The Do's and Don'ts of Planning Bathroom Remodeling

Is your bathroom your favorite room in your house, or just the room you have to use and can't wait to leave? If it's not functioning properly, outdated, or just plain ugly, it's time to get started on a bathroom remodeling plan—and your dream bathroom is actually closer than you think.

Coming up with a solid plan for a renovation can be a big challenge, but it's also a lot of fun. This is your chance to really put your own unique sense of style and taste into your home, or choose a neutral look that will increase your property value when you're ready to sell.

Not sure how to get started? This guide of the do's and don'ts of bathroom remodeling will give you the information you need for planning out your perfect bathroom. When you've got a good idea of what you want and need, give Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County and S.Shore a call—our skilled service professionals have the experience and expertise to exceed your expectations and deliver the bathroom of your dreams.

DO: Make a List of Everything You'll Need

The first step is to make a list of every item that will be going into your new bathroom. You might think you know exactly what you'll need off the top of your head, but it's still a good idea to write it all down, even small things. Your list might include items such as:

• Drywall

• Tile

• Paint & wall finishing

• Lights

• Ventilation

• Countertops

• Cabinets & drawers

• Pedestal sink or in-counter sinks

• Single or double vanity

• One or two-piece toilet

• Bidet

• Bathtub or shower combo

• Glass shower doors or curtain & rod

• Shower head

• Shower liner

• Glass doors for a wet room

• Towel rack

• Toilet paper holder

• Storage racks

• Window coverings

• Plants & other decorative elements

DON'T: Assume There Won't Be Unexpected Costs

Even if you're sure you've got everything planned down to the last dollar, unexpected expenses often pop up in the middle of renovation to throw your budget off track. It's important to add some padding so you're prepared if the budget needs to expand. An increase of 30% over top of what you think you'll need to spend is a good rule of thumb to give you some wiggle room.

DO: Weigh the Pros and Cons of Materials

If you've taken a look at materials such as countertops and tile for the floor and walls, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed—there's such an incredibly wide variety to choose from. When you're narrowing it down, consider the pros and cons of the most popular types of materials and ask yourself some questions such as:

• Is appearance or function most important to me?

• How much maintenance am I willing to do?

• What style am I going for? (Contemporary, classic, rustic, vintage, minimal, bohemian, etc.)

There's no right or wrong answers here, but it's good to be honest with yourself about your needs and wants because there's often a trade-off involved. For example, slate tile is strikingly beautiful and can set the tone for your whole room, but it needs to be sealed regularly to keep it looking good. Or, a quartz countertop may not scream "luxury" the way marble does, but it's considerably less expensive and easier to maintain.

DON'T: Move Fixtures Unless You Have To

It's costly and time-consuming to relocate fixtures, so it's better to keep the layout you already have unless there's a very compelling reason to switch it up. Bathroom layouts tend to follow a couple tried-and-true patterns that allow for traffic and optimize small spaces, so there's usually not much reason to change it unless you're moving the door or changing the shape and size of the room.

DO: Think About the Future

When planning your remodel, think carefully about how the bathroom will be used in the future. You may not need a tub installation now, but if you’ll have children, you'll definitely want it then. Or, you may be thinking about selling your home in the near future. If that's the case, keep the high-end items like tile in neutral shades of light beige, gray, or white to increase the property value. White walls or gray tiles may not be that thrilling, but a neutral palette helps prospective buyers impose their own style preferences on the room.

DON'T: Forget About Ventilation and Lighting

It may seem like a silly reminder, but a lot of people get their bathroom transformations complete only to realize they didn't consider the best places for lighting fixtures or plan to install proper ventilation. Make sure you have a source of light that reaches into the shower, and abundant light around the vanity mirror. Ventilation is key to help rid the bathroom of excess humidity that can cause wood rot and other serious moisture damage issues.

DO: Add Storage Wherever Possible

While there's certainly something to be said for a sleek, minimalist design with no bulky cabinets, if you don't include ample storage you'll regret it down the road. Make sure you've got extra space for all the things you like to keep in the bathroom, located where you like to keep them. Storage could include under-sink cabinets, over-the-toilet shelving units, in-shower racks or shelves, and even baskets for soft items. And don't forget the knitted doll skirt to keep the extra toilet paper roll cozy! (We're kidding, of course—it's okay to leave grandma's decor at her house.)

Mr. Handyman is Your Local, Reliable Bathroom Remodeling Expert!

Ready to get started on your own personal spa for relaxation and rejuvenation? So are we! Our team has extensive experience in renovation, and we'll take care of the entire remodel process. Whether you're in Walpole or a nearby area such as Westwood, Norwood, or Duxbury, you can rely on Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County and S.Shore to get the job done right.

Give us a call today at 508-465-2092 or request service online to find out more about how we can enhance your bathroom and other parts of your home!