“Someone’s in here!”
The kitchen is the only room in the house that attracts more attention from the open housing market than the bathroom. No other room gives guests the opportunity to sit down by themselves with nothing to do except stare at the area’s design and scrutinize décor without interruption.
The Basics
Aside from the embarrassment that a poorly-taken-care-of bathroom can cause, these rooms need to be comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing when the great amount of time spent in there is considered. Whether you want to increase the value of your house by improving this popular selling point or you’re just tired of dreading “having to go,” upgrading the bathroom is a good idea.
First and Foremost – Step One
Just like deciding to renovate any part of the house, the first step to attaining a new bathroom is coming up with a detailed plan. This is the part where decisions about the inclusion and size of mirrors, tubs, showers, toilets, and sinks must be made. Figuring out the desired location of the toilet is also extremely important at this stage because the accompanying pipes and plumbing must be considered. Further, measuring out the exact placement of these objects is vital because mere inches can be very noticeable to someone with nothing to do but sit down and stare at a room’s make-up. An architect can always be of assistance when trying to find these specific dimensions. Lastly, the lighting of the room is often neglected but it is also worth taking a look at while preparing for a renovation.
Occupied! – Step Two
The amount of steps listed below might cause some unfavorable stomach symptoms, so good thing you’re in the bathroom… In all seriousness though, by the end of this venture, the amount of work put in will show to be well worth it and there is no shame in finding professional help at any point!
- Design – Putting the plan on paper.
- Selections – Picking out all the materials and finishes that will be incorporated into the project.
- Budget – Budget will be determined by the design and the selections.
- Obtain Permits – Building, Electric, Plumbing and HVAC permits may be needed depending upon extent of work.
- Demolition / Disposal / Donation – Only after items 1 – 4 are completed should any physical work take place. Whenever possible items that are removed during the process should be donated to an organization such as the Habitat for Humanity’s Renovation Station.
- Framing – If needed frame new walls, fill in openings, or make necessary framing modifications. Any additional exterior windows or skylights would be installed at this time as well.
- Rough Plumbing – After the demo and framing stage its time to get the plumber reworking or adding onto the existing plumbing in order to work with the new design.
- Rough Electric – New wiring, lighting, outlets and switches according to the new design should be installed after the plumbing.
- Rough HVAC – Installing new HVAC supply runs and proper ventilation for the new space should happen after the Rough Plumbing or Rough Electric depending upon scope of project.
- Insulate – Install any needed insulation at this time.
- Drywall/Plaster – Hang and finish new drywall or make drywall/plaster repairs as necessary.
- Prime & Paint – Prime and paint walls and ceilings with one coat prior to installation of cabinets.
- Tile – If floors are to be tile install tile floors. Grouting can be done now or after cabinets are installed.
- Install Vanity – Install the new vanities and tops.
- Trim – Install interior doors, new base, casing and crown molding.
- Painting – Paint final coats of paint on trim, walls and ceilings.
- Flooring – If floors are to be vinyl now is the time to install the vinyl flooring.
- Finish Plumbing, Electric and HVAC – Install new plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures and install HVAC grilles.
- Accessories – Install new bath accessories.
- Touch Up – Paint touch ups and final adjustments to all.
Wash Hands Before Enjoying Your New Bathroom! – Step 3
There’s no reason to dread every potty break that needs to be taken. For anyone who is looking to gain an edge in the housing market, upgrading your bathroom is a perfect way to grab positive attention. While there will probably not be many memory-making opportunities in this room, it is still the host to a large portion of your life and it should be treated as such.
If you have questions about remodeling projects, or just want some further tips, feel free to give us a call. Did you know that we also offer handyman services? Because of BACK Construction’s reputation of being the highest quality remodeler in Lexington, Kentucky, many people think we only do large projects. We offer the same quality for small projects as with a large project, because we have the same skilled craftsmen on each and every one. In fact, BACK’s handyman service is an Angie’s List Super Service Award winner.
Contact us today, no matter what size project you have, and we will provide our quality workmanship to handle your project with care. Our team of skilled, professional craftsmen will make sure your project is done BACK better!
