#1. KNOW YOUR OBJECTIVES
Make a list of all the things you would like to have and know your objectives and create a plan. Do you want more storage? Do you want a tub, a shower or both? Do you need to think about the future and accessibility? Do you want some extras, like heated floors? Now is the time to do your research on what you would like and what you don’t like. Check out magazines and online to gather your ideas, but I also suggest physically seeing things, asking lots of questions, and visiting home shows.
Home shows are an excellent opportunity to have access to so many different vendors, products, and suppliers, and they are fun too!
#2. USE WATERPROOFING MATERIAL
You want to protect your bathroom from enemy #1 – water and moisture. I suggest using waterproofing technologies from the latest and greatest products and materials available. The most significant advantage of using waterproofing materials is to prevent any leaks from causing damage to your new bathroom walls and floors. Going with the cheaper option isn’t worth it in the long run, as you will spend more time and money fixing any damage.
#3. MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
Waterproofing goes hand-in-hand with moisture. Moisture management and proper exhaust ventilation are a must as it is code for any bathroom to have a window or an exhaust fan, but make sure you are using the right size fan for your bathroom, as many people don’t have the correct sized fan. You also need to ensure that your fan is vented correctly. Nothing worse than having to keep the window open in the middle of the winter during your shower because your exhaust fan is not performing.
#4. CHOOSE YOUR FIXTURES WISELY
Fixtures are important. I like my toilets by American Standard; they aren’t fancy, but they have consistently proven to have excellent flushing capacity. Regarding shower fixtures like valves, handhelds, and shower heads, I recommend picking something from a quality brand where you can get parts in the future when you need them. Nothing lasts forever, which is why some brands offer free part replacements. And you can’t go wrong with a quality brand – it will always be worth it.
#5. LIGHTING IS ESSENTIAL
When it comes to bathroom renovations, lighting is a crucial component—possibly the most crucial one. Everyone always puts it on the back burner, but your lovely new bathroom just won’t be the same or functional if you have insufficient lighting. I like to use a mixture of lighting options or layers of lighting, including pot lights, in the shower. Wall sconces or pendant lights over the vanity work great. Depending on the size of the bathroom, a flush mount or a semi-flush offer excellent overall lighting coverage. Hanging lights or a chandelier adds a nice touch over a free-standing tub. And finally, consider putting all your lights on dimmers. Dimmers can be a great way to lower your electricity costs and provide the flexibility to change your lighting levels to create the right atmosphere.