Bathroom remodeling is a major renovation of a bathroom that may include changing the floor plan, updating the vanity, adding a tub or shower and new fixtures. It usually requires hiring a general contractor, plumber and electrician, and can cost over $10,000. Renovating or remodeling a bathroom can add value to your home and make it more enjoyable for you to live in.
Whether to renovate or remodel depends on a lot of factors, including your financial situation and goals for the house. If you want to sell it in the near future, a full remodeling project will likely improve your chances of getting top dollar. If you intend to stay in the house, you can choose a more moderate approach that still adds a lot of value by replacing outdated fixtures and upgrading the room’s appearance.
When it comes to financing a bathroom remodel, there are many options available. You can use a home equity loan, cash out a mortgage, take out a personal loan or borrow against your retirement savings. You might also be able to get the help of a friend or family member.
The first step in any bathroom remodel is to decide on a design. This will determine chicago bathroom remodeling the size and shape of the room and the materials you’ll use. Once you have a basic design, you can begin planning the rest of the project. This includes selecting paint color and coordinating accessories, such as towels and baskets. It’s important to consider the needs of everyone who will use the bathroom when making decisions about layout, style and functionality.
If you have kids, for example, you might want to include a bath tub and plenty of storage space for toys. If you anticipate aging in place, a grab bar might be useful in the shower or a higher sink height. During this phase, you should also mark the locations of any existing plumbing and electrical wiring to avoid damaging them during the remodel.
One of the most significant costs of a bathroom remodel is labor. This can be difficult to estimate because there are a lot of moving parts in a remodel, including demolition, carpentry and drywall work. It’s also important to consider how long the project will take and how disruptive it will be for you and your neighbors.
Hanging drywall is a big job that can take up to a week. After that, the next phase is to prime and sand the walls. Then you can apply a second coat of primer and sand again. Finally, you can apply a coat of paint. It’s best to choose a moisture-resistant coating, such as a vinyl saturate or urethane.
When you’re ready to hire contractors, compare estimates carefully and choose a contractor with references. Ask if the company will provide a warranty, and read customer reviews online. If you’re doing some of the work yourself, you can save money by choosing off-the-shelf products and reusing or resurfacing old fixtures, such as a tub, toilet or cabinets.