5 Things to Know Before Starting Your Bathroom Remodel
Planning a bathroom remodel can be exciting, but it’s crucial to get a few things in order before diving into the project. A well-thought-out renovation not only enhances your space but also boosts your home’s value. Whether you're revamping for function, style, or both, here are five essential things to consider before getting started.
Set a Budget (And Stick to It!)
Prioritizing Functionality Over Aesthetics
Choosing Quality Materials That Last
Work with a Professionals (Urban Miracle Renovations)
Prepare for Surprises (Because They Will Happen)
#1 - Set a Realistic Budget (And Stick to It!)
It’s easy to get carried away once you start shopping for all the cool stuff- luxury showers, designer tiles, high-end vanities- but setting a realistic budget will keep you grounded. Let’s say you’ve set aside $40,000 for the remodel. But halfway through, we discover that the plumbing behind your walls is corroded and needs to be replaced. Suddenly, an extra $2,500 is added to the project cost. Without a cushion in your budget, you’re left scrambling to make cuts elsewhere.
To avoid this stress, it's smart to plan for these kinds of surprises. Maybe you scale back your dream of a custom vanity or skip the extra luxuries to stay within budget. Also, keep in mind that some seemingly small upgrades- like adding a dimmable light or a heated towel rack- can quickly add up. These extras can push your budget if you're not careful, so prioritize what’s most important to you and allow some breathing room for unexpected expenses. You should plan on spending about 70–80% of that on essentials like plumbing, fixtures, and materials. The remaining 20–30% should be your buffer for unexpected costs, like discovering old water damage behind your walls or needing to upgrade outdated plumbing.
#2 - Prioritizing Functionality Over Aesthetics
We all want a gorgeous bathroom, but let’s face it- functionality comes first. Think about how you use your bathroom on a daily basis. Do you need double sinks to avoid morning chaos? Maybe you need more counter space or a bigger shower. Possibly more storage or even hidden storage? It’s easy to get caught up in what looks good on Pinterest, but your bathroom should work for you and your lifestyle. Whatever your life looks like, you want to make sure your bathroom reflects that.
Example: You’ve been eyeing that sleek, freestanding bathtub for months, and it’s finally within reach. It’s the centerpiece of your dream bathroom. But here’s the catch- your family rarely takes baths, and space is tight. Installing a large tub would force you to reduce the size of the shower, making it cramped and uncomfortable for daily use.
Instead of focusing solely on that glamorous tub, think about how your bathroom functions day to day. Maybe you’ll realize that expanding the shower, adding a bench, or installing multiple shower heads will bring more comfort and utility to your daily routine. You could also consider built-in storage niches inside the shower for shampoos and soaps, rather than using bulky, movable racks. If you’ve got kids or older family members, maybe a walk-in shower with grab bars would be more practical in the long run. These functional upgrades can make your bathroom not only look good but also work better for you.
#3 - Choosing Quality Materials That Last
Bathrooms endure a lot of wear and tear- think humidity, water splashes, and regular cleaning. That’s why choosing durable materials is essential. Opt for tiles that are slip-resistant and easy to clean, and don’t skimp on waterproofing behind the walls. Also, think about the long term. Eco-friendly, GREENGUARD-certified products are not only better for the environment, but they also keep your indoor air healthier by reducing emissions of harmful chemicals. When you work with us, we maximize the use of these types of materials- always.
Example: Imagine you're in love with the idea of a sleek, all-white bathroom featuring a stunning marble vanity top. While marble looks beautiful, it's porous and can easily stain or scratch, especially in a high-traffic area like a bathroom. Instead of marble, consider using quartz, which offers the same luxurious look but with better durability. Quartz is non-porous, making it resistant to stains, scratches, and water damage- a huge plus in a bathroom where toothpaste spills and water splashes are a daily occurrence. Additionally, if you're drawn to the idea of natural stone tiles in the shower, keep in mind that real stone needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water damage and mold growth. A more practical alternative could be porcelain or ceramic tiles that mimic the texture and appearance of stone but are far easier to maintain and much more budget-friendly.
At the end of the day, with whichever materials you decide to use, you'll want to create a bathroom that looks gorgeous but one that withstands the test of time, saving you from costly repairs or replacements down the road.
#4 - Work with Professionals (Us @ Urban Miracle Renovations)
Sure, you might be tempted to take on the remodel yourself to save some money, but unless you’re a seasoned contractor, leave this one to the pros- more specifically Urban Miracle Renovations. Our company will ensure your new bathroom meets building codes, and we know how to deal with the inevitable unexpected issues (because there will be some). Not to mention, we can offer great design advice, you might not have thought of, with our team of trusted designers.
Let’s say you’re pretty handy and feel confident tackling some parts of the remodel yourself. You decide to handle the demolition and save money by installing the vanity on your own. Sounds simple enough, right? But once you start, you realize there’s more to it than meets the eye. Maybe the plumbing isn’t lining up with your new sink, or the vanity doesn’t sit flush against the wall, leaving unsightly gaps.
By the time you’ve spent hours troubleshooting, you realize it might’ve been easier (and quicker!) to hire professionals like us, Urban Miracle Renovations, from the start. We not only install the vanity seamlessly but also ensure that the plumbing is correctly aligned and up to code, preventing any potential leaks or damage down the road.
At Urban Miracle Renovations, we take care of all the necessary permits and local regulations. Bathrooms often require special permits, especially when you’re moving plumbing or electrical components. With us, you won’t have to worry about these details; we’ll handle them, ensuring your remodel is done legally and meets all required standards. This saves you from the hassle of navigating red tape or, even worse, needing to redo work because it wasn’t compliant.
When it comes to design, our experienced team can help you avoid costly mistakes. For instance, if you’re thinking about installing wall-to-wall mirrors, we might suggest splitting it up with two mirrors for a more balanced aesthetic, or even propose a better layout to make the space feel larger without needing to knock down walls. With our expertise, we foresee potential issues and offer solutions that not only enhance your space but also fit your vision and budget.
#5 - Prepare for Surprises (Because They Will Happen)
No matter how well you plan, expect the unexpected. Imagine you're in the middle of your remodel, and things are going smoothly. You’re on track and within budget- until we pull back the old tiles and finds signs of water damage and mold. Suddenly, you need to tear out more walls, treat the mold, and repair the damaged plumbing. What was supposed to be something as simple as a straightforward tile replacement turns into a $5,000 repair job.
This is where that extra 20-30% of your budget buffer comes in handy. Unexpected discoveries like mold, leaky pipes, or outdated wiring are common in older homes. For example, if you’re remodeling a bathroom built in the 1970s, there’s a good chance the plumbing or electrical systems won’t meet today’s standards, and you’ll need to upgrade them. It’s also common to discover poorly installed previous renovations that need correcting.
Being mentally prepared for these setbacks can make a huge difference. Instead of feeling panicked or frustrated when things go wrong, you’ll be able to roll with the punches and adjust the plan accordingly. Open communication with us is key here- if something comes up, we will discuss the options and figure out the best way forward without sacrificing too much of your vision. That way, you stay in control, even when surprises pop up. It’s better to be prepared for these surprises than to let them derail your entire project.
5 Things to Know Before Starting Your Bathroom Remodel: An Overview
Remodeling your bathroom can be an exciting adventure if you’re prepared for what’s ahead. It's a chance to breathe new life into one of the most essential spaces in your home, turning it into a sanctuary that reflects your style and caters to your daily needs. However, a smooth remodel requires more than just picking out pretty tiles or a fancy faucet- it’s about making smart decisions right from the start. By focusing on the right materials, setting a solid budget, and getting the right professional help, you’re not just creating a beautiful bathroom, but you’re building a space that will stand the test of time, both in functionality and style. Choosing the right materials is key to ensuring that your bathroom remains as beautiful and efficient in the years to come as it is on day one. And a solid budget is just as critical to a successful remodel.
Lastly, and most importantly, partnering with experienced professionals is what brings your vision to life without the headaches. That’s where Urban Miracle Renovations comes in. We’re more than just a renovation company; we’re your dedicated partners in creating a bathroom that’s perfectly tailored to your needs and style. Whether it's guiding you through material selection, ensuring that every aspect is up to code, or handling the inevitable surprises that come with remodeling, our expert team takes care of the details so you don’t have to. We know the ins and outs of luxury bathroom design and construction, allowing you to enjoy the process without worrying about the technicalities.
So if you’re ready to start your own remodel, we’re here to make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From initial planning to the final reveal, we’ll transform your bathroom into a space that’s not only beautiful but also a perfect fit for your lifestyle. Let’s turn your bathroom into a place you’ll love for years to come- elegant, functional, and completely you. With Urban Miracle Renovations, your dream bathroom, will always be your way.