Need a Bathroom Remodeling Plan? Here Are 6 Key Points to Remember

Does your bathroom double as your own personal spa for relaxation and rejuvenation? Or is it more like the room you have to use and can't wait to leave? If it's closer to the latter, it's time to get started on planning a bathroom remodeling project. Bathrooms are among the most critically important rooms in any house, and struggling with malfunctioning or outdated features can really put a damper on your enjoyment of your home.

On the bright side, your dream bathroom is a lot closer than you think! Planning bathroom remodels is a big challenge, but it's a lot of fun as well. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to completely gut the room and start from scratch — sometimes smaller changes like putting in a new vanity or replacing a toilet that doesn't work properly can make a huge difference.

This guide lists six points to keep in mind as you're planning, so the whole process is smooth and pain-free. Already know what you want and ready to start swinging the hammer? You can trust the experienced service professionals at Mr. Handyman of Newtown and Yardley to deliver highly-skilled workmanship and outstanding customer service. We can take care of your entire bathroom remodel, floor to ceiling.

1. Make a List of Everything Your New Bathroom Needs

The very first thing you should do in the bathroom remodel planning process is make an exhaustive list of absolutely everything you'll need for your new bathroom. It may seem obvious, but it's easy to forget something like a toilet roll holder. When you're enjoying your beautifully appointed bathroom with all the amenities, you won't regret taking the time to make a list.

Of course the contents of your list will vary depending on what you need for your bathroom, but it may contain items such as:

• Drywall

• Paint

• Tile flooring

• Tile backsplash

• Shower tile

• Lighting

• Ventilation / exhaust fan

• Vanity

• Vanity seat

• Mirror

• Countertop & cabinets

• Medicine cabinet (recessed or flush mount)

• Sinks

• Pedestal sink

• Faucet

• Tub

• Shower head

• Shower controls

• Shower shelves

• Glass shower doors

• Grab bars if necessary

• Toilet

• Toilet roll holder

• Towel bar / robe hooks

• Laundry hamper

• Waste bin

• Decorative elements such as plants or artwork

Pro Tip: Add Storage Space

You definitely should not reduce the amount of storage space you currently have in your bathroom, but if at all possible, it's a good idea to try to add some. Cabinets are the obvious way, but sometimes you don't have the extra space for them, or you're going for a more streamlined look. However, ample storage space is important for every bathroom remodel.

Here are a few ideas for getting extra storage:

• Built-in cubbies in the shower wall for shampoo bottles and other in-shower items

• A hanging shelf rack behind the shower head for more in-shower storage

• Hanging baskets for face cloths and other small items

• Floating shelves above the toilet

• Hooks on the back of the door for bathrobes

2. Plan for Future Needs and Wants

When creating a bathroom remodeling plan, it's easy to focus on what you want right now and forget about what you might need a couple of years down the road. For example, if you're thinking of selling your home, it pays to choose a neutral, classic color palette and style that will increase your property value. Not sure how to accomplish that? White tile is a safe and popular choice that gives prospective buyers the opportunity to envision their own style in the room.

Or, maybe you're approaching your golden years and want to age in place in your home. If that's the case, consider some accommodations such as a walk-in shower or additional safety features that will make life easier for someone with reduced mobility. And if you're having a baby in the near future, make sure you have a bathtub installed — toddlers are slippery!

3. Choose the Right Tile

If you've started your bathroom remodeling plan by looking around at the abundance of options for tile, you've probably noticed that they come in an incredibly wide variety of color, shape, size, pattern, and material choices. That can feel overwhelming, but it also gives you an opportunity to really infuse the room with your own personality.

Consider the location and purpose of the tile first — for example, glass tiles are too delicate for the floor, but their translucent beauty adds an extra dimension to your wall when it's used in a tile backsplash.

Another important consideration is how much maintenance you are willing to do. There's no doubt that natural stone tile such as slate is strikingly beautiful, but it also needs to be resealed frequently to keep it looking good. On the other hand, ceramic and porcelain tile come in a huge array of colors and patterns, and they are also highly durable and virtually maintenance-free. Need more info about tile installation before you start with bathroom remodeling? Here are our answers to some frequently asked questions about planning tile installation and repair.

4. Don't Forget About Lighting and Ventilation

We included lighting and ventilation in the list of items up above, but we wanted to circle back to it and give you some extra information. Bathroom’s are a highly utilitarian room, so it's surprising how often lights and ventilation are overlooked.

Ventilation is an absolute necessity because your bathroom will often be filled with steam from the shower or bathtub. If that humidity can't be vented out of the room properly, it soaks into drywall and wood, causing serious moisture damage such as wood rot, mold, and mildew that can threaten your health and the structural integrity of the house. You also want to ensure that your light fixture placement offers abundant light over the sink and in the shower. Ambient options such as recessed ceiling lights or wall sconces can add some atmosphere as well.

5. Sketch Your Layout (or Keep the Old Layout)

Most bathroom remodeling projects follow one of a handful of tried and true layouts designed to maximize small spaces and still leave some room to move around. Changing the location of your fixtures is costly and time-consuming, so if you're fine with the layout you have currently, it makes sense to keep it that way. However, if you do need to change it, it's a good idea to do a quick sketch of what you're thinking. It doesn't have to be an artistic masterpiece, but even a basic layout sketch can help you identify potential trouble spots and will also help your bathroom remodelers understand exactly what you want.

6. Sprinkle in some Luxury

Finally, make sure you add a little luxury into your bathroom remodeling project, even if it's just something small that you've always wanted. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:

• Install a rainfall shower head or shower bench for an indulgent showering experience

• Put in a heated towel rack or in-floor heating so you're toasty warm on chilly mornings

• Get a bathtub tray for in-bath snacks and entertainment

• Install dimming switches for your overhead lights for cozy ambiance

• Surround yourself with soft, fluffy comfort by upgrading your towels and bathmat

• Upgrade your exhaust fans and lights with models that come with built-in Bluetooth speakers

Rely on Mr. Handyman for Your Next Bathroom Remodeling Project

Whether you're in Newtown, Yardley, or a nearby area such as Washington Crossing or New Hope, you can count on top-quality bathroom remodels and outstanding customer care from the professional bathroom remodelers at Mr. Handyman of Newtown and Yardley.

Give us a call today at 215-607-6465 to chat with our friendly customer service representatives and find out more about how we can turn your dreams into reality!