Things to Consider When Planning a Bathroom Remodel in Macon, Georgia
Whether you are looking to increase the value of your home or just want a more functional bathroom, there are many different considerations that you must consider when planning a remodel. Those things include: the materials you will use, the timing of the work, the design, and the ADA-compliant features you’ll want to include.
Costs of Materials
If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, you need to consider the costs of materials. These can vary widely. Fortunately, there are a few ways to save money while maximizing the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom. For example, you can purchase fixtures and flooring from a home improvement store. Buying in bulk can also help you stay within your budget. You can purchase electrical, plumbing, and other materials at specialty stores. Bathroom renovations can also require structural work, such as repairing or replacing joists, floors, or drywall.
Larger projects may involve moving plumbing, moving electrical wiring, or reconfiguring the floor plan. Depending on the type of project, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $11,000 for a complete bathroom remodel. A small bathroom may cost as little as $200. Remodeling a bath can include installing a shower, replacing a toilet, or swapping out fixtures. You can hire a contractor or do it yourself. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to have a clear plan before you start. Some projects are easier and cheaper than others. Unless you have a lot of demolition experience, it’s usually better to leave the work to professionals.
If you’re hiring a professional, make sure you ask about licensing. You’ll also want to include the cost of obtaining a permit. Hiring a cleaning service can reduce the overall costs of a bathroom remodel. The average cost of a cleaning service ranges from $70 to $170.
Before you begin a bathroom renovation, you should determine if you have the skills to perform the job on your own. Alternatively, you can hire subcontractors to do the work. If you’re remodeling your bath on your own, be sure to have a strong, detailed plan in place. This will prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Bathroom Design Considerations
The design of your bathroom remodel is a major consideration. It’s important to have a good plan before beginning. This will ensure that you get the most for your money. You should also be sure to get a professional to handle the job. A well planned bathroom will offer features that make using the space more enjoyable. Some ideas include an efficient shower, a large tub, or a built-in fan to remove moisture from the air.
If you’re remodeling your bathroom, you may need to knock down walls or change flooring. Make sure you have a clear contract. Also, check to see if the contractor is licensed. Lighting is a must. You should consider recessed overhead lights for most bathroom tasks. Brighter lights are ideal for up-close work. Your bathroom should have sufficient storage. Items such as towels, toilet paper rolls, hot hairstyling tools, and a vanity mirror should be within easy reach.
Bathrooms are usually small spaces. There should be ample room for a sink, tub, and a toilet. Remember that you’ll need about 30 inches of space around each piece of equipment. Keeping plumbing in place will save you from unnecessary expenses. You’ll also have more money to spend on surfaces.
A functional bathroom can help prevent mold and mildew. Getting rid of excess moisture will reduce these issues. Excess moisture can warp doors and doors can peel paint. To keep water from damaging your bathroom, use solid wood or engineered wood flooring. If you’re in the market for a new bathroom, you should have a budget in mind. When you set a specific amount for the project, you can get an honest answer from contractors.
Timing
The time it takes to complete a bathroom renovation depends on several factors. While it is not possible to completely determine the exact duration of the project, the average homeowner will spend between four and five weeks on the job. This includes a period of preparation and demolition, as well as the construction itself.
As part of a typical bathroom remodel, you will also need to remove existing plumbing and install new fixtures. If your renovation requires a full demolition of the room, it could take two to three days. In some instances, it could also take longer if you need to relocate the plumbing.
Before demolition, you may need to obtain a permit for any electrical or plumbing work. You should also look into getting a building board approval for your project. A good remodeling contractor can help you get all the permits you need, as well as the materials you need to complete the job. Some items, such as flooring, can take a while to come in, so ordering them early can make a difference.
A walkthrough is a good way to check out the work your remodeling contractor has done. It gives you the opportunity to test out any final touches you want, and allows you to get feedback on the work that was done. The best way to ensure your project will be completed on time is to set a realistic timeline. By setting a timeline, you can avoid the most common pitfalls of remodeling projects. There are also a few ways to speed up the process.
One option is to hire a contractor, a service that can be particularly helpful if you don’t have a lot of free time. Using a contractor to manage your remodel can give you a realistic picture of the cost and scope of the project, while giving you peace of mind that you aren’t stuck holding the bag.
ADA-Compliant Features
If you are remodeling your bathroom, be sure to include ADA compliant features. You may want to add grab bars, a roll-in shower, or a faucet that is accessible. However, if you don’t have the time or money to make the modifications right away, you can get them installed later.
ADA standards require all bathrooms to be accessible. This includes providing a wheelchair space and a turning space. It also requires that a toilet be accessible. For those with disabilities, a toilet that is 60 inches wide will be easier to maneuver. A toilet should be mounted on a wall, and it should be at least 17 inches above the finished floor. The toilet should also have adequate space for grab bars. Grab bars are often used by people with mobility issues to get up and down from the toilet seat.
An ADA-compliant sink is usually a pedestal type that has an open space beneath it. A recessed toilet paper dispenser provides more accessibility and unobstructed maneuvering. Grab bars should be rounded in shape and free of sharp elements. They should be between 34 and 38 inches above the floor. In addition, they should be able to withstand moisture.
Showers should be no more than 60 inches long and 30 inches wide. There must be a minimum of 2 inches of clear floor space in front of the shower. Toe clearance is also required. Accessible restrooms should include a minimum door width of six inches. Also, the toilet must have an undercut seat. ADA-compliant toilets are at least 60 inches wide to allow for wheelchairs.
ADA-compliant bathrooms are important for providing equal access for those with disabilities. Adding these features can be the easiest way to ensure that your bathroom is accessible.
Increasing Resale Value
Bathroom renovations can add value to a home. But if you want to maximize the resale value of your home, you have to choose projects that have a decent return on investment. You can find out how much your bathroom remodel will increase your home’s value with a little research.
The most popular home improvement project is a bathroom remodel. These renovations can increase your home’s value by as much as 53% to 66%. The return on investment for a bathroom remodel depends on your budget, the quality of labor, and the scope of the renovation. Some bathroom remodels can net a seventy-one percent return on investment, while others can only recoup half of their costs.
A full five-piece bathroom, with a walk-in shower, double sinks, and a bathtub, can make your home much more livable. However, it doesn’t have to be that expensive. As long as you keep the cost to a minimum, you can get a good ROI on a bathroom upgrade. If you have a small bathroom in a second story or basement, you may be able to do the work yourself. However, it’s a good idea to hire a professional.
One thing you should do is to choose neutral colors. Potential buyers will most likely appreciate the color scheme you choose. Neutral colors also allow you to personalize your bathroom with your favorite accessories. For a more upscale look, opt for an addition with high-end features. A water closet and a walk-in shower are a few examples.
Make sure you use a reliable contractor and do your homework before you start a project. Your remodeling will not only improve your home’s value, it will be an attractive feature to potential buyers.
Ready to get started on remodeling your bathroom? Give us a call for an estimate at 478-259-5714.