10 Tips for a Gorgeous Bathroom Renovation

You might have been planning to renovate your bathroom for some time now, but have been putting it off due to the amount of time and money that it’s going to take to complete the project. But the truth is, if you follow these 10 tips from the experts, you can give your bathroom a quick and gorgeous makeover that will be all the rage with guests who come to visit!

1) Get Rid of What Doesn’t Work

The key to a successful bathroom renovation is not simply adding on. Be ruthless when it comes to your first step: get rid of what doesn’t work. Unused plumbing, outdated fixtures, and cumbersome storage can all be removed with professional support and used in another home or donated to charity. And as you eliminate old features, make room for new ones that add functionality while also making your bathroom more beautiful. That way, you’ll end up with both form and function.

2) Keep What Works and Repurpose

When it comes to bathroom renovation, what matters most is your style and taste. If you love your existing fixtures, and just want to give them a new coat of paint or add some decorative accessories, go for it! But if you want an upscale look, you may need to change out your bathroom vanity and faucets along with repainting or staining walls and ceiling tiles.

3) Plan for New Features

Changing your bathroom fixtures will change their appearance. Use our tips to plan what you want your new bathroom to look like before you get started renovating. This way, you’ll have an idea of how many fixtures and storage solutions are needed to make it happen.

4) Invest in Quality Materials

If you’re planning on renovating your bathroom, and you can afford it, go ahead and splurge on high-quality materials. Because bathrooms are typically small, it pays to make them as beautiful as possible; high-quality fixtures tend to last longer than lower-end ones, meaning they’ll be with you longer. Quality fixtures are also easier to clean and maintain.

5) Listen to Your Contractor

When it comes to bathroom fixtures, don’t be afraid to ask your contractor which products they prefer. They know what’s best when it comes to storage solutions and bathroom vanity layout and will likely be able to save you money on material costs and installation with their insider knowledge. This is one of those times that going with your gut isn’t such a great idea; instead, trust in experts!

6) Choose Inexpensive Alternatives to High-End Items

Most high-end fixtures are created from natural materials like marble and reclaimed wood. If you’re on a budget, search for them in less obvious places at flea markets or even on Craigslist. You can also find lots of inexpensive items made from faux materials, like faucets with faux jewels embedded into them. Another alternative is to skip fixtures altogether and look into bathroom storage solutions instead: Shower caddies are a great way to organize your towels and toiletries.

7) Find Inspiration Everywhere

You likely know what you want in your ideal bathroom. If not, though, and if you’re looking to use inspiration from other places to help guide your vision (and purchases), look no further than Pinterest or just Google bathroom design ideas. Inspiration is literally at your fingertips.

8) Think About Lighting, Especially in the Shower

It’s easy to overlook bathroom lighting, especially with all of those sparkling surfaces like marble and tile. But think about it: lights will highlight or ruin everything in your room, so use them wisely! If you are doing bathroom storage solutions, try hanging lights under cabinets. The effect is both beautiful and functional: that light can be used as an additional task lamp while you are getting ready in the morning or night. It can also create mood lighting when you want to relax in a bath or shower at night or early morning.

9) Hire Your Handyman Early On

Although it’s tempting to cut costs by doing your work, you don’t have time to worry about tools or do-it-yourself projects when you have contractors knocking on your door. If you need fixtures installed, hire a plumber as soon as possible so he can mark up your bathroom plan and start purchasing all of his supplies ahead of time. This way, you won’t be stuck worrying about where all of your piping will run or if it will fit into place.

10) Shop Around Before Deciding on a Contractor

There are many different contractors out there. Changing your bathroom fixtures is almost like starting your own business. And, before you get down to brass tacks, make sure you do all of your homework before you sign on with anyone contractor. Make sure that everyone is on board with all of your decisions, and don’t be afraid to ask potential contractors if they have any recommendations from past clients, and do your research! Check online reviews and personal recommendations before committing to anything.

Final Words

Before you start your renovation, take one last look at how your bathroom looks. Ask yourself what problems are making you want to renovate and note them down. Also check what style you’re looking for: modern, classic, or antique? When you’ve identified all of these, visit two or three local companies and see if they offer any packages that fit your needs. If not, decide if you want to go with something custom-built or just opt for something off-the-shelf. For example, use original fixtures (as long as they’re in good condition) in a new design instead of replacing them with new ones. Let your imagination run wild!