Bathroom Renovation Guide

Remodeling your bathroom can be a daunting task, but it can also be fun when you're prepared and know what to expect. Use this guide to create a bathroom renovation checklist that outlines every step of your project, from planning and designing to hiring a professional and adding those final touches.

Planning and Preparation Tips for a Bathroom Renovation

Before doing anything else, you should come up with a plan:

• Define your goals and needs: Decide what you want to change and what you want to keep. A complete remodel starts from scratch and can even rearrange the layout. For a lighter refresh, you might paint the vanity and choose a new rug and shower curtain. 
• Set a realistic budget: Bathroom renovation costs vary based on how much you can renovate. Be sure to plan for unexpected expenses, like structural repairs. 
• Create a design plan: Look at different bathroom renovation ideas, and determine your style preferences. Maybe you want to create an indulgent spa or a minimalist space that functions well.
• Set a timeline: Once you know what you want to accomplish, estimate how long each step will take, including a buffer for delays.
• Research building codes and permits: Depending on your renovation, you may need to apply for permits. Even minor remodels must meet building codes. Do some research so you know what the law requires.

Design and Material Selection

Designing your new bathroom can be one of the most fun parts of a renovation. Here are some tips for picking colors, fixtures and fittings:

Choosing a Color Palette

When selecting the color palette, consider the room's size, the mood you want to create and the colors of anything you're not changing.

A smaller room might look better in light colors to make it feel bigger and brighter. Conversely, a half bath can be the perfect place to play with bold colors since they won't feel overbearing in small amounts.

White and shades of blue are popular choices because of their associations with cleanliness and water. Jewel tones can add depth and richness, while bright colors like red and yellow can energize the space.

Sinks, toilets, and tubs or showers are usually all the same color. If you're replacing some but not all of these, choosing new fixtures in a matching color is usually best.

Selecting Fixtures and Fittings

Once you have a color palette, you can begin choosing specific materials and fixtures to bring your vision to life:

• Flooring: Tile is a popular choice for bathroom floor renovations because it's the most water-resistant. It's available in many different types and is durable and easy to clean and maintain. Luxury vinyl flooring is another excellent option, especially if you want the look of wood floors without worrying about water damage.
• Lighting: Brighten and modernize your bathroom with a new light fixture over the vanity. Consider layering light with an overhead fixture and vanity side lights. Many fans include lights for an easy way to brighten the room.
• Showers and bathtubs: Upgrading your shower or bath can make a significant difference. Consider a customized tile surround and a new showerhead.
• Vanities: A new vanity, sink and countertop can transform your bathroom. Many bathroom counters are available in standard sizes for easy do-it-yourself (DIY) installation. Natural stone, quartz and solid surface countertops offer different looks and have different maintenance requirements.
• Toilets: If your toilet is older, consider upgrading to a water-saving model, even if the existing one is in good condition. For a quick and easy upgrade, you might add a bidet attachment to the toilet you currently have.
• Hardware: Faucets, towel bars and toilet paper holders come in innumerable styles. Let your color palette guide you. It can be easier to go for a coordinated rather than a matching look, such as silver tones rather than chrome. You can also mix and match metals and other materials for an eclectic look.
• Accessories: Polish the look with accessories like a soap dish or dispenser, trash can, towels and a rug. Choose a washable rug for easy cleaning and maintenance. You can keep it minimal and functional or add decor pieces, such as art, candles, plants and trinket dishes.

Should You Hire Professionals or Do It Yourself?

Whether to DIY or hire a contractor can be a difficult decision. It's almost always going to be less expensive to do it yourself than to hire someone else to do it. However, if you don't have the skills to do the work to code or the desired level of quality, it could cost more in the long run. Even if you want to learn, hiring someone might be worth it for larger tasks like replacing the vanity or flooring.

Tasks like painting and replacing faucets are relatively simple and easy for DIYers to master. Plumbing and electrical work is best left to the professionals. 

What to Expect During the Renovation Process

Here are the steps you can expect during a full renovation. Depending on what you want to remodel, you may not need all these steps:

• Demolition: The first step is removing anything you want to replace. If you're handling the demo yourself, wear protective gear like gloves, safety glasses and close-toed shoes.
• Plumbing and electrical work: Hire a professional for significant plumbing or electrical changes. If you think you can handle changing a faucet or light fixture yourself, turn off the water and electricity before you start any work.
• Installing flooring: To renovate the bathroom floor, remove the old flooring and assess the subfloor, particularly for water damage. The specifics of installing a new floor depend on the flooring type.
• Installing new fixtures: Once the new floor is installed, you can bring in any replacement fixtures, such as a new vanity or a tiled shower.
• Painting: Choose a moisture-resistant paint suitable for bathrooms, whether you're painting the walls or the vanity. Proper preparation — including cleaning and filling holes — will make the final coat look much better.
• Finishing touches: Finally, add any finishing touches, such as artwork, stand-alone storage and towel bars. A new rug and coordinating towels are an excellent way to bring in an accent color.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common mistakes can make your renovation go more smoothly and stay on time and on budget:

• Underestimating the budget: The most common mistake is underestimating what it will take to achieve your vision. Do your research before deciding what you can spend, and include a category for miscellaneous or unexpected expenses.
• Not planning properly: Inadequate planning with the design or the budget often leads to costly changes. Knowing how everything will fit together before you begin can prevent having to repurchase materials or redo work.
• Choosing the wrong materials: Using materials unsuitable for a wet environment or skimping on waterproofing can cause water damage and structural issues.
• Hiring an unqualified contractor: An unqualified contractor can blow your budget and damage your home. To find a good contractor, ask your family and friends for recommendations, and check online reviews and ratings. Verify their licenses and insurance, and get a contract in writing.
• Ignoring building codes and permits: Remodels that don't meet building codes can be unsafe, void insurance and lower your home's value. You may have to pay fines or even undo unpermitted work.

Bathroom Remodel FAQs

Here are the answers to some common questions:

• How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom? Bathroom remodel costs depend on what you want to remodel. A midrange bathroom remodel costs about $25,000 on average to replace the floor, shower, toilet and vanity. Paint and painting supplies can cost less than $100.
• Does a bathroom remodel add to the value of a house? A bathroom remodel often adds value to your home. Depending on the design, a renovation can add several thousand dollars to your resale value. Most homeowners see a return on their investment from 45% to 74%.
• How long does it take to complete a bathroom renovation? A full bathroom renovation generally takes between three and eight weeks, depending on the size of the room and what's being done.

Shop at Carpet & Tile Mart for Your Bathroom Remodel

If you're renovating your bathroom, consider Carpet & Tile Mart. We provide exceptional value on countertops, flooring and rugs, with up to 70% off MSRP. We offer free shipping on all area rugs and freight shipping on other products, or you can pick them up at any of our stores. We have locations throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Reach out to us online or find a store near you.