7 harsh truths about bathroom remodelling

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
homify Moderne badkamers
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4D Studio is a residential architectural and interior design firm located in London. Known for its high-end spaces and eye-catching designs, this award-winning company is made up of experienced and passionate architects and interior designers out to up the graceful results of every project, regardless of the task at hand. And that includes your average bathroom renovation.

Any renovation project can be a daunting process. There’s the mountain of dust, a bunch of strangers (professionals in their field, yet no less strange to you and your household) coming and going, unforeseen costs randomly popping up… need we go on?

Fortunately, here on homify we always highlight the positive in every situation. That’s why we’ve gathered these 7 facts about bathroom remodelling which you may or may not have heard of already. Consider it all part of our master plan to gift you with as much knowledge as possible before you phone up an expert to come tear out your old bathroom for a new one.

1. Your contractor might have different ideas

Think of your bathroom remodelling project as surgery: to avoid having the wrong operation scheduled, you need to make sure (and then make sure again, and then again) that the proper organ (or bathroom) is marked and agreed upon. 

Of course a contractor is there to take the load off the client’s shoulders, but feel free to check up regularly on that renovation project.

2. It costs more than you might think

There’s no one-budget-fits-all when it comes to renovations. What you end up paying in the end is determined by the size of your project, the quality of the materials and finishes, your choice of professionals (i.e. Bathroom Designers), etc. 

The rule of thumb is that most of the costs for this type of project come from:

• Fixtures and plumbing (roughly 29%)

• Counters and surfaces (21%)

• Labour (20%)

• Cabinetry and hardware (26%).

Just remember that your bathroom project should cost no more than 5 – 10% of your home’s overall value. 

3. An eye-catching tub might not be your best bet

Is a freestanding tub really the most practical choice if you’re petite, hate cleaning, live in a rather old house, and love taking long showers? Consider the different ways in which you (and your household) use a bathroom before you start deciding on what fixtures and finishes to pay for.

4. You need to properly plan flattering lighting

As a lot of bathrooms are small and rather dark, lighting design requires careful thought and placement. The easiest way to light a bathroom is via a single diffuse light in the ceiling’s centre. 

If your bathroom is already pretty bright, a pair of wall sconces should suffice. 

homify hint: Consider vertical fluorescent light fixtures on both sides of your bathroom mirror for a more flattering look when applying makeup. 

5. Accessible outlets are crucial

Do you need to plug in your hairdryer in the adjoining room because there’s no outlet in your current bathroom? How often do you need to charge your electric toothbrush in another room because of the same problem? 

6. You only need to remember a few tile types

Your contractor will probably show you a mountain of different tile options, but you only need to keep a few key varieties in mind to save you time and money. Particularly hardy, long-wearing, and timeless tiles for a bathroom (no matter if it’s for the floors, walls, or shower) include porcelain, glass, natural stone, cement, and (ceramic) subway tile. Pick the one that best fits in with your bathroom’s new look (and your budget), and move on. 

7. Storage should be considered very early on

Hopefully with this one placed last you’ll remember it the quickest. Integrated storage opportunities need to be included in that first draft of your new bathroom, as it can’t be an added-on feature in later stages. Popular examples of bathroom storage include tall shallow cabinets (if you have the legroom, opt for deeper designs), plus some wall niches in the shower / next to your tub for those shampoos, soaps, moisturisers, etc. 

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