Remodeling your bathroom can be a big project. There’s plenty of scope for creative ideas – from bold patterns and textures in tiles and wallpaper to sleek and efficient storage solutions. Some parts of the project, like plumbing, are best left to professional contractors. Going a buffer in your budget for unexpected issues is also wise.
Layout
A good Bathroom Remodeling Jacksonville FL plan starts with a clear idea of the room’s layout. This helps with planning the size and location of vanity cabinets, showers, bathtubs, and toilets. It also ensures the layout accommodates how you want to use the space, considering who’ll be using it and whether it’s a primary or guest bath.
A full remodel can involve a number of different changes, including changing the design layout and adding major new features such as a whirlpool tub or walk-in shower. It might also mean moving the toilet or extending the shower or enlarging the window. These are considered layout changes and may require a building permit.
The floor plan for a new bathroom should make efficient use of space and include plenty of storage options. It should also provide ample access to all components for easy maintenance and cleaning. Creating the right layout is key to getting the most out of your remodeling project and making it feel as luxurious as possible.
This small primary bathroom needed a new layout to make it look bigger and more unified. By removing a wall that separated the sink area from the bathtub, designer Katie Davis opened up the space and let light pool in.
This bathroom features a large vanity with double sinks and plenty of storage, making it a great option for a family bathroom. Choosing a furniture-style or contemporary floating vanity rather than an off-the-shelf cabinet can add style and personalization to the space. Leaving space between the vanity and tub/shower combination is important to prevent water splashing onto walls or carpeting. This helps with keeping the area clean and reducing the risk of mold.
Lighting
The lighting in your bathroom is more than just a practical way to illuminate the space, but also an important design element that can transform a basic bath into a luxurious and relaxing retreat. While most homeowners focus on the tiles, bathtub and shower surround when remodeling a bathroom, it’s just as important to consider the lighting.
A proper lighting scheme will not only highlight the beauty of your design, but it will also help you perform everyday tasks more easily. Whether you’re trying to apply makeup, style your child’s ponytail or shave, having the right lighting will make it easier and more enjoyable.
Overhead or ambient lighting is an essential part of any bathroom. It can be used for general illumination or to complement accent lights in other areas of the room. For example, you might add a pair of low-wattage sconces or a table lamp to your vanity as accent lighting.
Another important aspect of bathroom lighting is task lighting, which is used for specific tasks such as shaving and grooming. This type of lighting can be found in recessed fixtures or a combination of wall sconces and vanity lights. For best results, any task lighting in a bathroom should be “wet location” rated and installed by a licensed electrician.
Finally, a decorative light fixture can be a great finishing touch to your bathroom remodel. There are many beautiful fixtures available to suit any design style. For example, a chandelier with Edison bulbs can provide a vintage look and offer a warm, inviting mood for your bathroom or you could opt for a sleek pendant that uses energy-saving LEDs to give off the same look as incandescents at a lower price.
Storage
The goal of a bathroom remodeling project is to improve the functionality of the space, increase the style and design, and add value. In addition to making the room easier for homeowners to use, a remodel is one of the best ways to boost a home’s resale value.
To help you stay organized, make sure you include storage in your remodel plan. This is particularly important if you opt for a minimalist or clean look. You’ll need to find places to keep towels and accessories that don’t detract from the design.
Shelves are a great way to store items while keeping them at arm’s length, and floating shelves are a chic solution for small bathrooms. You can also opt for a wall-mounted basket, as seen in this bathroom by Desiree Burns Interiors. Decorative baskets offer a pop of color and hold a variety of items like bath sheets, washcloths, and hand towels.
Built-in shelves tuck into the wall, saving you space, and can be custom-built to fit your needs. Designer Larson added a shelf behind this shower to provide a place for towels, but you can create the same effect with a simple column of slim floating shelves.
If you choose to remove a closet, make sure you have a plan for where you’ll store the clothes and extra toiletries you’ll no longer have available. It’s also a good idea to mark the location of electrical and plumbing hookups to avoid damaging them during your renovation.
You can’t predict the future, but you can ensure your bathroom will be functional for a long time to come by following Universal Design principles during your remodel. Installing hotel-style shelves above the toilet, for example, keeps frequently used items within reach, and you can install a ladder behind the shower to hold a caddy or towels.
Plumbing
Unless you’re a professional remodeler or a homeowner who has remodelled before, the nitty-gritty details, processes, options and decisions involved in a bathroom remodeling project can seem like a foreign language. And that’s not surprising, because a successful bathroom remodel requires much more than just a fresh coat of paint and new vanity fixtures.
Plumbing changes can be one of the most expensive aspects of a bathroom remodel, especially when they involve moving or replacing major fixtures. That’s because relocating the location of plumbing lines in a home is cumbersome, messy, costly and often requires a permit from the city.
For this reason, you want to avoid doing anything that moves or replaces major plumbing fixtures unless it is truly necessary. Instead, work with your contractor to come up with a layout for the room that keeps existing lines in place if possible. This can save thousands of dollars and help keep your project on schedule.
While you’re at it, make sure to use durable materials in the room that can stand up to a damp environment. The best options are high-quality porcelain tile, cast iron tubs and solid wood cabinets. Using lower-quality materials like particle board can swell and fail in the damp environment of a bathroom, leading to costly damage and repairs down the road.
Also consider incorporating elements of universal design into the space to prepare for future needs, including wheelchair accessibility. Even if you are healthy and mobile now, it’s hard to predict how your abilities may change over time. Adding blocks in the walls now to accommodate future support bars or other adaptive equipment can be a big help down the road.
Electrical
A remodeling project can be cosmetic or extensive. It all depends on your preferences, how much you want to spend and what type of value it adds to your home if you decide to sell. Cosmetic renovations are small improvements that make your bathroom more aesthetically pleasing. They also tend to be more budget efficient than rewiring electrical or moving plumbing.
Adding new lighting fixtures, mirrors, and furniture are some examples of cosmetic changes to a bathroom. Depending on your budget, you may choose to splurge on luxury items like a heated towel rack or a bidet. However, it’s important to remember that these items will only increase your property value if they are in good working condition when you sell the house.
Rewiring electrical in your bathroom is a major job and requires a licensed electrician. This is a step that you cannot skip. Even if your old fixtures are still in good working order, you’ll need to upgrade your electrical system to accommodate new appliances and features.
A new bathroom usually needs a dedicated 20-amp circuit for lighting and exhaust fans. This is the minimum required by code to keep your bathroom safe and operational. A dedicated circuit will prevent overloading, which can lead to a short circuit and in worst-case scenarios, a fire.
You may also need to install GFCI outlets for outlets near water sources, such as sinks and showers. These outlets are designed to prevent electrocution by shutting off the power if there is a problem with the grounding. In addition, all new electrical installations must be done according to your local electrical codes. A professional contractor can help you understand these codes and ensure your remodel is up to code.