Did you just return from a weekend escape to a luxury hotel or resort and miss that bathroom finished out in wood? There were softly gleaming walls, a highly polished two-sink vanity, and knotted floors. Is a bathroom full of wood finishes right for your home? More and more homeowners are making it happen.
The warm, natural tones of wood make it a timeless option for home decor, no matter in what decade you were born. After spending the past ten years living with interior designs in shades of gray, white, and metallic accents, you may be searching for a more natural look for a bathroom that welcomes you to relax, breathe deep, and spend time decompressing. Wood used as a material for walls, floors, cabinetry, and even tubs is a growing trend that embraces the past and the future.
Are the surfaces in your current bathroom cold and hard? Tile, porcelain, and stone may be durable and functional, but they struggle to create a warm oasis perfect for a long soak.
A wood bathroom floor gives your toes something soft and warmer to step on after a hot shower. A butcher block countertop adds a natural element to your morning toilet. Exposed wood beams in the ceiling lend a rustic appeal to your lakeside cabin.
Some of the more common woods used in wet applications include cedar, teak, and hinoki. Not only do these woods feature naturally occurring resins that help to fight off rot, but they also emit a spicy scent. Do you smile whenever you open your grandmother’s linen closet? That happy scent memory probably features the smell of cedar. Imagine adding that aroma to your morning shower without the use of sprays, oils, or chemicals.
You are sold! You can’t wait to create an ensuite that wraps you in the organic look and feel of wood. Can you chop down an old pine tree and use the lumber for floors? No, not really. Durable hardwoods such as oak and maple are a better option but come with some maintenance challenges.
Teak is the preferred choice and has become less expensive and more readily available in recent years. It has graced the deck of boats and yachts for centuries. It features a dense grain and natural resins that provide water-resistant properties. Cedar is another good choice and can be found as domestic lumber in America. The Japanese have used hinoki wood for their ofuro soaking tubs for thousands of years.
However, you can use even soft pine to craft a custom vanity that will not be subjected to regular soakings when it is properly sealed and protected from moisture.
Will a wood bathroom design begin to rot in just a year or two? No, it won’t unless you make an effort to ignore daily cleaning and maintenance. When properly sealed and maintained, a hardwood floor can last up to 25 years in a bathroom. Wood cladding used for walls and ceilings can last decades longer.
Controlling the humidity in the bathroom is important to prevent premature aging. An exhaust fan will reduce excess moisture that can soak into the grain of the wood and cause expansion and warping. Wiping up water spots on the floor helps to maintain the seal. At the same time, a desert climate could allow the wood to dry too much which leads to cracks. In those instances adding a humidifier may be recommended.
Will a wood countertop outlast a tile version? Not likely. But it should retain its elegant appearance and function until it is time for the next bathroom renovation.
If you imagine a European-spa-inspired space for your bathroom, it may feature walls and even a ceiling finished in wood. Is that possible? Yes!
When properly sealed and cleaned, your bathroom ceiling can feature chunky exposed beams or polished panels. While the ceiling may get splashed now and then, it rarely gets soaked. The same applies to the walls outside the shower. Although, refer back to the Scandinavian sauna tradition, and you will see that you can enclose your bath or shower in aromatic lumber.
Contemporary trends for home flooring have introduced the beauty and durability of engineered hardwoods. While the surface is the same oak, maple, or bamboo appearance that you love in older homes, the hidden support structure is better designed to withstand the constant changes in moisture and temperature associated with bathrooms.
If you ever traveled to Japan and experienced a deep soak in an ofuro, you probably wondered at its wooden construction. Yes, you can build a bathtub entirely from wood. The extra moisture from filling it with water helps the seams to swell and seal. A quick wash every week and careful maintenance to remove potential splinters bring you a unique and traditional bathing experience. Wood walls in the shower? That can happen, too.
Now that you know it can happen, our team of professionals at Columbus Bath Design are here to make it all come true. Bring your vision for a stunning new bath, and we will work with you to execute a plan from start to finish. Call us today for your personal in-home consultation.
Do you want to give your bathroom a new look? If so, you might be thinking about adding a fresh coat of paint. When you take a look at the options, it is easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many colors available that you may not know exactly what to choose.
Keep in mind that there is no single best option when it comes to a color for your bathroom. This is always a matter of personal preference; however, you do need to think carefully about several important factors before you decide what color to paint your bathroom. What do you need to know?
Before you paint the bathroom, you have to get a clear picture of what you are dealing with. Therefore, you should wash the walls and wait for them to dry. As you look at your bathroom, you are probably envisioning what it will look like; however, if there are a bunch of stains on the walls, this might be difficult to do.
If you have recently purchased a house, then there could be mildew on the bathroom walls. This could require a special solution to get off. If you are concerned about the appearance of your bathroom walls, you may want to reach out to a professional who can clean them for you. That way, you can get a better idea of what your bathroom truly looks like.
Even though you are free to paint your bathroom any color you want, you do need to think about the room next door. For example, your bathroom might be attached to a bedroom. If that is the case, think about the color of your bedroom, as you may want to paint your bathroom a similar color. If the bathroom is attached to the living room, then you may want the bathroom color to be relatively close to the living room.
Before you decide which colors to choose, you may want to play with some online tools. That way, you can figure out what colors match and which don’t. You can also get used to the color wheel, which can help you make up your mind.
If you don’t have a specific color in mind, then you might want to reach for neutral tones. A lot of people decide to go with neutral tones in the bathroom because they will match just about anything. For example, a lot of people like agreeable gray or mindful gray. These are two specific colors that tend to work well in a lot of bathrooms.
If you think that neutral tones are a bit boring, there are plenty of ways you can spice this up. For example, you may want to add an accent wall to the bathroom. Or, you may want to introduce color to the bathroom using a few accessories.
After you figure out what color you want to use, you need to think about the finish. If you are looking for something that will truly shine, then you may want to go with a satin finish. Satin is incredibly durable and easy to clean. Therefore, this is a great choice for the bathroom because it will make it easier for you to clean the walls without damaging them.
If your bathroom already gets a lot of natural light, then satin may be too bright. If that is the case, you may want to go with an eggshell finish. Even though eggshell is not necessarily as durable as satin, it will still work well in the bathroom. There are other finishes as well, so you may want to talk to a professional painter to learn more.
If you have made a decision regarding what color and what finish you want to use, you need to think about the moisture in the bathroom. Of course, your bathroom is going to be a very wet place. You need to make sure the paint can stand up to this type of wear and tear.
Some companies have a better reputation than others when it comes to moisture. If moisture is going to damage your paint, you need to go with a different option. No matter what type of paint you use, you need to wait a little while before you run the shower. Allow the paint to dry before you start using the bathroom.
Finally, you should also think about whether the paint is going to fade with time. If your bathroom gets a lot of natural sunlight, UV radiation could damage the paint. Even though the paint looks vibrant right now, it may not look the same way in a few years.
You need to make sure you protect the paint accordingly. A professional painter should be able to help you do that. Paint can go a long way toward increasing the value of your home, but you must protect your work accordingly.
Even though you may feel like you can paint the bathroom on your own, you will always get better results if you decide to go with a professional team. If you are looking for experts who can help you paint your bathroom, it would be our pleasure to assist you.
We are Columbus Bath Design, and we have painted bathrooms of all shapes and sizes. We have also used a wide variety of color schemes. We are confident that we can help you paint your bathroom as well.
If you want your bathroom to look beautiful, contact us today! We will walk with you every step of the way during the bathroom redesign process.
Although many people leave during home renovations, this step is not always necessary. Some may prefer staying in their comfortable house, keeping up their old routines. Others may want to get away from the noise, mess, and disruption of a big bathroom renovation.
You’ll need to make a plan for where you’re staying, whether you remain in your home or go. This may also factor into your timeline and renovation budget. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option:
Staying at home is in many ways the easier option. You won’t need to research in-budget accommodations or ask your relatives for a favor. However, don’t underestimate how busy your house may become during a major remodel.
You will have easy access to all of your work equipment, clothes, etc.
You’ll stay in the loop down to the minute on how this remodel is proceeding.
If a problem pops up, you’ll be one of the first people to know about it.
Some kids and pets may do better at home and with their regular routine.
You won’t have to rent a hotel room during the interim.
By watching the remodel, step by step, you can make last-minute changes as needed.
For very minor remodeling jobs such as swapping out hardware or repainting a wall, renting a hotel room may be overkill.
If they’re re-sanding or tearing out the walls, you can expect a lot of noise and dust.
The noise during working hours could interfere with distance learning and working from home.
Those contractors may need to access a room you use frequently, such as a kitchen or bathroom.
Painting and other activities can release fumes. You may be asked to leave the house for a time anyway, to let these chemicals dissipate.
Pets may get agitated by the stream of strangers in the home.
If the renovation takes place over many days, this may create a big disruption in your daily routine.
If you’re getting the bathroom renovated and only have one bathroom, it may not be practical to stay.
Where can you go during a renovation? Some people rent a hotel room, either on a budget or as a splurge. Often, this may be close to their home being renovated or conveniently near work. Other people stay with friends and family, go somewhere exotic, or rent an RV.
You and your household won’t have to deal with strangers in your space, noise, dust, etc.
Your rental room may have advantages like a gym, high-speed internet, or an easy walk to work or school.
A change of location can break you out of a rut. You may actually get more distance education or video conferencing work done in a new place.
Renovations may run longer than expected. You might end up having to get a hotel anyway.
A trusted contractor can take care of minor issues and decisions, freeing up your time.
You won’t risk any incidental contact with paint fumes or other irritants.
The work may be done faster without your family being constantly underfoot.
This can be a significant expense, especially if you travel or stay somewhere luxurious.
The place you find that’s on-budget may not be anywhere near your work, loved ones, etc.
If you’re staying with family and the project runs long, you may overstay your welcome.
You’ll miss out on the comfort and amenities of home.
Over the long run, it may be very inconvenient to keep returning to your home during renovation to pick up clean clothes or important documents.
There’s going to be a time delay between a problem popping up and you hearing about it. This is especially true if you go on vacation somewhere.
If you have specific concerns, bring them up with your contractor during the planning stages. Do you really want to stay at home during the renovation? They may be able to shuffle the schedule around to make this possible.
In some cases, your contractor may be able to work on just one room at a time. This leaves space for your family to use. They may also tackle high-use areas like the kitchen during the day when everyone’s out.
Meanwhile, what if your budget is strained by the additional expense of staying somewhere else? Your contractor may have a few ideas for trimming the renovation costs. These might include:
At Columbus Bath Design, we want your renovation to go off without a hitch. We’re a family owned and operated business proudly serving the Greater Columbus area for over two decades. Contact us today and we’ll get started on your renovation plan.
A luxurious bathroom is one that calls to mind a spa-like environment from the comfort and privacy of home. Amenities include rich textures, soft lighting and technological advancements that move your bathroom beyond functional into the realm of luxury. The following are some of the most notable amenities that make your bathroom luxurious. Read on to determine what you could do to update your bathroom, making it more luxurious and increasing its value. 
While bathroom flooring of all varieties like marble is beautiful to look at, it can be quite chilly especially if you are stepping into the room in the cool of the morning. One way to combat this issue and add luxury to your bathroom is installing electric radiant heated floors underneath your flooring. This means you step onto your beautiful marble floors, and they are pleasantly warm.
If you have the room to include a sauna or steam shower, it is truly a luxurious addition. Here is a look at the difference between the two options:
Speaking of heat, another luxurious amenity that changes a bathroom’s characterization from functional to luxurious is a towel warmer. Along with purchasing rich, fluffy textured towels, adding a towel warmer is another way to add some class into the space. This will ensure your towel is warm and waiting for you when you get out of your tub or shower. There are also towel-warming drawers that serve the same purpose in drawer form.
Of course, the fixtures of your bathroom should be luxurious. However, another way to exude class is to incorporate lounge space and lounge furniture. Adding a couch or sitting area into your bathroom is one way to manufacture a spa-like atmosphere.
Sometimes it’s nice to be able to watch a favorite television show while soaking in the tub or enjoying a steam shower. While adding a TV is easy enough, it doesn’t look great to have a TV installed on the wall in the bathroom. One way to have a TV but still create a luxurious look is to hide the TV. You can do this by hiding it in a cabinet that allows you to open up and view a TV hidden inside. Of course, there are also mirrors that are specially made with a TV hidden behind that shine through the mirror when turned on.
While a dressing room doesn’t have to be part of the bathroom itself, having one adjacent to the bathroom is yet another way to make a bathroom luxurious. It doesn’t have to be a huge room, just an area to get dressed, which should include a bench or chair to sit on and some areas to hang up and/or store clothing.
It’s important to have the option of either bright or soft lighting in a luxurious bathroom. You can choose any style of lighting you want in a bathroom. The way to ensure that the bright light becomes softer is a light dimming switch. This means when you are taking a bath or enjoying your sauna, you can turn down the lights and enjoy the relaxing mood.
The shower tub combination is the practical way to get both features in a small space. However, if you are talking luxury, you want to have two separate features, not one combo unit. Aim for a claw foot, luxurious tub or one with lots of massage features and tech options. For the shower, opt for tile work and walk-in-variety and experiment with interesting shower fixtures, such as waterfall faucets.
Another feature of a bathroom that exudes luxury is hidden outlets. While outlets are practical and needed— we all need to plug in a hairdryer, razor or other electronics. However, you don’t want to see the outlets. Instead, you can hide them cleverly with inside cabinet outlets. They are there and can be used, but close the door, and they become invisible.
Sometimes it’s not adding different features to a bathroom to create a luxurious ambiance, it is using the right materials. Marble for example is one material that exudes luxury and class. You can also use a certain type of privacy glass that can be both transparent and opaque (more on this below). Consider each item you are adding into your bathroom and opt for higher-end materials for a luxurious feel.
We have already covered some technologically advanced items on this list, and there are many, many types of tech you can add to a bathroom that can create a luxurious and/or experience. Here are just a few examples:
If any of the features listed above sound like something you would like to incorporate into your bathroom—transforming it from functional to fabulously luxurious—contact us today to learn more!
Renovation means different things to different people. If you are preparing to sell your home, taking a close look at your bathroom and deciding the best approach to take might not mean tearing the whole thing out and starting from scratch. You have to take into consideration the overall value of your home and how making improvements to the bathrooms will add value to your property. Here are a few tips to consider when asking yourself, “should I renovate the bathroom before selling? 
If you are seriously ready to put your home on the market, you have probably already hired a realtor. Realtors are experienced and up to date on what the housing market trends are. Your realtor has close relationships with contractors and interior designers. With their help, the realtor will have the information to evaluate your neighborhood, what the values of the homes are and consult you on what the best way is to approach your bathroom update. A total expensive remodel is not necessary if it won’t increase the sale price of the home. They will be able to offer advice that makes financial sense for your upgrade. Maybe it will be as simple as a fresh coat of paint, new light fixtures, or other updates.
Regardless of whether you plan a total bathroom remodel or not, a fresh coat of paint will make your bathroom look clean and updated. Neutral, solid colors have the greatest appeal because as potential buyers tour your home, they will imagine how their furniture and home accents will fit into the picture. If the paint is neutral, it is easier for them.
Light fixtures are another quick, inexpensive update for your bathroom. Both overhead lighting and wall light fixtures provide ambiance and focal points for the bathroom. Evaluate the age of your light fixtures and their condition. Do they go with today’s trends? Are they scratched, broken and out of working order? Replacing a light fixture is another easy update to elevate the value of the bathroom and make it look fresh and clean.
Take a look at the functionality of your bathroom. If there are many things crammed into a small space, consider this. If there is a standing shower and a bathtub, remove the tub and add a sitting area. Most people prefer showers to baths, so the bathtub may not be necessary. This is true, especially if there are other bathrooms in the home that have bathtubs. This will make the overall look of the space bigger, more open, and aesthetically appealing.
Inspect your bathrooms for everything that is wrong or broken. Look around with new eyes and think like a buyer. This includes fixing leaky sinks, broken toilets, loud exhaust fans, and squeaky doors. If there is any sign of mold or mildew, correct it. Clean the shower doors from top to bottom so there is no soap residue, scum or moisture present. These little issues that you have overlooked could make the potential buyer think you didn’t care for the home. They may question if there could be other hidden issues they missed. Taking time to correct all the little home improvements you have put on the back burner, could result in a more positive outcome.
Is the flooring in your bathroom showing signs of wear and tear? Are a few of the tiles cracked or discolored? Is the grout in the tile cracked? If there is outdated carpeting, it is definitely time to replace the flooring. There are a variety of quality, inexpensive bathroom flooring options on the market like large tile and wood-looking flooring. New bathroom flooring will instantly update and refresh the space while adding value to your home.
Adding a few new accessories to your bathroom update will provide a touch of personality and interior design. You will only need a few things to accomplish this. Floor plants, fresh new towels, fresh window treatments, and a new mirror above the vanity/sink are ideas that are welcoming. It is very important to keep all of your personal bathroom necessities hidden from view. This includes toothbrushes, combs and brushes, shaving kits, and make-up bags that will clutter the area.
A total renovation of a bathroom might be necessary to increase the desirability and value of your home. If this is the case, research the latest trends in bathroom design. Extra features like heated flooring, extending the bathroom to make it larger, oversized wall tiles, and wood-look flooring could make a big difference to the buyer. Work with your realtor, interior designer, and contractor to design an updated bathroom that may be the catalyst to selling your home to the highest bidder.
The experts at Columbus Bath Design can help you decide what bathroom updates will help you get the most dollars and sense for your home. Contact us today and let’s get started.
If you are looking to sell your home, you may be looking to maximize the value of it before selling. There are many small and large changes you can make to your space to make it more appealing to buyers and to increase the value of your home. Remodeling a bathroom may be one of the areas that you can increase your home’s value, especially if your bathrooms are outdated. Here are a few of the renovations you may wish to consider. 
One of the top mistakes that people make when remodeling a bathroom to increase the value of their home is going overboard. You need to carefully consider the current value and what buyers in your area are looking for. For example, marble may look beautiful in a bathroom, but not every market supports the high price of marble. In many cases, making small, simple changes may help to freshen up a dated bathroom and increase the value of your home. These can range from painting your bathroom, installing new flooring, refurbishing the vanity, or replacing the faucets and hardware in your bathroom. Small changes are relatively affordable, yet can instantly and inexpensively give your bathroom a fresher and cleaner appearance.
Another way to increase the value of your home with a bathroom remodel is to increase the size of the bathroom. If you have a small and cramped bathroom, increasing the space will help it feel more luxurious. People who have older homes without a full ensuite bathroom are finding that if they renovate their tiny half bath and turn it into a full bath, they increase the value of their home and make their home more appealing to buyers. It is important to note that increasing the size of a bathroom can be a large renovation and can be pricey, so always weigh the pros and cons to ensure you are getting value out of increased bathroom size.
If you have a bathroom that is not very functional, it can negatively affect the value of your home. One of the common misconceptions about bathrooms is that they should include a toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub. However, if the space is small, fitting all of these items in the space may take away from the functionality of the bathroom. In some cases, removing a bathtub and only going with a shower can make a lot of sense, as can changing up the layout to make the space more functional. You should not have to feel cramped in a bathroom, and if you do, renovating the space to make it more functional may increase the value of the space.
In some cases, it makes sense to make minor changes to your bathroom. However, if your bathroom has structural issues, mold problems, or has not been renovated in over 25 years, gutting the bathroom and starting fresh makes a lot of sense. Gutting a bathroom is typically expensive, and as such, you may not want to do this unless you absolutely have to. However, if a bathroom has structural damage or mold problems, or is severely dated, it can deter potential buyers and lower the value of your home. Repairing these problems helps to show buyers you take care of your home and can help to make the space more modern.
One of the lesser-known ways to increase the value of your home through a bathroom remodel is to consider aging-in-place changes. More people than ever want to remain in their homes as long as they possibly can. Having a bathroom that someone can age-in-place in can help them remain in a home longer. Aging-in-place changes generally include things like walk-in tubs, seats in the showers, space for walkers or wheelchairs, and non-slip tile. If buyers in your area tend to be 50 years or older, or if you are remodeling a bathroom attached to a mother-in-law’s suite or casita, considering aging-in-place renovation changes can pay off.
The final way to increase a home value through a bathroom remodel is to add luxurious finishes. Potential buyers often pay attention to the finishes of the home, and those finishes may sway a buyer. Adding small touches, such as high-end stone countertops, rainfall showerheads, or heated tile may be exactly what you need to up the value of your home and potentially sway a buyer to select your home over a different home they are looking for. When selecting luxurious finishes, you should look at other homes in the area. Going overboard on finishes can wind up costing you, so you want to ensure your finishes stand out but are not overdone for the area.
Finding a contractor who has experience with bathroom remodeling is important. Here at Columbus Bath Design, we can help you put together a bathroom design that will help to maximize the value of your bathroom and help you fetch top dollar for your home, and then make that design become a reality. Reach out to us today to get started.
Homeowners can be somewhat torn on how important a bathroom remodel is to the market value of a property. Everybody will tell you that a kitchen is the most critical source for return on investment for your remodeling budget – which is true – but are many areas used more frequently than the bathroom?
What makes a bathroom remodel so valuable is that it pays back in a multitude of ways. There’s the obvious market value increase of a memorable commode, not to mention the increased quality of living that an open, relaxing space has to offer. Bathroom renovations will also help increase energy efficiency with the installation of low flow water fixtures and non invasive lighting.
Like any home improvement project, budget is always something to take into consideration. Homeowners need to weigh pros and cons of what are important features to include, and where to focus their finances. In order to do that, it’s important to understand where the biggest costs are going to be in a bathroom remodel:
Labor
It’s no surprise that 30 – 50% or more of your bathroom remodel budget will be spent on labor. The more rigorous the project, the higher that labor cost is going to be unfortunately.
Consider if you want to change the layout of the bathroom. That involves paying a plumber to move water lines, an electrician to run new wiring, a construction contractor for demo and the rebuild, as well as a tile specialist for new flooring / shower / backsplash. That doesn’t include a painter and/or a finish carpenter.
Some of that labor cost can be recouped with DIY work, most frequently the demo part of the project. Plumbing and electrical needs to be performed by a professional however.
Tile
Since bathrooms are generally smaller than other areas of the house, the good news is that labor costs for plumbers, electricians, etc. are generally lower because the job is done faster. It’s nothing for these trades to be done with their work in a single day or even an afternoon.
That’s not the case with tile installers though, whether it’s the floor, a shower, backsplash, etc. Tile installation is a very time consuming process – but in a way you want it to be so that the job looks nice.
Tile can only be laid in sections, and the mastic must be allowed to dry before the finishing grout can be applied. Before that the area needs to be measured and spaced out for aesthetics which is why many times a tile job can take 2-3 days or more.
It should also be noted that different tile materials will affect the budget. Natural stone tiles can cost 10X as much as basic ceramic products.
Fixtures
Low end bathtubs are going to start off with a price tag of around $400 even on sale at big box stores. High end, freestanding soaking bathtubs can be priced at $2,000 to $3,000 or more. All of these fixtures have great ROI when it comes time to sell the house (as well as an increased quality of living), but will put a significant dent in the budget at the time of remodel.
Low flow toilets don’t cost a considerable amount more than standard models, and they’re reported to save upwards of $150 per year in water bills. That may not seem like much, but compounded over 10 years it definitely adds up. Plus, sometimes there are tax incentives or rebates for having water saving fixtures installed.
Vanity
When you really think about it, there aren’t that many places to spend money in your bathroom. Lighting, painting, trim, and other miscellaneous items are going to pale in comparison to the big three of tiling, fixtures, and finally the vanity.
A vanity has become an increasingly important aspect of the bathroom for convenience as well as market value. His and her vanities are now the norm that buyers are looking for, but pedestal/wall mounted features also offer more room and make the bathroom look bigger. Vessel vanities provide a unique, modern look as well.
There are simply tons of options available in vanity choices, each with varying costs. Countertop material choices are included in that pricing as well, with marble/granite being more high end and laminate a more cost-efficient choice.
Bathroom Remodel Cost Summary
The ultimate thing to remember is that no matter how you want to lay out a bathroom or what features you want to include – it will all cost to have the work and installation done. Any time plumbing is added to the normal construction work, the labor prices will increase.
That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it though. There have been “Million Dollar Listing” type shows where a sale is lost simply because the master bathroom doesn’t have a tub to soak in. You’re in the bathroom multiple times a day for a number of different functions, you might as well enjoy the stay.
Giving construction estimates on a whim is a tough job. A contractor may run into a potential client on the street and they ask a very broad, “how much to to put up a garage” question even though there are dozens of variables that would affect that answer.
Bathroom contracting specialists deal with the same thing, specifically in questions about the timeline of a renovation. Homeowners have every right to know these details (along with cost, starting date, scope of work, etc.) but there are also a number of factors that go into this answer. Here are the steps of a bathroom renovation and how long you can expect each to take:
Permit Acquisition
Home renovations that require structural, electrical, or plumbing alterations will more often than not require a permit depending on your jurisdiction. If you just plan on changing the visual appearance of the bathroom (paint, new lighting or trim) then work can commence immediately. Also the good news about a bathroom renovation is that it is interior which means a permit can usually be granted within a week. Exterior remodeling in historical districts requires a board meeting and can take up to 6 weeks.
Demo
Once the scope of work is approved by the proper authorities, it’s time to start the ‘out with the old in with the new’ process. Many homeowners consider the demolition process a very doable DIY project, but just know that do-it-yourself jobs almost always stretch out the timeline.
Instead of a multi-person crew working 8 hour days, you’re likely having untrained friends and family volunteering their time on nights and weekends. Professional contractors can usually have bathroom demo done in a day, but DIY depends on how aggressive a person is with their time.
Framing and Rebuilding
You’re not dealing with the biggest square footage even in spacious, luxury, master bathrooms so the work involved with re-framing the room isn’t that time consuming. Replacing rotted subflooring is a one-day project, as is framing new walls for layout changes.
With interior work, the good news is that contractors can stick to deadlines regardless of weather. The only thing that would push the re-framing aspect into a second week would be a material shortage. It’s incredibly important that all of this work is done on time because services trades cannot start their work until the ‘bare bones’ are back in place.
Plumbing and Electrical
What many homeowners find is that the plumbing and electrical required for a bathroom renovation usually isn’t all that time consuming – but getting the tradespeople on site is. Construction contractors often get blamed for project delays when the truth is they are playing the waiting game on the often swamped service techs.
Don’t be surprised if your bathroom sits torn apart and idle for a week or two while waiting for a plumber and/or electrician to get to the job site. That’s why it’s important to have prompt demo done, and also have a general contractor with specific timelines and who stays on top of the service trades promises.
Tile Installation
Whether it’s flooring or a shower wall, it’s not a stretch to assume that tile installation will be the most time consuming aspect of your bathroom renovation. This is definitely a job that you don’t want rushed though, so give the installer plenty of time before scheduling the next service.
There’s just a lot that goes into the tile application process. For one, an installer can only work in sections since the adhesive mastic will dry up if they get too far ahead of themselves. Each individual tile needs to be placed meticulously so that it is straight and spaced out properly. Then, once the mastic and tiles are down, at least 24 hours should pass before applying grout.
The good news is that other types of flooring besides tile can be applied in a much quicker manner. Laying a laminate floor for example is usually a one-day job, but at the same time it doesn’t provide the same durability (or often the same aesthetics) as tile.
Fixtures, Paint, Trim
Installing new fixtures as well as painting and applying base, window, and door trim aren’t especially time consuming either. The thing is, you want to dedicate a day (two on the safe side) to each. Painters can do their job a lot faster before the vanity and trim is installed. The vanity should be installed before the base trim so it can be flush against the wall as well.
It’s not fair to ask multiple contractors to try and work at the same time in a space as small as a bathroom. Not to mention, each of them waiting to get in and out of a room is going to drive labor costs through the roof.
How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take Summary
There are little nuances during each step of a bathroom renovation that could really stretch out this project. You’ve got the design and permit phase before any work can even be done, then the demo, then giving plumbers and electricians enough time to install the ‘guts’ before the actual rebuild can begin.
Tile mastic and grout needs time to dry, as does paint. Fixtures, vanity, and trim all needs to be applied in a certain order as well. If you’ve got a contractor that is well-versed in all of these services, that’s going to significantly cut down on your timeline, but this is still a 2-week job at minimum.
One of the biggest aspects of home renovation is the ‘samples.’ This is most commonly used when painting rooms in your house as you take home the swatch to see how the colors will match your current décor.
“Samples” are also prevalent in bathroom renovations via the showroom. The showroom is the base example of what your current, perhaps bland, bathroom has the potential to be. That’s one of the reasons you want the showroom to be luxurious as well – to show you options. An underwhelming showroom is a telltale sign of how the contractor’s work will be. Here’s what you should look for in choosing the best bathroom showroom:
Bathroom Vanity
The feature may seem somewhat inconsequential, but the vanity is really what holds the bathroom together. You should be able to see all your vanity options available when you visit a showroom.
For starters, do you want one sink or two? Do you want the sink to be embedded in the countertop or the modern bowl types that have gained popularity lately? These bowls can be rustic, clear, or even different shapes like rectangles.
A great showroom will also give you an example of the types of materials that are available for your vanity. Marble seems like the go-to, but in some homes is almost too fancy. Granite is durable and peaceful.
Vanities don’t always have to be the traditional “drawers underneath” style either. No doubt this style offers great storage, but open bottom vanities are gaining in popularity because they make a small bathroom look more open. That’s what a great showroom will do – show you your options.
Functionality of Your Bathroom
Don’t always expect a bathroom showroom to have working plumbing, but top-notch bathroom showrooms will have some functionality though. How does this showerhead detach from its holster? What do these kinds of lights look like turned on? Even something as simple as opening and closing drawers lets you visualize them being installed in your home.
Customizable Options for Your Bathroom
One thing to remember is that the showroom is just an example of the features that are available. It can be renovated “as-is” or you can mix and match the different products and styles that fit your tastes.
Home renovations always come with options. It’s a good rule of thumb that to remodel to your tastes while also considering future buyer’s preferences – but that’s not a law. Free-standing bathtubs may look too modern for some buyers. Others will say “we’ll never use that bathroom fireplace or that heated towel rack.” You can’t please everyone, so you might as well please yourself.
Bathroom Renovation Pricing
Budget is always a concern when discussing home renovations. A showroom can ‘show’ you all the potential that your bathroom could see and note many of the luxury items available, but they should also be upfront about what those features would potentially cost.
The decision to invest in your bathroom is a wise one, and you’ll likely recoup your finances in market value at some point if you hold on to the home. The bathroom also has to be part of the whole house scheme though too. You want to ultimately create a space that home buyers remember, but not at the cost of other areas of your home.
What you’re ultimately looking for in a showroom is value. Don’t spend your entire budget on the shower, only to be left with a low-end vanity and flooring.
Integrate Your Bathroom With the Rest of Your Home
Showrooms give you an idea of options available when remodeling a bathroom, but you’ve also got to consider how these features and layout will integrate with your current square footage.
Will you need to do more extensive renovations to install the features you’ve found attractive in a showroom? We would all love a spa in the corner of our bathroom, but not if it means having to knock down walls in the master bedroom and downsizing from a king bed to a twin.
The bathroom only has value if the whole house has value. Showrooms give you an idea of the potential that can easily be reached. The ultimate bathroom comes from one part showroom, and one part creativity of the homeowner. A perfect recipe.
Best Bathroom Showroom Overview
Bathroom showroom browsing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You’re not locked into any of the products on display, and these are just options available for remodeling.
You should make a list of your bathroom renovation priorities. Looks are huge, functionality is important, and energy efficiency should always be considered. Something else to note is that you shouldn’t have any regrets. If you’ve always wanted a walk-in shower, go for it. You can always make one feature your focal point, and design around that.
One of the first things people notice about their new home or if they are interested in purchasing a home is the bathrooms. Everyone pictures themselves basking in the glow of their oasis. But when you start taking a look at what it would cost to remodel, many people get scared away by the potential cost.
The good news is that there are some simple design choices and project expenses that can be made or cut that can help you create your new bathroom no matter what your budget. Some simple cost-saving measures, when implemented properly, go a very long way.
A consultation with a design expert at Columbus Bath Design could set you on the right path. We’ll work with you to come up when a plan, then give you a free estimate to get you on your way!
There are a wide variety of ways you can save money on your bathroom remodeling project. We’ll discuss of few of them below.
It can be tempting to expand your bathroom’s existing footprint to create a bigger space, but resist the urge! Rearranging or enlarging a bathroom will often involve moving plumbing pipes and electrical wiring. Such changes can increase a remodeling budget significantly.
The most expensive fixture to move is the toilet since it involves moving both the waste pipe as well as the water service line. To move these elements will require tearing out the floor and some of the walls. Likewise, performing new electrical work may be more hassle than it’s worth. If you live in an older home, making a change to electrical may require bringing the whole room up to code!
Only consider altering the bathroom’s footprint if it is necessary to accommodate its intended use. Moving fixtures such as sinks, tubs, and toilets to different parts of the bathroom are often the largest expense in a bathroom remodeling budget.
Along these same lines, make sure that you don’t move any load-bearing walls. Sometimes a non-load-bearing wall can be pushed out easily, but if it’s a wall that provides structural support, stay far away.
Designers will often recommend exploring the possibility of expanding through a wall that doesn’t bear any weight. This could be a good way to expand your space with the minimal extra expense.
If your plan does require moving a load-bearing wall, you’ll need to engage a general contractor to assess the structural needs of your home.
It’s important to remember that the more walls you open up, the more walls you’ll have to close up in the end! Always address problem areas like walls that have mold or mildew, but if you can get away with keeping the existing drywall in place, do so.
A good way to save money is to replace only the bad sections. You’ll likely want to replace the drywall near the tub or sink but stay away from gutting the whole room if possible.
At the beginning of your project ask yourself if you need to replace all of the fixtures, or if you can refinish them to start life anew. If you are looking to save money on your remodel a good place to start is by assessing if you want to replace elements because of their function or their aesthetic.
If something doesn’t need to be replaced, save money and get it refinished instead. For instance, you can refinish your bathtub with a protective, attractive coating instead of taking it out and putting in a new one. If your bathroom cabinet is still in good shape, consider painting it to match your new color scheme instead of replacing it entirely.
Plus, by reusing your existing features you not only save money but also save the environment by not sending your old stuff out to the landfill!
If you have an old, prefabricated bathtub or shower and want to replace it with custom tiled walls and base, you are looking at a pretty expensive remodeling job. Instead, consider replacing your current fixtures with a new prefabricated unit.
Significantly less expensive, prefabricated units have come a long way in recent years and are now available in a wide range of colors and styles. Plus, they are far easier to install, often taking as little as one day.
That’s the easy part, just give us a call! We’ll walk you through all of the choices and decisions you’ll need to make to ensure that your bathroom remodeling is done right and fits your budget.
We look forward to helping you create the perfect bathroom oasis!
Contact Columbus Bath Design today to start designing your dream bathroom. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.
