8 Things to Consider Before Renovating Your Bathroom

Nothing evokes a sense of relaxation like a spa-inspired bathroom. At the end of a long day, it’s the ideal space to retreat to for serenity, solitude and a long soak in the tub. Many homeowners dream of having a bathroom like the ones they see in the pages of design magazines – which is why bathroom renovations are so popular these days.

 

And, they are smart too. Not only does a bathroom renovation add great value to your home, but it also adds function, form and enjoyment to daily life.

 

Whether you are thinking of re-doing a main floor powder room or remodeling your master ensuite into a spa-like retreat, here are some things to consider before tackling your next bathroom renovation:

 

What is your layout?

Before you can even dream of taking a relaxing soak in your new tub, you need to make some important decisions regarding your new bathroom’s layout. Most bathroom renovations will retain the existing layout, but larger projects, like a master ensuite, can benefit from a revised layout.

 

Either way, your initial floor plan should focus on making the best use of available space to maximize the efficiency of your bathroom. This includes deciding on where your toilet, vanity, tub and/or shower will reside, and any other features that are important to you.

 

How much storage do you need?

Bathrooms are some of the hardest-working rooms in the home. They are spaces that require the use of many toiletries, linens and other necessities – all of which need storage.

 

When designing your bathroom, take stock of your storage needs to ensure that you have solutions in place to maximize efficiency and organization. Depending on your layout, storage solutions, like cabinets, shelves and linen closets, can be incorporated into your bathroom’s design.

 

Do you want a shower, bathtub or both?

The layout and daily function of your new bathroom will ultimately decide whether you can accommodate a bathtub, shower or both.

 

For average-sized main bathrooms, a tub and shower combination is a popular choice, as it fits the confines of the space and offers maximum usability, especially for families with young children.

 

However, with a master ensuite, there is usually more square footage and flexibility with what you can choose. Depending on your needs and wants, you can opt for a large, spacious shower with no tub or, if your space permits, you can have a luxurious shower and a stand-alone soaker tub.

 

What type of vanity do you want?

Vanities come in many different styles, materials and sizes. The layout of your new bathroom will dictate the size of your vanity and whether or not you can accommodate double sinks. But, the amount of storage, countertop selection and cabinetry is up to you.

 

When choosing a countertop, it’s important to select something that will stand up to water, soap, toothpaste, cosmetics and other liquids. Quartz, granite, solid surface, marble and laminate are the most popular options.

 

What type of tile do you want?

In a space that sees a lot of water and moisture, tile is a very important feature in any bathroom. It is commonly used on floors, tub and shower surrounds, backsplashes and even walls.

 

When choosing tile, it’s important to select a material that reflects your lifestyle and willingness for upkeep. Budget is also a key consideration too. There are many different types of tiles, including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, metal and more. The price range fluctuates depending on what you choose, from around $3 a square foot to upwards of $100 a square foot.

 

What type of lighting do you need?

The current trend in bathroom lighting is towards brighter, sunnier spaces that use a combination of natural and artificial light.

 

In a bathroom, task lighting is very important, as is mood lighting. A combination of recessed ceiling fixtures, vanity lighting, shower enclosure lighting and natural sunlight are all a must. The size and layout of your bathroom will dictate your lighting plan, as will the amount of natural light in the space.

 

What other features are important to you?

If a spa-like retreat is on your radar, you’ll likely want to customize the space to suit your need for luxury, aesthetic, comfort and functionality.

 

Features like heated floors, steam showers, custom shower seats and niches, shower heads and body sprayers, heated towel racks, and more, all add a luxurious, custom feel to your bathroom. With so many options to choose from, homeowners often have difficulty in deciding what products to include in their design.

 

That’s where a professional designer can help. They will learn what you like and don’t like about your current bathroom, and what you need and want from your new space. With this information, your designer will create a bathroom that meets your wish list and respects your budget, and help you with your product selections, like choosing plumbing fixtures, tiles, colours and other design elements.

 

At Inspire Homes, we have a highly qualified interior designer on staff who works directly with our homeowners to achieve the bathroom of their dreams.

 

Whether your project is a small powder room in Toronto, a mid-sized bathroom remodel in Etobicoke or a large-scale luxury ensuite renovation in Caledon, Inspire Homes provides a full range of dynamic bathroom remodeling solutions to help you love your home again.

 

For more information on our services, please feel free to contact us. You can also visit our bathrooms gallery to view some of our recently completed projects across the Greater Toronto Area.