A bathroom remodel is a big project that requires a lot of planning. Goal setting, good budgeting and selecting the right contractor can help make your bathroom remodeling experience a positive one.
Homeowners who have not taken on a major remodel in the past may find this kind of project intimidating and overwhelming. Knowing what to do, how to plan and where to turn for help is important.
Free Checklist: 3 Phases to Planning a Home Remodel
Planning your Connecticut Bathroom Remodel
Find Inspiration
Before you can plan the intricate details of your remodel, first you must find inspiration. Performing online research is important in the planning stages. Websites like Pinterest, Houzz and Porch are all useful websites that can provide high-quality photos of real bathroom remodels.
As you find pictures online, print or tag your favorite ideas. Consider making a scrapbook of possibilities, so you can show your contractor exactly what you mean as you're trying to describe it. As you find examples online that of materials that you would like to use, keep a list and collect samples whenever possible. As you gather ideas, you'll be able to form a more specific and cohesive plan. Favorite colors and materials may begin to form patterns that can inform your decisions in these early stages.
During this phase of the bathroom planning process, you may find yourself visiting a variety of material suppliers. Note the prices of materials that you would like to use for your bathroom remodel project. Having this data will help you during the budgeting phase of bathroom remodel planning.
Set Remodeling Goals
Why do you want to remodel your bathroom? Is it too small? Too dated? Do you dislike the fixtures, want more light, seek more storage space?
Write down some basic goals that you'd like to accomplish during your home bathroom renovation. Having a sheet of goals will help you prioritize fixtures and features, and will help ensure that your bathroom remodeling project will meet your needs when it's complete.
Having a list of goals will also help you talk to contractors during the bidding and contractor selection phase. Once your contractor knows your priorities, your contractor can help you narrow your focus and develop a cohesive plan.
Build a Remodel Wishlist
A remodel wishlist is similar to--but not the same as--a list of goals. The wishlist is where you'll compile all of your ideas into "must haves" and "nice-to-haves." Must haves are those items that you place in top priority. Nice-to-haves are the first items that to be cut if you need to reduce your expenses during the budgeting process. The wish list will include specific types of materials, model and make of favorite light fixtures and features that you're hoping for your new bathroom to include. The wishlist should support and expand upon your goal.
For example, suppose a homeowner sets a remodeling goal to replace dated fixtures and expand on the bathroom's storage space. To support the goals, the wishlist might include new stone countertops, custom cabinetry, pedestal bathtub and floating shelves. These wish-list items expand upon the goals and create a more specific vision of the upcoming home remodel.
Establish Your Remodel Budget
Remodels, especially bathroom remodels, are an investment. A good remodel can attract buyers, improve property values and improve quality of life for the people living in the household. Spending money wisely is a critical part of making that investment. Proper budgeting is critical to project success.
Bathroom remodels recoup about 62% of the cost of the remodel when the house is sold. The best way to achieve a high ROI is to contain your costs and install products and fixtures that dramatically improve the look and feel of the room without incurring big costs. For example:
- Install new a low-flow toilet and faucets.
- Upgrade the lighting fixture.
- Splurge on a new vanity or flooring.
- Repaint the walls.
To save money, avoid moving plumbing fixtures. Purchase materials for your remodel well in advance to get the best deals, or work with a contractor who can get wholesale prices from suppliers.
To establishing your budget, start by getting bids from contractors. Obtaining multiple bids from different contractors can help you determine the most likely price range for your home improvement project. If you need to apply for a loan, use the bid from the contractors to decide how much money you'll be requesting. Don't forget to add at least 10% to the estimated cost of your remodel, to account for mid-job changes and unexpected repairs that you might encounter along the way.
Good communication with your good contractor can help you stay within your budget. Tell your contractor exactly how much you can afford to spend, and work with your contractor to establish a budget that will stay within those parameters. If you need to save money and spend less than the estimated amount, your contractor can recommend changes that will help you acheive your goals without overspending.
Important tip: Avoid choosing a contractor with a very low bid just to save money on your remodel. Contractors who dramatically under bid the competition often do so by hiring less experienced employees or by using poor quality materials. Hiring a contractor who under-delivers just to save costs can cost more money in the long run if you are forced to make repairs or replacements.
Work With Litchfield Builders for Your Bathroom Remodel in CT
Are you planning a bathroom remodel in CT? Where are you in the planning process? Leave your comments in the box below. Litchfield Builders is happy to answer your questions and help you get started with your home remodel upgrade.
Planning a bathroom remodel is something that must happen in stages. From research and information gathering to selecting a contractor and establishing a budget, planning stages can last for weeks or months.
Making a clear plan and communicating with your contractor can help decide in advance how to handle your upcoming bathroom remodel. At Litchfield Builders, we help homeowners plan a successful bathroom remodel. We ask the right questions to help lead the homeowner to smart conclusions. Working carefully with homeowners is key to ensuring the project will be a success. For more information about bathroom remodeling and to get started with your project, contact Litchfield Builders today! You can also download our guide, 3 Phases to Planning a Home Remodel.
