The bathroom is the most utilized room in the house. So when it’s time to plan for a redesign, it’s a pretty exciting time. But it’s also a tricky undertaking too. With both plumbing and wiring involved, you’ll have multiple contractors and tasks going on simultaneously throughout the process. While every bathroom redesign is different, there are some universal steps to prepare and things to expect during your project. Here’s what you need to know:

Prepping for Your Bathroom Redesign

1. Create a Budget
   First things, first, establish your budget. It’s one of the most important aspects of your redesign because it will affect all the others. Figure out what you’re able to spend and determine your limits. Once you have the number in in place, you can start a prioritized checklist, categorizing your must-haves over your can-do-withouts. When you start getting estimates from your contractors for materials and labor, you’ll get a better idea of what’s possible and start imagining your beautiful new bathroom!
2. Determine Your Design Inspiration
   Somewhere in your budgeting, you’ll want to start getting inspiration for your bathroom. Whether you have a vision in mind or don’t even know where to begin, start looking through home magazines and websites like Zillow Digs or Houzz for ideas. You’ll get a glimpse at the latest styles, color trends, and features and can start pulling pics to create your own design board. But make sure you’re designing for the long haul (or resale depending how long you plan to stay in your home), so you’re not forced to schedule a do-over a few years down the road.
3. Clear the Work Area
   As you get closer to demo day, think about how the project will affect the rest of your house. Where will the contractor park? What’s the easiest path for him to travel in and out of your house? It’s pretty unrealistic to expect your contractor to take his shoes off at the door, so cover floors with old towels or drop cloths to protect them. You should also try removing any mobile items in his work area. Soaps, shampoos, tooth brushes, bathmats, etc. should all be cleared out before the contractor gets there, so he can get to work right away.
4. Collect Your Materials
   Before the project starts, you’ll also want to make sure you have all the materials necessary to begin. Whether it’s tile for the floors or fixtures for the vanity, having everything on-site and ready to go is the best way to prevent delays. So what if your cabinets come in a few weeks late? Well, in a few weeks, your contractor is now juggling three other projects. So even though your tiles are finally ready, you’re now stuck waiting for someone to install them.
5. Set Up a Makeshift Bath
   If you or your family depends on that bathroom for daily use, make sure you ask the designer/builder to set up a temporary bath – usually accomplished with a fiberglass shower unit in a basement or somewhere with a utility tub floor drain. The same is possible for a toilet. It will require a bit of your budget, but it may be worth it if your neighbors don’t really appreciate frequent house guests using their water.

What To Expect During Your Bathroom Redesign

• Dealing with the Dust
  Yes, sanding drywall, ripping old tile, and cutting out a tub will likely result in a lot of dust. And foot traffic will only amplify the amount of that dust traveling into other areas of the house. Most contractors should have some sort of fan to place in the window to create a backdraft that pulls the dust-filled air outside. But you can prepare in other ways, like covering the floors, getting additional fans (ones with timers are even better), and keeping other windows of the house open, weather permitting.
• Expecting the Unexpected
  No matter how much time you put into carefully detailed planning, delays are sometimes inevitable. Assume the redesign will take longer than anticipated, so it’s not chaos in your home if surprises do arise. By assuming a slightly longer timeline, you’ll avoid any added frustration in the end. In other words, don’t plan for overnight guests the weekend after your slated completion date.
  Those unwanted surprises may also add to your budget too. Not all contractors do a great job at communicating the risk of unplanned, added costs throughout the project. Hidden conditions like termite damage, improper wiring, outdated plumbing, etc. are things you have to take care of, whether you budgeted for them or not. So give yourself a 10-20% cushion on your budget, just in case.
• Having Fun!
  The thing to always remember throughout the redesign process is the reason you’re doing it. Whether it’s a larger space for the kids to get ready for school or a more luxurious place for you to relax after a long day, you’re always just a few weeks away from enjoying the results. And most homeowners love seeing the progress as it all comes together, so take some before, during, and after photos to look back on. The work may be inconvenient at the time, but embracing the situation and focusing on the reward at the end is the way to go!

If you’re considering a bathroom redesign, Madsen Inc. can help you prepare and ensure that your project goes as smoothly as possible. To discuss your renovation plans, contact us today!