Bathroom Remodeling : How to Boost Your Home's Value

Remodeling or building a new bathroom is both a costly and time-consuming project that can feel a little intimidating and overwhelming before it begins. Surveys show that it often takes 1-2 years from the time you start thinking about bathroom remodeling until it is completed. 

The reason is probably that there are quite a few decisions that need to be made in order for the bathroom to be as nice as you imagined. At the same time, it is a big investment. But if you are methodical in the process, you can gain much.

1. Determine The Start And Time Required For The Renovation

Of course, you can start at different ends, but experience shows that it is smart to plan early when the renovation is to take place, even when it should start and when everything is ready to respond. Especially if you are going to live in the home in the meantime. Then there is a lot of practicality that needs to be solved. 

For example, there may be an advantage in bathroom renovation during a period when you are still away. But if something unexpected occurs, it is wise for you to be available on the spot to make quick decisions.

2. What Should Be In The Bathroom?

Start by writing down what you would like to have in your bathroom. Consider who will be using the bathroom. What is important and which functions do you need? Below we have compiled a list as well as some useful of the most important things to consider.

• Finishing

• Toilet seat

• Bathroom furniture

• Mirror

• Water taps

• Shower wall

• Bathtub

• Storage

• Towel dryer

• Lighting

• Underfloor heating

• Washing machine

• Fan

• Water drain

• Accessories

Finally, keep in mind that all the decor should fit without being too crowded. We will get into this more in the next point.

3. What Should The Bathroom Look Like?

A big and important question is how the floor plan should be in your bathroom. If your entire bathroom is demolished during the remodeling phase, or during a new construction, then it may be possible to rethink the floor plan. 

For example, is it possible to move pipes so that the shower, toilet, sink, etc. can be placed elsewhere? Then the question is whether it is economically feasible? You should talk to a professional craftsman about this.

4. Sketch Your Bathroom

When you have thought about the layout a little rough, you can start by making a sketch. Either you start with paper and pencil. It can be good to draw scale models of the sink, toilet, and any other features you want in your bathroom, and then cut them out. 

You can also move the small models around and try out alternative placements, or you can go directly to a digital sketch on the computer (For this, you can use some free online tools or freehand). 

There are quite a few different programs and drawing tools on the internet. You can also use the help of a professional bathroom decorator, they often have slightly more advanced programs that can show the bathroom in 3D images.

5. Budget Allocation For Bathroom Remodeling 

A bathroom remodeling is a big investment in the home and the price can vary enormously. It often entails both a lot of material and labor costs because the work steps are critical and largely require specialist knowledge, while the work often takes several weeks to complete.

A common question is how much does it cost for a bathroom remodeling? It is, of course, impossible to say what it costs in the individual case as everything depends on the material choices you make, how big the bathroom is, where you live and what conditions exist from the start. Roughly it can start from $25-$3000/sqm, and then you have a number to relate to. 

So, a good tip is to create a budget and make a list of everything you want to bring and take in a number of quotes. Both on work and materials.

6. Take In Quotations  

To get a better quotation, an expert tip is to check with 3-4 different construction companies. Feel free to book a meeting and look at the conditions of the bathroom on site, and then compare. Get a FREE Quotation for bathroom remodeling. 

You must check so that you can have a better comparison. Has everyone got what you have in your list of requirements? Should there be solutions that require special preparation, e.g. wall-hung toilet or heated towel rail with hidden connection for electricity, check that it is clearly included in the specification. Try to understand exactly what is included/not included. If you are unsure - ask a professional bathroom remodeling company!

Note: An important point is to decide who buys the material. Cheapest is probably not best. Make sure the material meets the requirements that exist. Is there a big difference between the given quotes? Then everything is probably not included.

7. Choose The Right Bathroom Remodeling Company 

There is no conclusion, but there are guidelines that are good to keep in mind when it's time to choose. At the risk of sounding negative, a lot can go wrong and unforeseen things can pop up that neither you nor the builder could foresee. 

This is precisely why it is especially important that the feeling is right and that there is trust so that any problems can be solved smoothly. Here are some points to take note of:

• What Do Others Say About The Company? 

Ask for references that you can contact. You can also search in the Google about the bathroom remodeling company and look at various places for reviews, e.g. Google reviews, SiteJabber, This Old House, Trustpilot etc.

• Look For Certificates 

Before placing a remodeling order, you must check if the company, or subcontractors, do they have any certificates? There are a few different certificates/permits that you can keep an eye on and ask for.

• Is The Company General Contractors? 

There are many different elements that must be coordinated, such as tilers, plumbers, carpenters and electricians must be on site at the right time. Do they handle all the contacts or do you need to monitor all the things by yourself?

• Company’s Financial Condition 

You should investigate how things look financially for the company. Are they newly started or have they been around for a long time?

• Check Recommendations 

Check the recommendations from people close to you are always good and most credible!

8. Write A Contract/Sign An Agreement

Go through everything that is included so nothing is missed! What is included and what is not included? Who buys the material? Double check if the price is after any, and think about the VAT. What happens in unexpected situations? 

You should get the company to contact you before they do any costly extra work. What happens in the event of a breach of contract? What guarantees are there?

9. Make A Schedule

Try to come up with a detailed plan of all the steps that must take place during the course of your bathroom remodeling. One tip is to create an Excel document or similar to produce a timeline where the elements are included. Make sure it is anchored with the craftsmen and tune it continuously during the renovation work.

11. Final Inspection

When the work is done, is it just to feel satisfied and happy? Hopefully, but carrying out a final inspection provides confirmation that the work has been carried out correctly. It is usually money well invested and in relation to the entire investment, it is not a huge amount, the cost of a final inspection is currently around $500-$700.

An independent inspector then checks a number of points such as:

• The slope to the floor drain is correct;

• The waterproofing complies with the rules so that there is no moisture damage;

• The jointing is done correctly, etc.

If something is wrong, you want to know it immediately so that it can be rectified before some bigger, and more costly, problem occurs. 

You can also choose a more detailed multi-stage inspection. It costs about twice as much, but then also includes a partial inspection during the bathroom renovation itself. You can find a list of approved, certified inspectors in your area.