Make no mistake; a bathroom remodel is not easy. It takes time, money, and if you’re going to be living in during the remodel, you will have to cope with quite a bit of dust and noise! Remodelling is definitely messy—but the gorgeous new bathroom you’ll get at the end makes it all worth it.
Here’s how to go about planning your bathroom remodel! Get started by asking yourself these questions:
- How many people will be using the bathroom, and do you need two sinks or one?
- Is the bathroom layout convenient, or do you need to rethink the wet and dry areas?
- How much storage do you need for toiletries, laundry, towels and other essentials?
- What is your budget?
Think about why you are wanting to remodel. If it’s because the plumbing is old and there are leaks, you will definitely need to overhaul all the water lines, sewage and sullage pipes; and then ensure that a layer of waterproofing is done on the slab. Are your tiles old and chipped? They will need to be replaced. If the position of the shower is not how you want it to be, then you’ll need to rethink the entire layout.
Bathroom Layout Considerations
When planning the bathroom layout, it’s very important to demarcate the wet and dry areas. The shower or tub are areas that will get wet regularly, and must be separated from the sink and commode which are areas that can be kept dry. It’s always best if you can enclose the wet area with a glass cubicle, and if that’s not possible you can use shower curtains to segregate the spaces.
If you are planning to switch around the existing layout, remember that this will call for completely gutting the existing bathroom and redoing it from scratch. You’ll need to be prepared to live with the mess and disturbance for at least three weeks, if not longer!
Bathroom Plumbing and Waterproofing
Any bathroom that is older than fifteen years is likely to need a plumbing upgrade. Older pipes could have corroded or rusted, and will cause leaks and loss of water pressure. Even if the pipes seem to be fine now, by replacing them you will be able to plug leaks even before they start, conserve water and address any runaway water damage.
If your bathroom has old GI pipes, replacing them with new, maintenance free PVC pipes is an important prerogative. A renovated bathroom with upgraded plumbing will look its best and last for many years without requiring costly replacements.
Any leaks in the walls or floors must be addressed by redoing the waterproofing. Never skimp on the time taken for this, or the quality of the waterproofing compound; as a job well done will save you a lot of pain over time.
Changing the Sanitary ware
Sinks and commodes get outdated very fast, and over the years they tend to stain, chip or crack. Even if you don’t want to do a full-on remodel, just by replacing the sanitary ware you can instantly transform the aesthetics and functionality of your bathroom.
If you’re elbowing each other every morning while brushing your teeth, see if you have the space to install his and her sinks! There are many lovely modern washbasin designs available and you can choose from models that are freestanding, countertop or countersunk, or even ones that are wrapped around the counter.
A freestanding tub is a lovely addition to your bathroom, but if you cannot make room, then a walk-in shower or a smaller tub are your best options.
Rethink the Countertop!
Unless you’re opting for a standalone model, you’ll need to install a countertop to mount the sink. Granite, marble or Corian are good looking and durable options, which are water resistant and can be cleaned easily. Pick a shade that goes well with your colour palette and décor theme.
Glam up the Tiles
The wall and floor tiles, to a large extent, determine how your bathroom looks. Just by changing the tiles, you can give your bathroom a whole new look!
Vitrified and ceramic tiles are the most preferred wall cladding and flooring materials, but you can also choose from natural stones such as marble or granite. Always ensure that the flooring tile you pick is anti-skid and non-slippery when wet—you don’t want any nasty falls once your remodel is done! Pick tiles that are non-porous, easy to clean, and will last a great many years.
A lovely, contemporary idea for a large bathroom is to use wallpaper or just paint in the dry area, instead of tiling every inch of available space.
Add More Storage
If your bathroom is outdated, chances are that you don’t have as much storage as you need. Cabinets or open shelves on the wall, under-basin storage, and standalone ladder shelves add much-needed storage space for your toiletries, cosmetics, towels and other bathroom essentials. Use a waterproof marine board for the core of the cabinetry, and finish the shutters with easy-wipe laminates or acrylic that will withstand the high levels of humidity and temperature.
Give your Bathroom a Spa Upgrade
Your bathroom is the space where you can let your hair down and be yourself, relaxing and unwinding at the end of a stressful day at work! With just a little bit of planning, you can give your bathroom a spa-style upgrade. Candles on the counter, floating rose petals in your scented bath, and aroma diffusers with vanilla essential oils can magically transform your everyday bathroom into a refreshing spa.
An extendable tray that fits securely over the width of your tub is a great value add, and will hold your glass of wine or the latest book you’re reading! Add a touch of green with potted ferns and lovely white pebbles.
Switch Out the Lighting
Always plan to have three layers of lights in the bathroom. Ambient lights in the ceiling provide good visibility, task lights around the mirror help you get your make-up just right, and soft, low lighting adds the perfect vibe for a spa evening! LED strip lights fitted below the cabinetry and around the mirror frame add a lovely glow.
Upgrade for the Elderly
If your bathroom is going to be used by your elderly relatives—or if you, yourself, are getting on in years—then you should add the required level of functionality that makes it safe for seniors. Grab bars near the toilet, anti-skid tiles, wheelchair accessibility if needed and a higher toilet seat makes it easy for seniors to use the bathroom. Faucets with motion sensors are easier to use than those with knobs or levers, and it is always helpful to add a call button for the caregiver. Ensure that lighting levels are uniform and even; functionality is key here and mood lighting can take a back seat!
Liked our bathroom remodelling ideas? Let us know in the comments below! And if you need support in giving your bathroom a facelift, give the HomeLane team a buzz. We’re always around to help.
