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10 Top Bathroom Remodeling Tips To Get The Results You Want

Updated: June 28, 2024

Are you filled with dread every time you step into your outdated, dreary bathroom? It is high time for a bathroom makeover!

Whether you're dreaming of natural stone counters, a claw-foot bath, or a walk-in shower, Sioux Falls Home Remodeling's 10 top bathroom remodeling tips will guide you to transform your drab bathroom into the bathroom of your dreams.

Make a budget

Tip 1: Start With A Budget (And Stick To It!)

Remodeling your bathroom is a huge investment for yourself and the value of your property. However, bathroom remodels don't come cheap - even just changing up the shower can set you back a couple of thousand dollars!

That's why it is so important to do proper research into the cost of materials, bathroom fixtures, and decor before you start remodeling. And once you have your budget, you need to stick to it and avoid any additional costs.

Top tip: Add a "surprise expenses" portion to your budget to cover any unforeseen emergencies.

Use local building costs

When researching how much everything costs, make sure to check local prices for your area. This will help you create a realistic budget. If you're planning on doing a DIY project, contact local suppliers for quotes. If you are calling in the pros, then make sure to reach out to local remodeling contractors to get their estimates.

Bathroom floor plan

Tip 2: First Determine Where The Toilet Will Go

If you're doing a full remodel, you might be considering changing up the location of the toilet. Believe it or not, the toilet actually determines the entire bathroom layout.

You need to put it in a spot where it is out of direct sight (your guests might not want to immediately see the loo when they walk past the bathroom), but where it still flows with the room and is not cramped into a corner.

You should also consider the accessibility of the toilet (and other fixtures) for someone with disabilities.

Planning ahead

Planning where the toilet will go will also help you determine the location of the other plumbing fixtures, like the bathroom sink, shower, and bath.

Once you've nailed the toilet spot, you can start planning the aesthetics of the rest of the room. Do you want to fix a mirror where the toilet will be in sight? Do you want to be able to reach the bathroom cupboard while you're soaking in the tub?

It seems silly to plan your entire bathroom layout around a toilet, but it is the best starting point.

Research Your Materials

Tip 3: Research Your Materials

Wall tiles, floor tiles, walls, and countertops - there are so many different materials to consider. A successful bathroom remodel depends on the details, which includes the different textures and materials you wish to include.

But before you go overboard, remember that bathrooms get quite a lot of use, especially if it is the family bathroom. So, you need to consider materials that can withstand moisture, heat, and high humidity.

Installing high-quality materials now prevents repair or replacement costs in the future.

Natural stone

Natural stone is sophisticated, hardy, and classic; however, it is also more expensive than some other materials.

You will have to seal the stone to ensure it lasts in a damp environment. Some stone options to consider include:

  • Granite: Granite is classy and tough, but the frequent resealing means it is costlier than other natural stones.
  • Marble: Marble is softer than granite, so it is best for bathrooms that get less use.
  • Onyx: Onyx is versatile since it comes in different colors (including orange, pink, and green).
  • Quartzite: This stone looks similar to marble or onyx. It is scratch-resistant but will require sealing to keep the water out.
  • Quartz: It won't require sealing as it is a blend of natural stone and synthetic materials.

Tiles

Tiles are ideal for floors, walls, and within shower enclosures. They offer a clean look (and they're easy to clean!) and are water-resistant. Tiles are a great alternative to natural stone flooring as they're much more affordable but still stylish.

  • Subway tiles: These tiles are commonly used in bathrooms. They're water-resistant and can withstand a fair amount of wear and tear.
  • Zellige: Zellige tiles are aesthetically pleasing as they add a lot of shine, allowing natural light to bounce off the walls and floors. You can use these tiles in areas that will get wet, like the shower or along the wall by the bath.
  • Penny and hex: These small round/hexagonal mosaic tiles often come in sheets that make them easy to install. They're timeless, affordable, and can add some visual interest to your bathroom floor or walls.

Wallpaper

Did you know you can use wallpaper in the bathroom? If you're on a tight budget, it is a cheap way to transform your walls. You just have to make sure you keep it away from areas where it can get wet (e.g. behind the sink) and ensure proper ventilation - but more on that later.

Make The Most Of Available Space

Tip 4: Make The Most Of Available Space

This is where planning comes in. You need to consider how much space you have available before you get started.

If your bathroom currently only has a shower, but you're desperate for a bath, you need to consider how this will all fit into the room (and perhaps a bath-shower combo should be considered!).

Basically, it comes down to setting realistic expectations.

Use 3D modeling software

If you have any tech-savvy friends, you can ask them to create a 3D image of your bathroom. Software like SketchUp is perfect for this purpose.

It allows you to create your bathroom to scale and move items around so you can visualize what it would look like.

A small space offers fewer layout options, so you'll have to get crafty with storage, which we'll discuss next.

Bathroom storage

Tip 5: Don't Forget About Bathroom Storage

Remodeling is the perfect time to increase the storage space in your bathroom. You never realize how important storage is until your bathroom is cluttered with shampoo bottles, toilet paper rolls, and guest towels.

Here are some innovative storage options to consider:

  • Shower storage: A small built-in niche in your shower stall helps a lot with storage. It doesn't take up any extra space and allows you to store your shower essentials right where you need them.
  • Beneath the sink: Having a cupboard beneath the bathroom sink makes a lot of sense, as there tends to be "dead space" underneath a sink. Here you can store products you want to keep away from moisture, like towels and toilet paper rolls.
  • In a storage container: If the existing bathroom space allows it, you can purchase freestanding storage containers to store products you don't use regularly, including cleaning supplies, extra hand soaps, and spare bath mats.
  • On the walls: Floating shelves, towel racks, hooks, and a mirrored medicine cabinet above the sink can come in handy if floor space is limited.
bathroom colors

Tip 6: Seriously Consider Colors

If your bathroom reno budget is tight, opt for a single pop of color to make your existing bathroom feel like a whole new room. It can be a feature wall with wallpaper, brightly colored shelves, flowering plants, or a fun-colored tile as a backsplash by the sink.

A bright color palette can make a small bathroom feel much bigger (Hint: white is often the way to go!).

Larger bathrooms allow for more color experimentation but just make sure that all the colors work well together. You want to avoid darker colors, as they not only make a space seem smaller but can also make it feel unclean.

bathroom Mirrors

Tip 7: Mirrors Are Important

No, mirrors are not a vanity project. They play a much larger role in the bathroom than just reflecting back your pretty face - mirrors can make a space feel much larger.

Mirrors allow light to bounce around the room, seemingly extending the available space.

You can place a smaller mirror above the sink to allow for quick checks when brushing your teeth, but a full-length or larger decorative mirror should also be considered to enlarge cramped bathrooms.

Full Bath Remodel

Tip 8: Lighting Matters

Most bathrooms only have a single ceiling light, which is not ideal if you use it to get ready for the day, do your makeup, and check your outfit.

You should embrace natural lighting during the day. Lighter colors, mirrors, and tiles help to reflect light, making your bathroom much brighter. If you don't plan on installing new (larger) windows, consider skipping the drapes and opting for frosted glass instead.

Sticking to your lighting budget

When remodeling your bathroom, consider adding more light around the room. If you're on a budget, a floor lamp and some lights around the mirror are the easiest upgrades.

However, if your budget allows, you can get rid of that ghastly ceiling fixture that casts shadows on your face and install wall-mounted lights that are functional and aesthetic.

Bathroom Ventilation

Tip 9: Ventilation Is Essential

No matter the climate outside, your bathroom is going to get damp.

For that reason, you shouldn't forego the ventilation when you're remodeling your bathroom. Even if you had adequate ventilation before, you can always improve it - and you should!

Having good ventilation will prevent mold growth and help towels and tiles dry after a shower.

A large window is obviously your best ventilation option, but many small apartments have windowless bathrooms (not to mention it gets cold in winter when you leave a window open), so what are your options?

  • Air vents: These small vents can lead outside or into another room, and can make a significant difference in the humidity levels in your bathroom.
  • Extraction fans: Exhaust fans help circulate and remove moisture and humid air from the bathroom. When researching these fans, consider their capacity (how much air they can move) and the size of your bathroom.

Top tip: Some bathroom fans can get really loud, especially in small bathrooms, so consider their noise levels when selecting a model. Your contractor or the shop assistant should be able to help.

Bathroom Repair Services

Tip 10: Know When To Let The Pros Step In

DIYers may be tempted to undertake the entire bathroom project themselves. Kudos to you!

But it's not always the wisest option, especially if you're performing a massive remodel that requires changes to existing plumbing.

Knowing when to let a contractor or remodeler take over is one of the smartest steps you can take. A professional will be able to spot pitfalls before they happen, know which minor issues to address, and can often find materials at discounted rates.

Hiring a professional also means you're less likely to deal with repairs over time, as the job was done correctly from the start.

If you're planning on doing a remodel in South Dakota, Sioux Falls Home Remodeling is your trusted bathroom remodeler, and we're happy to share our expertise with you.

5 Common Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)

Here are five of the most common bathroom remodeling mistakes and how you can avoid them:

1. Not setting a budget

Many homeowners simply jump into their remodel without having any idea how much anything costs.

They then end up spending way more than initially thought, dip into their emergency fund, or they're unable to complete the project!

You need to create a budget before you start with any remodeling and check it regularly. This will ensure you're not spending more than you intended, and it also allows you to see where you can cut costs if certain elements of the project end up being more expensive.

2. Starting without a plan

The plan is just about as important as the budget. Starting without a step-by-step plan based on priorities means you're likely to blow your budget, make mistakes, and end up with a disaster.

Your plan needs to incorporate:

  • Plumbing
  • Ventilation
  • Electrical elements
  • Layout
  • Decorative designs
  • Materials
  • Bathroom accessories

There should be steps in place for each phase of the remodel, and that order should be followed to prevent delays (or an incomplete bathroom).

3. Thinking you can do it all yourself

Even DIY masters require help sometimes!

If there's a job you're not good at, there's no shame in calling in a professional. Getting a plumber can help prevent costly mistakes, while a tiler can speed up the flooring process.

Professionals also often have deals with suppliers, meaning they can get materials at much more affordable rates.

4. Forgetting how important ventilation is

Plan the ventilation before you start with the remodeling. You want windows that can open, and a bathroom fan that can help with air circulation.

Homeowners who forget about ventilation commonly end up with mold, which can be detrimental to their health.

5. Falling for fads

Each year there is a new bathroom gadget, feature, or design trend that seems to flood social media.

But, once you consider how expensive a bathroom remodel is, it would be wise to skip the fashionable fads and go for a timeless design. If you do want to stay on trend, select fixtures or design elements that are easy to change, like a paint color or light fixture.

It will allow you to update your bathroom cheaply and easily without having to undertake a total remodel every couple of years to stay up to date with the latest trends.

FAQs

What is a realistic budget for a bathroom remodel?

Prices can range between $2,500 and $10,000, with an average price for a small bathroom sitting around $6,300.
The cost of a bathroom renovation or remodel will depend on the size of the room and the materials you choose, as well as the scale of the remodel and labor costs.

What is the most difficult part of a bathroom remodel?

There are plenty of challenges to a bathroom remodel, especially if you do it yourself. The most difficult parts include:
-Changing up the plumbing
-Moving the toilet to a new spot
-Leveling the floors (especially if you retile)
-Dealing with mold or dry rot during the renovation process

Which part of a bathroom remodel costs the most?

The wet area (like the shower and bath) is without a doubt the most expensive part of your bathroom to remodel. It often requires skilled plumbing and water-proof materials which cost more. Plus, it comes with installation constraints that can push up labor costs.

Final Thoughts

Remodeling your bathroom can be exciting, but you will fail if you jump into the project without taking the 10 tips above into consideration!

You need to set a budget, plan the layout, and make design choices that will leave you with a functional, gorgeous bathroom once the project is complete.

For all your bathroom remodel requirements, reach out to Sioux Falls Home Remodeling today. We care about making our clients' homes look good at affordable rates!

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