5 Questions You Should Ask Before Beginning a Bathroom Remodel

Besides the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home, and one where functionality is just as important as style. Since you’re using it every day, you should be able to walk in and feel happy about this space—not annoyed by a leaky faucet, or cringing at the out of date design. If your appliances are worn out, or your bathroom is starting to look like it belongs in another time period—it’s time for an upgrade. A bathroom renovation can seem like a big undertaking, but with the right amount of planning, and a trusted Design-Build contractor, you’ll end up with a bathroom you can feel good about! If you’re ready to consider a bathroom renovation, there are a few questions you should be asking before you begin to make sure you get everything you need out of your renovation.

1. Why do you want to remodel?

It sounds like a simple question, but asking yourself this will help you determine what matters the most to you when it comes to your remodel. Addressing your pain points first can help you determine what you can’t afford to compromise. If your leaky sink faucet is driving you crazy, or your tub and shower combination are taking up way too much space, you’ll know the first two things you need to address—and budget for—in your remodeling plan.

2. What do you need, and what do you want?

Asking yourself the first question above can help you decide what you absolutely need to be happy with your remodel. It can also be helpful to make a list with your needs on one side, and your wants on the other. Make sure you budget for your needs first, and then you can figure out what budget you have left over for the things you don’t necessarily need, but are nice to have—like a new backsplash for the sink, or those wall sconces to go by the bathroom mirror that you’ve had your eye on.

3. Who will be using this bathroom? 

Thinking about who will be using this bathroom the most can help inform your remodeling design plan. For example, if you plan on keeping this house as your forever home, and want to age in place there for as long as possible, you might want to consider some practical universal design elements that will keep your bathroom both safe and functional.

4. Are efficiency and easy maintenance important to you?

You’re answer to this one will likely be, “yes, of course!” and luckily there are plenty of ways you can make your new bathroom more efficient and easier to clean. Consider installing a water efficient faucet, toilet, or showerhead to help save water—which in turn can save you money on your utility bills. According to the EPA, if just 1 in 10 homes used energy efficient fixtures in the bathroom, over 70 billion gallons of water and $1.5 Billion worth of energy costs could be saved. That’s a lot of water—and a lot of money.

To make your bathroom easy to clean and maintain, you’ll want to think about the materials you’d like to use. A tiled floor or wall can look nice, but keep in mind that dirt can easily collect in the grout between the tiles. Smooth surfaces without grooves will be the easiest to clean. A good exhaust fan is also a must to provide ventilation and prevent any mold or mildew build up.

5. How long can your household function without this bathroom?

A full bathroom remodel will take time, so it’s important to plan ahead to make sure your household can still function without the bathroom that’s being renovated. If you have another bathroom in your home, plan on making that your designated bathroom while the construction is under way. If you have a camp, or have been wanting to get away, this may be the ideal time to plan a vacation so it falls during the bulk of the work being done. 

 Most importantly, you should ask yourself if you have a professional you can trust to do the job right, and do it well. At McClurg, we’ve been remodeling homes in Central New York for over 35 years. We pride ourselves in our team of Design-Build experts and their superior craftsmanship. Contact us to learn how we can help you make your home renovation dreams a reality!