5 Questions to Ask before a Bathroom Remodel

If you are considering investing in a bathroom update, we have good news for you. As it is one of the top home updates that pay off, it comes as no surprise a bathroom remodel is one of the most sought-after home renovation projects. However, the costs of a comprehensive renovation can amount to more than $15,000, depending on the size and planned improvements. So, before you jump into hiring contractors, it makes sense to devise a good renovation plan. To navigate this, take a look at the 5 questions to ask before a bathroom remodel.

1. Should I repair bathroom elements or replace them?

Since a bathroom remodel can easily go over budget, it makes sense to approach the project by prioritizing your needs. You should be realistic if you do not have enough resources for elaborate bathroom upgrades. One way to save money is to implement minor changes you can DIY before the bathroom renovations start. There is really no good reason not to consider fixing your bathtub rather than buying a new one. The same applies to easily fixable elements such as light fixtures, cabinets, replacement of the shower head, etc.

Frugal thinking and timely repairs will allow you to forward the saved money into the remodeling budget. So, investing in regular maintenance of your sewage is a much better strategy than leaving it unmended until you start your bathroom renovations. 

2. What flooring should I choose for my bathroom?

Ceramic tiles come in all shapes, colors, and sizes nowadays.The first line of caution concerning your selection of bathroom flooring is to steer clear of current bathroom design trends. In other words, choose durability and safety over aesthetics. Even if you intend to sell your home at some point and you want to woo homebuyers, installing an expensive material such as marble is simply impractical, as much as it may be impressive.  

First of all, if you opt for a luxury material such as marble, you may need to invest more for the non-slip finish. In addition, maintenance of such surfaces could result in additional expenses in the future. In that sense, ceramic tiles are much more rewarding as they are more affordable and durable than marble.

Pro tip: 

When you start sifting through tile catalogs, you can assess the safety of the surface by looking at the coefficient of friction (COF). If this value is not provided, be sure to contact the manufacturer and inquire about the material's safety. 

Marble, carpet, and laminate are not suitable bathroom flooring materials

Another word of caution - it is best if you steer clear of carpeting and laminate. Sure, slipping is an impossibility if you have a carpet. However, it is not a suitable surface for the bathroom as it soaks up the water and propagates odors, mold, and mildew. 

As for laminate, it might seem like an interesting alternative to tiles as it is both easy to clean and easy on the eyes. Still, laminate tears and bends easily when exposed to water, so it is, at best, only a temporary bathroom flooring solution. 

3. Should I install a bathtub or a shower?

Tubs are attractive but can be highly impractical.Another frequent dilemma homeowners face is whether they should invest in a tub or a shower. If your home has more than one bathroom, you might be inclined to treat yourself to a spacious bathtub. Yet, as much as bubble baths might seem inviting, walk-in showers are also a great and stylish option. 

An essential benefit of having a shower is that it is much easier and safer to walk in and out of it. This is a major consideration if you are renovating your family home or moving into a home where you plan to spend your retirement. Reduced mobility, injury, or sickness might make it challenging to use the bathtub come old age (or old relatives). If you happen to need a helping hand when it comes to packing, moving, or placement of furniture after remodeling, be sure to contact a competent Miami moving company such as promoversmiami.com as they can assist you every step of the way.

4. How important is ventilation?

If you do not have a window in your bathroom, an efficient ventilation system is a must. Bathrooms, being a very humid environment, need a consistent source of fresh air. Consider that moisture breeds bacteria, mold, and mildew. Therefore, your newly renovated bathroom may slowly deteriorate if the ventilation system cannot dry the air after a shower. 

In fact, your local building codes might even require you to install a ventilation fan. It is also helpful in the winter since you won't have to open the window to aerate the room. You can choose a more affordable option in the form of a regular vent fan. Or, you can install a fan that has a built-in heater or a light.

5. What kind of bathroom storage options do I have?

A tub below a big bathroom windowOne of the most frequent improvements people want to introduce to their bathrooms is increased storage space. No matter how small the square footage is, many bathroom elements can fit into your bathroom and provide that much-needed space for storing your towels, toiletries, and cleaning products. 

That is why one of the questions to ask before a bathroom remodel is what kind of storage compartments you should integrate into your bathroom. You can start by switching from a pedestal sink to an enclosed vanity. Here you can store cleaning products, cloths, buckets, brushes, and other cleaning essentials. A towel bar is also a better option than a hook as it dries the towels much faster. If you have the resources, you can even add a heated towel bar for extra-fast drying. Stackable bins are another great storage solution if you do not have built-in storage.