Category: Bathroom Remodeling

What You Need to Know About Bathroom Remodeling

If you plan on relocating fixtures like your tub, shower, and toilet, you’ll likely need a permit. Major layout changes, wiring alterations, and fixture replacements typically require permits too.

Bathroom Remodeling

Knowing how you’ll use your bathroom can help you decide what features you want to include. For example, if you have kids, you might want a kid-friendly tub. For professional help, call Bathroom Remodeling Lexington KY.

There are a lot of design elements involved in any bathroom remodel. Wall paint and tile choices, vanity style, counters, and mirrors all come into play. But it’s also important to consider the practicality of the materials chosen. Your bathroom walls and floors will be subjected to moisture from showers, tubs, and toilets, as well as steam from a hot bath. That moisture can cause mold, mildew, and water damage, so your materials should be durable, easy to clean, and slip-resistant.

Before you start any bathroom remodel, it’s crucial to know what your motivation is and why you want a change. This will help guide your remodeling decisions and keep you on track to complete the project in a timely fashion. It’s also helpful to have a plan of action before you start, including where supplies are going to be stored, how construction trash will be hauled away, and how permits can be obtained if necessary.

Another important consideration is how much you’re willing to spend on your remodel. If you have a budget, it’s always best to stick with it and not go overboard, as this can add to the overall timeframe and cost of your project. There’s nothing worse than finishing a remodel and regretting the extra features you’ve added that were beyond your budget. Be sure to set aside funds for unexpected expenses like permitting and the cost of any new plumbing fixtures or appliances.

Plumbing

When a bathroom remodel starts, it’s best to have all plumbing work done by professionals. The contractors can ensure that the new design will not only be functional and visually appealing but also in compliance with local and state plumbing regulations. This includes adding an appropriate amount of insulation around the pipes, rerouting the existing plumbing lines, and installing a fan to properly ventilate the space.

Depending on the scope of the project, the contractor may have to apply for a permit from your city or town to do the work. This is especially true if the bathroom will be gutted, meaning it will require dropping walls and rewiring electrical systems. A permit is also necessary if the bathroom is being expanded or extended.

After the plumbing and drywall have been completed, it’s time to start installing any cabinets, sinks, tubs, showers, or tile. It’s important to choose the right fixtures for your bathroom, as there are a wide variety of sizes and shapes to suit any style. This is a great opportunity to replace outdated hardware, such as towel bars and toilet paper holders.

While the walls are open, it’s a good time to paint the bathroom and make any electrical alterations. It’s also a great time to install the exhaust fan, which is crucial for ventilating the space and preventing mold and mildew.

This is the final step in the remodel and arguably one of the most exciting. Having the toilet installed and running is the real reason that most people take on a bathroom remodeling project to begin with! Be sure to choose a toilet that fits your style and needs.

Electrical

Bathroom remodels often require electrical work, whether it’s installing new light fixtures or moving existing ones. This type of work should always be done by a licensed electrician. This is especially important in an area of the home that’s susceptible to moisture.

Some electrical remodeling projects can be done by a homeowner, but it’s generally best to leave the job to a professional, particularly when the project involves adding or moving outlets and switches. It’s also a good idea to have an electrician check that all electrical circuits in the bathroom have sufficient capacity before beginning the project. If a circuit overloads, it could cause a fire.

If your bathroom’s outdated appliances are causing high energy bills, you may want to upgrade them to more efficient models. Installing low-flow toilets, new shower heads, and smart water heaters can help reduce your home’s energy usage.

It’s a good idea to get quotes from several contractors before hiring one for your bathroom remodel. This can help you determine which contractor offers the best value for your money. You should also ask contractors to provide a written estimate before starting any work.

It’s important to find out if you need a permit for your remodel. Most cities require a permit for remodeling projects that cost over a certain amount. If you’re not sure whether a permit is needed, check with your local planning or building department. Some contractors will apply for the permit on your behalf, saving you time and hassle. Also, make sure that all outlets near a bathtub or shower are GFCI-protected to avoid any potential safety hazards. This will prevent electrical shocks in the event of a ground fault.

Flooring

Flooring is one of the major expenses for a bathroom remodel, but it can add tremendous value to your home in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Before beginning a new installation, it’s important to determine the best material for your space, your budget, and your personal taste.

First, if the existing floor is tile, it’s important to prepare the surface by leveling out any high spots using a carpenter’s level and a sand belt with either 40- or 6-grit sandpaper. It’s also essential to patch any cracks and use concrete filler for low spots that could cause moisture problems if left unaddressed.

Once the old floor is removed, it’s important to install a plywood underlayment to keep moisture from damaging the subfloor and eventually leading to mildew or mold. It’s also important to choose a waterproof or water-resistant flooring material, as bathrooms are the most humid areas in our homes and are subject to standing water and moisture for long periods of time.

Vinyl planks are a great option for bathrooms, offering style and durability at an affordable price. They can be laid directly over the subfloor or over an underlayment, if you prefer. The planks can be cut to fit around obstacles like the toilet or tub and installed with a snap-lock system.

If you’re looking for a classic and timeless tile look, ceramic tile is a great choice, available in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns. You can also add visual interest to your bathroom with a hex or herringbone pattern. Granite tiles are another beautiful option, adding a sense of luxury and sophistication to your bathroom.

Lighting

The lighting and ventilation in your bathroom are important factors that affect the way it looks, feels, and works. It also influences the color and finish of your fixtures and accessories.

When reworking your bathroom, don’t overlook the ventilation system and electrical rough-ins. Depending on how long ago your home was built, these may need to be updated and reworked. Check with your local building department for more information.

Ventilation is essential for reducing moisture in bathrooms, and a good place to start when considering a remodel is by installing a new exhaust fan. A well-placed exhaust fan is the first line of defense against mold and mildew, as well as a great place to incorporate decorative and ambient lighting.

Another easy and inexpensive improvement is to switch out the light fixtures for something more modern. This is a quick fix that can make your bathroom look completely different without costing a fortune.

Once you’ve completed the layout changes, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Consider adding a window, a skylight, or a new vanity mirror to complete the look. You’ll also want to include bath accessories like towel racks, washcloth hangers, and soap dishes in finishes that match or complement your vanity hardware. New hand towels and bath mats can also help spruce up your space.

Ultimately, the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home, and it’s also probably one of the most used. A bathroom that’s outdated, unattractive, or dysfunctional can have a big impact on your family’s daily life and may even cause stress. However, the good news is that a remodeling project can be a wonderful way to transform your living space and enhance your home’s value.

Tips For Successful Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom Remodeling is a significant undertaking that involves a substantial investment in time and money. Bathroom Remodeling Fort Worth TX can improve the functionality of one of your home’s most important rooms and add value.

Bathroom Remodeling

Over time, pipes degrade and cause leaks. A remodel is a good opportunity to replace them. A remodel is also the best opportunity to add safety features like GFCI outlets and slip-resistant flooring.

A bathroom is a very small space that requires precise planning. Using the right tools and software can help you get the most out of the space and create an ideal layout. Foyr Neo is a great tool for this purpose, as it allows you to see the design of your bathroom in 3D and also provides simulated furniture and appliances. This can save you time and money by eliminating the need for trial and error.

A common bathroom layout involves a shower stall, toilet, and sink in one corner of the room. While this can be a good solution for a tight space, it can also make the room feel cramped. If you want to maximize the space in your bathroom, you should consider using a free-standing tub. This will give you more space for a sink and also allow you to add a window, which can bring in natural light.

When designing a bathroom, you should take into account the size of your space and any existing plumbing. If you need to change the plumbing, it can be expensive and will probably require a permit. You should also be aware of the cost of a new sink and faucet, as well as the price of labor.

Bathroom remodels should comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines to provide a safe and accessible environment. This includes ensuring that the bathroom has a clear path of travel and no obstacles. It should also have enough space to maneuver a wheelchair or walker. In addition, the floor should be slip-resistant.

Using an online bathroom floor plan maker is the best way to create a custom layout for your space. The tool will guide you through the process and allow you to easily import symbols. In addition to that, it will let you use a variety of vectors and shapes to customize your bathroom layout. Aside from that, it will also provide you with a bird’s eye view of the space, making it easier to see the entire layout from different angles. This will help you avoid overlapping or misplacing objects.

Storage

If you’re looking to add a modern or minimalist feel to your bathroom remodel, you’ll need to incorporate smart storage solutions into your design. These will help keep your bathroom clean and organized, hiding away the items you’ll use regularly and keeping clutter from obscuring its beauty.

Depending on the style you’re going for, you might be able to utilize built-in storage options that blend into your bathroom’s aesthetic. There are also a variety of bathroom organizers available that can hold everything from toiletries and soap to cosmetics, makeup, and hair products. Alternatively, you might choose to repurpose a decorative piece of furniture such as an etagere or even a ladder to store towels and bath linens.

If your bathroom is cramped, you might need to install additional shelving or cabinets to increase your storage capacity. These can cost between $100 and $1,000 per shelf or cabinet, depending on its size and depth. Adding new electrical wiring and plumbing will cost more, but that’s usually a necessary part of any remodel.

Many homeowners are opting to include ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accommodations in their bathroom remodeling projects, such as zero-depth entry showers and tubs and grab bars. The costs of these upgrades can be significant, but they are necessary to ensure your family members will have access to the bathroom for years to come.

A bathroom can be an especially cluttered room because of all the fixtures it holds, but smart planning can make the space more efficient. You can get creative with wall-mounted wire baskets that hold everything from lightweight towels to bars of soap, or you might choose to hang a three-tier stand in your shower where you can place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones, such as cotton balls and Q-tips, on top.

You can add to the storage functionality in your bathroom by adding a new medicine cabinet, which will offer plenty of room for your medicines and other essentials. These cabinets can also be customized with a mirror that blends into your bathroom’s decor. For smaller bathrooms, you might choose to go with a slim recessed or wall-mounted cabinet for more efficiency.

Fixtures

The bathroom’s fixtures and fittings help give the room its personality. These include faucets, showerheads, bathtubs, and toilets. Whether you’re interested in all things cosmopolitan and refined or rustic and rugged, there are a number of ways to incorporate contemporary style trends into your bathroom design. For example, a rough-textured wall in an otherwise pristine white room can be the focal point that sets the space apart and accentuates sleek fixtures.

Another important part of your bath remodeling is selecting fixtures and fittings that suit the rest of the house’s décor. Matching the metal and finish for these elements is typically the best way to keep the overall look of the room consistent. This is a design rule that many homeowners abide by when choosing hardware for other rooms of the home, and it also works well in the bathroom.

There are a number of different types of bathroom fixtures available, including chrome, brass, and black finishes that work with a variety of design styles. If you’re looking for a more modern look, single-hole faucets are a popular choice. They install through a single hole in the counter and feature a side or top handle that allows you to control the water temperature.

If you’re going for a rustic, rugged look, you can add a bathtub with rough stone walls or choose a wood vanity and tub. Another option is to go for a more transitional design, which blends traditional and contemporary styles with simple curved lines that create a fluid visual movement.

Aside from aesthetics, you’ll also want to think about the functionality of the bathroom and any necessary modifications you may need. For example, if you have limited mobility, an accessible bathroom can provide a safer and more comfortable environment for you to use. This type of bathroom can include installing handrails, a grab bar, and other items that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

When it comes to the fixtures in your bathroom, you’ll have a wide array of options from which to choose, so it’s important to make a list of your priorities and take the time to shop around. Visit a showroom that specializes in bathroom renovations and get advice from a professional about what products would work best for your space.

Lighting

A well-planned lighting scheme can turn your bathroom into the home spa you dream of. Layered lighting is the key to success, bringing in different types of light fixtures to operate in coordination with each other to meet the needs of specific areas of the room.

Ideally, your plan will include ambient to illuminate the space; task, for functional purposes such as grooming and reading, and accent to add a special touch. This will also help create a variety of moods, from relaxing to energizing.

Most bathrooms rely on ceiling lighting for general illumination, but the positioning of these light fixtures can have a significant impact. Rather than simply placing a grid of downlights across the ceiling, a design expert like Sally Storey at John Cullen recommends positioning them to highlight features or draw attention to details that may not be easily seen in natural light.

Sconces set on either side of a mirror will provide shadow-free, flattering lighting for applying makeup or shaving. In addition, recessed fixture lighting can be placed above the tub or shower to illuminate the ceiling and walls for safety, especially if there’s a glass door.

When selecting lights, pay close attention to their color temperature. Lights that are closer to the warmer hue of candlelight tend to flatter skin tones, hide blemishes and reduce shadows. They are also easier on the eyes and less likely to cause eye strain.

If your bathroom doesn’t have a dimmer switch, consider adding one to allow you to control the mood. This is particularly helpful if you enjoy taking leisurely baths.

Another important aspect of remodeling your bathroom is addressing any electrical and plumbing issues that are not up to code. For example, if the sink and tub are on the same circuit or not GCFI protected, these should be upgraded to bring the bathroom up to today’s standards. This can prevent future problems and make the bathroom more pleasant for current residents as well as potential buyers. It’s also a good idea to install shutoff valves to the sink and tub so that they can be turned off quickly in an emergency.

Tips For Bathtub Refinishing

Whether you are refinishing your bathtub or hiring someone else to do it for you, there are several things that you should know. Some tips include cleaning the tub properly, applying a coat of epoxy and caulking, and ensuring the bathroom is well-ventilated.

Bathroom Remodeling

Using the right cleaners to clean the tub before the bathtub refinishing is important. The wrong cleaners can dull the tub’s finish and cause damage. Using the wrong products can also void the warranty. Before cleaning the tub, you should remove all hardware, caulking, and silicone materials. The surface should be free of oils, dirt, and soap scum. If you have soap scum, you can remove it by scrubbing it with a sponge or a scouring pad.

Clean the tub using a non-abrasive liquid cleaner. For example, Lysol Tub and Tile Cleaner does not contain bleach. You can also use Ajax or Bar Keepers Friend. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

After scrubbing the tub, you should rinse it with warm water. Using warm water removes soap residue and hair. It also helps remove surface-level dirt. After you are done scrubbing, you can apply a coat of wax. This protects the finish from damage and makes the tub easier to clean. You can also use a liquid detergent to clean your tub.

Applying the epoxy coating. Whether you are refinishing a tub yourself or hiring a professional to do the job, the procedure involves applying a hard epoxy coating to the tub. This coating helps to make the tub easier to refinish. The epoxy coating is made from a base and activator. It is mixed and applied with a paint roller. It is best to apply the paint in two thin coats. A sponge brush is also a good idea to smooth out any major drips.

The next step is to sand the surface. It is important to sand the bathtub, as the epoxy coating will not adhere well to a smooth surface. It is best to roughen all the corners of the tub to ensure that the coating adheres to the surface completely. It is also a good idea to clean the tub. This will help to remove any dirt or built-up grime. You can also use a chemical bathroom cleaner.

Applying to caulk. Choosing the right caulk for your bathroom is essential. It should be not only waterproof but also durable. It should also be easy to apply. There are several different types of caulk on the market.

Some of the best caulks for showers and sinks are acrylic latex. They are water-resistant, dries quickly, and match sink glazes. You can also find acrylic latex caulk in a wide range of colors. If you need to re-caulk your bathtub, the process is easy. You can start by removing the old caulk. You can use a razor blade, a putty knife, or a 5-in-1 painter’s tool.

After removing the old caulk, you should use a drop cloth to protect the tub. You can also use a hair dryer to dry the area. Once the area is dry, you can begin applying the new caulk. It is best to apply a small amount at first. If the caulk seems too thick, you can cut the tip of the caulk.

Ventilation is important for bathroom refinishing. During your bathroom refinishing project, you should properly ventilate the area to ensure a healthy and sanitary environment. Moisture can build up in the air without proper ventilation, resulting in mold and odors. Excessive moisture can also damage drywall, framing, doors, and cabinets. Moisture can even peel off wallpaper and paint. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to make your bathroom ventilation system more effective.

One important tip is to check the vent fan’s capacity. If the unit is too powerful for the space, it can cause negative pressure in the bathroom. It can also interfere with the furnace’s ducts. Also, the unit’s capacity should be large enough to exchange room air eight times per hour. If the capacity is not sufficient, you should install an extra-capacity fan. In addition, you should check the model and CFM rating of your vent fan. If you have a high ceiling, you may need a higher-capacity unit.