Bathroom remodels cost around $10,000 on average. The cheapest projects are usually done for $2,5000, while the most expensive can be in the range of $30,000 and upwards. When it comes to remodelling your bathroom, it’s important to plan your project carefully to ensure success. By considering a number of important key points in advance, you’ll be able to completely transform the room without going over-budget.
Opt for simplicity
Keeping your remodel design simple not only helps keep costs down, but it can also work to avoid ugly mistakes that can easily occur when over-complicating design. So, aim to keep fancy additions like steps, curves, decorative moldings and trims, and ornamentation of any kind to a minimum. Even just recessing features like your toiletry cabinet, soap dish, and toilet paper holders can easily create a chic, understated look. Scandinavian design, in particular, can look great in the bathroom. It centers around a unique fusion of beauty, simplicity, and functionality with neutral colors, clean lines, and natural materials taking center stage. For example, bright white square tiles paired with charcoal grout can create an elegant minimalist aesthetic. By laying large tiles on the floor and smaller ones on the walls (or vice versa), you can create an appealing contrast.
Finance your project wisely
The National Kitchen and Bath Association advises budgeting between 5% and 10% of your home’s total value to cover your bathroom remodel. It’s usually easier to use cash to pay for your remodel, but, for larger, more expensive projects, alternate financing is often needed. In particular, you may want to consider refinancing your mortgage to cover the cost of your project. Refinancing lets you cash in equity (the percentage of your home you own outright) with an application process that takes around four to eight weeks to complete. A home loan refinance calculator can help you work out if refinancing is currently worthwhile for your individual circumstances. The more equity you have, the more cash you’ll be able to access. While you will have to repay the money alongside your mortgage, interest rates are usually favorable.
Unusual, value-adding features
Incorporating unique and unexpected features in your bathroom can be a great way to elevate your space, as well as add value to your property. For example, rainfall shower heads simulate natural rainfall to give you the feeling you’re showering outdoors in the warm fresh summer rain. In contrast to standard showerheads that may be too low pressure or spray water somewhat harshly or unevenly, rainfall showerheads create a luxury shower experience. And, for the best shower experience out there, opt for a showerhead with LED lights that change depending on the water temperature. Additionally, bidet installations are also becoming increasingly popular. Not only do bidets help create an upscale, luxury look in your bathroom, but they also offer excellent health and hygiene benefits.
Moreover, smart bathroom features are also a modern and convenient addition that can take your remodel to the next level. For instance, smart faucets offer an attractive mix of touchless controls, enhanced flow rate, leak-free seals, and measured water disbursement. They also look stylish and modern with designs available to suit every bathroom aesthetic. You may also want to install a built-in hi-fi system, automatic bath fillers and blinds, a waterproof television designed to fit seamlessly in your walls, or smart lighting controls that let you choose the right lighting for every mood. However, these options require advanced planning before beginning your remodel in order to get the wiring right.
Pay attention to lighting
Bathrooms typically lack natural lighting and rely on artificial options instead, however this usually doesn’t look as good and can even ruin the whole look if not done right. Dim, shadowy bathrooms can also pose a safety hazard and increase risk of slips and falls. It’s therefore essential to ensure your bathroom gets the right amount of light for your needs and design. For example, opting for pendant lighting as a single central overhead fitting often looks great and is much more affordable than wall lighting or individual downlights. You may also want to consider multi-bulb fittings that use the same sole power cable to create a flexible setup. Also don’t forget vanity lighting, which is essential to properly show off your new design. Traditional sconces, for instance, can add a classic, vintage touch to your bathroom while providing a soft, elegant glow.
Remodelling your bathroom is a big project that can often feel overwhelming without proper planning. By taking the time to consider what you really want out of your remodel and how to do it properly, you can create the bathroom of your dreams without breaking the bank.