According to a recent survey done by the Huffington Post, bathroom remodeling and renovation projects are at the top of the list for homeowners across the United States & Canada. This is due to the fact that renovating a bathroom adds additional comfort and style to your home, and can increase your home value almost as much as a kitchen reno. Since renovating a bathroom is such a popular undertaking, we’ve created this article for homeowners outlining some tips and tricks, and important things to look out for when renovating.
Choosing a Contractor
Chances are, you’re not doing this renovation project on your own, and you’re looking for a great contractor to get the job done right. Always remember, the cheapest contractor is not always the best, and you get what you pay for. Aside from price, you want to look for a bathroom contractor who has a proven track record of quality work. Ask for customer references, and to see photos of bathroom work they’ve done in the past. Any good contractor will be happy to show you their previous work, and are usually quite proud of what they’ve accomplished.
Once you’ve chosen your contractor, make sure to decide on all design changes ahead of time. A lot of bathroom remodeling requires that existing plumbing and fixtures be moved right from the beginning. If you decide to make design changes too late into the renovation, it can cost you plenty of time, money and material. Make sure you know exactly what you want!
Use the Right Materials
After renovating so many bathrooms over the past years, we have seen some of the biggest, most costly mistakes. Home owners and contractor alike need to remember that a lot of damage can be caused from improper construction. Make sure your contractor is using concrete board throughout the shower/bathtub area of your bathroom, and NOT traditional drywall. Moisture will eventually soak into traditional drywall causing water damage and create more repairs down the road. Also make sure to have the right ventilation. Invest in a ceiling exhaust fan that is rated for the size of your bathroom and also install bathroom windows that cross ventilate. Improper ventilation can allow for moisture buildup within your attic and roof space, causing serious structural damage.
Pay attention to the type of paint you’re using in your newly renovated bathroom. Make sure that it’s designed for bathroom use and can withstand the high moisture and humidity levels within the room. A paint that is mold inhibiting is always a good investment.
Keep it Clean
During the entire process, keep the bathroom door closed as much as possible to keep dirt and debris from spreading elsewhere into your house. You may want to put down garbage bags on the walkway entering the bathroom to limit any possible damage to carpet or hardwood floors. It’s also a good idea to keep a shop-vac handy to continually clear any debris that accumulates, especially during the demolition of your existing bathroom features.
Overall, renovating a bathroom is not the simplest of tasks and should be left for professionals. If you plan your renovation properly, use quality materials, and have it constructed by a certified contractor, you’ll be enjoying the bathroom you’ve always dreamed of for many years to come!