5 Things Nobody Tells You About Renovating Your Bathroom
You’ve thought about it for months, searched high and low for the right combination of paint chips and swatches, and exhausted the Internet’s supply of bathroom makeover content.
Now, you’re ready to tackle your own bathroom renovation project.
Here Are Five Prime Things Nobody Tells You About Renovating Your Bathroom
Before you get started, however, take a few minutes to check out the top 5 things bathroom renovation tidbits you may not have considered.
1. Small Details Are More Important Than You Think
Rainfall showerheads, imported Italian ceramic tile, custom vanity cabinets, and a deep luxurious tub will certainly draw their fair share of attention, and rightfully so. These, after all, are what you might call the “statement pieces” that will make your bathroom renovation the envy of all who glance upon it.
Having said that, the importance of grouting and caulking properly cannot be understated. Over time, a poorly sealed bathroom will begin to exhibit signs of premature aging and water damage.
2. A Bathroom Reno Doesn’t Necessarily Add Monetary Value
Homeowners assume that any home renovation they undertake will invariably increase the value of their home when it comes time to sell it. While it’s true that many prospective homebuyers will walk away from an otherwise fine piece of real estate if the bathroom is not to their liking, there is simply no guarantee that having a beautiful bathroom will be the catalyst to the bidding war that any home seller would want.
It should also be noted that home renovations have a way of “depreciating” over time. For example, the return on investment of a kitchen remodel is around 50%, but only if you sell your home within the year. A similar “depreciation” scale also applies to other home renovation projects.
If your plan to remodel your bathroom is centered on increasing the value of your home, there are two things that you need to consider. First, make sure you hire a contractor with a proven track record for quality work.
Secondly, consult with a local real estate agent to understand the housing market in your area so that you know how long your “newly renovated” bathroom will be considered a recent renovation by prospective homebuyers.
3. Bathroom Environmental Controls Add Luxury You Never Knew You Were Missing
It is never a pleasant experience exiting a relaxing shower into a cold, drafty bathroom. Installing a bathroom-specific thermostat with its own environmental controls will ensure the transition from showering to toweling off is a comfortable one.
Your bathroom is your oasis from the stressors of the day, so it stands to reason that everything in your bathroom should be about increasing the level of comfort. If you want to take things to the next level, consider installing heated floor tiles so that you never again need to avoid walking across frigid tiles.
4. Timelines Are Generally A “Best Guess”
To be clear, if your contractor isn’t adhering to your timeline, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are dragging their feet. There are many external factors that can cause unexpected delays for your project. Depending on your design choices, materials may need to be sourced internationally which could result in extending the duration of your project.
Post-pandemic, supply chains are still working to address inefficiencies and fulfill backlogged orders. Rather than getting upset at your contractor, consider planning for disruptions in the work being completed. Acknowledging that these types of delays are normal will mean far less stress when the time comes.
Fortunately, you aren’t completely powerless when it comes to navigating delays. Take matters into your own hands by making design decisions early and sticking to them, ordering your materials as early as possible, and always making sure that the work area remains clear for your contractors so they can get to work right away.
5. In Spite of Your Best Efforts, It Will Be Messy
When most people think of a home renovation project, they’ll think about how great the finished product will be, and while that is a good image to hold onto during the process, the truth is that you will be living with a considerable mess for the duration of the project – and it won’t be confined to the bathroom.
Dust from cut tile and drywall gets everywhere, even when plastic sheeting is hung in the doorway. To reduce the mess, make sure that all items adjacent to the bathroom have been moved to other rooms in your home – this will prevent dust from settling on them.
Next, make sure drop cloths are used to create a path from your home’s entrance to your bathroom that will catch any dirt and debris brought in from outside. Lastly, cover any furnishings that you can’t move with plastic sheets to prevent dust from settling on them.
All Things Considered, A Bathroom Reno Is Totally Worth It
Even though your home will contain one less functional bathroom for a few weeks, the finished product makes all the stress and hardship worth it in the end. And while you will undoubtedly fail to anticipate every possible scenario, it’s important that you acknowledge the likelihood that things may not go according to plan.
To help things go as smoothly as possible, decide on all your bathroom’s elements – from the bathroom vanity cabinets right down to the light fixtures – as close to the outset of your project as possible and you’ll be amazed at how quickly things will come together.
Read Also:
Leave A Reply