When you remodel a bathroom you need to consider all the components and how they work together. Remodeling a bathroom happens in a specific order so missing one step can disrupt your workflow and create expensive delays.
This is why it is important to plan your remodel carefully. This way you will save on materials and labor costs.
New Plumbing
Plumbing is the heart of any Bathroom Remodel, and a remodel often involves adding toilets, sinks, and shower/tubs. Each of these requires pipes that wind throughout the house to connect to vent, water supply, and drain lines. Attention to detail is important for ensuring these fixtures will work well and meet building codes.
It’s also a good idea to upgrade old galvanized pipework with copper or plastic pipes. Using dielectric unions eliminates the problem of dissimilar metals touching each other and causing corrosion. Plastic push-fittings, like those offered by Speedfit, make working in tight spaces easier than using a tap spanner, blow lamp, flux solder, and bending machine.
Before beginning any plumbing work, locate and shut off the water supply valve. It’s usually located on the water supply line leading to a fixture, such as the bathroom sink or toilet. Turning the valve clockwise will turn off the water. Then, if you’re using the bathroom, have someone flush the toilet and open and close the sink and bathtub faucets to drain any water remaining in the pipes.
New Flooring
For most rooms, flooring choices come down to looks and performance. In bathrooms, the latter takes precedence. You need flooring that resists moisture and withstands frequent washings.
Concrete, for instance, is impervious to water and relatively inexpensive to install. It can be textured to increase friction and provide safety against falls, and it’s also well-suited to underfloor heating.
Wood remains a popular choice for bathroom floors, but it requires a lot of maintenance to withstand constant exposure to moisture. You can increase its resistance to moisture by having it site-finished, which floods the seams with a protective coating.
Tile is a durable, stylish option that can be affordable and easy to maintain. It’s receptive to radiant heat, which can make it comfortable in colder climates, and it comes in many colors and textures, from rustic natural stone to glazed porcelain. Designer Heidi Caillier opted for penny tiles with a muted navy blue color in this bath.
New Lighting
If you want a bathroom that feels crisp and fresh, consider changing out the lights to softer levels. This creates a more relaxing mood while helping the family keep the space clean. It also makes a small room feel bigger and brighter.
Opt for recessed light that highlights features rather than casting glare and shadows. Use dimmer switches so family members can change the lighting to their needs at any time.
Whether it’s for bathing or putting on makeup, proper task lighting is important in the bathroom. Choose wall sconces or track lights that provide shadow-free, flattering light that’s easy to see your face in.
While many lighting upgrades can be completed by DIYers, it’s always best to call in professional electricians for wiring and breaker box adjustments. This will ensure the job is done to your satisfaction and safely meets local codes. It will also help you avoid costly mistakes that can be very expensive to fix.
New Fixtures
New bathroom fixtures add a finishing touch to your new space and also provide a great opportunity for a change in style. From toilets to sinks to tubs and showers, these fixtures have a lot of power to set the tone for your room. You’ll want to ensure that all of these pieces co-ordinate well and that they suit your overall style preferences.
There are a variety of lighting options that can help to create flair in your bathroom, including vanity lights and ceiling light fixtures. There are even options for recessed light installation, which can offer a more subtle and clean look to the room.
Another option for new fixture finishes is to choose those that are designed for improved water efficiency. This will not only save you money but also reduce your environmental impact. Even small changes such as a low flow shower head or faucet aerator can make a difference.