A Bathroom Renovation project can be undertaken for various reasons, including transforming its ambiance. In places prone to natural disasters and tornadoes, like Oklahoma City, Bathroom Renovation can be conducted to incorporate storm-resistant materials.

Changes can also be made to protect the room from creepy mold issues common in the damp environment of a bathroom.

Bathroom Renovation does not always have to be challenging; still, some homeowners find it to be. Below are some tips to make your bathroom remodeling a smooth experience.

1. Be clear about the “why” of your bathroom renovation:

The extent of your bathroom remodeling project depends on why you are remodeling it in the first place. To improve its functionality for personal use, focus on all its problems, such as fixing a leaking commode or improving drainage. 

If you are preparing it to be fit for your elderly parents, consider replacing a big, space-consuming vanity with a smaller wash basin to create more space. Similarly, you can replace glossy tiles with slip-resistant tiles to improve traction.

On the contrary, if you want to transform the mood and aesthetics of your bathroom, focus on replacing old tiles, adding modern fixtures, and other spa-like features.

Sometimes, people remodel their bathrooms to increase their house’s resale value. This is especially common in places like Oklahoma City, with a thriving real estate market experiencing a surge in house demand. According to Zillow data, the average home price in Oklahoma City is an impressive figure of $198,936, 6.4% higher than the last year. So undertaking bathroom remodels in Oklahoma City can be a great investment for home sellers looking to increase the value of their properties in this thriving market.

All in all, be clear about why you are remodeling your bathroom to streamline the rest of the process, such as planning the design elements and allocating the budget.

2. Think about the future:

Most people remodel their bathroom, thinking about its present utility. Although making your bathroom more functional and appealing for present use makes sense, this approach cannot be considered strategic. Keeping an eye on the future helps you remodel your bathroom in a way that will still be functional five or ten years later.

So, when planning to remodel your bathroom, ask yourself the following questions.

  • How will your family grow?
  • Do you plan your kids to use the bathroom too?
  • What about older adults? Do you plan to keep them with you?
  • Do you want a contemporary or timeless appeal?
  • When do you plan to remodel your bathroom again?
  • How will your storage needs change over time?
  • How will energy prices affect your electricity bill?

The above list is incomplete; however, it does convey the idea. For instance, if you want your kids and older parents to use your house, consider installing safety features such as grab bars, non-slippery floors.

Along the same lines, if you plan to grow your family, your storage needs will also change, so consider adding more storage in the bathroom. If you want to avoid recurrent spending on bathroom renovation, invest in high-quality materials that can withstand the test of time. A high-quality material may look expensive today, but you will find it a good investment in the long run.

Additionally, consider incorporating energy-efficient lights and fixtures to avoid a significant surge in electricity bills as the energy prices change.

3. Make a realistic budget, then stick to it:

It is very easy to get carried away by design element ideas and incorporate ideas that don’t serve a real purpose. Remember, even small changes can cost you a fortune collectively. Therefore, making a budget considering your needs must be one of the first things to do when remodeling, as it allows you to stick to the plan.

When making a budget, ensure it’s realistic and corresponds to your project’s requirements. Setting an unrealistic budget—usually, less than required—causes problems. This unplanned investment can make your project costlier than it is.

Start by researching the cost of various bathroom remodeling projects. The cost can vary depending on the scale and scope of your project.

According to Architectural Digest, a bathroom remodeling project costs between $2,500 and $80,000.

Check out the estimated budget for various bathroom remodeling projects by Architectural Digest.

  • Replacing a window in the bathroom can cost around $300 to $700 for simple projects and more than $1,200 for a more intricate design.
  • If you plan to change the countertop, depending on your choice of material (ceramic, porcelain, granite slab, marble, etc.), you might pay around $350 and $4,000.
  • Installing a new door in the bathroom may require an average price of $300 to $1,400, depending on your chosen style.
  • Changing the tiles on the bathroom floor can cost an average of $12 per square foot. However, the size of the room and choice of material will affect the final price.
  • On average, installing new lights and adding new fixtures costs around $200 to $1,000.

Making a budget based on market research and analysis allows you to avoid hiccups during the remodeling project. Plus, it prompts you to arrange the required finances in the beginning.

4. Keep a contingency fund for unplanned changes:

When budgeting for the project, most people focus on the changes they want in their bathroom. However, they fail to realize that bathrooms often have hidden problems that become visible when renovating them. For instance, you may discover water damage while planning to install a new vanity in your bathroom.

After removing the old fixture, you are greeted by the unsightly appearance of water damage. In such situations, you may need to allocate a portion of your budget to address water damage issues, leading to compromises in certain design aspects of your project.

These situations require the need to have a contingency fund to smoothly carry out your bathroom remodeling project as planned and address unplanned problems. The contingency fund should be around 15-20% of the total bathroom remodeling cost to cover the additional costs.  

5. Get design inspiration from various sources:

Bathroom remodeling is not an everyday activity; therefore, planning each stage, including the design and layout. Get inspiration from various sources, including websites like Pinterest, Houzz, Instagram, and interior design magazines.

Everyday activities like visiting a boutique hotel or dining at a stylish restaurant can spark new ideas for your design project. So, watch for these things as you plan your project. You can make notes and take pictures to show to your contractor.

Conclusion:

Making your bathroom remodeling project smooth and stress-free is a deliberate effort requiring you to be mindful of certain aspects. Some tips for ensuring a smooth bathroom remodeling project are mentioned above. These tips can guide whether you are a recurrent bathroom remodeler or doing it for the first time.