10 Bathroom Remodel Checklist to Avoid Costly Mistakes

Thinking about renovating your bathroom? It’s one of the best ways to boost your home’s value and aesthetics. It creates a space that feels like a personal oasis. But here’s the catch: bathroom remodels can quickly spiral in costs if certain details slip through the cracks.

This is where our bathroom remodel checklist comes in. Reading to the end will help you learn about the ins and outs of bathroom makeovers. You will benefit from 10 clear steps to maximize design and function, avoid common mistakes, and keep your project on schedule. It will help you save time, money, and headaches.

So, are you ready to start planning the ultimate bathroom renovation? Let’s dive in!

Why Is Bathroom Renovation/Remodel So Important?

Remodeling a bathroom improves more than just aesthetics; it enhances your living experience and raises your property value. This makes a bathroom remodel a smart investment.

A bathroom renovation makes daily life more comfortable. Think about how many times you or your family members use the bathroom. Upgrading the space with modern materials and fixtures can help improve your daily routines significantly.

A new bathroom can also help save money. And here's how: outdated fixtures suffer from issues every now and then. These issues can include inefficient lighting and faulty plumbing. This means you need to spend money to keep your old bathroom functional. 

Upgrading it will help solve all these problems. Investing in the latest technology and new features can help get rid of these hidden costs. You can also have a more energy-efficient space that saves you money in the long run.

Bathroom Remodel Checklist: Plan, Budget, and Design

A bathroom remodel can be an exciting yet tedious project. You need to set a clear plan, budget, and design to achieve your functional and aesthetic oasis. This checklist will help you do just that. It will help you with the overall remodeling process. From choosing a bathroom design style to setting a realistic timeline, this checklist will help you achieve your remodeling goals.

1. Decide on Your Overall Design and Function

It is best to start with the overall design and function of your remodeled bathroom. When starting a bathroom makeover, keep your preferred style in mind. Think about what suits your tastes and your home's vibes best. Modern, traditional, or rustic are all good style options to consider. 

You should also think about how you will use the space daily. Is your remodeled bathroom going to serve as a walk-in shower? Do you need a bathtub or spa-like features? Clearly defining the style and functional requirements will help you make informed decisions. It will also keep your project focused.

2. Determine Your Budget and Scope

This is another crucial aspect of any project. When planning out your renovation, spend a good amount of time on your expenses and project scope. This will help you be in control of your expenses. Fix a reasonable budget and try to identify areas where you can save costs. Do you need high-end fixtures? Can you get things done with simple tiles? Are you installing new plumbing or lighting? Asking yourself these questions can help you stick to your budget and keep expenses in check.

You should also keep in mind a renovation project's return on investment (ROI). The national average ROI for a midrange bathroom remodel is around 71%. This means you can recoup 73% of the renovation cost as resale value. In other words, if you spend $10,000 on remodeling your bathroom, you can get $7,300 back as increased home value. 

Latest technology and appliances can help convince potential homebuyers about the premium features of your house. Keeping this in mind can help you get a better idea of your budget.

You should also account for unexpected costs. Problems, even minor ones, are highly likely to appear in projects as big as bathroom remodels. As such, you should set aside a portion of your budget for these instances. This will help you be prepared for any obstacles that try to derail your remodeling project.

3. Plan Each Element

When renovating a bathroom, multiple components come into play. Each plays a part in ensuring a successful remodel. That’s why you should carefully think about their importance and impact on your project.

You should consider the following elements carefully:

Layout

Are you planning to change your existing bathroom layout? Or just touch up here and there for minor improvements? Consider these factors and go with whichever suits your bathroom ideas best.

Flooring

There are numerous materials you can choose from. Tiles, laminate, vinyl, stone, and concrete are all durable and good options. You can also have heated floors to upgrade your bathroom further.

Walls and Ceilings

Consider what changes you want to make to your bathroom walls and ceiling. Do you want new paint, wallpaper, or tiles? Do you want insulated walls for better comfort? Are you looking to change your ceiling surface or height? All these questions are crucial to be answered when planning for the ideal bathroom.

Vanity

Your renovation project can include vanity changes. You might want to replace the countertop, add or remove sinks, or even change accessories like towel bars and faucets. Match these options with your preferences to create the bathroom of your dreams.

Toilet

This is one of the core considerations of a bathroom remodeling project. You might want to upgrade the toilet or add a bidet. You might also want to install new bathroom fixtures like grab bars. These are all important things to consider in a bathroom project.

Bath and Shower

These components offer lots of variations. You can choose a tub and shower combination for your redesigned bathroom. You can also add different types of showerheads that can be mounted on walls or the ceiling. Features also include new and heated towel bars, shower curtain rods, and drains. 

Electrical

A bathroom remodel also includes electrical work. You can install new lighting features or outlets for hair dryers. If you want to improve the electrical setup, check if you need new wires or if the existing ones will do. These are important factors in a bathroom remodel checklist.

Plumbing

It goes without saying that plumbing work is integral to bathroom renovations. Check to see if you can use existing lines or if you need extensive plumbing work. Rerouting water and drainage lines can help create the right bathroom.

Storage

You can upgrade your bathroom with added storage. You can install cabinets or shelves to give you more storage space. You can also add recessed shelving for aesthetic storage areas for your toiletries.

Ventilation

Finally, check if your bathroom needs more ventilation. Airflow is important in bathrooms, and you should check for functional and cost-effective solutions for ventilation upgrades.

4. Select Your Materials and Finishes

Once you have planned out each element, you can move on to choosing your preferred materials and finishes. You can select what type of flooring, walls, and ceiling you want for your new bathroom.

5. Plan Your Ventilation and Lighting

As we discussed already, ventilation and lighting are core parts of a bathroom. You need to ensure good airflow and lighting conditions to make the most of your redesign. Exhaust fans and windows can help with airflow, while lighting fixtures can help create cozy vibes. Different fixtures can help you maximize these settings and create a functional bathroom that meets your needs.

6. Select Your Paint

A new coat of paint can add to your bathroom aesthetics. Choose a color palette that reflects your style and bathroom design ideas. It will help create the perfect atmosphere for your redesigned bathroom. For example, you can select different finishes and color combinations to complement specific themes you like. This can ensure a successful bathroom makeover.

7. Set Up a Project Timeline

The next step should be setting up a timeline for your renovation project. You can estimate how long each step may take and get an overall idea of your project duration. Make sure to factor in unforeseen delays, as issues can arise when you least expect them.

8. Decide What You’ll Do Yourself and What You’ll Hire Out

Some tasks are suitable for DIYs, but it is better to leave others to the professionals. For example, you can install new mirrors or other accessories by yourself. However, major renovations such as installing sinks and bathtubs, plumbing, or electrical are best left to the experts. These tasks are complex and need perfection. You can hire a professional remodeling contractor to help with these projects.

9. Talk to the Right Professional

For the complex tasks we mentioned above, get in touch with experienced professionals. They are experts at handling big projects like complete bathroom renovations. Contractors can help realize your vision and create your dream bathroom for you. They are also often licensed and insured, which protects your project and ensures that the work is of high quality.

10. Apply for Permits and Tests

Finally, you might need permits and tests for your remodeling project. You should check with your municipal department and see if you need any permits. Most of the professional contractors can also help you with these requirements. They possess the knowledge about the necessary paperwork and can ease your headache about code requirements. When reviewing your potential contractors, take this task as a defining factor.

FAQ

How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost on Average?

A bathroom remodel can cost anywhere between $6,637 and $17,616. A project can have many components, such as new flooring, vanities, and even window and door replacements. Each upgrade costs differently. As a result, the cost of a bathroom remodel can vary.

Can I Renovate a Bathroom for $10000?

Yes! You can renovate your bathroom for $10,000. Most homeowners spend around $12,000 on bathroom renovations. With a budget of $10,000, you can likely refresh the flooring, vanities, or countertops. However, keep in mind that this includes only the material costs. If you hire contractors, labor costs will also be added to the total.

Conclusion

To sum up, renovating a bathroom can redesign your home's aesthetics and living experience. It can also increase your home's value with a handsome ROI. Follow our 10 tips for a smooth redesign project. It will help you plan, budget, and design the remodeling work. You will also be better prepared for the entire project and maintain the schedule.

For the more complicated tasks, consider hiring contractors. Revolution Contractors can help you with this. We provide high-quality contracting services in Florida and have been doing so since 2016. We are a family-owned business that offers you:

• Experienced bathroom remodelers
• Superior construction
• Clear communication
• Unparalleled customer pleasure
• Project completion within time and budget.

Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you with your bathroom renovation project. Visit our website for more information or to read reviews about our past work.