5 Key Things To Keep In Mind Before You Start Your Bathroom Renovation Or Remodel!
RENOVATING YOUR BATHROOM? DO YOU WANT TO TRANSFORM YOUR BATHROOM WITHOUT A HITCH?
Let’s take a look at 5 key items you need to consider before you start renovating your bathroom space!
To help us start this journey, SIDLER has been honoured to have Robert Capar who is the owner of the award-winning construction and contracting firm, maison d’etre to provide his expertise and insight into this.
ROBERT CAPAR, OWNER OF MAISON D’ETRE
There are certain key things to consider when you renovate or remodel your bathroom to create your new dream space.
When it comes to bathroom renovation or remodeling you will have to think about so many factors such as, paint colours, tile, flooring, counter-tops, toilets and cabinetry, and fixtures. We also think about the style of design aesthetic we want for our bathroom space such as modern, contemporary, minimalist, industrial, mid-century, modern or traditional, etc.
But, before you start your bathroom project, here are the TOP 5 KEY ITEMS to keep in mind first!
PROJECT SCOPE
A new bathroom or a bathroom facelift is something many homeowners dream of. And this new bathroom renovation/remodel you envision can be a dream come true. The question is where to start?
Before you begin your new bathroom project, some initial questions need to be asked. Are you planning to just add a few touch-ups to update your bathroom or are you looking to do a full renovation or remodel with all new fixtures and finishes?
FAMILY & ENTERTAINING PROJECT – BY MAISON D’ETRE
To a degree your budget will also dictate certain items and the scope of your bathroom project. A basic superficial update can start at $15,000 while, a standard complete renovation or remodel can range between $30,000 to $50,000. Also, you should keep in mind there will be a lot of people involved in your renovation such as, general labourers, electricians, plumbers, tile installers and finishers, which add to the overall cost. Then there are the finishes to consider such as, tiles, stone, plumbing fixtures and cabinetry, and general finishing products such as towel bars and lighting. For example, the price range for a toilet can be anywhere from $300.00 to $10,000 where the higher cost options offer a range of bells and whistles for those who have a healthy pocketbook!
ELEMENTAL PART 2 PROJECT – BY MAISON D’ETRE
SHOWER OR BATHTUB
For some homeowners, the decision to choose between a shower or tub is irrelevant as they have a large room to accommodate both features. But for others, it’s a choice of one or the other. And for those concerned with mobility or access, curbless showers with a bench are fantastic design options. The curbless shower offers accessibility and functionality to any bathroom. But there are still those who insist on a tub, which can either be stand alone or integrated with a shower.
CONDO RENEWAL 2A PROJECT – BY MAISON D’ETRE
Some homeowners are concerned about the resale value of their home if they don’t include both options in their new bathroom project. In my 25 years of experience in home renovation and remodeling; my input to the shower versus bathtub debate is over 90% of our clients choose the shower option. So, homeowners don’t need to worry about the resale value if they can only choose one option given the majority of the population seem to lean towards just a walk-in shower. Ultimately, it is always best to just go with what you want in your new bathroom project.
TRANSFORMATION PROJECT – MAISON D’ETRE
STORAGE
Unless you are one of the fortunate ones with a large room to play with, most will need to consider functionality such as storage in your bathroom for all of your bathroom toiletries and necessities.
Most developers keep within a budget of minimizing costs when building, which can affect functionality leading to homeowners wanting to renovate. For example, the large mirror covering most of the wall space above the bathroom vanity is a common mirror style used as it is a low-cost item, which is easy to install, but serves little purpose.
SIDLER QUADRO MIRRORED CABINET WITH FUNCTIONAL LIGHTING AND STORAGE
Therefore, functional storage options such as, a mirrored medicine cabinet serves double duty as both a mirror and accessible storage space. Many mirrored cabinets also include integrated lighting for a very minimalist and functional added feature. These cabinets can be centered over a sink with additional side-mirror kits expanded to create that large mirror effect or they can be recess mounted into the wall for a more flush, seamless look. Some mirrored medicine cabinets also have other great features and options from built in magnifying mirrors, outlets, and USB ports to built-in TV’s!
FAMILY & ENTERTAINING PROJECT – BY MAISON D’ETRE
And with the addition of drawers to the vanity cabinet or adding a full height cabinet to hold towels and other supplies, these options will further boost functional storage in your bathroom.
STYLE
Knowing your usage requirements for your bathroom is another key factor before you do your bathroom makeover. Your usage and functional needs dictate the bathroom design.
For example, if you only have a toothbrush and towel then a minimalist design will work for you. Design options such as, floating cabinets and toilets can create a modern, minimalist style and functionally, which creates a ‘clean’ design and adds to the ease of cleaning.
CAT’S MEOW PROJECT – BY MAISON D’ETRE
Custom tiles and modular sink units can be designed for those with a hefty budget. Accents such as, heated towel bars, in-wall storage units and lighting effects or UV cleaning light technology can all work to create your custom space. With the assistance and guidance in working with your designer, a variety of options can be explored and the associated costs in designing your new space can be outlined.
ELEMENTAL PART 2 PROJECT – BY MAISON D’ETRE
ACCESSIBILITY
A bathroom that has ease of accessibility is a key component to consider for a bathroom remodel.
Curbless showers are great at providing ease of access for those with mobility issues, which is a current go-to design option with future longevity. However, there are situations where the option for a curbless shower is not always feasible. Therefore, it is beneficial to consult with your contractor to determine if this is a possible option in your home or to explore other options to create accessibility in your bathroom.
CAT’S MEOW PROJECT – BY MAISON D’ETRE
Also, consider lighting as well. Various lighting options provide task lighting for functionality or more atmospheric lighting to create a certain mood in your bathroom. And varied lighting options also address light quality, ambience, and brightness. All these considerations influence accessibility.
SIDLER XAMO MIRRORED CABINET WITH MOOD AND TASK LIGHTING
Lighting especially becomes more critical as we age. So, consider installing more than one lighting option in your bathroom such as, pot lighting, wall sconces and night lights with dimmable functionality to create a room with multiple and accessible functionalities. For example, turn on your dimmable pot lights with ambient, warm hues for some relaxing ‘spa time’ in your bathroom. Or turn on your ‘above the sink’ wall or ceiling mounted crisp, white light, or your mirrored medicine cabinet’s integrated lighting for the ‘task’ lighting needed for make-up application, tweezing your eyebrows or shaving.
CONCLUSION
These are just a few key items to consider before you start your bathroom renovation/remodel project. And the value of a good designer and contractor who has a wealth of expertise and knowledge can positively influence your project. These experts are such a great source of information given they know the ins and outs of the various products and materials available in the market.
If you are going to invest in a bathroom transformation, you don’t want to start with missing some key information only to get to the end of the project and encounter issues where you then realize these key items were crucial. So, the first, main step is to consult, gather and utilize the many resources of information available in order to help you map out a plan of action, which includes all the key items you need to consider for your bathroom renovation/remodel project.
Here are some articles that also provide more great tips on what you need to know for your new bathroom renovation or remodel project.