Home improvements, DIY projects, and remodeling project results can all have a huge impact on the appeal, comfort, and value of your home.
Any bathroom remodeling project can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and execution, it can be a smooth process. By taking the time to prep your bathroom, you can help ensure that your project goes quickly and avoid any potential delays or hazards. Here are a few tips on how to prepare yourself, your home, and your bathroom for remodeling.
Determine the Scale of Your Remodeling Project Results
The first question you should ask yourself is this, what is the scale of this project? The question applies to any type of remodeling, including kitchen and bathroom remodeling, in this article we will focus on bathroom remodel.
Is this a surface-level touch up like a fresh coat of paint? Or is it something of a much bigger scale like replacing entire fixtures and walls? Thespruce.com divides them into four separate levels that can help you determine the scale of your project. It’s also important to speak with your contractor about this as well. After all, they’re going to be doing major changes, so they can provide you with their exact plans so that you can prepare accordingly. Planning for the best remodeling project results requires careful planning. Considering every possible version of remodeling project results will ensure things go according to plan.
Here are some things to consider right from the start:
1. Surface Change
The least invasive type of remodeling project. Maybe you don’t need to go as deep as changing the layout and size of the bathroom, and maybe the floor, fixtures, and walls are in good shape. All that’s needed is either to patch up a few problem areas or replace the smallest of pieces like a towel rod or handles.
2. Gut and Replace
This level is a bit more hands-on. This process involves replacing most fixtures, wiring, and plumbing, but keeping the general layout of the room. The bathroom is stripped to bare walls and flooring, then the elements are replaced or refurbished. This process can be done either entirely or partially, but it depends on the individual projects.
Small levels of teardown can be expected, especially if the process involves replacing something that cannot be saved during the removal process such as the bathtub or shower. In some cases, the wiring or plumbing might have to be replaced as well, which could also call for drywall removal.
3. Layout Change
This level is similar to Gut and Replace but involves changing the overall layout of the bathroom. Perhaps you want to move the sink to another wall and put the toilet where the sink used to be, if what changes you’re making keeps the walls and perimeter of the wall the same, then you’re only performing a layout change.
Because this level involves more overall changes to the plumbing, wiring, and fixtures rather than simply replacing them, it can be more costly for remodeling project results and renovation work.
4. Completely Remodel a Bathroom
The biggest change you can do is the whole thing. Perhaps there’s a linen closet next to the bathroom that you want to knock down to expand the overall room. Or maybe there’s a large gap of space that used to hold a big fixture but looks ugly now.
Even if it involves changing the height of the ceiling or roof, you’re changing the entire bathroom with a remodeling project. Large-scale changes such as this will usually call for complete layout changes in order to balance out the room, as well as replace old fixtures and wiring.
Prepping Your Bathroom to Get the Best Remodeling Project Results
Having a set idea of what exactly your project scale is going to be is a great first step to preparing your bathroom for its big makeover. Let’s say you’re planning on a replacement job like the sink, toilet, and accessories, but are keeping the floor, walls, and tub intact. How do you prepare for such a job? Home Depot gives a few pointers.
The first thing you should do is plan for foot traffic. Plan out the proper entrances and exits for the contractor and crew to navigate your home, as well as make sure that the selected pathways are clear and easy to navigate. They will likely be moving large fixtures through your home, so try to make sure that they’re not having to squeeze in between small areas or between large pieces of furniture. By working with us or your contractor and their crew, the process is sure to be pulled off in a smooth and orderly manner, and the crew will appreciate the extra cooperation on your end.
The next step is to clean and clear the bathroom of loose items, objects, and other supplies. After using your toothbrush in the morning, make sure it’s out of the way along with anything else that isn’t attached to any surfaces. If this is a family bathroom, communication with the other family members is key.
Designate a new space in the home (such as a countertop or desk) that can be the new home for toothbrushes and other toiletries that are used daily. Any products that are unopened or rarely used can be boxed or put away in a closet until the remodeling project results are in and the work is completed.
If you have family or friends in the area and have children that otherwise need showers in a single-bathroom remodel, consider letting them know your plans ahead of time and asking if they can offer up their own showers a few times a week. Make sure to have a set deadline from the contractor so you can plan your alternatives accordingly.
Another little option is for those that love fitness. If you have a gym membership, now’s the time to use it as well! Taking showers at the gym is a great option if you already have access to one. Simply bring the proper toiletries in your gym bag and you’re set.
After the loose elements are taken care of, it’s time to focus on the other certain details. Fixtures that are being replaced (or can get in the way) such as towel bars, toilet paper holders, and anything of the sort, should also be removed. Usually, these are affixed to the wall with simple screws that you can remove yourself, giving you and your contractor a head start in the process.
This also goes for anything from the ceiling such as hanging lights or potted plants. Anything that can be bumped into and cause damage should be considered for removal. Your contractor will likely inform you if any of these fixtures are liable to get in the way, but don’t be afraid to ask them if there are any concerns.
Taking Precautions In Prep Time- Remodeling Project Results
Another major element to be aware of is safety and precautions. Whether it’s property or people, it’s important to keep everything safe during the remodeling process. The first thing is something your contractor will likely warn you about or request, and that is shutting off the water and electricity to that specific bathroom. You can do this at the main breaker box of the home. Chances are you don’t need to know why this is so important. Any kind of wiring or plumbing should be performed with both features off completely.
You can also take steps to protect your property during the process. For example, if you’re not planning on replacing the floor, consider also laying down a tarp to protect it from debris and scratches. You can also drape drop cloths over any fixtures that you don’t plan on moving or replacing.
If your project involves a full redesign of the bathroom, such as the teardown of any walls, take special precautions to make sure that none of the walls being removed are load-bearing. Home Depot provides a guide on how to determine this yourself, there are multiple ways to determine this, but your contractor will likely be willing to help you as well. After all, nobody wants a roof caving in on them.
In conclusion, preparing your bathroom for remodeling project is not only necessary, but a vital step in ensuring your project will be as smooth as possible. There’s more to it than just giving your contractor the go-ahead. Understanding the full process of the job can give you the best guidance on what kind of prep work you should do, as well as how much. Remember, your contractor is working for you and also wants you to be as happy as possible with the end result, so proper communication is a key element.
Make sure you are both on the same page with your ideal vision for your new bathroom so that they can help you prep accordingly. This can not only help the project develop as quickly and painlessly as possible, but can also ensure the safety of both your contractor as well as your home and furnishings.
Don’t forget to plan out how you’re going to survive without a full bathroom for the length of the renovation. If this is your only bathroom that is getting remodeled, make sure to have a plan on how you and your other residents will be able to take care of themselves in the meantime.
Last Words About a Home Bathroom Remodeling Project
From safety to preparation, remodeling your bathroom doesn’t have to be a headache. What matters is proper communication and understanding. By taking these precautions, you’ll be one step ahead in making your bathroom remodel a success on all levels.
If you need help and a second set of eyes on your bathroom renovation project set up a free appointment with us.
