Creating New Spaces
As we’ve spent a great deal of time at home over the past several years, you may have begun discovering things about your house that you’d like to change. Some changes could be as simple as getting a new rug or throw pillows. But if your sights are set a bit higher, it may be a good time to remodel the bathroom.
Your bathroom should be a safe space where you can relax and unwind from life’s stressors, so its design must reflect that! Before jumping into such a big project, however, it’s important to properly research and plan in order to successfully create your vision.
Follow this checklist from AWS Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for a carefully planned and executed remodel from a team you can trust.
Budget
In 2021, the average remodel cost a little over $10,500. However, this is not a price tag set in stone. The cost of your remodel will depend largely on the size of the bathroom, the amount of work you’re planning to do, and the materials and fixtures you choose.
Labor
With such a variety in the cost of remodels, it is important that you begin the process by setting a budget. During this time, you will have to consider the cost of labor for designers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, tile installers, and any additional handymen you might need.
DIY
There is nothing wrong with DIY-ing a few remodeling projects yourself in an effort to cut costs. However, keep in mind that a job gone wrong could end up costing you much more to fix than the initial cost of hiring a professional.
Materials
Do your research ahead of time and find a few materials you like that fit your budget. Knowing these costs ahead of time will avoid unnecessary surprises and stress. Be sure to consider everything you’ll need including:
- Tile
- Countertop
- Lighting
- Shower/tub
- Hardware
- Sinks
- Cabinets
Pad the Budget
No matter how well you plan, you never know what unexpected issues could pop up. Maybe the plumber needs to reroute pipes in order to create the design you want or maybe the tile you absolutely love has gone up in price. Padding your budget a bit will help cover these costs and decrease the potential for stress and a lack of funds to finish the project.
Prioritize
Throughout the budgeting phase, you will likely begin to realize just how pricey a remodel can become. This is why we recommend creating a list of things you absolutely need at the end of the day. For some this could mean a rain shower, heated floors, or a freestanding bathtub.
Whatever it is that you can’t live without in your new bathroom, make that a priority and find ways to save on other materials.
Design
One of the most fun parts of planning a remodel is designing. This is where you get to be creative and construct the perfect bathroom for your family. Gather all of your ideas and inspiration and get to designing!
Layout
As your plumbers, we will tell you that layout is very important in a remodel. If your vision requires the toilet to move to the other side of the room, we may talk you out of it. Rerouting plumbing can quickly become very difficult and very expensive. This is why it is best when possible to leave and improve upon fixtures in the space where they already exist.
Materials
Choosing countertops, cabinets, floors, and tile can be overwhelming if you feel you do not have an eye for design. But we believe that anyone can do it! Browse the internet for inspiration, ask the workers at your local hardware store, or get the opinion of a trusted friend. Take your time to make decisions and it will come out great.
Trends
Trends become trends for a reason! Not only do they look great in the moment, but they can also be a great selling point for a home in the near future. However, as we’ve seen trends come and go over the years, we know some things go out of style very quickly.
If you love the latest trend, don’t let anyone stop you from recreating it in your home! Just keep in mind that someone down the line may not share the same taste — and that is okay.
New Fixtures
As you work on the design and budget for your bathroom remodel, it may be time to consider replacing certain fixtures. While you may have a toilet or a shower that you love and would like to remain untouched, a remodel is a great opportunity to upgrade! If your shower or bathtub is old, stained, cracked, or is always in need of repairs, it could be in your best interest to replace it now. The same goes for your showerhead, sink, faucets, and toilet.
And while your hot water heater is likely not located inside your bathroom, it plays a big part in bathroom use every day. Water heaters last between 8-12 years, so if yours is within this range, why not lump a replacement in with your remodel? A new system will work wonderfully with your new fixtures, and your bathroom will truly feel transformed.
Finding Contractors
During a remodel, you have to place a lot of confidence in your team to make sure that the job is done in a timely manner without compromising quality. It can be intimidating looking for the right plumbers, electricians, and carpenters, so here are a few things to look for.
- Read Reviews. Take a look at the company’s reviews and previous work (if available) on their website. This will give you an idea of their style and how they treat their customers.
- Ask Around. Has your neighbor or friend recently completed a remodel? Ask them about their contractors and if they’d recommend the work.
- Interview Them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Set up a time to meet with the contractor, show them your plans, and ask for references, timeline estimates, quotes, how long they’ve been in business, and anything else that may be a concern.
- Vet Them. Ask the company if they are properly licensed and insured and if they can provide their license number and certificates. For an extra layer of precaution, you can also call the state licensing board to be sure of their qualifications.
Once you find a few teams you like, be sure to get an estimate in writing. This will allow you to compare and make the best decision for yourself.
While this part of the process may take time, it will be well worth it to have a team that cares for your home and is experienced enough to give you what you’re looking for.
Bathroom Remodeling on Long Island
Looking for a plumber you can trust to complete your remodel? AWS Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is the team for you. Our licensed plumbers are experienced, thorough, friendly, and eager to take on a bathroom remodel of any size. Give our team a call at (516) 217-2196 to discuss your project and request a proposal and quote today! We can’t wait to get started on your dream bathroom together.
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