Ten things to consider before remodelling your bathroom

The bathroom is no longer the secluded, neglected spot in your house. It is becoming the second most important space, after the kitchen, for many homeowners. Considering how much time you spend in it, it should reflect your style, whilst still maintaining a good balance of luxury and functionality.

If you’re looking to achieve the bathroom of your dreams then there are several things you should consider before starting the renovation process. Here are 10 key elements to consider in order to refresh your space:

1. Budget

The first, and arguably the most important factor to consider is budget. Setting a budget and having a clear understanding of how much you’re willing to spend on specific products will help you make important decisions during the renovation process. You would also need to look at your bathroom remodel as an investment. Spend your money on improvements that will give you great returns, whether that be financially (by increasing your home’s resale value and saving you maintenance costs) or making your life easier.

2. Space utilization

You need to be clever in your design as typically, the bathroom is the smallest room in the house so, it’s important to utilize every inch of space you have available. Consider the layout of your bathroom and make sure you record accurate measurements so that all your fixtures fit. Part of the considerations with space planning are to decide where to put things early on so that you can add extra blocking where needed before finishing the walls. This ensures you get the right height for accessories and fittings.

3. Your Theme

Whether you’re looking to complement the rest of the rooms in your home or you’re looking to achieve something completely different, there are a number of themes and designs that can be achieved in the bathroom. Perhaps you’re looking for something traditional or maybe something a bit more modern – whatever the case, you need to have your theme in mind from the onset. This will inform your choice of colors, tiles, countertops, fixtures, fittings, etc.

4. Lighting

In a room where people need to visually inspect their hair and faces, consider adding more lighting around the bathroom mirror or vanity. Opt for color-corrected fluorescent, LED, or halogen lights for a more natural look. This softer lighting will make grooming and makeup application easier. You may need to consult with your bathroom designer or lighting specialist about getting your lighting right.

5. Ventilation

Bathrooms are naturally prone to dampness, especially if your bathroom has a shower or tub. All bathrooms need excellent ventilation to keep occupants in good health and prevent mold from growing. Mold spells big problems for bathrooms and, if left untreated, can stain and do extensive damage, especially in hidden areas. Reducing mold and mildew begins with removing moisture. To do that it’s best to have a ventilation system and an operable window.

6. The right flooring

The bathroom is a wet room. When picking flooring for your bathroom remodel, it’s wise to choose a slip-resistant material to avoid falling when getting out of the shower. Furthermore, if your shower floors aren’t installed by a professional, the slope might be tilted the wrong way, causing drainage issues. Water can accumulate and pool in your shower causing a potential slipping hazard and an optimal environment for mold and mildew.

7. Choose durable bathroom surfaces and fixtures

Bathrooms endure a lot of wear every day. They need to be able to cope with big temperature swings as well as significant humidity changes and outright water exposure. Bathrooms also need to be easy to clean, withstand harsh chemicals, and look attractive. Be sure to specify durable, non-porous, mildew, and bacteria-resistant surfaces such as Caesarstone quartz in your design. Avoid cheap particle-board cabinets that can quickly swell and fail in damp environments. Likewise, choose solid wood trim over MDF. Invest in high-quality plumbing fixtures like solid brass instead of cheaper plastic ones that will likely fail within a few short years.

8. Build for accessibility

While you’re remodeling your bathroom, it’s smart to think about making it accessible. Whilst handheld showers and easy-to-grip lever faucets can be put in any time, you need to plan permanent features early on. For instance, a walk-in, curbless shower is a beautiful option that provides the added benefit of being accessible. Other things to consider: a wider doorway, slip-resistant tiles, and a lower sink height.

9. Add a little luxury:

When you’re thinking about bathroom remodeling, you might want to add in a few extras to make your space special. There are a few optional bathroom additions that are becoming highly prized and even expected in modern bathrooms. These include heated tile floors, heated towelrails, and wall-mounted features (toilets, cabinets, and washbasins for a sleek, modern look).

10. Accessorize:

No bathroom renovation is complete without new accessories. Imagine spending a large sum of money on a brand-new bathroom suite only for it to be ruined by an old, rusty toilet roll holder… So, take time to consider the accessories you’ll need and add those all-important finishing touches to your dream bathroom.

As you create your remodeling checklist, factor in these ten considerations before you begin. Most importantly, when embarking on any design project you need to have the right partner. Whether it’s a partial update or a full remodeling endeavor, Elegant Fittings will help every step of the way from the planning to finalizing the finishing touches.

Talk to us via +254745969500 or at info@elegantfittings.co.ke to get your project started.