Renovating your bathroom is one of the best improvements you can make to your house. Not only will an updated bathroom increase your enjoyment of your house, if done right, it also can add a lot of potential resale value. Here are five thing you need to do to make your bathroom renovation project successful.
Have a Plan
The first step to a successful bathroom renovation is to have a plan of everything you want done and how it will get down. You should sit down and map or write out the improvements you want and then go over that same list with your contractor to ensure the two of you are on the same page.
Don't Go Overboard
Any real estate agent will tell you that you will recoup more of the money you spend on your bathroom remodel if you keep it simple. That means don't over-customize things such as your sink, vanity, shower and fixtures. You also want to avoid having to move around water lines, because that will greatly add to the cost of your remodel without adding any additional value. The only exception to that rule is when you are extending lines to create new fixtures, such as turning a hall closet into a half bath.
Use the Right Professionals
It's a given that you should use professionals to do the work in your bathroom, but you also want to use the right professionals. For example, a plumber such as Sparrow & Sons Plumbing and Heating should do all the plumbing work, a contractor should do structural and carpentry work and an electrician should do electrical and lighting work.
Look for Opportunities to Save Money
The temptation when doing a renovation project is to go wild and spend as much money as you can, but there are plenty of ways you can save on the work without compromising the quality. For example, you might do your own demolition or cleanup work or you might reuse items that are in good shape, such as flooring.
Go With Energy Upgrades
Though it may cost more upfront, going with energy upgrades such as energy-efficient lighting and low-flow showers and toilets will save you money in the long run, and it also will appeal to socially conscious buyers.
Even a minor bathroom remodeling project is a major undertaking. Following these tips will help to make things a little less stressful and ensure that your renovation project is a success.
