Where to Start When You Need a Change
Although we don’t spend a lot of time in the bathroom, it’s one of the rooms where a little bit of change can make a large difference. If you’re ready to have a spa-like experience in your own home, now may be the time to get started.
Bathroom remodels vary in complexity depending on the type and amount of work you want to have done. No two projects are the same. Before you start your project, there are some steps you can take to help ensure it will be a success. Planning ahead will help you avoid remodeling mistakes.
1. Gather ideas
The first step is to gather ideas about how you want your bathroom to look when your remodel is complete. The internet is full of photos of bathroom ideas that you can use for inspiration, or you can search Pinterest. Search for bathroom remodels and you’ll find hundreds of ideas to choose from. Or you can search for a specific feature, like a vanity, to find more specific inspiration.
For some items, like faucets and fixtures, you’ll want to see them in person and test them out. A visit to the local home improvement store or a manufacturer’s showroom is a great way to kick the tires. Many of these stores have sinks and bathtubs set up so you can get the full experience. Be sure to take photos and get the model information of any fixtures that catch your eye. You can also gather paint chips and other finish samples while you’re there.
Store your ideas, photos, and other inspiration in a central location on your computer, tablet, or phone. You can save them to a cloud storage site, like OneDrive or Google Drive, so you can access them wherever you are. Organize your photos
2. Decide the scope of the project
Next, you’ll need to decide the scope of your project. Will you be removing everything and starting over, or changing a couple of fixtures and painting the walls? Obviously, how much work you decide to do will affect the budget, as well as how long the project will take.
There are a lot of fixtures and accessories in a bathroom that you may want to change or add. Here’s a list of items get you started:
- Bathtub or spa
- Shower
- Shower door/curtain
- Soap holder/shower shelving
- Cabinets/shelves
- Countertops
- Vanities
- Lavatory sink/faucet
- Toilet/bidet
- Grab bars
- Lighting
- TV/audio
- Medicine cabinet
- Mirrors
- Tub/shower faucet, valve, and drain
- Shower seat
- Adding/moving walls
- Soap and lotion dispensers
- Wall coverings (paint, tile, wallpaper)
- Flooring
- Toilet paper and towel holders
- Ventilation (exhaust fan)
- Heating and air conditioning
3. Select a contractor
Most of the work involved in a bathroom remodel project, such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, is better left to professionals. They have the skill and knowledge to make sure that the work is done correctly and safely. Contractors have years of education and professional experience, as well as the right tools for the job. You’ll save time and money when you hire a professional to organize the project and perform the work.
When researching contractors, there are some things you should look for:
- Is the contractor local?
- Do they have the proper insurance and bonds?
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they provide quality work?
- What do their customers say about them?
We are a full-service design and construction firm licensed in California and can take you from idea to completion and provide a full warranty on our work. We are rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau and invite you to see what our customers think of our work
4. Establish a budget
The next step is to work with your contractor to establish a budget for the project, based on the ideas you’ve gathered and the contractor’s expertise. Companies that combine design and construction services are able to provide pricing on the work as the design evolves, letting you know if you need to make changes to meet your budget targets.
As the design progresses, you may find that you have to adjust your ideas to meet your budget. Contractors can offer suggestions, like economical finish materials and fixtures, to help reduce costs so you can get the look you want without busting your wallet.
5. Complete the design and pull permits
Depending on the scope of your project, building permits will need to be issued before starting your project. Your designer will develop plans for the work and submit them to the city or county that has jurisdiction. Once the plans are reviewed, a permit will be issued, and the contractor can begin work. Plan review times can be lengthy, so include that in your schedule. Your contractor will work with you to let you know what is needed to ensure your project meets code requirements.
Your partner for a successful bathroom remodel project
Creating a plan before you begin your bathroom remodel project will help you stay organized and keep your project on track. Working with a remodel contractor helps ensure there’ll be fewer surprises and lets you feel confident that you’ll be happy with the results for years to come.
When you’re ready to get started on your dream bathroom project, contact HomeTech and we’ll help you make your dream a reality.
If you’re considering a bathroom or kitchen remodel, a new addition, or even a whole house remodel, we’d love to talk it through with you. Call 408-542-0833 to schedule your free consultation today. Or, fill out the form below and we’ll get in touch!
