Remodeling a bathroom can be overwhelming. This is especially true with homes in Washington, D.C. as interior space is extremely limited.
To ensure your bathroom renovation runs smoothly, we here at Finesse Design Remodeling have put together a quick checklist for you to use, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed throughout this project. For the full 5-point checklist with added tips (including a special bonus tip) click here.
Budget
Just like with any project you are about to embark on, the first question you need to have answered is ‘how much should I afford to spend for my D.C. Bathroom Remodeling?’
Setting a budget will help guide you as you make decisions about what to include and exclude, the level of craftsmanship you expect, and the quality of materials you want to incorporate into your bathroom renovation.
And, knowing your budget will help you to choose which contractors to reach out to because pricing will vary considerably since not all contractors offer the same level of quality and service.
So, you need to determine what is more important to you – cost or value? Information online can be skewed and price depends on the region you live in. Some information suggests that a bathroom remodel costs as little as $6,000 – $9,000.00 – way too small of a budget for a full remodeling job!
For this range, you may replace the shower tile or some of the fixtures but that doesn’t constitute a full remodel.
Other sources suggest that a full bath remodel should cost $10,000 – $16,000.00. This could be the case so long as you don’t rearrange the layout and you limit your selections to lower end products, or plan to re-use some of the existing fixtures.
So, if you are going the cost route, then your best bet may be to stick with off the shelf products and fixtures you can buy at Home Depot or Lowes. However, if you truly want a bathroom that suits your design and function criteria, then your best bet is to go the custom route. If you are considering selling your home in the future, a well-designed bathroom will realize more value at resale. Achieving this will require some design expertise to help you navigate the way.
Here are some additional questions to have answered when deciding on your budget and which contractor to hire for your D.C. Bathroom Remodeling:
Will your contractor include?
- Design and materials selections?
- Permits and inspections?
- Licensed plumbers and electricians?
- New dedicated circuits included for lighting and GFCI plugs, or is the contractor assuming the current wiring schematic is adequate?
Time
Just because you have a small bathroom does not mean it will take a lot less time than a large bathroom to remodel. The same materials need to be ordered (e.g. cabinets, light fixtures, and tile), which will take time to be delivered and installed.
Also, depending on the number of items you are replacing in your bathroom, your hired contractor will need to go through all the same steps he and/or
she would have to go through with larger bathrooms.
Lastly, if the bathroom you are remodeling is the only bathroom in your home, then this is something you must consider as well during your bathroom renovation. You don’t want to be stuck in a precarious situation in which need to rely on your neighbor’s home to use their bathroom, or the nearest McDonald’s.
Added tip: a “full gut” and remodel of a typical bath should take two and a half to four weeks. If someone promises under two weeks, then chances are your bathroom remodel will not turn out favorably.
Hidden Problems
Based on your initial consultation with your contractor, the renovation seems like it will go according to plan, suddenly, however, there are hidden problems once work begins for your D.C. Bathroom Remodeling.
Regardless of the age of your home, the biggest hidden problem you can encounter is water damage.
It is important to look for structural deficiencies in the floor framing, plumbing that may not be adequately vented, old or damaged plumbing, tile shower/tub surrounds that aren’t waterproof, and more.
If you are doing a major bathroom remodel, then it is ideal for you to consider doing a “full gut” renovation. Hiring the right professional design/build firm will help ensure your bathroom remodeling process is enjoyable because your firm will be able to creatively solve any problems that arise, your bathroom will function flawlessly, and the remodel will add significant value to your home.
Here are some additional considerations for potential hidden problems:
- Inadequate sub-flooring, which can cause ceramic tile to crack
- Improper toilet flange and/or wax ring installation causing leakage and sub-floors to rot
- Circuits that aren’t ground fault protected, which can cause shock or electrocution hazard
- Waste vent system improperly done or undersized, causing toilets to burp, and slowing the drainage of sinks and tubs
These are just a few considerations to have in mind for your next D.C. Bathroom Remodeling project. For our full 5-point checklist, which includes exclusive tips and questions you want to have answered simply provide your first name and email address below, and your free copy will be sent to you.
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