Bathroom Remodels: Answering All Your Questions

What is the first thing I should do?

Before you head to the store to shop for tiles, it’s worth the time and effort to develop a plan.

 

What is a bathroom remodel project?

A bathroom remodel project gives the room an updated look and is highly functional without diving into structural changes.
 

What is a bathroom job?

The bathroom remodeling job is all about plumbing, electrical, and tile work all highly skilled trades.
 

What is a luxury bathroom?

In this case, luxury doesn’t mean a spa-like bathroom with Tuscan tile, but the luxury of having someone else do the heavy lifting while you keep your hands clean.

 

What is a light remodel?

The lowest tier of a bathroom remodeling project, a light remodel makes minor but noticeable improvements to the space.

 

What is a mid-range bathroom renovation?

A mid-range bathroom renovation is a more extensive remodel that could include: new paint or wallpaper to the walls.
 

What is a universal design bathroom remodel?

A universal design bathroom remodel is defined as a higher-end wheelchair-accessible bathroom.

 

 

What does a bathroom remodel require?

A bathroom remodel involves a significant amount of planning and DIY skills, if you are intending to do all or some of the work.
 

How do I remodel a bathroom?

The easiest way to remodel a bathroom is to proceed with one manageable step at a time, and have a solid plan.
 

What skills do you need?

Replacing tubs, showers, vanities, and toilets requires some plumbing or carpentry skills.
 

How do I know if my bathroom is compliant?

Draft a floor plan to scale on graph paper before remodeling your bathroom.
 

What Can You Do With a Small Bath?

In a small space like a bathroom, every detail matters: The right wall color, tilework, or lighting can transform a dull, dated bathroom into a bright, stylish retreat.
 

What are the challenges?

Major challenges arise when you start the demo. That’s when you get a chance to see what’s underneath the old tile. Beware of unexpected surprises such as finding rotting subfloor and joists below a leaky shower or cast iron plumbing stacks that have rusted to the point of crumbling.
 

What are the best ways to upgrade a bathroom?

Besides standard faucets and drawer pull and showerheads, there are also gadgets that can be added to upgrade a bathroom without full-on renovating.

 

 

 

 

What is the best way to find out what you need?

That’s a different question, and arriving at an answer involves looking at the individual considerations in a major bathroom remodeling project.
 

What are the mechanical systems in a bathroom?

The mechanical systems in a bathroom are subject to all kinds of rules and regulations, and professional plumbers, electricians, and HVAC contractors deal with these issues every day and will know the particulars of local code requirements.
 

What if I need to do plumbing work?

Tackle this only if you are very confident.
 

How do I get a permit for my bathroom remodel?

Contact your building inspector to go over the scope of the project to find out exactly how much you’re permitted to do.
 

How much does a new bath cost?

An average bathroom remodel costs around $10,500 while an upscale remodel is going to run you a hefty $26,000.
 

How much does a light remodel cost?

A light remodel can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, possibly less if you do the projects yourself.

 

 

 

 

What is the most economical option?

The best and least costly option is to redo the flooring, the walls, and the fixtures, but leave the fixtures right where they are.
 

How do I relocate drain systems?

With the help of a professional plumber, you can relocate the drain systems for the tub, toilet, and sinks if you must when remodeling a bathroom, but it requires the removal of the fixtures, existing plumbing, and the concrete.
 

What are the requirements for access to fixtures in a bathroom?

Besides the location of the fixtures in the bathroom, local building codes require access in specific dimensions for a toilet, tub, and sink, as well as how the door opens into the space.
 

How do I install tile flooring?

It does not take long to learn the basics of tile installation, and you can easily lay a moderate-sized bathroom floor on a weekend.
 

What are the benefits of a shower pan?

A one-piece shower pan is a simple, leak-proof solution to the mistake-prone chore of traditional shower pan construction.
 

What are the best flooring options?

If you want an easy-care floor: Go for porcelain or glazed tiles, and avoid porous natural stone tiles like limestone.
 

How do you paint? What are the challenges when painting a bathroom?

Your bathroom may be the smallest room in the house, but you’re going to have to paint slowly and gently around the window, the tub or shower, the sink, the mirror, the toilet, the switchplates, the wall corners, and the floor.