The bathroom is one of the first things many people upgrade when they purchase a doer-upper property. It holds some of the most value in your home, and bathroom renovations can sometimes be necessary just to use the space comfortably.
Although, before you start hauling out the tools and putting the plumber’s number on speed dial, here are a few things you may like to consider first.
Plumbing
Will you be leaving the plumbing where it is? Will you be upgrading the pipes? These are factors to consider while you’re in the middle of removing showers, toilets, and sinks. Sometimes, upgrading standard 1.5-inch pipes to a larger size can be an ideal way to prevent blockages in the future.
You may also like to reconsider the positioning of your piping if you are adding new appliances or taking some out.
Lighting
Lighting is far easier to adjust during bathroom renovations than it is after the upgrades. Consider your lighting needs and factor them into the entire renovation process. Some people like functional lighting that’s both simplistic and easy to install. Others prefer recessed lighting, dimmer switches, and even shower lighting to reduce shadows.
Storage
The more people in your home, the more storage your bathroom needs to have – this is especially true if you don’t have a linen cupboard elsewhere to store towels. Fortunately, there are plenty of ideal storage solutions for new and renovated bathrooms.
These can include vanities with cupboards and drawers, floating shelves, and extra cabinets installed onto walls.
Shower vs. Bath
One of the many battles that people have with themselves during a bathroom renovation involves whether or not they should have a shower, shower over bath, a separate bath, or a shower and bath.
Sometimes, finding the answer can come down to asking yourself one simple question: how many baths do you take a year? If the answer is none, then you have your answer. You don’t need a bath if you don’t use a bath.
If you are considering its resale value, then there is also no guarantee that future purchasers will use a bath, either.
Toilet Design
Subtle changes in technology over the years have allowed for some pretty impressive toilets to hit the market. One of the most popular in recent years has been the floating toilet, also known as the wall-hung toilet.
The cistern is installed into the wall, leaving your toilet floating from the wall, with free space underneath.
They save room, look smart, and have an easy-clean design. You can also choose their height, unlike a floor-mounted toilet that sits at a set height and may not be comfortable for you.
Although, there are some drawbacks to consider. You will have to knock out and rebuild the wall if you have previously not had such a toilet. This can add complexity and cost to the project, which you may not have been expecting.
Bathroom renovations can be incredibly exciting. You may have been sick of staring at your old, dated bathroom for so long that it’s like Christmas when your new one is finally brought to life.
However, failure to consider these things before the renovation process begins may create some problems down the line. Make sure you’re well and truly prepared before your chosen tradespeople arrive.