Bathroom Remodel Tacoma WA adds value to your home and can be a great way to update your space. If you’re planning to remodel your bathroom, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
It’s also important to plan out your remodeling project so that it is done in a logical sequence. This will save you from unnecessary headaches and costs down the road.
A bathroom remodels can take many forms, from a facelift that focuses on cosmetic changes to a complete gut job that reworks the entire space. In most cases, a remodel should be done by professionals to ensure quality and safety. Depending on the extent of the project, it is important to understand what steps need to be taken and how long each step may take.
One of the biggest decisions when it comes to a bathroom renovation is the layout. It is important to determine what type of layout will work best in your space and what goals you want to accomplish with the remodel. In most cases, the budget will play a role in the layout decision as well.
There are three basic types of bathroom layouts: full bath, half bath, and three-quarter bath. A full bath includes a toilet, sink, and tub or shower. A half bath is usually just a toilet and sink. A three-quarter bath includes a toilet, sink, and shower.
The layout of a bathroom can have a big impact on its function and how it feels. A common bathroom remodel involves changing the location of the toilet, shower, and/or bathtub. This can be expensive as it often requires tearing down walls and moving plumbing hookups.
If you are considering changing the layout of your bathroom, it is important to consider how the new layout will fit your lifestyle and family needs. A professional designer can help you determine what layout will work best for your space and goals.
Once the layout has been decided, the details can start to come together. This is the part of the process where color, fixtures, and decor are chosen. This can be a fun and exciting time, as it is a chance to personalize the space to match your style.
Adding a pop of color to the vanity is one way to make the room feel more modern. For a more traditional style, wood accents and earth tones are a great choice. It is also important to coordinate details like soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and wastebaskets to create a cohesive look.
Bathrooms are small spaces, and lighting is crucial to avoid unflattering shadows. Consider a dimmer switch, especially for the main fixture, so you can set the mood and take your time with morning grooming or evening soaks. You should also consider a few recessed fixtures around the mirror for bright, even light. A softer, natural-looking white LED or fluorescent light is ideal, but you can choose color-corrected “daylight” bulbs for the most flattering lighting for makeup application and other grooming tasks.
While it’s tempting to go with a bold design for your vanity, sink, and toilet, it’s best to stick to neutral options when selecting the main fixtures. This will allow you to easily swap out the accessories, and it will help the room remain functional and attractive over the years.
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing fixtures is that you’ll need to make sure the sheetrock and subfloor are up to par for a water-tight installation. This will ensure that the new materials don’t rot or sustain moisture damage over time.
Unless you’re a DIY homeowner with experience remodeling bathrooms, it’s always best to hire a licensed professional to complete the work. This will prevent any costly mistakes that can cause big headaches down the road.
A good contractor will start by examining the existing space and assessing any issues. They’ll then make a list of goals for the remodel and begin to create a plan. They’ll then remove the old fixtures, shower pans, and tubs and install the new ones. Once the larger plumbing is in place, they’ll put in the vanity, sinks, and toilet.
Once the basics are done, it’s time to add some personal touches. Some of these can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint. Others can be more elaborate, like a custom shower system or a built-in music system.
Adding features that enhance the functionality and accessibility of the bathroom is important to future buyers. This includes a walk-in tub or curbless shower, as well as grab bars for safety and comfort.
The materials used in a bathroom remodel must be durable to withstand high levels of moisture and heavy use. The choice of materials also reflects the overall design of the space and can add character to even the most mundane rooms. Some popular choices for bathroom materials include stone tile, natural wood accents, and patterned wallpapers.
Some of the most important materials used in a bathroom are plumbing fixtures and flooring. It’s also important to consider the type of storage you will need for towels and toiletries post-remodel and where electrical outlets, pipes, and other utility hookups are located (these will need to be relocated during a full remodel).
For flooring, glazed porcelain tile remains a popular choice due to its moisture resistance and durability. It is highly versatile and can be used for floor, shower or tub surrounds and accent walls. Vinyl, hardwood, and cork are other options that provide traction and are easy to clean. These can be sealed to protect against mildew and bacterial growth.
Porous materials like carpet or fabric are generally not recommended in bathrooms as they can quickly become mildew-ridden and may require expensive replacement. Other bathroom materials that are typically chosen include glass or ceramic shower doors, wood vanity cabinets, and stainless steel or chrome faucets.
It’s always a good idea to have basic tools around during a remodel, especially when working with pipes or electricity. It is also a good idea to mark the location of the existing electrical wiring and plumbing pipes so you don’t accidentally damage them during your renovation. A wet-dry shop vac is also useful for cleaning up spills and drips during the process.
One of the most important parts of a bathroom remodel is deciding what fixtures and accessories will match or complement the design theme. This includes everything from soap dispensers and toothbrush holders to mirrors and lighting. The right accessories can tie a room together and make the renovation feel finished. Decorative elements can be added to any bathroom, regardless of style or size, to create a more personalized space that is both comfortable and functional.
As with any remodeling project, the costs of change can be high. For example, if you change your mind about the location of a fixture or want to add an outlet, this requires changing the electrical plan, which usually means hiring an electrician. A remodeling pro should be able to advise you of the best options for your project.
It is also important to remember that any work done in a bathroom must comply with building codes, and the plumbing system in particular needs to be updated as necessary. For instance, old pipes degrade and can leak or restrict water flow. Upgrading these pipes can prevent problems and save money on utility bills.
If you are adding a new toilet or changing the location of existing fixtures, the plumber will need to visit the home to connect to the sewer line and ensure that all water and sewage lines are properly rerouted. These changes may require rewiring and additional framing and drywall.
During the demo stage, you should have the bathroom’s electricity and water turned off, which is essential for safety and to prevent costly damage that can be difficult to repair later. It is also important to remove all existing flooring and inspect the subfloor for moisture or mold. Then, you can replace the subfloor as needed and make any repairs required to bring it up to code.
Next comes putting the bathroom back together. Walls can be repainted as long as they are well-insulated and have a water-resistant finish, such as a satin or semi-gloss paint. Since a bathroom is a moist area, drywall must be insulated to guard against condensation and mildew.
Once the drywall is up, you can install your sink and vanity and hook them up to the plumbing. You should also add or move any light fixtures that need to be changed, and this is a good time to install ceiling fans. An electrician can install new outlets or reroute them to a more convenient place.
It is a good idea to use only reputable professionals for any construction or electrical work. A remodeling contractor should have a strong reputation, an appealing portfolio of projects, references from satisfied customers, and the proper licensing and insurance.
