Planning A Bathroom Remodel? Check Out This Guide

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Quick Guide For Planning The Perfect Bathroom
Remodel For Your Skokie, IL Home

4Ever Remodeling Breaks Down The Ins & Outs
Of The Bathroom Remodeling Process

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A bathroom remodel is one of the most cost-effective upgrades in the entire house. The average bathroom renovation project increases a home’s resale value by more than enough to pay for the renovation in all 50 states, according to a 2022 study by House Method.

Plus, you and your family will reap the many benefits of an upgraded bathroom before it’s time to move on to your forever home. Sure, it all sounds great on paper, but you can only achieve this result with careful planning and attention to detail.

If you are planning a bathroom remodel for your Skokie home, make sure to follow this step-by-step guide before getting too ahead of yourself.

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Determine The Scope Of Work Needed For Your Bathroom

First, you need to determine the scope of your bathroom remodel. Are you doing a surface-level renovation with design updates, or do you want to gut the entire space and replace all essential fixtures? With the first option, you might be able to pull off a DIY project without hiring a professional. If the project’s scope feels overwhelming, you need the help of a contractor.

If you decide to hire a contractor, ensure they are properly licensed and that they will acquire the necessary permits from your state or local municipality. Bigger renovations, like a bathroom remodel, often require permits for plumbing, electrical work, and general construction.

You need a clear idea of your bathroom remodeling requirements to ensure you get the proper permits. Regardless of your project’s scope, make sure to put all your communication in writing so the contractors can review and confirm every detail before getting started.

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Settle On Design Style

Once you sort out the practicalities of your bathroom remodel, you can start planning the creative side of the project. Start narrowing down your options for color schemes and architectural details that you want to incorporate into your new bathroom.

Bathrooms aren’t known for their style, but there are some trends you should consider.

Neutral colors like white, tan, and gray are the most common in bathrooms because they serve as a clean base for the rest of the decor. Neutrality and consistency also help the room feel more relaxed, which should be the primary goal.

The hardware should also typically have a consistent design scheme. For example, matte laminate cabinets are a popular trend right now. Laminate is also stain and moisture-resistant and easy to disinfect, which makes it perfect for areas like the bathroom that tend to get dirty. You need to sort out these design details to estimate your budget accurately.

Speaking of which…

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Come Up With A Budget & Stick To It

Once you nail down the project’s scope and design, you have all the necessary information to create a solid budget. The average price of an 8’x5’ bathroom remodel can range from $40,000 plus to as little as $25,000 if you’re looking for a budget-friendly project. The overall price depends on many factors, including the room’s size and which appliance brands you want.

Remember to include the contractor’s payment, material deliveries, tools and installation costs in your calculations. You should also give yourself a cushion as a precautionary measure in case the project experiences delays.

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Create A General Timeline With Your Contractor

Every remodeling project has a pretty standard set of steps. Generally, contractors will start at the top of the room, working on the ceiling, moving their way down the walls, and doing the floor last. Having a checklist with this top-down structure ensures the contractors follow the right steps and avoid making costly mistakes.

Once the contractor knows all the details, they will give you an accurate time estimate for the project. Small bathroom remodels take about 20 days on average if everything goes according to plan. Still, you should include a few extra days in your timeline in case something causes a delay.

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Start Ordering Materials!

Now, it’s time to start talking with your contractor about the project’s required materials. Your top two priorities should be durability and sustainability, regardless of your project’s scope. If you want your bathroom remodel to have a good return on investment, you need to use materials that will last for the long haul with, hopefully, minimal environmental impact.

Tile is a popular bathroom flooring option because of its water resistance and ability to hide stains. You should also look into eco-friendly appliances, such as low-flow shower heads and faucets — they can conserve up to 60% of your monthly water usage and slash your utility bills.

Even your paint can be sustainable. Look for paint products with low amounts of volatile organic compounds. VOCs can harm indoor air quality and cause irritation to your eyes, skin, and lungs. Bathrooms already tend to get stuffy due to the presence of moisture and lots of hygiene products, so you want to keep the air as pure as possible.

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Keep the Bathroom Properly Ventilated Through The Remodel

Speaking of air quality, it’s crucial that you keep the bathroom ventilated adequately throughout the project. You can accomplish this by installing a new bathroom fan as part of your remodel. You should also crack the window to create a natural cross breeze. Ventilation will help the contractor work and prevent the bathroom from getting damp, which in turn prevents mold.

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Be Prepared For Delays — Even If They Are Rare

Many unexpected things can happen during a home remodel, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where the contractors have to deal with many appliances. For example, the contractors might discover your new bathtub doesn’t fit through the door or an old plumbing problem might resurface after you install new faucets.

Water damage is the biggest problem you must look out for during a bathroom remodel. If the contractor notices structural damage to the flooring caused by water, they might have to delay the remodel and fix the damage first. That’s why putting a cushion on your timeline and budget is critical. Stay ahead of the curve by planning for the worst.

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Build The Bathroom Of Your Dreams For Your Skokie
Home With Help From 4Ever Remodeling

Every homeowner deserves to have their dream bathroom. Here at 4Ever Remodeling, we take pride in bringing these dreams to life for homeowners in the Skokie, IL, area. We’ll make your entire project about you from start to finish. Ready to get started? Call us today at 847-809-3355 to schedule a free bathroom consultation with one of our trained professionals.

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