Top 10 Bathroom Remodeling Tips In Hendersonville, TN

When you walk into your bathroom, do you cringe at the outdated fixtures, colors you’ve outgrown, and tiling that has most definitely seen better days?

As time goes on, it’s only natural for our tastes to change and spaces to succumb to the grind of everyday life. Countertops chip, wood cupboards warp, and the wallpaper we thought was the height of fashion ten years ago suddenly looks out of place. Yet, the functionality and aesthetic of your bathroom can easily be altered by a renovation.

A bathroom remodeling project can be an overwhelming undertaking—but it doesn’t have to be. With these 10 tips under your belt, you’ll be able to both plan and execute a renovation that brings your dream bathroom to life without breaking the bank.

1. Have a Plan

Having a step-by-step plan for your bathroom remodeling project will help you stay on track, communicate better with your contractors, and help realize your newfangled bathroom redesign. When developing a plan, first consider your vision and your budget.

Have a Clear Vision

If you’re planning to renovate your bathroom, you probably already have an idea of what you want to change. But the more specific your vision is, the easier the entire remodeling process will be. Start by gathering inspiration from interior design magazines and Pinterest. Either have a file on your computer or physical print-outs of designs you like. Then, create a list and answer the following questions:

• What areas of the bathroom will be kept?
• What will be replaced?
• Are you moving key fixtures, like the toilet or bathtub / shower?
• Are you installing additional features, like an extra sink?
• Does the electrical system need to be adjusted for more outlets or additional lighting?
• Will you be tearing down / building walls?
• Are you replacing or adding tile? If so, what type?
• Are you replacing the counter or vanity?
• Do you have sufficient storage space? If not, how will you add more storage?
• What color palette appeals to you?
• What kind of accents (faucets, cabinet knobs, etc.) will you add?

Once you’ve mapped out what will be changed during the remodel, you’ll have a better picture of what the renovation will entail. You could even go one step further and draw out a blueprint of what the bathroom will look like. If design isn’t your strong suit, you can always employ a professional designer to handle the logistics for you.

Budgeting a Bathroom Remodel

Your budget will inform each choice you make, from the labor you hire to the materials you purchase. Right off the bat, it’s important to save between 10% and 20% of your total budget for emergencies. Renovations have a tendency to go over budget—despite your best intentions. It’s wise to have a little breathing room for unforeseen expenses, luxury splurges, and if the work takes longer than anticipated.

The next biggest portion of your budget will be labor, followed by materials. Obtaining detailed quotes from a few different contractors and researching the cost of different materials should give you a pretty clear idea of how much your remodel will be. Use your bathroom remodeling vision to inform what materials, fixtures, and features you need to purchase for your space.

2. Leave Your Plumbing Alone

Unless you’re planning a significant remodel or are adding a bathtub / shower to what was initially a powder room, try to leave your plumbing as it is. If you don’t need to adjust your plumbing, you’ll save a significant portion of your overall budget. You could invest the excess funds in quality materials, luxury fixtures, and better lighting. Alternatively, you could reduce your total costs and renovate on a smaller budget.

3. Dress Up Your Mirror

An easy way to revamp your bathroom is by highlighting the mirror. Your vanity is often the focal point of the bathroom. Creative cabinets, stunning countertops, and unique fixtures all contribute to making a beautiful vanity—but what about the mirror? You don’t necessarily need to buy a high-end model to add to the space. Rather, consider framing your current mirror. A frame pulls the eye to the vanity and adds an elevated detail that can really bring the bathroom together. As a bonus, putting a new frame on your old mirror can hide any age-related wear, such as chips or flaking along the edges.

4. Update Your Toilet

Debating whether you should replace or keep your toilet? A happy medium is to update it. If it functions perfectly well and you’re content with its style, an easy way to give it a new lease on life is to replace the seat and lid. An easy DIY, your toilet will look like new—without the added expense of installing a different model. Also, you may want to consider an elevated seat or adjustable armrests to secure bathroom safety and better accommodate those with accessibility concerns.

5. Go Antiquing

It’s the details that set apart an okay bathroom and one that wows your family and friends. And more often than not, these unique items are found at flea markets, antique stores, and in the recesses of online marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, and Craigslist. Whether you’re looking for mid-century modern light fixtures, a charmingly eclectic toothbrush holder, or a Victorian-esque soap dish, these treasured finds will add a distinctive touch to your bathroom.

Antiquing can also be a great way to find unique furniture for your vanity. Rather than installing the more traditional design of cupboards topped with a countertop, why not select a stunning chest of drawers or a table instead? A carpenter can help you install your antique piece while making the necessary adjustments for the sink and plumbing.

6. All About Tiling

No bathroom is complete without tiles. Whether on the floor, in the shower, as a backsplash—or as all three—tiles are a quintessential part of any remodel. Yet, the options for tiling are seemingly endless. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons for some of the most popular tile options:

Ceramic

There are very few cons when it comes to ceramic tiles, which is why they are such a popular choice for many homeowners. Ceramic tiles are inexpensive, easy to clean, and highly durable. Available in a range of sizes and colors, the only drawback to ceramic tiles is that they can be cold and hard underfoot.

Porcelain

Similar to ceramic, porcelain tiles are made from denser clay and fired at a higher temperature—making this material exceptionally strong. The trade-off for its increased strength is that porcelain is more expensive than ceramic. This material is also made in a range of sizes and colors and is easy to clean.

Glass

Possessing a show-stopping beauty, glass tiles work best as a feature within the room—as opposed to providing more utilitarian function, like being stepped on all day. Yet, like any glass surface, the tiles will show every streak, fingerprint, and smudge that’s not wiped away promptly. Glass tiles are also considered a luxury item, and are costlier than porcelain or tile.

Natural Stone

There are many types of natural stone tile, but the most common are marble, granite, limestone, and slate. Granite and slate are highly durable and scratch resistant. Limestone has a medium durability, and marble is very soft—as far as stones go. As a general rule, natural stone tiles are very beautiful, but also more expensive than man-made materials.

Vinyl

Made out of a type of plastic called PVC (polyvinyl chloride), vinyl tiles are comparatively inexpensive. Vinyl was historically a popular choice for bathroom floors because it’s waterproof and scratch resistant. However, not all homeowners like the look of vinyl as it does not have the same elegant finish as other materials.

Laminate

Vinyl’s upscale cousin, laminate is made out of layers of fiberboard or melamine resin, the top layer is a photographic appliqué typically resembling wood or ceramic tiles. Laminate is a fantastic product in that it’s water resistant, scratch resistant, and durable. Although a great option for the floor, it’s not well suited to backsplash or shower tiling.

7. Experiment with Open Shelving

Generally, conventional bathrooms are designed with closed cabinets, drawers and linen closets for storage. Not only does closed storage hide personal items that often reside in the bathroom, but they also keep the space looking clean and organized.

However, there is an argument to be made for open shelving. Open shelves create space and bring levity to your bathroom. They’re also an opportunity to highlight colorful towels, pretty soaps, decorative items, and plants. Along with the shelves, you can include a few drawers and covered baskets for personal items.

8. Layer Lighting

Every interior designer’s best kept secret, layered lighting can transform a room. There are three kinds of lighting: ambient, accent, and task. Layered together, these light sources will not only beautifully illuminate your bathroom, but will also add depth, warmth, and create an inviting ambiance.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient light is essentially general lighting. Often, it takes the form of an overhead lamp. Ambient lighting’s purpose is to illuminate the entire room so you can see. Examples include ceiling fan lights, semi-flush / flush mount ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, and pendants. Although ambient lighting brightens the entire bathroom, it’s also the flattest kind of light.

Accent Lighting

Considered the decorative layer, ambient lighting directs the gaze to the room’s points of interest. It also acts as a secondary light source that elevates ambient light and adds depth to the room. Accent lights include wall sconces, track lighting, and even rope or fairy lights.

Task Lighting

This type of light highlights areas of a room that are used for a specific purpose. In the bathroom, task lighting draws focus to the vanity and helps with your self-care and grooming ventures. Mirror lights, twin-light fixtures, and track lights can all accomplish the task of vanity lighting.

9. Pop of Color

It’s common for bathrooms to be decorated in neutral colors like tan, gray, or white. But a pop of color can go a long way in elevating the overall aesthetic of the space. Consider choosing one wall in the bathroom to use as a feature wall. Perhaps you may also want to put up floating shelves with plants or an eye-catching piece of art on the wall to make it truly special. To choose your feature color, look at the other facets of the bathroom. Do you have a bright blue soap dispenser? Perhaps your shower tile has traces of green and yellow? Use your feature wall to accentuate these little details.

10. Know What to Splurge On

In any bathroom remodeling project, there are components of a room that are worth investing a little extra into. In the bathroom, what you choose to splurge on is impacted by how you use the space. For instance, if bubble baths are your go-to for relaxing after a tough day, why not spend a little extra on a soaking tub or whirlpool bath? Likewise, a steam shower can be a worthwhile splurge if you’re accustomed to a quick, post-workout steam at the gym. Why not steam at home, instead?

Not all splurges have to be inspired by decadence, either. If you have small children, you might want to invest in materials that are durable. For instance, porcelain over ceramic tiles, granite counters instead of marble, or fans that automatically engage when the light turns on.

Bonus Tip: Hire the Pros at Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville

When it comes to accountable, trustworthy, and experienced contractors, you can’t do better than the team at Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville. We’re dedicated to consistent, quality workmanship, and always prioritize our customers’ experience with our company. When you work with our contractors, we’ll take time to answer all your questions, listen to what you need, and treat your home with respect.

If you’re planning a bathroom remodeling project for your Hendersonville home, we invite you to give our courteous staff a call today at 615-551-4653 or request a service online to get started.