Bathrooms are special. Walking into a beautiful, well-designed one can leave you feeling calm, happy and somewhat fancy. However, some homeowners find renovating their bathroom to fit this aesthetic a bit challenging. This doesn't have to be the case. Below are 15 bathroom renovation tips that can help make your next renovation project your smoothest one yet.

 

1. SET A BUDGET FOR YOUR BATHROOM RENOVATION
Remodelling your bathroom into a modern style that you like is a significant investment, both for yourself and your property. However, it is vital to remember that bathroom renovations are not cheap. Without a solid budget, you may end up incurring additional costs that weren’t part of your initial plan.

Before you get started, ensure that you research the custom building costs in your locality and use these estimates to set a realistic budget. Another smart bathroom renovation tip is to hire a design-build firm or remodelling contractor to do the job. Most of them offer fixed pricing, which will help you stick to your budget. 

 

 

2. START WITH DETERMINING THE POSITION OF THE TOILET
Your desired toilet location is a significant determinant of the entire layout of your bathroom. You need to select a suitable spot that rhymes with the mood of the room, especially if you are aiming for a spa-like vibe.

You also need to ensure that the toilet isn't the first thing guests spot in case they come across an open bathroom door, since it isn't the most aesthetically pleasing feature.

 

3. UTILISE YOUR SPACE
One of the most overlooked bathroom renovation tips is considering the amount of space you are working with before you get started. However, it is essential to bear in mind that your bathroom space determines the bathroom design ideas you select. You must manage the space you are working with adequately and set realistic expectations for what adjustments can be made to it.

Developing a layout before you begin the remodelling process helps make good use of the size and shape of the area you are working with. Your designer can help with this process by creating 3D images of what your small bathroom renovations will look like and advising on any possible designs you have in mind.

Smaller spaces provide fewer design and layout choices, while bigger ones open up more opportunities and possibilities for a custom bathroom remodel design. 

 

 

 

4. DECIDE MATERIALS EARLY
If you wish to have a successful bathroom remodel, you must be keen on detail. Each of your bathroom ideas and design templates may require a different set of textures and materials. Ensure that all the materials you select can meet your bathroom remodel needs.

It is also vital to remember that bathrooms are susceptible to regular wear and tear. Therefore, the materials you select should be able to withstand harsh conditions such as humidity changes, temperature swings, and water exposure.

Cutting down on material costs often leads to spending more because you might have to replace them after a couple of years. Ensure to select high-quality materials that will serve you for years. 

 

 

 

5. BATHROOM COLOURS ARE ESSENTIAL
An excellent way to make a bold statement with your bathroom remodel is by adding a pop of colour to it. Moreover, you can make your small bathroom look bigger by selecting a bright colour palette. The white-or-light spectrum serves this purpose best.

If you are working with a large area, you can experiment with any colour palette that you desire. However, ensure that the colours you select work well together while maintaining the feeling of cleanliness and serenity that any bathroom should have. Remember that painting your bathroom ceiling in dark colours can shrink it down and make it look much smaller.

 

6. KNOW WHEN TO LET THE PROS TAKE OVER
While some people opt to take on bathroom renovations by themselves, this may not always be the best option, especially if you plan to make some significant changes. Knowing when to let the pros take over is one of the smartest bathroom renovation tips. A professional bathroom designer has enough knowledge to identify which changes will work and those that won't. 

Professionals also pay great attention to detail and are likely to spot minor issues that you would overlook. Hiring professionals also means saving in the long run since you are less likely to have to hire a plumber to make minor repairs every now and then.

 

7. DON'T SKIMP ON THE BATHROOM MIRRORS
 

 

In addition to allowing people who visit the room to check their hair and make-up, mirrors can make a bathroom look and feel more spacious and much lighter. Mirrors help to add light to the bathroom while expanding its visual space.

Consider adding a second mirror to the primary one that is located above the sink. If you are working with limited space, you can incorporate large-format mirrors covering the entire wall. Fitting heated pods behind the mirror are beneficial in preventing them from misting up during baths and showers.

 

8. FOCUS ON LIGHTING
Without adequate lighting, a bathroom can be pretty impractical or downright dangerous. Therefore, it is vital to incorporate a functional lighting design that suits the aesthetic of your new bathroom.

One of the best ways to achieve better lighting in the bathroom is by taking advantage of natural light. If possible, consider incorporating large windows into your design. Natural lighting skims around the mirrors and allows people using your bathroom to have accurate representations of skin tone and colour.

A good artificial lighting plan is also vital even if you already have adequate natural light. Layering soft lighting around the vanity and above the head level provides broad-spectrum light while doing away with the unpleasant shadows cast on the face at night time. 

 

9. VENTILATION IS A MUST
Bathrooms are naturally susceptible to dampness, especially during the warm season. Ensuring excellent ventilation in the bathroom is one of the smartest bathroom renovation tips. It is vital for keeping it fresh and maintaining good health for its occupants.

Additionally, good ventilation helps to keep stubborn mould at bay. If left untreated, mould can cause expensive damage and stains in the bathroom while posing a major health risk to people and animals.

You can choose to ventilate your bathroom naturally through window vents and windows or artificially through exhaust fans. While windows are an excellent ventilation option, they can let in dust, debris and traffic pollution. They may also be impractical during the cold winter months. Your contractor will help you decide on a good exhaust fan option that provides effective airflow. 

 

 


 

10. DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT YOU WANT A BATHTUB
 

 

Determining if you want a bathtub in your remodelled bathroom can be a big decision, especially for homeowners working with limited space. While bathtubs were a necessity in previous centuries, they now seem to be on the decline. Present-day life is much quicker, and most people prefer to take a quick shower over a long warm bath.

However, having a bathtub as part of your bathroom remodel is a matter of choice. They continue to offer the ultimate relaxation, especially in the master ensuite where homeowners can soak peacefully, away from all other activities taking place in the house. It is also advisable to keep at least one bathtub on your property if you want to put it on the market soon.

 

11. ADD A BIT OF LUXURY
Adding a few luxurious extras to your remodelled bathroom goes a long way in making its users feel special. Some optional bathroom additions are quickly becoming expectations and highly prized features in modern bathrooms. For instance, everyone appreciates a heated floor when stepping out of the shower. It also makes economic sense by enabling you to lower the temperature of your main thermostat in the cold winter months.

Wall-mounted features are great pieces of luxury. Wall-mounted washbasins, toilets and cabinets leave the bathroom looking classy while saving floor space. A heated towel rail will leave everyone in the house enjoying their bath time.

 

12. CONSIDER ACCESSIBILITY
While the idea of having a disabled person access your bathroom may seem like a distant concern, it is vital to consider your bathroom’s accessibility before you begin to remodel. Your bathroom should include minor tweaks to make it more accessible, which might save you money later.

Adding a blocking behind the wall is a great way to ensure that your bathroom can accommodate grab rails in the future. A curb-less walk-in shower is a friendly option that can accommodate differently-abled individuals within the household.

 

13. CONSIDER KEEPING SOME VINTAGE FINISHES
The main goal in a bathroom renovation is to give it a fresh new look. However, some elements of the room might be harder to replace than others. Older homes may have tiled walls installed with wire lath and layers of concrete.

Removing such installations is difficult and time-consuming, and it may cause labour costs to soar and fall out of your budget. Instead, it is advisable to keep such installations and focus your money and energy on other aspects of the bathroom, which can leave it looking and feeling brand new. Besides, these vintage finishes can be a cool feature that adds to the bathroom's uniqueness.

 

14. ADD PLANTS
Plants bring life to any room in the house, and the bathroom is no exception. Consider adding a floor pot of your favourite blooms or a floating shelf of some succulents to give this sterile location some much-needed life.

  

 

 

15. DESIGN WITH THE FUTURE IN MIND
If you plan to live in your current home for a couple of years, it is essential to remodel your bathroom in a design that will continue to fit your preferences and style for many years to come. On the other hand, homeowners thinking about putting their property up for sale in the near future should renovate their bathroom in a design that increases the value of the house.

Ensure that your renovated bathroom is the perfect mix of design, comfort, value, luxury and longevity. Deciding on the ideal blend of tile textures, paint colours and countertop materials to achieve this may seem daunting, but a contractor can give you advice on the design options that will suit your bathroom best.

 

TRANSFORM YOUR BATHROOM WITH AMBER
A bathroom remodel can change the look and feel of your home while increasing its market value. Before you get started, you need to consider some factors, including; accessibility, ventilation and lighting. Creating and sticking to a budget is also vital to avoid incurring unforeseen costs. We have a range of ready made Bathroom Renovation packages making your decision easier. 

At Amber, we stock a range of high-quality bathroomware and tiles ideal for transforming your bathroom into a haven of relaxation. Browse our site for inspiration or book an appointment to talk to our experienced team.