Repainting the vanity or installing new fixtures can add a fresh look to the bathroom. These are generally considered renovation projects and reflect positively on the house’s value, not just to current owners but to future buyers.
Once the basic plumbing, electrical, and framework work is completed and inspected by an inspector, drywall can be installed. This step generally takes a short time. Click https://www.milwaukeebathroomremodelingpros.com/ to learn more.
Installing tile over drywall in areas of the house that get little moisture is possible, but it’s not recommended for bathrooms. This is because drywall is prone to moisture damage and can become damaged, cracked, or moldy if wet. A better option for a bathroom is to use a cement backer board or waterproof drywall, both of which are designed specifically for wet environments and can withstand the humidity and moisture often present in bathrooms.
If you’re using regular drywall in your bath remodel, it’s important to prep the surface before you start hanging tiles. This will ensure your new tiles adhere well to the wall and create a long-lasting finish. Use a mix of vinegar and water or a commercial cleaning spray to wipe down the wall surface, then use a drywall compound or filler to smooth it out if necessary. Then, sand the surface until it’s smooth and prime it to prepare for tile installation.
When installing tile over drywall in a bathroom, you must apply a waterproof barrier called Kerdi-Board before installing the actual tiles. You can find this product online or at your local home improvement store. It’s easy to install – peel and stick, then screw it to the studs. Before installing the tile, you should also apply a Kerdi-Fix to any holes, cracks, or bumps in the drywall.
Once you’ve applied the Kerdi-Board, it’s time to begin tiling. Make sure to use Portland cement-based thin-set mortars instead of organic thin-set adhesives. This will help the tile bond strongly to the drywall and prevent water from seeping into the substrate, causing mold and other problems. It’s also a good idea to use small wedge spacers, as these will help create grout joints that look even and professional.
Remember that it’s also a good idea to prim the drywall before you install tile, as this will improve adhesion and reduce lippage. It’s also a good idea for the primer to be waterproof, which will help protect the drywall from moisture and mold.
The nature of its function complicates the plumbing in a bathroom. Many pipes are concealed in walls and floors, making them difficult to access. As a result, even seemingly small repairs can cost more than initially expected. For example, a plumber might discover corroded or leaking pipe joints during renovation. These issues will likely require a more complex repair than planned, and they can add an extra $5,000 or more to your project costs.
The primary expenses for a bath remodel come from plumbing and electrical work. It’s easy to underestimate the cost of these essential tasks, as they can consume much of your budget. It’s also important to remember that it takes time to design, order materials, and get permits, which can clog your remodel timeline and push back the date of your new bathroom.
You can save on materials by acting as a general contractor and hiring subcontractors to complete the more labor-intensive tasks. It’s also smart to purchase your materials during sales, dramatically lowering your remodeling costs. For example, you can buy tile in bulk to reduce your per-square-foot installation costs. It’s also possible to save on fixtures by purchasing them during the holidays or at special events.
A sleek, modern bathroom increases the value of your home. Remodeling Magazine reports that a quality bathroom renovation returns more than 100 percent of its cost upon resale. However, the amount of return varies by the specifics of your bathroom.
Unless you have extensive experience in home improvement, you should leave any structural and major plumbing changes to the professionals. For instance, installing a new toilet or shower is fine, but keeping your water heater or plumbing pipes in the same location is best. Also, consider hiring an experienced, licensed general contractor to complete the bulk of the project. This will ensure that you work with a trustworthy, qualified professional who handles local zoning regulations and permits for your remodel. It can also help you avoid expensive mistakes that can make your bathroom remodel project more costly.
A bathroom remodel is an ideal opportunity to upgrade the electrical wiring. This includes adding a new, dedicated circuit for lighting and a fan (to keep the humidity down). A 20-amp circuit is usually sufficient to power overhead lights, an exhaust fan, and other appliances and fixtures safely. It’s always best to let an electrician look at your existing wiring to ensure you have the power capacity to accommodate the changes you’re planning.
The power needed for your bathroom depends on what electric-powered devices you use there and how often you use them. It’s also important to remember that you should never overload a circuit, as this can lead to fuses blowing and fires. An experienced electrician can help you assess your needs and install the necessary outlets and circuits.
On a larger scale, a remodel that significantly alters the room’s layout will require rerouting and replacing electrical wires, moving plumbing and ductwork, redrilling joists to accommodate changes in the floor structure, and the costs of insulation, drywall, and painting.
Every bathroom is a room that has electricity and water nearby, so safety concerns are an ongoing consideration. A remodel can provide an opportunity to upgrade to GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets that automatically shut off the power in case of a leak or shortage. It’s also a good idea to replace any worn flooring and shower/tub surfaces with slip-resistant materials.
A sleek, updated bathroom adds value to your home and is a selling point for prospective buyers. However, an overly trendy or avant-garde design could scare off some buyers, so staying within your local area’s tastes and preferences is a good idea. A knowledgeable professional can advise you on what might appeal to most community members.
One of the most important components of a bathroom remodel is the floor. A dated, cracked, or uneven floor can make an unattractive room look even worse.
The flooring must also be moisture-resistant since bathrooms are notoriously humid spaces. Ceramic and porcelain tile, luxury vinyl flooring, and sheet vinyl are favored bathroom flooring materials because they’re attractive and durable.
Cork is another good option for the bath since it’s a natural material that’s comfortable and quiet underfoot and waterproof. It’s best to reseal cork every few years to maintain water resistance.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are great for the bath, especially if you plan to install radiant heating. But they can be cold underfoot, so choose a textured variety for slip-reduction.
Vinyl tile is another popular choice, available in various colors, patterns, and styles. It’s also waterproof and affordable, although it can be slippery.
Laminate is another option for the bathroom, as it’s a budget-friendly, durable, and moisture-resistant flooring material. It’s available in many different designs and can mimic the appearance of wood and stone.
Depending on the style and size of the project, a homeowner can take on some of the flooring installation themselves. However, hiring a professional installer is recommended for the most seamless, beautiful results.
A full-scale bathroom remodel isn’t a DIY project, as plumbing and electrical changes often complicate it. An experienced remodeler will know how to work with limited space and can ensure that all of the subflooring and walls are properly sealed.
Changing the layout of a bathroom is a significant remodel that requires a lot of planning and budgeting. It will typically involve rerouting electrical wiring, moving and re-tiling the toilet, shower, or tub, redrilling and rewiring the existing light fixture, and relocating and replacing the drain and supply lines for the new layout. In most cases, this type of remodeling will require a structural engineer to approve. This can add thousands to the project’s cost, so it’s usually a good idea to hire an architect and structural engineer for this type of major remodel.
