We’ve been in our homes more than ever before. Maybe throughout this time you’ve noticed some flaws in your bathroom or are just getting bored with it. We understand that feeling perfectly, and we’ve created a guide to help you fix this problem. Renovations are no easy task, so it’s always best to consult with professionals before breaking ground.
Budget
The first step in any big-ticket renovation or purchase should always be analyzing your finances and determining your budget for the project. When trying to find out how much you should spend on a renovation, a good rule of thumb is not to spend more than 10 to 15 percent of your home’s value on one room. If you spend more than this, the renovation will not proportionately add to your home’s value.
For instance, if your home is worth $100,000, you should not exceed $15,000 in renovation costs for your bathroom.
Finally, remember, there will always be unexpected hiccups and costs that you weren’t prepared for, so leave room in your budget for this extra spending!
Layout
If you’ve decided that you want to go all out on your bathroom renovation, then we would recommend reconsidering the layout of your bathroom, especially if you live in an older home. The traditional style of many older homes was to keep rooms very segmented; this means lots of extra walls and unnecessary half walls. This segmented style does nothing but making everything feel smaller and a bit cramped.
Instead, try opening things up. You can keep the water closet closed off, but give the rest of the space some open air and breathing room and you’ll feel like the size of your bathroom doubled!
Features
Next up on the bathroom renovation guide, you have to decide what you want in your bathroom! If you’re renovating a full bathroom, then the major features you’ll need to think about are the toilet, shower, sinks, and bathtub. These will be the big-ticket items in your renovation, so remember that budget you set at the beginning of your project. You don’t want to spend your whole budget here, or else you won’t have anything left for the details.
Details
Heated Floors
Including heated floors in your bathroom renovation might seem too luxurious, but trust us, it’s worth it. The worst part of showering is getting out of the shower. But if you have heated floors to step onto, that will be the part you look forward to most.
Faucets
Use your bathroom renovation as an opportunity to go green and make your home more environmentally friendly and efficient. The types of faucets you install have a significant impact on how much water your household uses.
The standard faucet uses approximately 2.2 gallons of water per minute, while new WaterSense label faucets use only 1.5 gallons of water per minute. WaterSense label products have been independently tested and certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency and proven to decrease water waste by about 30 percent.
Additionally, you don’t have to stop your water saving with your faucets. There are also WaterSense label showerheads and toilets available.
No matter what your plans are for your bathroom and your home, it’s always helpful to have a team of professional plumbing experts on your side. Choosing a team you can trust eliminates one more worry from your mind and makes the process and breeze.
At Einstein's Plumbing & Heating, Inc., we are highly experienced in all manners of plumbing, and specialize in bathroom remodels. We would be happy to join your renovation team and help construct your dream bathroom. If you’re interested in learning more about our company, services, and how we can assist you, call us today at (718) 215-9664 and visit our website for more information.