Does your bathroom need a makeover? Are you tired of its outdated look and lack of functionality? If so, it may be time for a remodel.
Remodeling your bathroom is a great way to improve its functionality, storage, and layout. It can also give your bathroom a fresh new look. In San Antonio, where many houses were built in the 1980s, refreshing older home interiors, including bathrooms, is especially important.
Since your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your house, you deserve to have a space that you feel good about and meets the needs of your lifestyle.
However, remodeling a bathroom is a complex task that requires careful planning. To ensure a successful remodel and get the bathroom of your dreams, here are eight key things to consider before getting started:
1.Hire the Right Pro
Unless you plan to DIY the remodel (which you shouldn’t in the first place), hiring a qualified contractor will have a major impact on how well the remodeling project goes. Look for an experienced professional who has solid reviews and has completed similar bathroom remodels.
Given that San Antonio is known for iconic landmarks like the Alamo and the River Walk, many homeowners aim to harmonize their interior designs with the city’s rich cultural history. Thus, seeking contractors experienced with bathroom remodels in San Antonio becomes especially valuable as they can seamlessly integrate such local aesthetics into modern designs. Make sure they can work within your timeline and budget.
2.Assess Your Needs
Consider the aspects you dislike about your current bathroom as well as what is working well. Do you need more storage space, a larger shower, better lighting, or new finishes?
Think about who uses the bathroom and any accessibility concerns that need to be addressed. Given San Antonio’s diverse population, with 14.2% being born outside of the country, cultural and ergonomic design elements might be significant considerations for many households.
For growing families, multiple sinks may be a priority. For empty nesters, a luxurious soaking tub may be on the wish list. Define your needs and wants early on so they can be incorporated into the remodel plans.
3.Set Your Budget
Bathroom remodels can span a wide range of budgets. Having a clear budget in mind for the project is essential for selecting finishes and fixtures and determining if you need to work in phases.
Many factors impact the cost: the size of the space, the quality of materials selected, and whether you are doing a facelift or a full gut renovation.
Get quotes from contractors early on so you have a realistic sense of what is feasible with your budget. You can always scale back if needed. Keep in mind there may be some wiggle room in the budget for splurges like higher-end tile, lighting, or vanities.
4.Choose a Style
Narrow down the aesthetic you are going for in your new bathroom. Is your taste traditional, contemporary, or transitional? Collect images to identify the features you are drawn to, like color palettes, textures, patterns, and materials.
Consider the style of your home and what will work best in the existing footprint. A cohesive style will make it easier to select fixtures, finishes, tiles, lighting, and accessories. If your home is traditional, modern elements may look out of place. Or, if you live in a contemporary home, an ornate clawfoot tub could clash. Select a style you love that makes sense for your home.
5.Pick Fixtures and Finishes
The fixtures, finishes, and materials you select will bring your vision to life and make a major impact on the look and functionality of the space. Spend time exploring options for tile, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, faucets, shower systems, flooring, and other elements. Many choices like paint colors, tile, and cabinet styles align with different design aesthetics. Keep your overall vision in mind as you make selections.
Also, visit showrooms and design centers to get a sense of available products and select durable and easy-to-clean materials that can stand up to moisture and everyday use.
6.Create a Layout
Consider where the sink(s), toilet, shower, and/or tub will go and how you will use the space. Also, think about plumbing and potential adjustments needed if you are moving or adding fixtures. Measure carefully and create a floor plan sketch to scale. This will help you and your contractor determine what is feasible within the existing footprint.
Look for opportunities to improve storage with cabinetry, shelving, and built-ins. You must also minimize wasted space by maximizing every inch. Focus on creating a functional layout tailored to how you use the bathroom.
7.Address Ventilation and Lighting
Proper ventilation and lighting are essential in a bathroom. Make sure you’re venting out the moisture and humidity to prevent mold and mildew. And use exhaust fans to improve bathroom inner air circulation.
In places with humid climates like San Antonio, it’s especially crucial to ensure bathrooms have effective ventilation systems, given the heat and humidity in the area, which can exacerbate mold growth.
Carefully examine lighting placement and install fixtures that provide ample task lighting at sinks and mirrors, as well as ambient lighting. Many bathrooms lack sufficient lighting, so the remodel is a chance to upgrade.
8.Don’t Forget Small Details
It’s easy to focus on the big picture elements, but don’t overlook the small details that personalize the space and make it feel complete. Selecting new bath accessories can update the look without breaking the budget. Mirrors, art, plants, towels, and shower curtains all impact the aesthetic.
Conclusion
Planning a bathroom remodel takes time, research, and careful decision-making. Following these eight tips will help set your remodel up for success. Stay organized, flexible, and communicative throughout the process. Although remodeling while your bathroom is in use can be challenging, the end result will be well worth the investment and effort for years to come. With proper planning and attention to every aspect, your dream bathroom can become a reality.
