Renovating your bathroom can feel like a daunting task. While it’s undoubtedly an exciting prospect, it can be overwhelming to start with, especially if you’re new to home renovation projects. There are several key steps you need to take to make sure your bathroom refit is a success. Unlike redecorating a bedroom or living room, there are more factors to consider when updating your bathroom.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of how to renovate a bathroom properly, so there are no surprises along the way. Whether you’re planning to remodel it yourself or you just want to understand the fundamentals to then hire a professional, we’ve got you covered.
Step 1: Take your time and decide what you want
So, you’ve decided it’s time to renovate – but what next? Before you jump headfirst into your new project, take a moment to consider what you’re hoping to achieve and what your desired outcome might look like. Spend some time researching different bathroom styles and functionalities online. Create lists as you go, jotting down things you might want in your new bathroom. For example, a walk-in shower might be up your street or perhaps a mobility bath would be a sensible addition.
Don’t rush the process and be confident you know what you want before you move on to the next stages of remodelling your bathroom.
Step 2: Be practical and budget from the get-go
Your finances might not be the most fun topic to think about when you’re researching how to renovate a bathroom, but it’s important to always keep your budget in mind. Don’t get swept up in the excitement of your renovation and neglect the fundamentals: sticking to a budget. Before you finalise any plans or designs, pick a budget that you’re comfortable with and make sure you adhere to it throughout the project. There’s always the chance unexpected costs might crop up, for example, you might discover your bathroom needs rewiring further down the line, so having a little extra saved for surprises is a good idea.
Step 3: Pick your design and purchase your products
With your research done and dusted and your budget locked in, it’s time to commit to your design. Ensure you hold off signing on the dotted line until you’ve thought about each of these important things:
- Functionality and use – from an ultra-modern wet room to a disability bathroom, factor in how use will impact your overall design.
- Layout and room design – certain designs might not be appropriate for the layout of your room.
- Features – i.e. sanitaryware and cabinets – make sure these tie into the chosen style of your bathroom for a cohesive look.
- Colour scheme – bold or traditional, the possibilities are endless.
- Flooring colour and materials – consider durability as well as style.
- Paint, wallpaper or tiles for walls – factor in usage and natural light for the best result.
- Plumbing points – are you using the existing plumbing points or completely redesigning your layout?
- Electric points – do you want to add any new features like a shaver socket or over-mirror lighting?
Look at how each feature of your bathroom works together and ensure everything complements the overall look you’re trying to achieve.
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Step 4: Remove your existing bathroom
When learning about how to renovate a bathroom, removing your old one is often the most daunting part of the process. Stripping your bathroom of its existing features should be done carefully and, if in doubt, with the assistance of a professional. Before you start, decide if you’re keeping any of your existing sanitaryware or if you’re starting again from scratch for your bathroom renovation.
Turn off the water to prevent any damage and disconnect any electrics in the room, ensuring safety. Remove any sanitaryware, cabinets and other features, pull up the floor, remove old tiles and strip any wallpaper. You’ll now be left with your blank canvas, ready to welcome your new bathroom.
Step 5: Prep your space
Prior to installing any new products, go over your blank canvas and identify any areas that need some work. Now isn’t the time to skip steps so spend as long as needed to make sure your bathroom is in perfect condition, allowing you to continue with your project. Check that your plumbing and electrics are in good condition and hire professionals for any work you might need doing.
Work from the ceiling down
The bathroom ceiling is an often forgotten aspect when investigating how to renovate a bathroom. This space can help to transform your room and is an important part of the process. Touch it up with a layer of fresh white paint or do something a little different, like ceiling panels. Once you’re happy with how it looks, you can move on to painting or tiling your walls. If you’re tiling yourself, have a practice run before committing to the entire area and be confident in your skills before you commit to the whole bathroom.
Add your flooring
Floors and walls are typically completed before fixtures, but if you’re using vinyl or linoleum, sometimes this can be done last; you should speak to a specialist bathroom fitter for advice. Check your floor is level and equal and work around any drains or other permanent fixtures.
Finish with your features
Add your sanitaryware and fixtures like cabinets. Once the main features are in, you can start to add final touches like accessories and decor to tie your new bathroom design together.
Key considerations for your bathroom renovation
Learning how to renovate a bathroom might feel like an impossible task but by following the steps outlined above, you’re well on your way to completing a successful bathroom remodel. You’re almost ready to get stuck into your project, but first consider the following points:
Balance cost-saving with practical abilities
Should you opt for a DIY approach or ask for professional help? We all like to think we can do anything if we put our minds to it but there’s a reason professionals exist! Analyse your DIY skills and identify what parts of your renovation project you can handle yourself and which tasks might require the help of an expert.
Think about functionality not just design
it can be easy to be distracted by the fun things like a beautiful colour of tile or a quirky bathroom layout but it’s important to factor in the overall functionality of your bathroom. For example, how easy will it be for you to clean and is it suitable for everyone who will be using it?
Factor in durability and maintenance
while some designs seem perfect in theory, in practice they can turn into a nightmare. Think about the overall durability of the products you’ve chosen, how much upkeep they require and what is feasible for your usage. While some bathrooms might look fit for social media, if they are back-breaking for you to keep on top of, are they worth it in the long run?
We’ve broken down how to renovate a bathroom in simple steps but remember it’s essential to do plenty of research before you undertake your bathroom renovation. Speak to professionals in the industry who can help steer your project in the right direction and provide guidance about your remodel, as every bathroom renovation varies.