Bathroom renos flush with options
FIVE DOS AND A DON’T: Follow through on this advice and do it right to get the most out of your expenditure
Planning a bathroom renovation? Before you start such a big job, don’t make the mistake too many homeowners make — hiring the first contractor who walks into their house. That’s a really big don’t.
Here are some dos you should consider.
1 Get the right permits
If you are changing or modifying any electrical in your bathroom, you will need an electrical permit, usually provided by an electrical contractor.
Even changing a light switch requires an electrical permit. If you move plumbing, you will need a plumbing permit. And you will need a demolition permit to gut it. Building permits can include all necessary permits, including demolition, electrical, HVAC and plumbing permits.
So the average bathroom reno will require about three permits, usually provided by the general contractor or the homeowners themselves. If it’s just an upgrade — if all you’re doing is replacing the tub, the toilet and sink and adding a fresh coat of paint — you won’t need permits.
2 Make it worth the investment
Now is the time to look at the bathroom and decide if you can make it bigger because once the bathroom is done and it’s still the same size, you might ask yourself if it was worth the investment. Can you go into a bedroom? Do you want to pull out a closet?
3 Use the right products
Everything must be mould resistant because a bathroom is the No. 1 spot in the house that has moisture. Use products to create a continuous line of resistance.
A high-quality, uncoupling and waterproof system below your tiles is also a must if you want your renovation to last.
I’m a porcelain tile fan because most have continuous colour through the tile. It’s also a stronger tile. I also like the idea of tiling the whole bathroom. This makes the bathroom shine by giving it a clean, simple look. Just make sure you use the right grout.
4 Make it work for you
Choose fixtures and design elements that will help make your life easier. For example, I like choices when it comes to the shower. I want a shower head and I want a shower wand. I also like shower benches because how many times do you bend over to wash your feet?
5 Future proof your bathroom
There are other things you can do that will help make your bathroom more accessible as you age.
You can add a curbless shower with a line drain. This can help maximize space and increase accessibility, but not at the cost of style. You can also invest in touchless faucets, heated flooring exactly where you need it and strategic LED lighting to increase safety and energy efficiency.
A bathroom shouldn’t just be that place you go to shower. It should be a place that you love to hang out in, light some candles and relax. And remember, the big investments in your house are bathrooms, kitchens and decks, so if you put your money into these renos, odds are you’re going to get it back — if you do it right.
Watch Mike Holmes in his series Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information, visit makeitright.ca.