In Atlanta, the average cost for a bathroom remodel ranges from $6,900 to around $13,500. The amount can go up or down, depending on the extent of remodeling you undertake.
When done right, the rather sizable investment will be well worth it. Not only can a bathroom remodel help improve your home’s resale value, but it can also make your day-to-day routine more pleasant and enjoyable.
To help make sure you get the best outcome for the project, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
DO start with a design inspiration
A successful home improvement project always starts with a plan. You have to pin down the changes you want to see and be clear about your goals.
If you’re unsure of where to start, browse interior design or lifestyle magazines, and check out featured photos of beautiful bathrooms. You can also visit bathroom and home improvement showrooms to see the latest trends. Save photos of what you like, then use them as a takeoff point in conceptualizing your new bathroom.
DON’T get too caught up in trends
While you should always design for your own satisfaction, you should also consider that at some point, you might want to sell your home. In order to sell it fast, you have to make it as appealing to as many buyers as possible, and this means sticking to a neutral design that can stand the test of time.
Trends can come and go, and when it is time to sell your home, you may have to go through another round of remodeling to give your bathroom an updated look. Avoid being too trendy with high-end features, and consider personalizing only through accessories that are less expensive to change.
DO plan for ample storage
If your bathroom has become too cluttered, it’s probably high time to add more storage. Ample storage can help keep your bathroom organized, with towels, extra toiletries, and other essentials within easy reach when they’re needed.
If the space allows, look into adding built-in shelving, or find a clever way to add storage within the limitations of your current space, such as adding cabinets below the sink, or installing overhead modular shelves.
Additional storage is always welcome and can be a selling point if you decide to sell your home in the future.
DON’T move plumbing and other fixtures unless necessary
Moving plumbing and changing its layout can be very costly, and the result is often not worth the expense. Unless you have a serious problem with the fixtures, or the current space is too cramped and can’t be expanded without moving the plumbing, it’s best to keep things where they are and to design your renovations around the current layout.
DO have a realistic budget
It would be great to have a state-of-the-art bathroom with top-of-the-line finishes and fancy features. Make sure, however, that they’re well within your budget.
Always start with a realistic figure and stick to it as much as possible. Adding an allowance of 10% to 20% is advisable, as you can never tell what you could run into while doing the renovations. Remember that burning a large hole in your pocket can take away much of the benefits and satisfaction you can get from the remodel.
For the best outcome, keep these tips in mind in your bathroom remodel and work with a contractor that you can collaborate with from planning to finishing.
Sources:
The Do’s and Don’ts of a Kitchen Remodel, FamilyHandyman.com
Here’s Your Ultimate Guide to the Do’s and Don’ts of a Bathroom Remodel, MyMove.com
