Everything You Need to Know Before Renovating Your Bathroom
Renovations of any kind are no easy task. The process of renovating a bathroom, however, can not only be daunting but also quite time-consuming costing you more than you bargained for.
Prices can range from a couple of thousands of dollars to fix up a bathroom that is already in good shape to six figures to completely transform a new bathroom from scratch.
Shocking, right?
However, with the right preparation and guidance to fit your specific bathroom needs, you can make the process go a lot smoother and keep unnecessary costs low.
Here are a few key guidelines to help make renovating your bathroom a highly efficient and worthwhile investment:
Communication is Everything
The key to a great renovation is knowing exactly what you need out of your bathroom – whether it’s having two sinks or living out your dream of having a shower with glass doors and great ventilation to cut down on mirror fogging.
Maintaining regular communication with your contractor is a great way to ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to what you are hoping to get out of your new renovation. Never assume that a contractor has the same exact ideas as you – the sooner you communicate your wants and needs to your contractor, the smoother the process can be!
Don’t Forget The Outlets
One vital addition you should keep in mind while planning to renovate your bathroom is outlets (especially if you are in a home that is a bit older!).
Many houses that were built before 1970 only included a couple of outlets per room. However, in today’s world, not having enough outlets in your home can be quite dangerous and, let’s face, kind of boring.
Has your phone ever run out of battery while using the bathroom?
Make sure to include enough outlets for the items that you plan on using in the bathroom, and make sure that they are equipped with GFCIs.
Don’t Forget The Storage
Having enough storage should be your main consideration while planning out your new bathroom renovation.
To ensure that everything you plan to use has a proper place, take into account not only cabinets and vanities, but also in-shower compartments, build-in racks, and towel bars.
Plan For It To Cost More
Bathroom renovation costs include more than just materials and storage. In addition to labor, plumbing is also a costly and time-consuming part of remodeling a bathroom.
There are tons of opportunities for plumbing issues causing time delays and cost increases. Include an extra cushion in case any unexpected issues arise.
Contractor Considerations
One of the most important considerations when remodeling a bathroom is finding the right contractor.
Having the right contractor can make or break a project and be the difference between a satisfactory project vs. being left with a mangled mess!
Make sure the contractor you choose comes to the table with the following:
- Insurance Coverage: One of the first steps in making sure that you find a contractor that you can trust is to make sure that they are professionals in which you can depend on throughout the whole process. Ask for proof of insurance from any potential contractor that you are thinking about hiring.
- Licensed Professional: Any potential contractor should not only be able to provide proof of insurance, but they should also be licensed in the state that you are located in. Make sure to contact your local municipality department to find out what requirements are needed, and make sure that those requirements are being met by your contractor.
- Ask for References: Having references from friends and other homeowners who have already been through the bathroom renovation process is vital to making sure that you are choosing someone who you can trust. Ask for pictures of previously completed projects to ensure that the quality of work aligns with what you are looking for.
Lastly, be aware of any subcontractors being used. At times, a general contractor may not complete every single part of the bathroom renovation process themselves.
In this case, make sure that you are aware of what subcontractors will be hired to complete certain parts of the project. Just like with your general contractor, make sure they are licensed, insured, and able to provide references.
Final Thoughts
Did you find this blog post helpful? We hope you did!
Since 2014, Bela Development has been remodeling bathrooms in the Los Angeles area and we can do the same for you. Give us a call today to schedule a free in-person estimate.