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Tips For a Successful Bathroom Remodel
A new bathroom will boost the look of your home and increase its value. You can start with small updates like paint or a new sink or vanity, or go big with a complete remodel.
The most important step in any remodel is planning. Work with a reputable contractor to get the job done right. Contact Bathroom Remodel Lexington KY now!
Replacing outdated plumbing is a crucial part of any bathroom remodel. Old pipes are more prone to bursting, clogging and water damage. Newer materials like PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) are more flexible, resistant to corrosion and easier to install, reducing labor costs.
Adding a tub or shower with grab bars can help improve safety in your home. Similarly, installing handicap-friendly fixtures is a great way to accommodate elderly or disabled family members.
Lighting is also a key element of a bathroom remodel. Incorporating natural light through windows or skylights can make a room feel more inviting and create a sense of well-being. Adding dimmers allows you to adjust the amount of light according to your mood or task at hand. Finally, integrating energy efficient appliances and fixtures into your bathroom can greatly reduce utility costs. These features can include low-flow toilets, water-saving faucets and LED lights.
Electrical
Electrical upgrades can transform a bathroom’s look, but they also require careful planning and attention to safety. Start by mapping out where you want the switches before your electrician comes to work on the wiring. This allows the electrician to plan accordingly and avoid tripping breakers or overloading circuits with too many appliances.
At the very least, bathrooms need to have a GFCI outlet, which is required by code. These outlets automatically cut off power when they sense a fault to protect against electrical shock. They should be located within 3 feet of each sink.
You can improve your bathroom’s overall safety by adding features like hand-free faucets, slip-resistant surfaces, low-threshold showers, and grab bars. You can also improve convenience by installing new lights and outlets with USB ports for charging electronics. During your bathroom remodel, an inspector will conduct tests and inspections to validate the safety of your electrical wiring and appliances.
Flooring
The floor is one of the most important elements in any bathroom, largely because it offers a chance to make a bold aesthetic statement. It’s also a place to add practicality with slip-resistant options, as well as warmth and texture.
Tile is a popular option, with its range of colors and styles that can suit almost any design style. Natural stone flooring is a luxury choice that can add an organic feel to the room, while also contributing to the durability of the space.
Waterproof laminate is a budget-friendly option that can closely mimic the look of traditional hardwood, though it’s less susceptible to moisture damage. It’s available in click-together planks and is easy to install.
Cork is a warm, eco-friendly option that’s resistant to moisture and feels great underfoot. It’s available in a wide range of patterns, including geometric designs and custom mosaics. Concrete is another durable, slip-resistant flooring material that can be stained and sealed to match any color scheme.
Cabinetry
The cabinetry you select for your bathroom has a significant impact on the room’s functionality. Whether you prefer drawers to hide toiletries and other items or open cubbies that are easily accessible, it’s important to consider how you and your family will use the space so that the cabinets suit your needs and reflect your lifestyle.
Cabinet design options range from a sleek, minimalist style to classic wood finishes and detailed door designs. If your budget permits, you can even choose beadboard planks for a more rustic or farmhouse look.
Once you determine your budget and layout, take accurate measurements of the cabinet space to ensure that they fit seamlessly. Oversized cabinetry can impede movement around the room, so it’s important to consider proper height and width dimensions before making a purchase. Similarly, make note of the location of plumbing fixtures so that the cabinetry will accommodate them properly. A professional can help you with these details.
Countertops
The countertop is a key focal point of the bathroom, as well as a link between wood cabinets beneath and tile walls above. Choosing the right material for countertops will have a major impact on the overall look of the bathroom.
Marble countertops add elegance and sophistication, and are available in a wide range of colors and veining patterns. This natural stone is durable and heat-resistant, but it does need to be resealed regularly to prevent stains.
Quartz is a popular choice for countertops, thanks to its durability and stain resistance. This manmade material is comprised of a comprehensive combination of different original materials, including quartz crystals and resins. It’s also non-porous and seamless, making it easy to clean. Minor scratches can be buffed out by homeowners. It’s less expensive than natural stones and can hold up to heat. However, it is not as durable as other countertop options. It’s also prone to etching, which means it will require more regular resealing than other materials.
Sinks
The sink is a bathroom’s main focal point, and there are many styles to choose from. From high-traffic master baths to posh powder rooms, the right sink can be an important part of your overall design.
A pedestal sink offers a classic look with little to no counter or storage space. This is a great option for tight spaces, particularly powder baths.
Vessel sinks sit on top of the counter like a sculptural bowl, and they come in all sorts of materials from chic glass to classic porcelain. They’re a statement piece that works well in many design styles, but they can be harder to clean than other sink types.
An integrated sink and countertop are one seamless piece, and they’re available in standard sizes to accommodate most bathrooms. This is a practical choice for busy family bathrooms and works well in modern or industrial designs. It’s also a smart option for smaller bathrooms to make them feel larger.
Lighting
Many decisions can be made without serious thought like the color of a throw pillow or a seasonal door mat, but when you’re remodelling your bathroom it’s important to consider the practical questions and concerns. This is especially true for lighting as a well-designed plan can transform the mood and function of the space.
Layering ambient, task and decorative lighting will create a well-lit space with plenty of visual interest. Be sure to include light fixtures in your budget that are wet-rated for showers and bathtub spaces, and consider recessed LEDs with a dimmer switch.
Material conjunctions are important to consider as well. If you’re going for a contemporary look, consider fixtures that are geometric in shape and use simple materials. Alternatively, if you’re leaning towards a more traditional bathroom look, opt for ornate detail and brass finishes. Remember to account for the cost of any new electrical wiring that will be required to add or relocate light fixtures.
Fans
Showers generate a lot of water vapor that needs to be vented, otherwise it creates an environment that encourages mildew and ruins wallboard, wallpaper, and paint. Using the right fan and remembering to turn it on after your shower is key to keeping your bathroom fresh and healthy.
Fans come in many different shapes and sizes. Standard exhaust fans are typically installed in the ceiling and provide basic ventilation. Window mount fans provide a more convenient option, offering direct expulsion of excess moisture through the window and avoiding recirculation.
Consider the CFM, or cubic feet of air per minute, rating on a fan when choosing one for your home. The higher the rating, the more efficient and quieter the fan is. Look for fans that are HVI Certified, as this ensures they have been tested by the Home Ventilating Institute and meet certain standards for ventilation use. Fans can also be switch-activated or activated by a motion sensor, or even equipped with a night light.
Mirrors
Adding mirrors to your bathroom is an easy, budget-friendly upgrade that elevates the space with visual appeal. Beyond aesthetics, they help to bounce daylight around the room and brighten dim corners. Mirrors also offer design versatility and work well with every decor style, from minimalist modern to ornate traditional.
Many buyers want a bathroom to feel spacious and luxurious, and mirrors can deliver that sense of expansion. Large mirrors elongate rooms, especially useful in bathrooms with lower ceilings. Mirrors with built-in storage, such as mirrored medicine cabinets, eliminate clutter and make grooming tasks easier by keeping essentials within reach.
Mirrors can showcase a unique style with decorative frames, and can contribute to the overall ambiance of the room by reflecting backlighting or a creative pattern. Incorporate a theme into the look with a frameless mirror that fits a seashore or rustic motif. For a more contemporary touch, choose a sleek, modern frameless mirror that is fog-free and adjustable for maximum visibility.