Modernization has brought the need to renovate homes and home accessories, whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or even the living room. Those who build their bathrooms with traditional designs often find them uncomfortable and less appealing. The renovation could involve creating space, incorporating modern designs, or expanding it. Bathroom renovation is time-consuming and can be a bit costly, so before you embark on that journey, here are a few tips to consider.
1. Relocating your Toilet and Bathtub
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| Bathroom Renovation |
Moving your plumbing fixtures can be very costly, therefore, before you decide to move anything, make sure it’s necessary. The further you move these fixtures from their lines, the more complicated, costly, and time-consuming it becomes. First, decide on what stays and what moves. Moving the sink is the least expensive activity as long as it’s on the same wall. Moving the bathtub or the toilet involves relocating the drainage and water system and remodeling the floor. On the other hand, moving the shower might require changing pipes relocating the drainage system, installing a new shower screen, and doing new tiling. Since relocating plumbing fixtures can be costly, the best option is to modernize the bathroom and make it appear larger. For instance, installing a frameless shower, a free-standing bath, and modern vessel sinks can make a bathroom appear larger and more appealing. Some modern toilets have cisterns that can be installed on the wall. Even though you’ll have to re-paint or re-tile the wall, the drainage system will stay in place hence saving you costs.
2. Replace Plumbing Fixtures
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| Replace Plumbing Fixtures |
Wear & tear is common in bathrooms, and over time, your plumbing fixtures such as pipes, fittings, and valves will need replacement. Sometimes, all you need is some cosmetic repairs, but in other cases, replacement is the best option. Some of the signs that it’s time to replace your plumbing fixtures include:
- Outdated fixtures: Modern plumbing fixtures are more effective, plus they bring in a decorative element. For instance, modern toilets use 1.28 gallons in one flush compared to old toilets that use up to 7 gallons of water per flush.
- Reduced functionality: After a long period of time, plumbing fixtures can have problems such as noisy water flows, leaks, low water pressure, and water quality problems. In such cases, it could be time to replace them.
- Cost of repairs: In cases where the cost of repairs is too high, it’s better to replace the fixtures.
- Age: If the plumbing fixtures have been in service for over 8 years, then it’s time to replace them.
- Increased utility bills: Old toilets, faucets, or shower heads increase water consumption. Replacing them with new ones can reduce water bills.
- Mold: Mold on ceilings and walls are an indication that water is running through the wrong channels, and as such, you need to replace the spoilt fixtures.
Replacing plumbing fixtures not only improves your bathroom’s look but also improves its safety and lifespan. If you’re looking to replace plumbing fixtures or parts, you can visit a local plumbing store or even buy products from an online plumbing store.
3. Maximize Storage Space
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| Storage Space |
Everyone wants extra space in their bathrooms, and adding square footage isn’t the only option. Some of the ways you can maximize bathroom storage are:
- Use soft colors; they tend to make the bathroom look larger.
- Install shelves up, at about a foot below the ceiling, where you can store items while freeing the cabinets and under the sink space.
- Increase natural light by expanding windows. Natural light brightens up the space making it look larger. If you can’t get natural light, then use light fixtures or try recessed lighting.
- Consider floating elements like a wall mounted toilet and sink to clear out some floor space.
- Frosted glass or wooden shower doors tend to close off parts of the bathroom thus making it look smaller. Replacing them with glass shower doors expands the visible space hence making it look larger.
- Consider replacing some of your fixtures with smaller ones. They come in different sizes, and you will get more space to move around.
- Install a pocket door as it can slide into the bathroom door, plus it doesn’t need a door swing. Alternatively, you can consider flipping the door so that it swings out.
- Store only what is necessary and use a minimum amount of accessories in the bathroom to avoid overcrowding the room.
4. Choosing the Right Type of Flooring
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| Bathroom Flooring |
Getting the right flooring for your bathroom is different from flooring in other rooms of the house. Apart from durability, cost, and looks, bathroom flooring must accommodate large water quantities. Some of the flooring types you can choose from include:
- Porcelain tile: It’s probably the best option for bathroom flooring. It’s waterproof, cost-effective, and comes in different designs, colors, sizes, and shapes. Even though they are cold and slippery, heated tiles can be laid beneath to solve these problems.
- Vinyl sheet tile: It’s a good option for rooms that get extreme amounts of water. It’s waterproof and stain proof, making it easy to clean and maintain. In addition, it’s warmer than porcelain.
- Natural stone: It’s a good option as long as the budget isn’t a problem. It’s durable, aesthetically appealing, and offers exceptional styling options. Plus, it gives an excellent resale value.
- Engineered wood: It’s a good option for those looking for a classic yet stylish look. It can hold up well in areas with high humidity and moisture. It also comes in many colors, styles, and different species of engineered hardwood.
Avoid using carpet and solid hardwood for your bathroom flooring.
5. Hire a Professional
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| Bathroom Professional |
Bathrooms may seem small, but they are very complex to renovate. Skilled professionals need to coordinate to achieve an effective bathroom renovation. Professionals have the required knowledge, experience, and up-to-date knowledge of the latest designs. Additionally, they have a wide network of plumbing supply that can get you a discount. There are several factors such as flooring, toilet, bathtub, walls, drainage system, water system, and much more that should be taken into consideration, and any mistakes or oversights can be costly.
For a successful bathroom renovation, do enough research, make a budget and stick to it, know what you can or can’t change, and take your time to plan ahead for an alternative option for your bathroom activities, especially if you have one bathroom in your home. Finally, hire a professional to save you time and money.
April 17, 2018
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