When it comes to home improvements, bathrooms are often the least of worries for most homeowners. And often, the neglect of their bathrooms becomes a major source of embarrassment for them.
To avoid the same fate, we suggest you renovate your bathroom as carefully as you would renovate your lawn, for example. A well-maintained bathroom is not only impressive for the guests but also a significant step in improving your lifestyle.
Below, we’ve compiled a rigorous remodeling strategy for your bathroom. Browse through and upgrade the feel of your personal space!
1. Determine Your Budget
On average, bathroom remodeling costs anywhere between $2500 – $10,000. The exact figure depends on your choice of materials and the size of the bathroom.
You can cut down the entire cost by renovating it all by yourself. Here’s how you can DIY your bathroom. But we don’t recommend this approach.
That’s because bathroom remodeling is not only about changing the doors, tiles, and wallpapers. It also involves a lot of plumbing work, and since you do not have plumbing experience, there’s a high chance you could mess it all up. And you might end up spending more than necessary in fixing the mess.
So, it’s best to hire a professional team for technical tasks. You can take care of the rest by yourself. Here’s the amount you should set aside:
- DIY bathroom renovation: $1000 (minimum)
- DIY bathroom renovation with a bit of professional help: $2500
- Professional bathroom renovation: $5000
Suggested Read: $1000 Bathroom Makeover That Doesn’t Look Cheap
2. Settle for A Theme
Once you’ve settled the budget, it’s time to get to work. Begin by selecting a theme for your bathroom. Ideally, the theme should sync with the rest of your house.
For example, if the rest of your house has a rustic theme, the bathroom should feature a wood accent wall, oak cabinets, a stone sink, etc. Agora Marketplace provides a way to find timber products, so you might want to check it out if you want a wooden touch to your bathroom.
But you can also opt for a standalone theme. Here’s an awesome Pinterest board with great bathroom theme & decor ideas.
When deciding on the theme, make sure that you also settle for a layout. You can determine the layout based on your answers to the following questions:
- What’s your routine? How do you usually use your bathroom?
- How much storage space do you require?
- How many people will share the bathroom?
- What is it about the current bathroom space that you wouldn’t like to see in your new space?
3. Shop Strategically
The very last step is both fun and technical. You’ll have fun checking out several markets and discovering the latest bathroom trends and technology. But syncing your likes with your budget and theme is going to be demanding. Use the guide below to structure your shopping spree.
Toilet
When shopping for toilets, it’s a good idea to begin narrowing down your options by budget. Generally, the higher your budget, the better features you’ll get. Currently, there are toilets priced at $75 as well as $5000.
At the lowest, i.e., $75, you’ll get basic functionality only. But as you increase your budget, you’ll get features like self-cleaning mode, water efficiency, air purification, heated seats, etc. We recommend investing 30 percent of your renovation budget on this essential bathroom component.
Faucet
Next to toilets, faucets are the most prominent and essential bathroom components. When buying faucets, consider the following factors:
- Configuration (one-hole, two-hole, or three-hole)
- Mount (deck, floor, or wall)
- Material (brass, zinc alloys, etc.)
- Faucet handles
- Spout
- Drain & aerator
- Faucet finish
Note that if you want your bathroom to look and feel luxurious, you’ll have to focus on the faucets. From their structure to the finish, they set a vibe and impact your overall bathroom experience to a great extent.
Wallpaper Or Paint
Generally, it’s best to opt for glossy paints for bathrooms. These paints usually have a mildew-resistant additive, which prevents the growth of mold, algae, and bacteria in the bathroom. They are also cheaper than alternatives like matte paints.If you’re on a budget, you can also consider tiling.
Apart from that, we recommend setting an accent wall. Use a bathroom wallpaper for this one, and make sure it’s out of the range of splashes. Similar to faucets, wallpapers add to the visual aesthetics and feel of your bathroom space.
Lights
We highly recommend spending on lights if you’re not spending on decor. Make sure the lights you choose light up every nook and corner of the bathroom. Greater illumination frees your bathroom space of creepy shadows, beautifies the space, and lets you focus better.
For example, if you apply makeup in your bathroom, you’ll be able to see the details and make corrections where need be.
Final Words
Lastly, here’s a pro tip: begin shopping for your bathroom online. You’ll limit your options and pay more than you need to at physical shops. Google “best faucets + [name of your area]” and browse through all your options.
Compare prices and settle for a seller with reasonable rates and an established reputation. Repeat the same process with all other bathroom items. And don’t forget to check the return and refund policy before you buy. Good luck!