Tips, tricks and inspiration to get the most out of your bathroom renovations

Bathroom renovations are scary. They may feel like a big overhaul, but they can be so rewarding too! A bathroom renovation is such an important part of moving into your first home or expanding your current one. Not only does it signal that you’re starting to grow into your new space, but it also gives the room a face-lift to make it feel more modern and welcoming for future visitors. 

Whether you’re redoing the entire space or just updating small details, there are plenty of ways that a bathroom renovation can help you get the most out of your home transformation. These quick and easy projects are not only affordable but also help you build your confidence as a home-owner and offer a fresh new look that everyone can enjoy. 

From updating an old toilet to transforming a dated shower into the ultimate spa retreat, these bathroom refurbishments take little time, require basic tools and materials and leave you with a stunning result. Here are our top tips for transforming your bathroom without the hassles and with minimal cost!

Plan your renovations before you start

If you’re diving straight in, there are a few things you should consider before you start renovating your bathroom. Ensure you’ve gathered all the information you need to make the best decisions while renovating. 

First, decide on the renovations you’d like to make. If you have a more complex project in mind, such as installing a brand new bathroom, choose a different time to start. You can always refinish an existing bathroom or apply small renovations to your current bathroom to make it functional and more appealing. 

Next, select the style of renovation you’d like to apply. There are endless options when it comes to bathroom renovations, from modern and sleek to vintage and traditional. Choose the style that best suits your home and available budget. 

Once you’ve designed your renovation, find an estimate from a contractor or renovator who can help you figure out how much it will cost. This will help you get realistic expectations for your bathroom renovation, as well as save you from disappointment.

Sketch before you build

Before you embark on an expensive renovation project, you’ll want to map out all of the renovations you’re planning. You’ll want to include the cost of each item and what it’s for. You can do this for any room in your home, not just the bathroom. This will help you to avoid a costly mistake.

 It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a bathroom renovation, so you’ll want to be sure that you don’t miss any smaller changes or items. By drawing out your renovations, you can make sure that you don’t miss anything. You can also make sure to factor in all of the costs of renovations, so that you’re not surprised by a large cost at the end.

Be realistic with your expectations

Every project is different and what works for one bathroom renovation might not work for another. Before starting your renovations, take some time to think about what you want to achieve. What are your ideal outcomes? What do you want your bathroom renovations to feel like? 

Be as specific as possible – this will help you stay focused and avoid any costly mistakes. When renovating your bathroom, be aware of the impact of your decisions on the rest of your home.

If you’re renovating the toilet, make sure you’re not putting off other projects or making your home less functional. You might not know it, but every decision you make in your bathroom can have an impact on your home’s other spaces. 

Make sure you’re using your renovations to their full extent and not leaving things hanging while you complete your other renovations.

Budget smart

If you’re looking to do a large-scale renovation — like a full bathroom redo — then you can budget for it. Simply factor the cost of the renovations into your monthly payment plan. This will help to keep the cost down and make sure that you don’t go into debt. 

If you’re looking to keep the cost down on a smaller scale, such as a new towel bar or changing out the vanity, then you can simply do it yourself. This will help to avoid having to cut back elsewhere or make sacrifices to make the renovation happen. You can also factor any small costs like this into your monthly insurance payments so that you’re not surprised by extra costs.

Find the right contractor for your renovation

Finding a contractor is another essential step in planning your DIY bathroom renovations. While it’s helpful to look online for references and reviews, you’ll get the best recommendation when you find a contractor who is familiar with your home’s layout and features, such as the type of flooring or plumbing in your bathroom.

If you’re renovating an existing bathroom, find a contractor who knows the layout and features of your bathroom. This will help you make the best decisions while renovating and ensure you’re getting the best possible result. 

When renovating an existing bathroom, it’s best to pick contractors who are experienced with updating older bathrooms. This will help you get the best advice and results while saving you time and money.

Don’t skimp on the essentials

While you can add new fixtures, colours and design elements to your renovation, the basics, such as plumbing and flooring, should not be skimped on. 

When it comes to plumbing, make sure your renovation includes a modern, stylish toilet, preferably one that sits higher off the ground. Ensure the dimensions of your toilet are appropriate for your family’s needs, such as whether it can comfortably fit two people at the same time. 

When it comes to flooring, make sure it’s durable and easy to clean. You can look for a flooring company that offers a lifetime warranty on their product, or check the product details of your toilet or sink. These details will tell you if the flooring is suitable for your renovation.

Stay organised while renovating your bathroom

Knowing how to keep things organised while renovating your bathroom is essential for finishing on time and within budget. 

When it comes to renovations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the information and decisions you need to make. While it’s important to take your time and make decisions with care, it’s also important to stay organised while renovating your bathroom. 

Make a list of all the items you need for the renovation and label them with where they are to keep things from falling through the cracks. Keep all your paperwork and permits in one place too, so you don’t forget to file them.

Know what you want before you start renovating

While renovating your bathroom is a fun and exciting project, it’s important to have a vision before you begin. This will help you stay motivated and ensure your renovations are in line with your design preferences. It’s helpful to sketch out your renovation before you begin and make a detailed plan, particularly if you’re tackling a more complex project, such as installing a new bathroom.

Be wary of the “must-haves”

Budget smart, remember to factor in all of the renovations and how much it will cost. You’ll likely need a new sink, faucet, and possibly a new vanity. You may also want to consider other items, such as new towel bars, a new toilet seat, or a new shower curtain. These aren’t overly expensive, but they can make a world of difference, especially when it comes to sharing a bathroom with a friend or family member.

Don’t get caught up in the “nice to haves”

While it’s nice to have a modern and sleek bathtub, it’s not essential. A bathtub can last a long time and may not need a major renovation if it’s in good condition. You may decide not to change it at all and simply enjoy the old-school look of the bathtub. A traditional bathtub may be just as functional and may cost much less.

Don’t get easily disheartened

It’s so easy to get discouraged when it comes to renovating the bathroom. While it may feel like a never-ending task, don’t let those feelings get in the way of your goals. Take breaks when you need to, and make sure to have a goal in mind. This will help to keep you focused on what you want to achieve. 

You may find that the renovations take longer than you anticipated, or that there are other factors that get in the way. If so, don’t let those feelings of discouragement get in the way of making progress.

Take photos

If you’re planning on doing a significant renovation, you may want to take some photos. This will help to keep you focused and make sure that you don’t miss anything. 

You may find that there are some renovations that you’d like to do, but for some reason, you can’t seem to find the time for them. By taking photos, you can remind yourself of those renovations and make sure that you don’t miss out on those plans. This can help to keep you focused on your goals.

The bottom line

There are so many ways to get the most out of a bathroom renovation, and they all depend on the details. Make sure that you have a map of the renovations in place, keep all of your keys together, budget wisely, and factor in all of the renovation costs. You can also simply add new decor items and make sure that it’s functional, not fancy. With these tips in mind, you can get the most out of your bathroom renovations.