Getting ready to update your bathroom this year? Undertaking a reno like this can be both exciting and a little overwhelming, even though it’s generally the smallest room in the house. Bathrooms equate to a good portion of your home value, and it’s where homebuyers pay the most attention (aside from the kitchen) when house hunting. So it’s an important process to wade through carefully. Whether you’re redoing your master suite or a smaller guest powder room, functionality should always be the focal part of your design. And of course, adding in a few chic and modern touches like granite counters or a lavish soaker tub can add a touch of luxury to your home. As a reminder, with any major renovation, you should also expect your home to look and feel a little chaotic while the work is being completed, but just remember that it’ll be well worth it! To help you prepare for your upcoming project, here are a few good things to keep in mind when renovating your bathroom.
Be Stern with Your Budget
Be warned: bathroom renos can add up quickly if you’re not careful. A basic facelift can easily turn into a full-blown remodel once you start shopping around for different features. Not sure how much is appropriate? As a general rule of thumb, if you’re tackling a smaller guest bathroom that’s in need of some serious TLC, we recommend limiting your budget to approximately 5% of your home value. If you’re focusing on the main master suite, then increase that to 10%. Whatever you decide on for an amount, be clear about your budget and stick with it.
Prioritize Your Needs
Before beginning the reno, prioritize what your bathroom really needs. Whether it’s new tiling, a new bath, or a new shower enclosure, know which features are most important to focus on and in need of replacing. This way, when you’re debating between something you want and need, you’ll be able to sacrifice that ‘want’ over what’s really needed to improve the bathroom. And remember, you don’t have to reinvent the entire layout. Whatever areas are fine, leave them be and put your attention into the features that are malfunctioning or truly outdated and desperately need replacing. This can also make it easier to stay within your budget.
Consider Alternative Materials like Porcelain
If you’re debating between certain materials to implement into your floors, counters or shower enclosure, porcelain can give you a much better bang for your buck while still looking equally as luxurious as other pricier items, like natural stone. Today, you can find a multitude of varieties that look just like real stone. Porcelain is also a durable and virtually indestructible material, so it will last for years and still look as good. Just another reason why it’s smart to consider all of your options when it comes to the materials you decide on.
What Luxury Touches Do You Enjoy?
The bathroom is meant to exude a little luxury, so consider what you dream of most for creating an ultimate relaxation space in your home. Maybe it’s a stand-alone tub or having a sleek and modern glass shower with multiple showerheads or a large vanity with dual sinks. Whatever it is, make room for one or two of those special extras that you’ve really been dreaming of, budget permitting, of course.
What’s Your Theme?
It’s helpful to have a general design theme before diving into a reno. It makes the entire process go much easier when you know what particular look you’re aiming for. This could mean a rustic country style, industrial, ultra-contemporary, or something more traditional and elegant. Find a style that you enjoy or continue whatever look you have throughout the home to make your final layout look stunning and cohesive. Otherwise, it may look out of place in comparison to the rest of your home.
Be Prepared for the Reno Process
The bathroom is obviously a pretty important room in the home. And if there’s only one to share among multiple people in the family, then you’ll have to be prepared to go without it for at least a few hours or even an entire day. So make sure to plan accordingly. Schedule the reno when the kids are away, ask relatives if you can stay with them until it’s complete or ask a close neighbour if you can use their facilities for the day – whatever works. Having a plan can make the coping process much easier and less chaotic for both you and the workers.
When you’re looking for honest, hardworking, and reliable contractors to tackle your bathroom renovation – or any other home projects, give us a call at the Renosgroup. We’ve been serving residents throughout Ottawa for years and can help transform your home, hassle-free. Contact us today, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 for a quote!
