Renovating your bathroom is a great way to increase your home’s value and boost your comfort. An article by Architectural Digest shows that bathroom renovations have a 71% return on investment.
While renovating has many perks, the process may be stressful without proper renovation planning. A home improvement guide like a bathroom renovation checklist will help you pick a desirable and functional design.
It ensures you don’t overlook upgrades that may transform the space and make it safe. A renovation checklist also helps you prepare your home for resale in a competitive market like Manchester, New Hampshire.
Here, we discuss seven items you must include in your renovation checklist.
1. Renovation Planning
Before tearing down your bathroom and ordering new fixtures, define your renovation goals first. Are you looking for a modern or traditional aesthetic? Do you want to make your bathroom more functional even after retirement, or are you planning to sell it soon?
Once you answer such questions, identify non-negotiable features and start creating a plumbing budget. If you live with other people, it’s also good to get their input because they may have unique bathroom design ideas.
2. Modern Plumbing
Modernizing your plumbing can improve water efficiency and avoid issues like pipe leaks in the future. Consider modern plumbing fixtures such as :
- A tankless water heater
- A low-flow toilet
- Smart and touchless faucets
A tankless water heater can only heat water during use. If you want to lower your bills, consider such a fixture to save money and space. But if you already have such a unit, you should get water heater repair and servicing during the renovation to improve functionality.
Low-flow toilets use less water for every flush compared to older models. While they may be relatively costlier initially than traditional designs, they will be a cost-effective long-term upgrade. Add such fixtures to your bathroom renovation checklist to make your home eco-friendly.
3. Leak Protection
Plumbing leaks from aging pipes can lead to severe damage and high repair costs. When renovating your bathroom, apply various plumbing leak protection measures such as:
- Upgrading old pipes
- Installing smart leak detection systems
- Installing auto-shut-off valves
- Insulating your pipes
If your bathroom renovation includes such leak protection features, getting professional help is essential. A contractor will do additional plumbing work to accommodate the changes. You won’t have to call an emergency plumber now and then to fix leaks after you complete the remodel.
4. Bathroom Flooring and Wall Finishing
The floor you choose during bathroom renovation can affect the safety and appearance of the space. Tile is a popular choice because it is durable and water-resistant.
You may also explore a wide range of colors and designs to complement other fixtures in your bathroom. The versatility of tile flooring makes it a timeless and practical solution for your Manchester, NH, bathroom.
Vinyl bathroom flooring is another choice because it’s available in many styles. You can pick a design that mimics tile or wood looks if you love the aesthetic of hardwood floors. If you choose to install Vinyl flooring, remember to get foam and felt backing to prevent slip-and-fall accidents.
Your bathroom walls will come into contact with water as you shower or bath. Besides, the humid Manchester environment makes the space more prone to mold even when you aren’t using the bathroom.
Your remodeling checklist should include moisture-resistant materials, and you can consider options such as:
- Tiled walls
- Vinyl-coated wallpaper
- A painted moisture-resistant drywall
5. Bathroom Lighting
Good lighting can elevate your bathroom design and make it safer to use. Natural light is great, but you will also need artificial lighting for nights and darker New Hampshire winters.
- Consider lighting options like:
- Overhead light for more illumination
- Task lighting around the mirrors for grooming
- Accent light to highlight design features
Energy-efficient LED bulbs are a great bathroom lighting choice because they lower your electric bill while providing long-lasting brightness. According to Energy.gov, such fixtures use 90% less energy than incandescent ones and last up to 25 times longer.
Prioritize LED bulbs over other lighting options when renovating your bathroom to get value for your money.
6. Storage
A cluttered bathroom countertop looks unappealing and can disrupt your daily routine. When brainstorming bathroom design ideas, prioritize storage that fits your lifestyle.
You can include storage options such as:
- Vanity cabinets
- Medicine cabinets
- Built-in shelving
Vanity cabinets are space-saving because you will install them under your sink. A Manchester bathroom renovation expert may recommend medicine cabinets if you have a limited amount of space. You could also install built-in shelving to store towels, toiletries, and decorative items.
7. Bathroom Renovation Specialist
Your bathroom renovation checklist won’t be complete if you don’t have a specialist to help you implement the desired changes. Go for a contractor that offers a detailed process, including the following:
- Bathroom inspection
- Collaborative planning
- Financial planning
When you work with a Manchester, NH renovation expert, they may provide bathroom upgrade tips. They will also answer common questions homeowners have when renovating their bathrooms. Such are:
- What is a coupling in plumbing?
- What is a water closet in plumbing?
- Which plumbing device helps prevent a backflow?
- How much does a plumber charge to renovate a bathroom?
As you search for a bathroom renovation specialist, prioritize one with enough experience. They should also be based in New Hampshire and offer transparent pricing before they begin working.
Other factors to consider when looking for a bathroom renovation expert in Manchester are:
- Licensing
- A good reputation
- A portfolio
- Availability
The contractor should follow all applicable building codes and get the necessary permits. Such measures ensure compliance and avoid fines or future problems when selling your Manchester home.
Work on Your Bathroom Renovation Checklist With Experts
Creating a bathroom renovation checklist can be tough because you have a lot of things to think about. But, when you work with an expert, you will have a comprehensive list and choose a practical design. You also get value for your money by avoiding compliance and safety issues.
At Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we offer bathroom renovation services in Manchester and other areas in New Hampshire. We can help you create your dream space and ensure you use high-quality, eco-friendly materials. Contact us today to upgrade your bathroom.
