If you’ve never experienced the joy of home renovation, it might seem like a terrifying prospect. But, if you’re up for the challenge and have an eye for design, you might discover that renovating your bathroom is a much more rewarding experience than you ever imagined. The majority of bathroom renovations cost less than $5 per square foot, making them some of the most affordable home improvements you can make in your lifetime. However, before you jump into the deep end – or rather, the shower – it’s important to understand what sort of effort goes into renovating your bathroom. Here are 5 must-know tips for first-time bathroom renovators:
Know why you want a renovation before you start
It can be tempting to decide on an already-amazing bathroom renovation before you know how much work it will take. However, if you don’t have a clear vision for the desired outcome, you might find yourself in over your head before the project is even completed. If you aren’t sure what sort of renovations or design changes you want to make, do some research with your design team and ask friends and family members who they think would be interested in the project. You might also consider creating a Pinterest board with images of what you hope your bathroom will look like after your renovation.
Ensure your renovation budget is set up-front
It can be tempting to stick to a budget for your bathroom renovation, but it’s important that you do not get ahead of yourself. Start by getting your budget in place before diving into any design options.
Be aware of any codes and regulations that may apply to your renovation
project
You’ll have to check with your local municipality for any applicable building codes and regulations that may apply to your renovation project. By being aware of these regulations, you can avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes that could result in costly fines or construction delays.
Don’t jump the gun – do a walkthrough first
To start, you should do a walkthrough of your bathroom to make sure that the space is in good condition. You should be studying the design, layout and existing fixtures before making any decisions on what to do with your bathroom. You’ll need to know how much it will cost you to renovate the space so that you can budget for it. The more money you have for this project, the easier it is for you to choose what kind of aesthetic to pursue. If your home is over 30 years old, there’s a chance that some of your pipes may not be up-to-date and require repair or replacement.
Take quality time with the materials you’ll be working with
When renovating a bathroom, you’ll be working with materials that are often tiny and fragile. Before you begin any project, take time to properly prep the area by organizing the layout in your mind or on paper. Don’t just rush off to buy the materials without taking time to prepare.
The most important thing to remember is that you should never rush into anything when it comes to home improvements. The last thing you want is a botched job because you rushed things along. Taking your time will ensure that nothing goes wrong and you end up with a beautiful bathroom as opposed to an expensive mess.
Wrapping up
1. Create a budget
2. Identify the most important features
3. Strategize which aspects of the renovation you’ll handle yourself
4. Consider hiring professionals for other aspects of the project
