Home Improvement

Planning a Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom Remodel Jacksonville is a great way to refresh the appearance and add value to your home. However, it’s important to understand the difference between a remodel and renovation to avoid over-extending your budget.

Bathroom Remodel

A well-planned project will go a long way to keeping costs down and making the remodel process less stressful. Start by developing a floor plan that fits your vision and checking permit requirements.

When planning your bathroom remodel you need to think about the layout as well as choosing finishes. The layout is key to how well the space functions and how it relates to your home’s interior design style. Start by creating a floor plan to help you visualize the space and get an idea of what your bathroom will look like when the project is complete. Having a clear layout will also make it easier for you and your contractor to understand what needs to be done and how it will all come together.

If you are remodeling a small bathroom (or guest bath) a one wall layout is an effective solution. It allows for a vanity, a tub or shower, and a toilet without overcrowding the space. You can use decorative elements to add a sense of luxury to the room, but the overall design should be minimal.

For bathrooms that are longer but narrower, a linear arrangement of the fixtures can be an excellent choice. This layout maximizes the width of the space for a tub, shower, and storage cabinet while still providing sufficient floor area for the room. Glass partitions help define the separate areas while ensuring light and privacy.

With a little more square footage, you can create the feeling of an expansive master bathroom with a larger vanity and double sinks. This layout also provides plenty of space for a walk-in shower, tub, and WC. Careful spacing of the basic features helps create a spacious feel, while still allowing for ample storage space.

It is important to consider the plumbing and electrical layout when designing your new bathroom. Will you be able to relocate pipes or will they have to be rerouted? This will have a major impact on the cost and timeframe of the project. Talk to a plumber or heating engineer to get the best advice on what is possible in your space.

Once you have a rough layout in mind, it’s a good idea to gather photos and inspiration for your new bathroom. This will help you narrow down your design options and select a color scheme that will work with your existing fixtures and overall style. It will also make it much easier to buy the products you need and communicate your design to your contractor.

Storage

Storage is an essential component of any bathroom remodeling project, as it helps keep this space clean, organized and clutter-free. Smart storage solutions allow you to maximize your bathroom’s usable space without sacrificing style or aesthetic appeal. From recessed shelving and niches to built-in cabinets, there are endless ways to add storage to your bathroom.

Baskets and bins are a versatile storage option, ideal for storing towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies and more. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit any bathroom decor, and they can be easily moved or reorganized as needed. Wicker bins, in particular, are a stylish option that can hide clutter and still look beautiful. They are great for storing extra toilet paper rolls, hot tools and other items you don’t want visible on your countertops or shelves.

Choosing the right cabinetry for your bathroom can be a tricky decision because of limited wall space and design restrictions. However, with careful planning, you can create a functional and beautiful bathroom vanity that fits your needs. The first step is to decide how much storage you need. Start by determining what you need daily and how often you use certain items. Then, choose the best cabinetry options to suit your lifestyle and budget.

Recessed Shelving and Niches

Using the space above your sink is a great way to maximize storage without taking up valuable floor space. Adding recessed shelves or niches to your walls is a simple way to add hidden storage that’s perfect for toiletries, candles or other decorative items.

Another option is to install wall-mounted cabinets, which provide ample storage and can be customized to match your bathroom’s overall design theme. You can also opt for open or glass-fronted shelving, which is a great choice for storing items like skincare bottles and pretty jars that double as decor.

Lastly, if you have a bathtub-shower combo that you no longer use and can convert it into a standalone shower, this can provide more room for storage. In addition to being a cost-effective option, it allows you to create additional storage in the shower or along the wall, where it isn’t as obtrusive as cabinets would be.

Flooring

The right flooring can elevate your bathroom to the level of luxury you’re dreaming about. But it’s also important to keep in mind the practical considerations of water resistance and durability.

One of the most common flooring materials for bathrooms is tile. Tile is waterproof and offers a wide range of styles, colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes that allow you to achieve almost any look you can imagine. You can even mix and match floor, wall, accent, and backsplash tiles for a truly custom design. For best results, opt for glazed porcelain tile with a low water absorption rate for your floors.

Another great option for your floors is natural stone. Whether you choose the timeless elegance of marble or the earthy tones of granite, this material will add an instant level of sophistication to your bathroom. Natural stone floors are durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Their drawbacks include the fact that they are cold underfoot and can be slippery when wet. However, these issues can be minimized by installing heated floors and using a slip-resistant tile texture.

If you love the look of wood floors but don’t want to deal with potential water damage, engineered hardwood might be the perfect solution for you. Unlike solid wood, this innovative flooring material is made with a plywood base that is coated with protective moisture-resistant finishes. Authentic-looking hardwood veneer is then affixed to the top of the floor.

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are gaining popularity as an alternative to real wood and stone floors because of their realistic designs, durability, and affordability. These floors are made from rigid core products that incorporate laminate, stone, and/or wood, which are then covered with a wear layer to protect them against moisture damage. This allows them to withstand high levels of humidity while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. They are a cost-effective choice for your bathroom remodel that looks and feels like the real thing!

Lighting

Lighting plays a pivotal role in bathroom design. The right combination of fixtures, bulbs, and thoughtful placement can create a functional, inviting space that satisfies your practical needs while serving as a relaxing retreat at the end of a long day. The key to successful lighting is balancing functionality and ambiance, which can be accomplished with strategic solutions like GFCI outlets and wet-rated fixtures (rated for humidity but not direct water exposure).

Whether you’re going for a minimalist getting-ready space or an opulent spa-like sanctuary, the possibilities for light fixture design are endless. There are sconces, flush mounts, pendants, and even chandeliers that can suit a variety of aesthetics. Keep in mind that dimmable lighting allows you to adjust the brightness of your fixtures, transforming your bathroom from an energizing morning space to a serene evening retreat.

Accent lighting can draw attention to architectural details, unique decor elements, or artwork while illuminating your vanity with flattering, even illumination. Try installing wall sconces with matching hardware or recessed lighting in the ceiling to tie the room together. You can also use a backlit mirror to add depth and dimension while providing soft, indirect lighting for grooming tasks.

Consider using LED lights in your bathroom to reduce energy consumption while maximizing functionality. They offer excellent color rendering and come in a variety of color temperatures to match your aesthetic. Be sure to use ENERGY STAR-certified bulbs and fixtures that qualify for rebates. You can also install motion sensors and skylights to maximize natural lighting when possible and further reduce reliance on artificial illumination. These energy-efficient upgrades are simple, cost-effective, and ecofriendly.