elegant touch. Tiles also come in porcelain, stone, and ceramic. You can also get a tiled or wood floor look with luxury vinyl. Picking the right material, using interesting shapes, and more are all bathroom flooring ideas to consider. You can also think about upgrades like underfloor heating.

5. Consider How Much Storage You Need

Having enough storage is essential in any room, especially in a high-use room like the bathroom. Consider how much storage you need both in the bathroom and nearby. This is an essential step to a bathroom remodel. Do you need a storage closet inside the bathroom or will there be a hallway closet for overflow supplies nearby?

Do you want a vanity with a lot of cabinets and drawers? Do you want mirrors with built-in storage? How about shelving on the walls? What about storage in the shower? One of the shower remodeling ideas is to build storage into the shower with built-in shelves or shower niches.

6. Think About Bathroom Lighting

Lighting can make or break a bathroom. Ambient lighting is usually the best for bathrooms. You don’t want it to be too bright or harsh, especially early in the morning. Consider the placement of any windows in your remodeled bathroom, how much natural light you may get throughout the day, and the placement of everything else to figure out the bathroom lighting options that are right for you.

Recessed lighting can add some extra light without overwhelming the room. Skylights or sun tunnels can be a great way to illuminate the room with natural light. You can also install dimmers to allow you to adjust the light as you see fit. There are plenty of bathroom lighting options available to achieve the atmosphere you want.

7. Figure Out Bathroom Fixtures

You will have figured out some of the basics for fixtures during earlier planning stages. With the big decisions out of the way, you can get detailed. What kind of tile designs do you want in your walk-in shower unit? Do you want a single, double, or another type of showerhead?

Pedestal sink or large countertop? Single or double vanity? What about the height of the counter and sink? How about the faucet on the sink? Do you want a higher toilet height? How about heated towel bars?

The fixtures are the staples and finishing touches to your bathroom and thinking through them is one of the essential bathroom remodeling tips. Adding luxurious details where possible can also be some of the best ways to update a bathroom and make the most of your bathroom remodeling project.

8. Don’t Forget About Drainage and Ventilation

Bathrooms are high-moisture environments. Not only does the drainage need to be right to avoid puddles and overflow, but you also need to have proper ventilation in your bathroom. Not only does this improve comfort and control humidity, but it also helps remove moisture to help prevent mold and mildew from forming.

The best approach is to have more than one way to dry out your bathroom. A good bathroom fan that vents to the outside makes a big difference. You can also include an operable window to allow for fresh airflow. You’ll also want to consider different ways to add privacy to your windows to make sure your bathroom window provides the airflow you need without sacrificing the privacy you want.

9. Work Through the Details

One of the most essential bathroom remodeling tips is to work through the details. Once you have a layout narrowed down and the basics figured out, then you can work with your contractor to pick out all the details that go beyond bigger things like the flooring, lighting, and fixtures.

Working through the details with your contractor before things are finalized can help identify any potential friction in larger areas or any bathroom must-haves that are missing that need to be addressed before moving forward. Maybe some of your needs and wants have shifted during the planning?

Perhaps there are new things you’ve discovered that you want to include as you’re working through everything? There are many bathroom remodeling ideas. You don’t want to get caught up in things you don’t need to worry about, but you also don’t want to miss anything important either.

Working through the big things again and zooming in to work through all the little things with your contractor goes a long way in ensuring they have all the information they need to make sure your bathroom remodel is exactly what you need and want.

Remodel Your Bathroom With Zephyr Thomas

A good bathroom remodel adds value to your home, and the options are endless. Following these bathroom remodeling tips can help you get the bathroom you want. It can be overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Call Zephyr Thomas at 717-399-4708 for help with your bathroom remodeling project! We’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure you get the bathroom you want.

Take a look at the video below to see the Zephyr Thomas team adding a brand new small bathroom to this home!