Part of what makes a great bathroom remodel is avoiding mistakes before, during and after the remodel. Below are some suggestions on making a smooth process with a quality final product.
What Do I Need to Know Before Remodeling?
Before you start choosing materials and imagining yourself in your new bathroom, you need to do a little research and brainstorming first. Spend time thinking about:
- What you don’t like about your existing bathroom
- Things you want to improve for the remodeled bathroom
- A rough idea of the extent of the project, especially if you want to expand the room or build an addition
- Your general budget
- The best timing for the project
You may not have a firm answer to all of these concerns, but pondering them will help to begin the conversation with a contractor.
What Should You Do When Remodeling?
You’ve probably heard a remodeling horror story or two in your time, but you definitely don’t want to be the main character in such a tale. Do your best to skip past these bathroom remodel mistakes, and you’ll be glad you did.
1. Plan Ahead
Being efficient can be a good way to save time and money, especially if you’re short on both. Hiring a designer can help with budgeting both time and money. It is also important to have a floor plan with elevations. Winging it or rushing is one of the worst things you could do to your Charlotte bath and will guarantee mistakes. Give yourself time to create a reasonable plan, interview experienced contractors and hire one that is responsive and fits your personality. Allow four to six months to create a blueprint, make selections, and hire a professional remodeler.
2. Understand the Full Scope of Work
For instance, is it a second floor bathroom that will require the waste line to be relocated in a first floor wall? Is that wall behind existing cabinets or have electrical wires running through it that need to be accounted for? Will the floor or walls need to be reframed because there is rot or a previous renovation cut through structural joists or beams? How will the bathroom be accessed? Will the contractor need to include protection of existing areas or build temporary walls or stairs for security and protection? These are all typical items to deal with on a Charlotte bathroom remodel and contribute to the cost and is reflected in the contractor's knowledge.
3. Be Mindful of your space
No one wants a life with an airplane-sized bathroom; unfortunately, sometimes it's unavoidable! Hiring a professional will help you make the best use of a small existing bathroom or may have ideas for how to capture additional space.
Wondering how to make everything fit in your new bathroom? Check out our work.
4. Invest in quality
Hopedale Builders doesn't cut corners. We've completed many bathroom remodels which started with the complaint of a leaking shower pan and we discover that it's because one of the least expensive waterproofing system was used.
Not following manufacturer's specs on items to save some cash can cause problems. For example, tile longevity is often dependent on the subfloor. There are rigidity requirements to account for allowable tile deflection.
Soundproofing bathroom walls and waste lines may be an additional investment, but well worth it!
5. Include Ventilation
Do you have a moisture problem in your bathroom? Is it wet or humid? Is there mildew or mold growing on the ceiling? If so, your bathroom is not accurately vented. Not only do you need a good bath fan, but it also needs to be vented properly.
6. Maximize Storage
When you read bathroom renovation tips, storage is at the top of the list. Custom cabinetry will help to maximize your storage. Also, planning for niches and shelves custom built into the shower can help to keep a shower functional while looking tidy. The inexpensive big box store cabinet or fixture is not a corner you want to cut when dealing with a small space.
7. Consider Your Electrical Needs
Your bathroom shouldn’t feel like an operating room or a dungeon. Choose more than one lighting option, and make it dimmable. Do you need a drawer outlet to keep you hair dryer off the counter, heated floors, a TV mirror to check on the markets or game scores?
How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom in NC?
A bathroom remodel in Charlotte NC costs $30,000 to $80,000, depending on the project scope. A large, upscale bathroom worthy of a primary suite might be more of an investment than a simple update for the guest bathroom.
What Should Be Included in a Bathroom Remodel Contract?
When you review a bathroom remodeling contract, you should look for the following:
- Company name (you would be surprised!), license number, insurance and contact information
- Project description in reasonable detail
- Detailed estimate of costs
- Payment methods
- General schedule, with plans for delays
- Information about work guarantees or warranties
Make sure all questions are answered to your satisfaction before you sign.
