When it comes to home renovation, which room matters the most? If you’re like many, you might say the bathroom is where you want to focus your attention. The thing is, you’re not alone. When it comes updating your home, the bathroom and kitchen are the two top contenders. So, if you’ve already overhauled your kitchen and are ready to start on your bathroom, you’ve come to the right place. Below are tips on the best ways to give your bathroom a makeover.
Get Your Finances in Order
Before breaking out the paint or ripping out the bath, you need to make sure you have money to cover all of the upgrades. The last thing you want is to demolish your bathroom and not have the money to rebuild it. In addition to using credit cards to cover the remodel, you could also apply for a personal loan. With a personal loan, you can use the money to make upgrades to your bathroom without having to worry about the interest adding up on your credit cards.
Replace the Fixtures
New Fixtures like the faucet handles can make your bathroom look new. There are a variety of options to choose from including stainless steel, brushed nickel, or muted gold. Be sure to choose fixtures that complement your current bathroom decor and don’t overpower the sink.
Turn the Shower into a Spa
One of the most commonly done projects when it comes to bathroom renovation is turning the shower into a spa. Perhaps the best part of going the spa route is that you don’t have to spend a fortune for it. All you need to do is procure the right items. The first item you need to purchase is the right showerhead. To really convey the spa feeling, you’ll need to choose one that has a mist, rain or massage option. The next item you want to buy is a shower bomb. A shower bomb dissolves while you’re in the shower and releases high-quality essential oils packed with antioxidants.
Add New Tiles
The tiles surrounding your bathroom are what waterproof the walls. Whether you’re taking a shower or a bath, the hot steam and moisture can lead to potential issues. The tiling helps prevent that, but there might be a time where they’re not doing their job. When shopping for new bathroom tiles, try and find porcelain tiles. These are the most durable and can absorb water better than any other tiles.
Replace the Flooring
The flooring in the bathroom is one of the most important factors to consider. Interestingly enough, floors, especially in older homes, might need to be replaced in the bathroom. Even in more modern homes, if the floor is made up of a certain material, like vinyl, it won’t last as long as other types of flooring. Ceramic floors can last for up to 50 to 100 years. Granted, the cost of replacing your floors can be expensive. If you’re on a budget, you can opt for cheaper alternatives such as engineered hardwood and rubber.
Hire the Right Contractors
Who you hire is probably more important than the renovations you choose to do. Before getting started, it’s a good idea interview multiple contractors. Create a list of all of the things you want done and the questions you want to ask. Always inquire about how long they’ve been in business, whether they have references they can share and whether they’re licensed.
Add a New Toilet
Toilets are usually more of an afterthought despite how important they are. In fact, many homeowners don’t know that their toilets can last for more than 50 years. However, that’s if they’re taken care of accordingly. There are a lot of things that can cause your toilet to malfunction and, in the worst-case scenario, even fail. Old toilets are notorious for having a wide array of problems such as weak water pressure and excessive clogging. A new standard toilet replacement can up to $500, but there are newer models that come with certain amenities. But these can cost as much as $1,500. And that’s not counting the installation costs, which can be up $300 depending on the installer’s rates.
Final Tips
Now that we’ve gone over how you can redo your bathroom, there are a few more tips you should know about before you go ahead with your plan. For starters, you need to properly budget and plan for this. Bathroom renovations, whether you’re installing new fixtures or simply replacing the showerhead, cost time and money. You don’t want to rush into something and not having enough funds to cover it. Secondly, you need to evaluate your wants and needs. Which takes more precedence? Are you doing this for leisure? Or, are you doing it because your home needs it? If possible, try to strike a balance between the two.