Renovating a bathroom can be an incredibly exciting and fulfilling milestone. No matter how much tackling this part of your home pays off, the process can be tricky if you’ve never done it before. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin your bathroom renovation journey, fret not – You’re not alone, and reading this blog is a great place to start!

Unless you’re a seasoned interior design professional or homeowner who’s successfully undertaken similar projects, you’ll want to do your due diligence to be aware of all the details, processes, and decisions that go into a remodel. Knowing what to expect ensures a smooth renovation and that your new space will stand the test of time.

Whether renovating a small powder room or a grand ensuite bathroom, considering these five things will allow you to create the space of your dreams minus a bunch of potential headaches. Trust me; you’ll be glad you prepared!

Determine renovation costs

I’m often surprised by the number of people who dread (or even avoid) this part of the process, but it is a necessary evil. When you get the opportunity to transform your bathroom, first things first: estimate a tentative budget. Undertaking any home renovation can cost as much as you let it, and costs can quickly spiral without a plan and detailed spending plan.

Consider your expectations, research local custom-building costs, and determine how much money you’re willing to invest. As with any renovation project, obvious factors like the size and complexity of work, the quality of materials, and the choice of contractor influence the cost of a remodel. So do your homework and create a solid spending plan to avoid surprises down the road.

Consider project timeline

Converting an outdated bathroom into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space can often mean more than removing and replacing fixtures. It takes time, effort, and patience. Assuming that no work is done on weekends but proceeds only during the week, a small bathroom renovation can be completed in 4 – 8 weeks. And sometimes, bathroom renovations can go beyond this range depending on size and scope. 

Not to mention, orders, schedules, building custom fittings, and various other factors can cause unexpected delays. This is something to consider as it may disrupt your daily schedule. If you’re working with a professional contractor, it should be easy to come up with a ballpark estimate of how long your project should take. 

Acquire all required permits

Another critical consideration is finding out about the required permits for your renovation. Let there be no confusion: permits ensure that work carried out is in accordance with local building codes and structural requirements. This means certain work, like making structural changes, adding new windows, and modifying plumbing and electrical systems, may require written permission. 

Think you can go ahead without securing a permit? I hate to tell you this, but doing so can get you fined and a stop-work order placed on your project. So while this adds another step to the process, make sure—then make sure again, then one final time—that the proper permits are in place before breaking ground. 

Choose the right professionals

Enlisting an interior designer and a contractor to lead you confidently is well worth the expense. Not only do you increase the value of your home by having a professional design, but your renovation will be a smooth (and maybe even enjoyable) process. If you decide to take things on your own, you might find that managing a renovation project is a disaster waiting to happen. The last thing you want is a costly mistake, like selecting the wrong colour tile or the wrong guy to install it.

For a successful process from start to finish, choose the right professionals who understand your budget, communicate clearly, and ensure your ideas are considered (it’s your home, after all). In addition, they can help you with the plan, design, and execution of the entire project. 

Read our helpful tips on how to hire the right team for your renovation.  

Create your design ahead of time

Some simple home improvement projects don’t require thorough planning beforehand, but a bathroom renovation isn’t one of those. Instead, seek an expert to devise a thoughtful design on paper, so you and the contractor are on the same page regarding how you want your space to look ahead of time. Clear expectations from the outset will give you confidence and help avoid last-minute changes and costly miscommunication. 

 We’d love to help you

Are you gearing up for a bathroom renovation? Whether you want help turning your vision into reality with a whole bathroom renovation or a consultation to point you in the right direction, I’d love to support you in your journey. Reach out to us here, and let’s chat about the steps involved and how we can help you create a bathroom you’ll love!

xo,

Staci