What are the three keys to remodeling your bathroom?
As master carpenter Tim Carter put it in the Washington Post: Plan, do more planning and go over the plan a third time.
Attempting a bathroom remodel in Pennsylvania without a plan puts the project at risk of spinning out of control. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to renovating this crucial corner of your home.
1. Come up with a plan
“One of the first things we tell clients is to look at the entire space rather than how it’s being used now,” designer Anissa Swanzy tells BobVila.com.
You may want to do some research on places like Pinterest to find some inspiration for your project. In addition to choosing a look that works for you, you can also come across some practical steps.
Swanzy says it’s important that homeowners see the full potential of the space for themselves. Her recommendations include looking to nearby hallways and closets to see whether extra space can be annexed for the bathroom, and reconsidering how to use current fixtures.
“In master baths, lots of people are foregoing a tub in lieu of a bigger shower and more space,” says Swanzy. “They realize it takes a lot of water to fill a tub, and they don’t have time to soak anyway.”
2. Set your budget
Determine what you can – or want to – spend on your remodeling project, and hold to that figure. It’s easy to get carried away once work has begun.
A bathroom remodel in Pennsylvania can be one of the costliest home improvement projects you’ll undertake, says the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
They recommend setting aside 20 percent of your budget for installation, another 16 percent for hardware and cabinetry and 15 percent for fixtures.
3. Find your fixtures
Once you’ve put together a budget and planned what you want to do with your space, the next step in a bathroom remodel in Pennsylvania is determining what fixtures you’ll need. These items can include:
- A new toilet
- A pedestal or vanity
- A tub, tub/shower, shower base
- Faucets
- Grout
- Tiles
- Mirrors
- New lighting
- Accessories (toilet paper holder, towel hooks)
- Trim
Source your fixtures based on your budget and on the on-line legwork you’ve done.
4. Plan not to have a working bathroom
Is the bathroom you’ll be remodeling your only bathroom? If so, have a plan for dealing with what will be a major inconvenience. Do you need to rent a port-a-potty for your backyard? Can you shower at a neighbor’s house? Your bathroom remodel might take longer than expected if a hidden problem pops up, meaning that you’ll be without a bathroom for longer than anticipated.
5. Start looking for contractors
Once you have a good idea of the scope of your project, you’ll have an easier time working with a contractor or plumber. They can price the job for you, and point out any potential problems with your vision of the project before work begins.
If designing and space planning isn’t your thing, we’ve got you covered. Souder Brothers offers in house drawing services and we would be happy to work with you to come up with a floor plan for your bathroom renovation. This is especially helpful if you’re starting from scratch and building a new bathroom or expanding the size of your current bathroom.
If you’re looking for a contractor to handle your bathroom remodel in Pennsylvania, look no further than Souder Brothers Construction. We’ve spent close to 40 years helping homeowners in Bucks and Montgomery counties remodel their homes. Contact us today, and we’ll help you come up with a plan that works for your home.