Bathroom FAQ
Affordable Renovations Company
Why renovate/remodel your bathroom?
There are many reasons to remodel a bathroom. Bathroom renovations or a bathroom remodel can update and modernize your bathroom. A bathroom remodel often improves aesthetics but can also improve functionality and/or comfort. You can renovate small bathrooms to make them look bigger, or remodel a bathroom to physically open up more space. Whatever the reason, bathroom remodels add comfort and value to your home and can function as selling points in the future.
Your bathroom needs a plan.
Before starting on your bathroom remodel it is important to have a plan for your bathroom and to discuss these plans with your contractor. It is helpful to have pictures of the end product you are hoping for. If you are not exactly sure of what you want, it may be worthwhile to formulate plans with a design consultant or interior designer.
If you are not exactly sure what you are looking for you may want to discuss ideas with your contractor or an interior designer/consultant. It is always a good idea to provide some reference images as results can sometimes differ from what you had in mind.
Why should I use a professional?
Homeowners may be able to do simple DIY tasks like painting, but may require help with tasks that require expensive tools, more experience, and understanding of techniques and materials. Tasks like tiling are more difficult than simple tasks and require more experience. What would happen if water gets under your new tile floor? What happens with nonstandard conditions that may cause contraction, expansion, and cracks? Mistakes can be very costly and sometimes will require parts of or entire projects to be redone. That is to say that there are multiple factors to be considered which will ultimately affect the lifespan of your project.
What is the difference between renovating and remodeling a bathroom?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two:
Bathroom renovations generally don’t involve work that alters bathroom layout. Renovations may be cosmetic or functional. There are minor renovation and major renovation options available. Some examples of minor renovations are painting walls, painting vanities, swapping out fixtures like faucets and shower heads, and upgrading lighting. Some examples of more major renovations are retiling a shower surround, installing new flooring, and replacing a bathtub.
Bathroom remodels tend to be more extensive in scope and therefore will usually cost more. A bathroom can be partially or fully remodeled. A “gut remodel” refers to stripping a bathroom down to the studs and “starting from scratch.” A partial bathroom remodel may involve creating a new walk-in shower, demolishing an existing wall to open up space, or installing new vanities and cabinetry. A full bathroom remodel involves altering layout and installing all new features, cabinetry, flooring, and often redoing walls.
How long do bathroom renovations take?
This depends on the size of the room and the complexity of the work. Updates will generally take less time than a full gut remodel. Add a week or two to your expectations to make room for unexpected issues that arise. Discuss a date you would allow your contractor to begin and discuss an approximate end date based on the size and complexity of your project. The project will take longer if you expect a higher quality finish. Similarly, a project will take longer if you select materials that are not in stock.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in New Jersey?
This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on what scope of remodel you desire. For a better answer to this question check out our blog post on Bathroom Costs in NJ.
I want an easy to clean bathroom. What can I do to reduce maintenance?
Vanities with integrated sink basins are easier to maintain.
If using vessel sinks make sure they are properly sealed.
If you decide to have a freestanding tub, make sure there is enough clearance around the tub to clean.
One piece and rimless toilets may cost more but are easier to clean.
Avoid materials that stain easily.
Select higher quality exhaust fans to reduce humidity levels.
Try to minimize grout lines when using tile.
Avoid porous materials which require regular sealing.
Avoid materials which are prone to mold in humid conditions.
Consider less “shiny” finishes.
What are some renovation tips?
Use neutral colors to make a bathroom feel more comfortable. Use lighter colors to make a bathroom look open and clean.
Take uniformity into account when deciding on bathroom colors or tile. Use similar or complimentary colors in different bathroom areas.
Matte finishes are harder to clean and can retain dirt and stains; it often make a room feel smaller.
Honed finishes (look like matte) diffuse light and have less reflection.
Polished finishes will reflect light. They can make a room look bigger.
Consider minimalist glass shower partitions in small bathrooms to make the room look bigger.
If using curtains for the shower, consider floor to ceiling curtains to draw attention vertically.
Wall mounted toilets and one-piece toilets can save space; similarly round bowls are more space efficient than elongated ones.
Consider large format tiles and thinner grout lines.
Utilize vertical space for storage.
Consider large mirrors with backlighting.
Stainless steel fixtures are classic, black matte and gold fixtures are currently trending.
Consider towel hooks instead of bars
Add LED lighting (under counter lighting, backlighting, etc.)
