Six steps to a new Bathroom

Gorgeous and functional bathrooms add value to a home, so renovating this room is always profitable in the long run. When launching into this type of work, it’s wise to allocate a quarter of your budget for any unpleasant surprises you may find behind the walls. Keep in mind that this type of project requires a fair bit of preparation and the following of some specific steps.

1. The plan. This is your starting point. It allows you to identify your needs and style preferences, and to set a budget. Plumbing could be costly if you decide to change the layout of the basics, such as the toilet, bath, and sink. Obviously, if you plan to open the walls and floor to change the dimensions of the room or to check for mold, now is the time to undertake such work.

2. Stripping the entire room. Tearing everything down and starting from scratch is often easier than trying to save a few details, such as a wall or a toilet! If there wasn’t any ventilation in the room before the renovations and the humidity levels were high, tear everything down and leave the skeleton of the room to dry before starting the rest of the work. Ventilation in a bathroom is an important factor in preventing mold in the home. This is also the time to install a fan suitable for the size of the room you’re ventilating.

3. The floor. This is the best place to start your rebuilding. It is also an ideal opportunity to install underfloor heating if you’re using plywood sheets.

4. Bathroom fixtures. Bath, shower, or both? Just a toilet, or accompanied by a bidet? A vanity, or two vessel sinks on a floating countertop? It all depends on your taste and your lifestyle, or on your target audience for resale. Walk-in showers are increasingly popular; however, a bath may be necessary for a single family home in a suburban residential area.

5. Wall coverings. Ceramic is one of the ideal wall coverings for renovating a bathroom. In addition to being sold in a multitude of designs, ceramic tiles stand the test of time and are easy to maintain. For the wall under the ceramic tiles, opt for blue gypsum panels that are moisture resistant. These will cost a few dollars more per sheet, however. In the shower or bath, install cement backer boards (Durock), as they have the distinct advantage of not expanding if they get wet. Be careful — panels that expand behind a ceramic wall means the tiles will crack eventually.

6. The finishing touch. Paint and accessories give the perfect finishing touch to your dream bathroom. For the paint, be sure to choose one specifically designed for bathrooms; it is designed to provide better resistance to moisture. Yes, renovating a bathroom is a huge project, but supported by experts and armed with some good advice, you’ll feel proud of all your work and increase the value of your property.