The Ultimate bathroom remodeling checklist 

Each day at home and now more than ever, as so many work at home, we learn the limitations of our building and the functional importance of its standard facilities.  

No room in a house is more important than the Bathroom.  It’s also one of the most challenging rooms to remodel. This is due to its unique and demanding mixture of construction and aesthetic selection’s needed to design a bathroom well. 

In this feature I will spell out what is the ultimate remodeling checklist for the bathroom of the future. 

Measure and Draft 

Every designer knows the first step in any job is to capture and draft an accurate set of measurements and computer aided drafted drawings of the existing floor plan and elevations. 

Rearrangements Based on Pipes. 

Changing the plan for the plumbing is probably the most challenging part of a bathroom remodel.  

So if you’re able to leave your current layout, you’ll be able to keep the plumbing costs down dramatically.  However, if money is no object, then this early phase is the time to plan how new water lines will be positioned and framed into any newly designed bathroom layout plan.  

Choosing a Design Inspiration  

Our favorite part of any bathroom remodel is choosing an inspiration picture. A bathroom consists of a number of aesthetic and emotional cues that come together to give us a certain feeling when we are inside the space.  The elements that go into a well thought out space are :color, wallpaper, lighting, fixtures, cabinetry, and tile.. My process involves a design board and a thorough question and answer dialog with each customer.  Thus making sure we are curating the style to match their tastes & budget.  

Plumbing Supply Selections. 

Once the layout is determined and agreed upon, it’s then a great time to start the fixture selection process. Next a trip to a local plumbing store is planned.Toilet, sinks, faucet, tub, accessories  and shower fixtures are selected. Function and style come together especially with the type of fixtures you bring into your bathroom remodel.  

Storage & Cabinets 

You will want to choose your cabinet style and paint or stain first. Many times this appears to be the dominant focal point that sets the tone for the rest of the bathroom remodel. The trend is still to make the cabinet look like a true piece of well made furniture. This can be accomplished in many ways with custom or good quality cabinet companies. Storage in a bathroom is probably the most important function-meets-fashion aspect of a new bathroom remodel. Think about how much space you might need and what kinds of linens and supplies you expect to store inside the bathroom layout footprint. cabinetry and pedestals that can work just right in many design 

Lighting.  

Lighting fixtures are another opportunity to match your design and support your style. This can make or break your design. So choose wisely. Think about the type of metal color and aesthetic you’re trying to support. Be consistent to match with the plumbing fixtures of the tub, shower and faucets. 

Tile and Trim.  

With so many options available for types of tile, this can be a challenging but rewarding step in the process of detailing down your style. Taking a trip to a local tile company to see choices is essential. Once narrowed down to a group that works well together. Sketching out and deciding how to lay the tile in what pattern is a very important element. If achieved properly it will give you the feeling you desired when starting the project. 

Paint & Wall covering 

One of the last layers of application in the process is always the paint or wall covering selections. With so many paint and wall covering books there is no shortage of options.  Wall covering may be a good option if you want durability,  pattern and texture. Many times it can give you more of a story and bring personality to the space. Sometimes to be selective about where you put the wall covering is the key to an interesting space. Often I will wallpaper just the back of the vanity space. The lights & mirrors stand out more and feel more authentic & unique. 

Choosing a Contractor & Interior Designer 

In considering your bathroom project, it is wise to choose someone with many years of experience and depth. To accomplish your goals it is important that the designer and contractor approach your job as a team effort and work together well. Start by looking at the designers depth of work and reacting to some spaces you like. We have our favorite construction teams that we trust after years of building and renovating spaces. I personally only work with contractors I have faith and built history over the years to approach each job with confidence. 

For help with your next bathroom remodeling project, use this check list as a resource. Call me to talk it through and schedule an appointment. I promise it will be well worth your time for a detailed well thought out one of kind bathroom retreat.