Renovating The One and Only Bathroom

When it comes to renovating the only bathroom in your home - there are a few things to think about and to plan ahead before the work begins.

Recently, a client of mine asked what they should do before starting a renovation on their 1960s-era (and only) bathroom in their house.

Here's part one of my answer.

Here are some considerations to get you on the road to enjoying your new bathroom: 

Budget: How much can you afford to spend on this renovation? Determining a workable budget is your first task. The budget should include allowances for changes and unforeseen problems such as water damage to the sub-floor around an old toilet or bathtub. 

Staying or Going: What are your plans for staying in this home? If this is your dream home and you plan on other renovations down the road, perhaps a bigger budget should be considered for this bathroom. If you are planning on selling the home, contact your realtor – he or she can provide you with valuable advice on your possible return on investment and where comparable homes in your neighborhood, with renovated baths, are priced. 

Scope of Project: What do you want changed in your bathroom? Will everything be replaced or will items such as the bathtub and tile surround, for example, remain? How does this bathroom need to work for you and your family? Do you wish to relocate the toilet? Are you adding a shower or a bathtub? Do you need more storage? 

Select a Style: Start by looking through some design magazines and mark those photos that appeal to you. Do you prefer natural products such as stone and tile? What colors do you like? What cabinet styles (modern, traditional, country) appeal to you? 

Select a Color and Finish Scheme: In selecting your new materials there should be symmetry and flow between wall color, tile color, vanity color and type, and fixtures. Faucets, towel rods, shower heads, door handles, etc., should all be of one finish and style.

Next blog: part two.