A bathroom remodeling project can add value to your home. It can also make your home more functional and comfortable. For professional expertise, consult Dallas Contractor. You can find many inspirations and ideas online for your home remodel. You can rework your layout, change your cabinets or update the fixtures. But the most important thing is to prepare for the unexpected costs that can pop up during your remodel.

While a bathroom remodels is often seen as a cosmetic change — like repainting the vanity or installing new flooring — reworking the floor plan can also be considered a part of this process. For example, if you no longer have room for that humongous tub that’s taking up all the floor space in your bathroom, you might decide to replace it with a custom shower that can better meet your needs. This big project requires proper planning and may involve changing the plumbing or wiring in the room. Developing a new floor plan at this stage can help ensure that all necessary changes can be made and will result in the final bathroom design you want.

Changing your bathroom’s fixtures — including the sink, toilet, tub or shower, and light fixture — is another way to add some style to an otherwise dull room. Newer fixtures can also be more energy efficient, saving you money on your utility bills. Getting a range of quotes and opinions on price from home improvement stores, specialty shops, online markets and even custom- or hand-made options will help you determine what is within your budget.

A more advanced form of bathroom remodeling involves gutting the room and totally changing its layout, fixtures, and floor. This involves dropping walls, rerouting plumbing and possibly rewiring electrical, and it should be done by professionals. This is an involved and expensive remodel, but it can add significantly to your home’s value. If you are planning to sell your house in the future, this kind of renovation can make it more appealing to buyers. Having a more functional and attractive bathroom can also save on repair costs later down the road.

Adding Storage Space

The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in a home, which means it also has the potential for the most clutter. Adding extra storage space is an easy way to help declutter the room and can make it more functional.

Depending on the size of your bathroom, you may be able to add built-in storage units or freestanding cabinets. Creating more storage space will make the room feel bigger and can also help reduce the amount of clutter in the space.

Another way to add more storage space is by installing a linen closet or converting an existing wardrobe into a linen cabinet. This will provide additional space for towels, toiletries and other items.

A mirrored medicine cabinet is another easy way to add more storage space to the room. This can be an inexpensive solution that will also make the room look bigger and brighter.

If you are looking for a more decorative touch, consider painting the room. Choosing a color that coordinates with the rest of the room can help create a cohesive look. White is a popular option because it is clean and fresh, but dark greens or blues can also add a richness to the space.

There are many other things that can be done during a bathroom remodel, such as incorporating energy-saving appliances or adding safety features. For example, if the bathtub or shower is old and worn out it can be replaced with a new tub or shower that is more ergonomically designed to make bathing easier. Safety features like anti-slip flooring, grab bars and handheld showerheads can also be installed at the same time as other renovations.

Adding a Bathtub or Shower

The decision whether to add a tub or shower will affect the overall cost of your remodel. It will also determine the material you choose, and pricing varies widely from basic home improvement stores to specialty shops, online markets and custom or hand-made products. Pricing research (including comparisons at multiple locations and price-shopping among different materials, styles and manufacturers) can help you get the best value for your money.

A tub/shower combo can be a good option for homeowners who want both a bathtub and shower in their bathroom. This can increase resale appeal, as many potential buyers prefer to have the option of both.

If you decide to replace your bathtub with a walk-in shower, keep in mind that while this is a more expensive option than a tub/shower combination it’s generally considered to be a higher quality option. This type of remodel is often more streamlined and requires less demolition than a full-scale removal-and-replacement project.

If your current bathroom is dated and showing signs of wear, consider replacing the tub and shower liners, updating the faucets and adding a new vanity to give the room a fresh look. This will help the space feel like a whole new room and, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2023 Cost vs. Value report, will likely give you a significant return on your investment when it’s time to sell. Replacing leaky or cracked sinks and tubs before they lead to rot or other problems can save you money in repair costs down the road, too. In addition, a carefully planned bathroom remodel can make it possible to add linen or supply closets where there was previously no available space.

Changing the Fixtures

One of the best things about bathroom remodeling is that you can change the fixtures and materials to give your room a fresh new look. This can be a quick and inexpensive way to change the look of a bathroom.

Before changing any fixtures it’s important to make sure the water and electricity are turned off. You will also want to take down the toilet, sink and tub and shower and mark where they are to be reinstalled. You will also want to remove baseboards, towel racks and lighting fixtures to expose the piping underneath. Care should be taken not to damage the underlying tiles or pipes as you are removing them. It’s also a good idea to put down a drop cloth, especially in areas where you are taking down wall tile, as dust can easily get everywhere.

When changing the fixtures it’s important to keep in mind that you might have to relocate the plumbing which will add to the cost of the remodel. If possible try to stay with the original location of sink faucets, tub valves and drains to save on costs.

Another easy and affordable way to change the look of a bathroom is with paint. You can choose from a variety of paint finishes to create a look that’s right for your space. Light tones like whites add brightness while dark greens and blues offer depth.

It’s important to remember that your bathroom is a damp and steamy place so don’t forget to include ventilation. Adding a fan to vent out moisture can help prevent mold and mildew that can ruin the look of your remodel and possibly damage your walls.

Changing the Lighting

Most homeowners don’t give a lot of thought to the lighting in their bathrooms, beyond making sure they have enough light when it comes time to put on makeup. However, the right lighting can completely transform a bathroom without taking a huge chunk out of your remodeling budget.

The key to a well-lit bathroom is having three different types of lighting: ambient, task and accent. Start by filling the space with ample overhead light through recessed spotlights. Next, add task lighting on the vanity so you can see what you’re doing. Finally, use accent lighting to illuminate nooks and crannies and bring a little more warmth or personality into the room.

You may be able to accomplish the first two tasks on your own, but when it comes to changing a light fixture, we recommend hiring a professional electrician. They’ll be able to get the job done in less time and be more careful when working with electricity. Before starting any electrical work, it’s always good to shut off the power to the fixture at the breaker box and then again at the switch. This way, you can’t accidentally turn it back on and cause a dangerous situation.

When selecting a new light fixture, look for something that fits the size of your bathroom. Avoid anything too big, as it will take up too much space. On the other hand, anything too small can look out of place in a larger space and won’t be able to do the job you need it to do. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the color temperature of the light. There are warmer LED temperatures that can mimic the soft glow of old-fashioned incandescent lighting and brighter LED colors that can create a modern, clean look.