Remodeling your bathroom can be a big project. Work with a professional contractor to avoid any major mistakes that can add costs.
They can also help you plan future renovations based on universal design principles, which can ensure your home is suitable for all ages and abilities. Contact Bathroom Remodeling Lexington KY now!
The bathroom layout is one of the most important factors when remodeling. It must accommodate your family’s specific needs while ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and mold.
If you’re considering a full bathroom remodel, consider having the toilet, sink, and shower all lined up on one wall to maximize efficiency and reduce construction costs. This is a great option for small bathrooms and can make the room feel bigger by creating a sense of openness.
Full bathrooms typically have a vanity, where you can showcase your design style. Instead of a standard off-the-shelf cabinet, consider a furniture-style vanity to add a unique touch to the space and maximize storage.
Bathtub or Shower
When remodeling their bathrooms, homeowners often struggle with whether to install a tub or shower. This is especially true in homes that do not currently have a bathtub. Adding one can be expensive and difficult but also increase resale value.
Showers are a more cost-effective option and can be installed in bathrooms of any size. They are easy to use and save water. They can be customized to fit a homeowner’s preferences, and many people prefer their simple and sleek look over a traditional bathtub.
A tub and shower combo is a great choice for homeowners who want to enjoy the benefits of both features. This can be an excellent option for those who like to relax in a hot bath after a long day or for those who are short on space.
A quick fix to an outdated or worn tub is a new liner or refinishing. These are less expensive than a total replacement and can be done by the homeowner, although it is always wise to have a professional do it to ensure that all work meets local codes.
Plumbing
The plumbing is one of the most complicated parts of any bathroom remodel. The first step is to “rough-in” the water lines, which involves running the supply lines to the toilet, tub or shower, and sink. You can do this yourself if you are familiar with plumbing, but it’s best to have a professional do it for you to avoid leaks and mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Once the water lines are in place, it’s time to install the fixtures. Depending on the layout of your home, you may need to run a new vent stack through the roof or tie into an existing one in the basement or crawl space below. If you’re putting in a new toilet, you might also need to replace the drain line.
It’s also important to ensure that all of the pipes are waterproofed, which is a job for a professional.
Flooring
The flooring is an important part of the bathroom, but it can also be one of the most budget-friendly changes you can make. Flooring is not a structural element in the same way that walls or cabinets are, but it can still significantly change the look and feel of a room.
Tile is a versatile option that comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns and sizes. It’s relatively affordable and very easy to clean and maintain. Tile can be cold and hard underfoot, however, so a rug or heated flooring may help to improve comfort.
Laminate is an inexpensive substitute for wood and stone that looks sleek and modern. It’s water-resistant and withstands dents and scratches well. Waterproof hardwood floors are another option for the budget-conscious homeowner. These floors use an engineered hardwood structure with a natural wood veneer glued to plywood, which makes them resistant to moisture and humidity. Waterproof wood also comes in a range of styles, finishes and sizes. These floors can also be stained or painted to match a specific décor.
Cabinets
Cabinets and vanities are one of the biggest upgrades you can make to your bathroom, boosting both storage and style. Evaluate the items you need to store, whether it’s extra towels for family members or more cosmetics for guests, and find creative ways to address these needs.
Whether you opt for freestanding or wall-mounted cabinets, consider materials that can withstand moisture and humidity. Solid wood is a classic choice and can be stained or painted to suit your aesthetic preferences, but it can be more expensive than other options such as particleboard or MDF.
Full inset cabinets, which have doors that sit flush with the frame when closed, add a luxurious touch but require more construction detail and therefore come at a higher price. Alternatively, you can gain more storage space and create a cleaner look by adding recessed medicine cabinets above your vanity. Just be sure to account for the door swing and flow of traffic when locating these cabinets. This will prevent bumping heads or having to reach over the toilet to retrieve items.
Lighting
The lighting in your bathroom affects how well you groom and wash. It also influences mood and the amount of light you need for day-to-day activities. A layered lighting scheme can include ambient, task and accent lights to provide the best ambiance and functionality.
Recessed lighting is a good choice for bathrooms because it’s neat and unobtrusive. It provides a general level of ambient light, brightening the whole space to allow you to move around safely and comfortably.
Sconces beside mirrors welcome focused directional light for brushing your teeth or applying makeup. They can be placed either on the wall or on a fixture that hangs from the ceiling above your vanity.
Light bulbs come in a wide variety of color temperatures and brightness levels to suit many styles and purposes. Generally, soft white bulbs (between 2,700 and 3,000 kelvin) are recommended for ambient lighting, providing a comfortable, warm tone that enhances a relaxed ambiance. Consider incorporating dimmers in your new bath, and look for modern smart lighting controls that let you pre-program your settings.
Wall Art
Wall art can add a personal touch to your bathroom. You can create a family tree with photos of your children or hang framed prints of your favorite flowers. You can also dress up a simple floating shelf with your favorite books, vases, and nick-knacks.
The best way to display your artwork is to make sure it is at eye level. To do this, wipe down your wall and measure it to determine how tall you want each piece of art to be. Then, use an app such as 1stDibs to see how the artwork will look on your wall before hanging it.
Another way to dress up your walls is to repeat a theme across multiple pieces of artwork. For example, this homeowner hung a collection of paintings, prints, and needlepoints that all featured birds. This created a cohesive look that is easy to maintain and makes guests feel welcome in the space. It also highlights the homeowner’s interest in birding and ties the room together. For added protection, you can frame your artwork to keep it looking new.
Tile
Tile is a classic and timeless flooring choice with many options to suit your design style. Colorful and patterned tile is having a moment with playful mosaics and painted encaustic squares.
If you’re keeping your tile, a simple coat of paint will give it a fresh look. Invest in quality primer to give the surface an even base for the paint. Experts recommend lightly sanding the tiles to prepare them before painting.
If you’re replacing the tiles, choose a color that complements your existing colors and patterns. Keep in mind that any spot where the tile meets another surface (such as a countertop or tub surround) should be sealed with caulk instead of grout. This prevents moisture from seeping in and damaging the tiles or other surfaces.