A Guide to Remodeling a Bathroom

Bathroom remodeling is one of the largest home improvement tasks. Remodeling a bathroom is a fun and easy way to update and refresh your home. There are so many great bathroom ideas and interesting and unique bathroom decor out in the world to get you started. But, before you get started to remodel your bathroom, you must think ahead and plan accordingly.

Otherwise, your project may spiral out of control. Do not fret, though. Our step-by-step how-to remodel a bathroom guide is here to assist you through every stage of the bathroom renovation process.

A remodel for your bathroom is a big project, but it does not have to be difficult. The first thing you need to do when planning your new bathroom is gathering all of the supplies and tools that you will need for this remodel. Next, make sure that you know what type of renovation you want to complete- there are many options out there!

After deciding on the type of bathtub design, your bathroom floor tile, or shower installation that best suits your home, take a look at these steps below and get started on making over your own personal space today!

How to Remodel A Bathroom

A bathroom is a place that many people take for granted. How often do you really think about your toilet or bathtub? But, when it comes to remodeling your bathroom, there are so many things to consider! How will I get all of my stuff out? How much time and money will this project cost me? What materials should I use in order to be environmentally friendly but still look great?

The list goes on and on. Do not worry through our step-by-step guide, we can help you answer all of these questions and more as you embark on your bathroom remodeling journey!

What Are the Steps of A Kitchen Remodel

Remove or Demolish Bathroom Fixtures

Removing drywall and fixtures is the initial step of a bathroom renovation.

Install Your New Shower or Tub Basin

After removing your bathroom, you begin preparing to install new fixtures. For replacing a shower or tub, you’ll want to find a basin that fits in with your new decor as well as the space where your current tub sits.

Install New Fixtures and Features

When you have removed the shower, you can configure electrical fixtures and install your new lighting. If the new bathroom arrangement has a different size or dimension from your current one, you’ll need to do some renovations on it by adjusting wiring.

The two largest steps of a bathroom remodel are moving the power outlets and GFCIs to line up with your cabinets and new vanity. Since you need to plug in your hairdryer anyway, it makes sense to place one within reach of the toilet. It’s best to have an electrician install the electrical work if you are unfamiliar with working with wiring, as faulty work could lead to injury.

Lay Down Your New Floor Tiles

A bathroom remodel is not complete without installing new floor tiles. Before you start your remodeling, use a mason’s chalk line to mark reference lines perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the wall with the longest continuous line.

In order to avoid a crooked tiling job, use tile spacers to keep your tiles in line.

Hang New Drywall and Start Painting

Now that your bathroom is taking shape, it’s time to put some finishing touches on the final product. The next step in most bathroom remodeling processes is installing drywall.

This process can take some time due to the fact that you have to cut new drywall for any feature that remains in the way. However, once you start nailing up the boards, you should be able to move quickly.

Install Your New Vanity and Cabinets

Once your walls are finished and you’ve installed new wall lights, it’s time to install the vanity, cabinets, and anything else on your punch list.

It is most crucial to install the vanity first, including its sink and faucet. Once the drain is hooked up to the faucet, then you can move onto a mirror, cabinets, and trim around the shower or tub.

Finish Hooking Up the Plumbing

In this part of the process, your bathroom should look like a real bathroom. The only problem is that it’s missing a toilet. Leave the bathroom fixtures like your toilet and bathtub until later in the process to avoid damaging them.

Can You Renovate A Bathroom Yourself

Can I do a DIY bathroom remodel? That question may sound crazy, but it’s one that many homeowners wonder about. The answer is: absolutely! If you have the time and energy to get your hands dirty, there are numerous ways for you to go from drab to fab on a budget.

Digging further, it becomes clear why most people are eager to go it alone. The average cost to complete a bathroom remodel is around $8,000-$15,000.

Prospective homeowners can boost the value of their home’s bathrooms by an average of $25,000 – as much as half the total cost of a complete renovation.

Ask a Professional to Complete Certain Tasks

Even though ambitious, no one expects to do it all on their own. While there are projects one can take on themselves, think about hiring a professional to tackle any of the following:

Electrical work

You could end up paying much more to have an electrician fix something you’ve done incorrectly. If you plan to swap out light fixtures or switches, don’t do it yourself. Call a contractor to help you with the process safely.

Waterproofing

Although it’s possible to do some DIY tiling projects, any work around the tub or shower is typically out of reach. Sure you can handle many DIY tasks around the house, but tiling your bathtub properly requires special experience and knowledge. If you don’t do it right, it could have long-term repercussions.

Structural changes

You might feel better for a moment by taking out your frustration on your bathroom wall with a sledgehammer. However, if you are not careful and don’t do it right, then you could severely damage the structure of your home. Instead of taking advantage of your lack of knowledge and doing the removal yourself, call in a contractor.

The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Budget for Your Bathroom Remodel

A bathroom remodel is one of the most expensive home improvement projects that a homeowner can undertake. If you are planning on renovating your bathroom, it’s important to have a budget in mind going into the project. Without knowing how much money you are willing and able to spend, you will quickly find yourself deep in debt with an unfinished room.

Total costs of a bathroom remodel will be substantial, so this should be considered carefully.

To avoid misalignment between your budget and ideas, consider more affordable solutions like:

Painting or refinishing a wood floor
Replacing old walk-in shower with new
Installing a prefab shower
Resurfacing a bathtub
Utilizing low-cost look-alike materials and fixtures

These ideas all help you save money. And they can become the difference between getting the bathroom of your dreams and blowing up your bank account.

Scope Your Remodel to Help Make Intelligent Decisions and Ensure Staying Within Budget

Setting the scope of a remodel reduces financial risk, helps make intelligent decisions, and ensures staying within budget. It also helps to develop a cohesive design effort and choose a style. A lengthy bathroom remodel is difficult enough without all the new fixtures and hardware fighting each other.

Before starting a bathroom remodel, take the time to map out your desired bathroom design. It is helpful to consider these steps:

Fixtures and hardware: Will you be adding all-new fixtures, like a toilet, bathtub, shower, and vanity to your bathroom? The more new fixtures you add, the more time and money your remodel will take.
Color: One of the most important parts of a bathroom remodel. Now is the perfect time to update your bathroom’s color scheme and add some personalized design. Try to pick a color palette that flows nicely instead of sticking with just one.
Utilities: Know where your water lines are located before beginning work on your bathroom and plan around those constraints. Additionally, be familiar with where your electrical wiring is and know codes for outlets and light switches.
Space usage: Your remodeled bathroom layout should be straightforward to navigate and efficient so that it uses space in a way that would maximize storage potential. Additional cabinetry and shelving will help elevate your bathroom storage solutions.

10 Popular Bathroom Styles to Inspire You

No matter what you’re looking for in a bathroom, there is sure to be one style that will suit your needs. With so many different options out there, it can be difficult to decide which design is best for you. To help narrow down the choices and inspire you with the help of a designer, architect, or contractor, we have compiled 10 popular bathroom styles that are trending right now!

Transitional- One of the more popular design styles, transitional bathrooms blend traditional and contemporary details. Even though they incorporate elements from both contemporary and traditional styles, transitional bathrooms don’t lean too far in either direction.
Modern- Modern bathrooms emphasize strong horizontal lines and are sleek and streamlined. The basic, unassuming design allows you to focus on the beauty of the architecture.
Contemporary- Contemporary bathrooms are characterized by their minimal design, simplistic material use, and high-tech features. Concerning the general design of contemporary bathrooms, they can blend quite a few styles. However, it usually sticks to simple shapes and avoids ornate embellishments that are common in more traditional bathrooms.
Traditional- Traditional bathrooms are timeless, comfortable, and refined. They have gleaming surfaces like natural stone and high-end materials. A healthy amount of decorative detail and classic elegance are two major characteristics that set traditional bathrooms apart from modern minimalist ones.
Farmhouse- Farmhouse-style bathrooms are the blended beauty of regional, rural heritage with simplicity-loving modern sensibilities. And while farmhouse bathrooms today often incorporate modern elements, this isn’t the place to experiment with trends: Think simple, honest, and homespun.
Rustic-Rustic bathrooms feature natural elements and textures including wooden floors, exposed wood beams, stone tile, and cozy textiles to create an inviting space. Popular interpretations of the style can vary depending on the designer’s choices, ranging from more traditional to more contemporary.
Industrial-Inspired by factories and warehouses, industrial-style bathrooms are simple, utilitarian spaces where functional fixtures and raw materials take center stage. An industrial bathroom doesn’t focus on appearance but instead captures the beauty in practicality and how things work.
Beach-Beach-style bathrooms are light and airy, with a focus on natural materials, coast-inspired colors, and a casual, easygoing mood. When choosing a beach-themed bathroom style, the important thing is to create a relaxed and breezy space.
Mediterranean-The Mediterranean is a region of Europe that stretches from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean and includes Southern Italy, Greece, Albania, Portugal, and Spain. Mediterranean-style bathrooms emphasize natural materials like wood, brick, and stone for a casually elegant earthy look inspired by the sun and sea. While Mediterranean-style bathrooms can incorporate contemporary touches like chrome fixtures or sleek marble tile patterns, the focus is on classics that have stood the test of time.
Craftsman- Every Craftsman bathroom is a special place of serenity and comfort, where it’s easy to forget the outside world. Craftsman bathrooms are designed with you in mind; they’re comfortable, modern spaces that make everyday life easier. Craftsman-style bathrooms have stood the test of time as we know them today for more than 100 years. And if you really want your Craftsman home to be complete, don’t forget about Craftsman kitchens!

Design a Cohesive Bathroom That Meets Your Needs

The design of your bathroom is one of the most personal spaces in your home. This room is where you spend a lot of time, and it should be a space that meets all your needs. The key to designing an aesthetically pleasing yet functional new bathroom starts with setting the scope and budget for the project.

During this stage, it’s important to choose a contemporary design that fits within your budget constraints as well as your skillset. Once you have finalized your choice, you will need to make sure that everything from tile flooring to bathroom vanity is cohesive and complement each other perfectly!

Implement an optimal scope for your bathroom remodeling project. Are you planning on remodeling the entire bathroom? Or, you are going to remove select installations like the toilet, towel bars, and vanity to add updated pieces.

Credit: Forevermark Cabinetry

Destroying Your Old Bathroom: An Emotional Experience

An experience most people dread, demoing your old bathroom allows you to release your pent-up frustrations and anger through smashing the tiles.

Demolition is not an experience to take lightly. You’re messing with memories and emotions, but it’s all worth it in the end. It can be difficult to know where to start once you’ve made up your mind to go through with this process, so we compiled a list of tips that will help make the demo process as painless as possible.

Things to Consider When Demolition Your Old Bathroom

Many bathroom demo projects begin by removing the toilet, vanity, bathtub, and shower. Take your time and turn off the water supply before removing these installations.

If you are remodeling your walls, take off the drywall and insulation as needed.

Now is a good time to tear up your old flooring if you are putting down new floor tiles. If you are replacing the trim, you can just tear it out. If you plan to use the old trim, be careful not to destroy it as you remove it.

Remove junk and debris. The messier your demolished bathroom is, the more difficult it will be to install everything moving forward.

Installing Your Dream Bathroom: Start with the Shower/Tub!

Your remodel project begins to take shape during this phase. Start by installing your shower or tub. Repair any rotted subfloor or other water damage you find during this phase of your remodel and then install your new shower or tub.

Once the shower or tub is installed, you should focus on making sure your lighting and electrical outlets, and switches are correctly placed. Making sure to install GFCIs where you need them and lining everything up with your new vanity and fixtures, place a lower level of protection against water damage.

Get drywall hung and finished before proceeding. Next, complete your flooring. Be sure to properly layout the floor. You do not want to find out halfway through that your layout will not work during the middle of a renovation.

Finish your bathroom by installing the new vanity, medicine cabinets, shelving, and painting, and checking off any other finishing touches like the baseboards and trim.