Are you getting ready for a bathroom renovation? Wondering how to remodel a bathroom well without missing a thing? Check out these 7 essential considerations.

A recent study reveals that 18% of Australians renovated their master bathroom in 2017.

Are you planning to join the ranks this year?

It can be easy to get caught up in the idea of rainfall showerheads, oversized walk-in showers and heated towel racks.

Yet, before you start demolition, it’s important to take a step back. Do you have everything in place and ready to go? You don’t want to get halfway through the project only to realize that you failed to consider an important step.

Today, we’re sharing how to remodel a bathroom that meets all your needs. The trick? It all starts with planning.

Ready to learn more? Let’s go!

1. Prioritize Plumbing

Sure, marble floors and new fixtures would be great. Yet, before getting wrapped up in the cosmetic side of your bathroom remodel, think about logistics.

If your framing allows for it, one of the most important changes you can make is to upgrade the plumbing in your shower.

Start by swapping your 1.5-inch drain pipes for 2-inch ones. It’s a cost-effective way to make a major difference. You’ll notice far less hair and gunk trapped inside than you did before.

Then, take a look at your water supply lines. Are they routed through an exterior wall? If so, they’re liable to freeze during the wintertime, especially if you live in a colder climate.

Reroute them to make sure you always have hot water when you need it the most.

2. Enhance Your Lighting

Let lighting take centre stage in your DIY bathroom remodel.

Install recessed lighting in strategic spots, including above the shower and bathtub. Then, install new, decorative sconces beside your vanity mirrors for an instant makeover.

Finally, add a dimmer switch to these fixtures so you aren’t forced to contend with full light at all times.

3. Think Twice on Tiles

As you prepare to upgrade your bathroom, you may consider reworking the tile on your shower floor. Before you spring for oversized tiles, consider their safety.

Larger tiles have grout lines that are spaced farther apart. This makes them more slippery than smaller designs, even if you opt for textured versions. With so many tile options on the market today, take your time and choose a smaller design that will last for years to come.

Another option is to consider shower floors made from acrylic or porcelain. These are quickly replacing prefabricated shower bases in more modern homes.

4. Find a Functional Vanity

More homeowners are splurging on rustic and reclaimed pieces to give their homes a shabby chic vibe. As such, it’s common to see buffets and sideboards pull double duty as bathroom vanities.

While this is possible in theory, consider how functional it is.

Cabinet door storage isn’t that roomy. It’s also more difficult to reach and organize.

Instead, opt for drawer storage, which you can cut to fit around your existing plumbing. You can even find extra-large styles with built-in organizational systems to make compartmentalizing a breeze.

5. Swap the Tub

Are you considering a bathroom renovation that features a gigantic jetted tub? These can look great, but take up a ton of square footage.

Be realistic about how often you plan to use your new bathtub. If you’re an avid soaker, this is an ideal addition. Otherwise, give that room to a larger shower instead.

While it’s helpful to consider resale value when renovating your home, remember that you’re the one using these rooms now. Don’t think about what a future buyer might appreciate.

Make sure you’ll get the most use out of your project, so you can get the most return out of your investment.

6. Recess What You Can

Especially if your bathroom is on the smaller side, look for places where you can recess fixtures.

For instance, start with your medicine cabinet. Can you adjust the framing behind it so it sits recessed into the wall rather than sticking out and taking up space? Another bathroom trend is to wall-hang your tapware to free up counter space.

If your budget allows, you may also consider investing in a wall-hung toilet. In these models, the tank sits inside the wall rather than on the back, as it does in a floor-mounted unit.

The only caveat? If you change your mind down the road, you’ll need to rework the plumbing supply due to the difference in how wall-mounted toilets drain.

7. Strategize Your Windows

One quick way to bring more light into your bathroom is to install a few new windows. Thinking of adding one in your shower? You’ll need to plan it out.

First, remember to use frosted glass panels to ensure your privacy. It’s also wise to install ones that open, so you can let fresh air into the room. Of course, you’ll need to seal the window with stone jambs along the entire frame to make sure it’s watertight.

When you’re framing for this addition, slope the windowsill down to promote drainage. An ideal model for this application is a tilt-and-turn window.

These work well because they feature an exterior-mounted screen, plastic handles that won’t rust, and maximum privacy.

We’ll Show You How to Remodel a Bathroom

With these ideas and considerations in mind, are you ready to transform your space? When you’re wondering how to remodel a bathroom, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of the design possibilities.

Take the time to consider how you plan to use the space and which features are most important to you. This way, you’ll maximize the room’s functionality.

Are you making changes to your existing plumbing or installing new fixtures? That’s where we come in.

We offer a range of professional plumbing services for residential, commercial and maintenance applications. Share your project details with us and schedule a free call-out visit today to get started.