Bathroom Remodel Lexington KY is a great way to boost the value of your home. Careful planning and choosing high-quality materials will ensure a smooth, seamless project.
Larger-scale projects include layout changes, moving fixtures, and rerouting electrical wiring. These types of alterations require permits.
Assess your financial capability and set aside a cushion for unforeseen expenses. Research labor and material costs, then prioritize your budget to focus on the essentials.
Layout
When preparing for your bathroom remodel, you need to consider the space’s layout and how it will work with your family. The layout of your new bathroom needs to be functional and efficient, which means balancing function with your own style preferences.
One way to achieve a stylish and functional bathroom is to ensure that there is enough space for everything you want in the room. For example, if you want to add a freestanding tub and a separate shower, you should consider the size of your room and how that will impact traffic flow.
Another great way to improve a bathroom is by changing the layout. For example, adding a wall that divides the room allows you to create two vanities in the space. This will enable you to have more storage and gives each member of the family their private vanity for getting ready in the morning or before going out.
If you can’t add a wall, try moving the toilet in your bathroom to make more space for a tub or shower. This is often a cost-effective solution and can make a big difference in the feel of your room.
Creating a new bathroom layout can be difficult, but having a clear plan will help save time and money during the remodel process. With a plan, it’s easier for everyone involved to understand what needs to be done and how it will work.
The best place to start is with a floor plan of your existing bathroom and then drawing up a plan for the new bathroom. You can use a tool like RoomSketcher to do this, which is free for basic use.
Once you have your plans, it’s important to understand what your budget will be for the entire project. This will allow you to determine what elements are non-negotiable and what can be put on hold for the future.
Plumbing
A full bathroom remodel involves more than a fresh coat of paint and new accessories. It also includes replacing or relocating plumbing pipes and fixtures. This work is more complex and costly than a cosmetic makeover or simple fixture replacement, and it requires a licensed professional to ensure it meets safety and building codes.
A plumber can assess the current situation and recommend changes that will improve function and aesthetics. This may include relocating the toilet, sink, tub/shower, or drainpipes, or upgrading to more efficient fixtures. In addition, the plumber can install new vents and ductwork for heating and cooling systems.
If a homeowner plans on doing major layout changes, he or she should hire a general contractor to discuss the project with a licensed plumber. The contractor can provide an outline of how to best fit the new bathroom within the existing footprint. This allows the homeowner to compare his or her vision with the constraints of the space and make realistic adjustments.
The demolition phase can take several days, depending on the extent of the work. During this time, the bathroom is out of commission and the contractor should close off water to avoid flooding or contamination. The contractor will remove any flooring, and expose the sub floor (the layer beneath the finished floor). The exposed plumbing lines, electrical wiring, and wall framing will then be ready for rough-in.
During this stage, the plumber will install all necessary valves and pipes for the new fixtures. For example, if the toilet is relocated, a new water supply line will need to be installed. If the drainpipes are being replaced, they will need to be fitted with new PVC piping. The contractor will also make sure the new drain openings are wide enough to prevent clogs.
If the bathroom is being reworked for accessibility, the plumber can add blocking between wall studs to accommodate grab bars in the future. The plumber can also increase the drain size to prevent future clogs caused by hair, soap scum, and other debris that is more likely to block smaller openings.
Electrical
The electrical work involved in bathroom remodels can be complex and dangerous if done incorrectly. If you’re relocating any electrical outlets or adding new ones, it’s important to hire an electrician who is familiar with local regulations and safety codes. This will help ensure that the wiring and circuitry is up to code and that your bathroom is safe and functional.
If your old bathroom was remodeled in the past, it’s likely that the wiring is outdated and needs to be upgraded. It’s important to make sure that your new bathroom has a dedicated 20-amp circuit for lighting and the exhaust fan, along with plenty of other outlets for the appliances like hair dryers that are commonly used in bathrooms.
Another common upgrade is the installation of GFCI outlets. These outlets are designed to prevent electrocution in wet areas by shutting off power in the event of an accident. They are required by code in all bathrooms, and it’s also a good idea to install them in other rooms that may contain appliances or devices with exposed wiring.
Your lighting should be both ambient and task-oriented. Ambient lighting softens the space and adds ambiance, while task lighting provides light for activities like shaving and brushing teeth. Additionally, accent lighting can highlight decorative elements or draw attention to any unique features of the bathroom.
Depending on the complexity of your bathroom remodel, you might need to have your wiring and plumbing tested and inspected by a licensed electrician. This process involves testing and examining the wiring, switches, and outlets to verify compliance with electrical standards and reduce the risk of fire hazards or malfunctions.
If you’re planning a major remodel that involves moving walls or fixtures, it’s best to get the electrical and plumbing work done at the same time as the remodeling work. This will save you money and help ensure that the plumbing and electric systems are connected properly. If you’re doing a “rip and replace” of existing fixtures, you can skip this step.
Finishing Touches
There’s a lot that goes into remodeling a bathroom, but you don’t want to underestimate the importance of thoughtful finishing touches. Details like unique knobs and handles, towel racks, and art will bring the space together to create a look that’s truly your own. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your new bathroom, so it’s important to choose materials and designs that make you feel at home.
It may be tempting to rush through the initial planning and design phase, but it’s vital that this stage is well-done in order for the rest of the remodel to go smoothly. The NKBA recommends this phase take one to two weeks for homeowner-directed projects and up to three to four weeks with the help of a Sweeten designer.
Before starting the demo, it’s essential to disconnect the water and power sources so that everything can be removed without damaging any underlying features. This includes the toilet, shower, tub, and sink. Taking these steps early on will save you a lot of headaches down the road.
During this phase, it’s also important to add blocking between wall studs to accommodate grab bars and other safety features. Doing this now will help you avoid having to re-cut holes down the line when installing your cabinets, tub, or shower.
After the drywall is installed and any sub flooring is put down, it’s time to install the cabinets, tub, shower, toilet, and fixtures. This typically takes a week or two depending on the size of the room and the number of fixtures you’re installing.
This is the perfect time to install any recessed lighting, switches, or outlet receptacles that you’re planning on adding in your bathroom. It’s much easier to do these during the construction process than later, when you’ll have to cut through drywall to get to them.
Before you know it, your bathroom will be finished! Be sure to enjoy your new space and celebrate the completion of a successful project. The end result will be a beautiful and functional space where you can pamper yourself and relax at the end of a long day.