The bathroom is a key part of the home and an area that often requires remodeling. A quality remodel adds functionality, enhances style, and increases value.

Changing the floor tiles and paint color can give a bathroom a fresh new look. Adding wall art and handcrafted items is a great way to add personal flair without breaking the bank. Click the Bathroom Remodeling Lexington KY to learn more.

When starting any remodel, establishing clear goals helps ensure a successful outcome. These may include upgrading aesthetics, adding functionality and enhancing energy efficiency. Then, create a budget and design a layout that fits your lifestyle.

If your bathroom is cramped and lacking storage, a common remodeling goal is to add additional cabinetry and shelving. Another popular option is installing water-saving toilets, shower heads and light fixtures to lower utility bills.

Some homeowners want to increase property value by updating the space to a more modern style. Others wish to create a spa-like space that promotes relaxation. Still, other goals are more practical in nature, such as addressing family or elderly needs by installing walk-in tubs or grab bars.

If you aren’t ready for a full remodel, try some simple updates that can make a big difference without breaking the bank. For example, new paint and refinishing existing cabinets can give the bathroom an instant facelift for much less than a complete replacement. However, if you do plan to do a larger project, consider the budget and timeline carefully to avoid budget overruns. Also, don’t skip any necessary steps like obtaining permits or removing and replacing the first four feet of drywall.

Set a Budget

There are many ways to remodel your bathroom without putting a dent in your wallet. Ripping everything out and starting from scratch can be expensive, so it’s important to have a budget in place. Aim to refresh what you have rather than replace it, as this can reduce costs significantly. For example, refinishing your bathtub is much less expensive than buying and installing a new one. A fresh coat of paint can also drastically change the look of your bathroom for a fraction of the cost. Other easy, budget friendly upgrades include updating the mirror, replacing lighting fixtures and adding stylish flooring.

The amount of work needed to complete your bathroom remodel will also factor into the budget. Generally, the bigger the scope of work, the higher the labor costs. This is especially true when transforming a tub into a shower, changing the layout of the bathroom, or removing walls.

It’s also important to get multiple quotes from contractors and make sure you are getting the best value for your money. Don’t just choose the cheapest option as that could lead to substandard quality in the finished product. Provide each contractor with thorough documentation so that they can accurately quote you.

Hire a Contractor

A good contractor is the single most important person in a remodel, especially when it comes to the bathroom. They’re the point-person, troubleshooter and expert guiding your project through to completion.

It’s always a good idea to interview several contractors before selecting one to work on your NYC bathroom remodel. By doing so, you’ll get a variety of viewpoints, as well as competitive bids.

When interviewing contractors, homeowners should ask about their experience in bath remodeling as well as their qualifications and certifications. A trustworthy contractor will be more than happy to provide this information and may even have client references available.

Homeowners should also ask each contractor about the timeline for their remodel. The duration varies based on the scope of work, with smaller projects taking less time than larger ones.

Once a homeowner has selected a contractor, they should sign a contract with them to get started on the project. This contract will outline the cost and timeline for the bathroom remodel. This can include details like when the first payment will be due and how much progress will be made before a final payment is due. It should also cover unforeseen expenses like permitting fees and board approvals, if necessary.

Get Permits

If you’re doing a major bathroom remodel and changing structural components or plumbing fixtures, you will need to get a permit from the Department of Buildings (DOB). This ensures that your renovations comply with NYC building codes and uphold safety standards. Non-compliance can result in fines and legal issues. It can also cause problems when you try to sell your home.

However, cosmetic changes do not require a permit. Swapping out surfaces (tile, floors), light fixtures, and appliances will likely not need a permit, as long as they don’t involve rerouting the plumbing lines. Replacing a toilet may not require a permit, as well, if you’re using the existing drain and trap.

When a permit is required, it’s important to clearly define the scope of work to avoid complications. It’s also essential to understand local building codes and regulations, which vary on a town-by-town basis. A qualified architect or contractor can help you navigate these guidelines.

Demolition

During the demolition phase, old materials are removed from the bathroom to make way for new ones. This is typically a time-consuming process, but it’s necessary for the success of your remodel.

Before starting, you’ll want to make sure that the power and water are turned off. This will protect your home from any accidental damage, and it will also prevent expensive flooding should you accidentally hit a pipe while demolishing the bathroom. You’ll also want to know where your service metres are, particularly your water metre. This will allow you to turn off the water source if you accidentally damage it during the demolition process, which can save you thousands in flood damages.

Demolition is a messy job, and it’s important to take the proper precautions. It’s recommended that you wear gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any toxins or mold. It’s also a good idea to rent a residential dumpster so you can dispose of the demolition debris quickly and efficiently.

It’s also important to understand the difference between remodeling and renovating. A simple bathroom upgrade that doesn’t change the layout or structure of the room is considered a renovation project, while a full remodel requires gutting the existing space down to the studs and rebuilding it.

Rough-In

During the rough-in stage, plumbers install your home’s initial piping for water supply, waste lines, and vents. They do this before drywall or insulation goes up, which is why it’s important to get the dimensions right. A properly-sized bathroom will offer optimal usage and comfort, and a poorly-sized one could result in costly adjustments and repairs down the line.

In addition to ensuring that your plumbing will function as it should, the rough-in phase also establishes a foundation for your fixtures. This helps ensure that they’re positioned correctly and have adequate clearance to prevent future issues. It’s also a critical step for ensuring that your finished product meets code and safety standards.

Whether your plumbing is being installed in an existing home or on new construction, you can expect to spend several days or weeks completing the rough-in process. This is because the plumbing will need to be connected to your home’s main plumbing line before any wall finishing can be done. This step also involves determining how your pipes will be run through the walls and floor, which includes making decisions about what materials to use. The most common options include copper or PEX piping.

Finishing

At this point, you’ll start to see the new bathroom take shape. During this phase, new cabinets, sinks, fixtures, and tiles are installed. In some cases, there may be a need to rework the plumbing and electrical based on the final layout. This can add to the overall cost and timeline of the project.

If you are using a contractor for the remodel, they should have a kickoff meeting to discuss your goals, and to take measurements and photos of the space. This will help them develop a design and budget for the renovation.

It’s also important to consider what features you’d like to include in the remodel. For example, adding a walk-in shower to replace a bathtub can improve accessibility and increase value to the home. If you’re considering selling your home in the future, this could be a big selling point for prospective buyers.

It’s also a good idea to incorporate the basics of Universal Design into the new bathroom. These changes can make the bathroom more accessible for people with disabilities, and they can also reduce energy costs and increase comfort. Including things like grab bars and wider doorways can increase safety, while adding things like a heated floor or voice-activated lighting can improve comfort.