Bathroom Renovation Dos and Don’ts

If you’re remodeling your bathroom and don’t know where to start, we’ve compiled a handy list of dos and don’ts to help you navigate making the most of your project!

Do 

Hire a designer: Oftentimes people think that hiring an interior designer for a remodel project is an unnecessary expense, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. While a general contractor can help with the basics of your space, a designer can really reimagine the space to give you an awe-inspiring renovation. Designers have the ability to really hone in on your wants and tie them into a complete package with very little work needed on your end. And, if you renovate with us at Chi, design services are included!

A designer can pull together all of your finishes and create a proper floor plan.

Don’t 

Neglect your plumbing layout: While it’s not impossible to move your plumbing around entirely, there are limitations. You should always avoid placing plumbing in an exterior wall to avoid pipes freezing. Toilet drains need to run with the joists of your subfloor. And if you live in a multi-unit building, these rules hold especially true. Oftentimes the plumbing in all of the units is on what’s called a plumbing stack, which means all of them all run in a line. Not only would moving your fixtures be costly, sometimes it’s completely undoable. Always consult with your building engineer before finalizing any plans.

Do

Check your lighting ratings: What does a lighting rating mean? All lights are rated for either dry, damp, or wet locations. With excess moisture and humidity levels in bathrooms, it’s best to use a damp rated light fixture for all of your lighting. If you’re placing a recessed light in your shower, it needs to be wet rated.

There are plenty of gorgeous damp rated lighting options. Full project

Don’t 

Be afraid to have some fun with your finishes: While it’s nice to tie the aesthetics of your home together, you can (and should) go a bit bolder with your bathroom. This is especially true with powder rooms! These tiny spaces can be packed with personality. Consider a fun wallpaper or other wall covering. In a master bath, oftentimes it’s just you and your partner using the space, so it should reflect what you want. That being said…

A texture tile wall covering in this powder room mimics ocean waves. Full project

Do

Consider resale : It’s no secret that kitchen and bath remodels have the biggest return on investment, but there are extraneous fixtures and finishes that not everyone is looking for. If you’re not in your forever home, you may want to skimp on that steam shower. But don’t be afraid to get rid of that bathtub. If there is more than one tub in your home and you’d like to convert one to a walk-in shower, you’re good to go.

Don’t

Skimp on labor : We know, plumbing and electrical work oftentimes comes with a hefty price tag, but now is not the time to bargain hunt. While it’s smart to compile different bids, the least expensive option can come with more costs down the road. Shoddy plumbing work can end up costing you thousands, it’s better to spend a little more up front and have peace of mind that the work will last. At Chi, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured which means our labor is top notch.

Do 

Have fun with the process: There are a ton of moving parts that go into your bathroom remodel – faucets, shower plumbing, tile, vanities, etc. so don’t rush through your material selections. If you take your time, you’re also less likely to forget anything, which can delay you once construction begins. We like to make sure all of your materials are in and accounted for before we even begin to make for a smooth construction period.