The Bathroom Renovation Reality Check: Important Things You Need to Know Before You Tear It Out

A bathroom renovation is one of the most popular upgrades that homeowners tend to go for. It is one of the most popularly used rooms in the home and can very quickly look old and outdated. Whether you are selling your home in the near future or you are looking for ways to futureproof your home, the bathroom is always a go-to. It is a great way to increase the value of your property, and can benefit you now and in the long-term. 

The issue with bathroom renovations is that they can often seem simple on the outside. With some new stylish tiles, a cool vanity unit and a spa-like shower head, you can make a huge difference. There is truth to that, but anyone who has ever had a bathroom experience can tell you that they are deceivingly more complex and expensive than you may think. 

This is why it is vital that you know all about bathroom renovations before taking any action, so you can make a more informed decision about what you do with your time and budget. For some, even knowing what it will take, they will believe it is a worthwhile upgrade to make. For others, they may choose other upgrades or another part of the house. 

Every home is going to be different. It is going to be essential for some, for hygiene, safety, comfort and aesthetics. But there is a lot to consider, for example, the complex plumbing and electrics, as well as the structure and foundations. One wrong move, and you will be calling out the emergency team to help you. This is the last thing any homeowner wants. 

To help you on your journey, it is important to understand more about the process and what a bathroom renovation entails. To help you on your journey, here are some important things to consider so you can make smart, valuable and informed decisions that serve you now and in the future. 

Always start with the why before you design anything 

Many people will get caught up in new bathroom designs, choosing tiles and colors. While this is important, and you want to have fun with the renovation project, it is important to think practically first and gain some clarity on the purpose of the project. 

Make sure you can clearly answer why you want to renovate your bathroom, and you are happy with your answer. 

Are you looking to:

• Make your bathroom bigger or more functional? 

• Accommodate for changing needs or a growing family? 

• Increase the value of your property? 

• Update an old bathroom? 

• Solve safety hazards and issues?

The reasons are really important to start with, as all the decisions you make after this are going to be informed by your core reasons. This will ensure that by the end of the project, you get what you need. 

Budgeting for your bathroom renovation 

Bathroom renovation projects cost a lot of money, and there is a good reason for it. There isn’t just the structural things to think about, or new installations, but complicated things like waterproofing, tilings, plumbing and electrical work. 

It is therefore important that you conduct research, ask around friends and family, and even obtain some quotes before you make any commitments. 

Here are some things that you will need to consider the costs for: 

• Labor and contractors 

• Inspections, permits and licences 

• Structure, plumbing and electrics 

• Parts (toilet, sink, shower, bath, vanity)

• Emergency fund 

• Incorporating energy efficiency

Unfortunately, the emergency fund should be non-negotiable. You never know what might be underneath the walls and current structures. If you find things like water damage, mold or outdated electrics and plumbing, that may cost you more than you expected. 

Determine whether you can do it yourself or if you need support

It is vital that you are realistic and honest about your skills, experience and time. If you are going to do it yourself, you should be confident that you are fully equipped to do the work and have the capacity to do it. If you don’t, you may run into big issues and have to call out emergency professionals like a plumber. 

If you are updating your bathroom with new units and fresh paint, that might require less skill and capacity. 

Conduct an assessment first 

Before you do any work or hire professionals, it can be really helpful to conduct an assessment or an inspection first. This should be conducted on things like electric work, plumbing and the walls/structure. Many people don’t realize that they have issues like mold or pests, which have compromised the important structures you need for your bathroom.

For others, it might be something like a burst or leaking pipe that you didn’t know was an issue. It is therefore important that you seek the support of an emergency plumber to provide you with a fix and inspect the area for any other issues. You can then add these things to the list for your bigger renovation. You will then have a better idea of the work and the costs that are involved, as well as building up a network of professionals who are familiar with your bathroom and can help you with your bigger renovation project. 

Storage 

A beautiful bathroom is one that has adequate storage and a lack of clutter. Storage is one of the most commonly missed aspects of a bathroom, and personal items that are used on a daily basis can quickly clutter the space. When you are thinking about your bathroom remodeling project, it is vital to think beyond the design. Consider what items you keep stored in the bathroom (and how many of you are trying to store things in there) and consider how you can come up with smart or built-in storage solutions. For example, linen cabinets or shelving, drawer organizers, recessed cabinets, shower shelves and more. 

A bathroom renovation, while the aesthetics are important, so is everything beyond the surface. Make sure you consider these important aspects of a bathroom renovation when you are planning one.