When is the right time to remodel your bathroom? Any time! If you plan to stay in your home, why suffer with outdated decor, an awkward layout, or inefficient fixtures? If you plan to move soon, a remodel might pay off in a higher listing price or a quicker sale. MDV Remodeling specializes in, among other things, bathroom remodels and we want to help you get started!
For today’s post, we wanted to share a few important items that homeowners should know before considering their bathroom remodel.
1. Make a wish list.
Evaluate your existing bathroom – what do you like and what would you like to change? List features you’ve always wanted and then group them according to must-haves and nice-to-haves, and number them by importance. If you don’t know where to begin, start by touring model homes and showrooms or scan magazines and websites to gather inspiration. Pinterest is a great resource to catalog and sort the ideas you see online.
2. Determine your budget.
Whether you want to gut your bathroom and start from scratch or just make some cosmetic changes, it’s important to know how much you want to spend before you start. Also, it’s imperative to set money aside for the unexpected, such as water or mold problems. We’ve talked about this a number of times in previous blog posts, but we can’t stress enough how important this is!
3. Call the experts.
Even if you’re planning a small-scale makeover or tackling some of the remodel yourself, consult a professional. Professional contractors, like MDV, know what your budget can buy, and they can provide solid advice on how to save and where to splurge. They can also help you avoid costly mistakes, especially in plumbing and wiring. Also, you should always get more than one estimate for a job.
4. Get the most out of your budget.
Whatever the size of your bath, keep in mind that the more walls containing plumbing pipes, the higher the price tag. Moving the toilet or the drain for the shower or tub can be expensive. Working within a room’s existing footprint might not offer the ideal design solution, but it almost always saves money.
However, if electrical or plumbing systems are outdated, it can be less expensive in the long run to gut the room and start from scratch. We recommended spending more on quality installation than on high-end products, while cutting corners. Also, invest in items that can’t be changed easily, such as flooring, the tub, and shower, and don’t overlook practical features such as good lighting and storage.
5. Make smart choices.
Design with resale in mind if you’re planning to stay in your home five years or fewer; if you’re planning to stay more than seven years, design your room for yourself, because you will be the homeowner who gets the most use of enjoyment out of your “new” space!
With these steps in mind, you’re ready to start planning your new bathroom. For a fast, free estimate, be sure contact the professionals at MDV Remodeling!