If you’re dreaming of a beautiful new bathroom for springtime, roll up your sleeves and start reading! Use our bathroom renovation guide as a starting point for your next DIY remodelling project.

Budget Properly

Before you can even begin planning your perfect bathroom, you have to create a budget that’s realistic for you and your family.

Consider your and your families’ needs in deciding on a budget. Are you looking to refresh your bathroom with a few upgrades, or remodel it entirely?

Consider the extent of your bathroom renovation, as this will impact your budget greatly:

• A small refresh renovation can cost anywhere from $200 to $5000, and include fresh paint, new light fixtures, new countertops and fixture upgrades.
• A minor remodel can cost from $5,000 to $15,000, and include a new shower, sink, bathtub and toilet, as well as new electrical and pipes, flooring replacement, and additional cabinets
• A major remodel can cost $15,000 or more, and may include more extensive renovations such as adding a doorway, expanding a bathtub, redoing the plumbing, and adding a window.

Plan It

This is the part where a little bit of research, and a lot of inspiration, can go a long way in building the bathroom of your dreams!

Browse bathroom design ideas for inspiration, so you can get an idea of what elements you want to include or change in your bathroom remodel.

Keep in mind that a good bathroom layout should include:

• A toilet area: make sure you leave at least 30 inches of space around the toilet for maximum comfort, and 30 to 40 inches of space in the front. Don’t forget about storage space for toilet paper and tissues.
• A sink area: you should leave 8 inches of space around the washbasin. Make sure your plan includes a mirror and good lighting. Don’t forget to leave storage space for toiletries!
• A shower and/or bathroom area: leave at least 60 inches of space along the side of your shower or bathroom, with an additional 30 inches in front of the tub. Don’t forget about cabinets or shelves where you can store washcloths, body wash etc.

Note:make sure to leave at least 36 inches of space between each element in your bathroom.

Choose Your Lighting

When it comes to bathroom lighting, you should use natural light as an inspiration, and any light fixtures should complement the natural sunlight that your bathroom receives.

Your lighting should include the following:

• Specific lighting to enhance visibility and safety near the shower and bathroom, and near the sink and mirror.
• General lighting for overall visibility, preferably adjustable to match the natural daylight.
• Decorative lighting to add to the décor and ambience of your bathroom.

Consider Equipment and Material

When it comes to bathroom materials, there are so many options to choose from that the average do-it-yourself renovator may become a little overwhelmed.

To help you make your choice of materials and equipment, consider these choices:

• Bathtubs can be enamelled steel, cast iron, or acrylic. Enamelled steel and cast iron continue to be popular choices, since they are easy to clean, and more affordable than acrylic. However, these lose heat more quickly. Acrylic is the most popular choice – it’s versatile, clean, and durable.
• Showers can come in many different shapes and sizes, from round, rectangular, to corner – and with various door options (including sliding, panel, or swinging). A tub-shower combination is a good space-saving alternative for small bathrooms.
• Toilets come in three varieties: one-piece, two-piece, and wall-mount. Consider which one is best for your space. Choose a low-consumption toilet if water-usage is a concern.
• If more than one person will be using the bathroom in the morning, consider adding an additional sink to your bathroom.
• Drawers and cabinets become dirty very easily since they are in constant contact with moisture. Water-resistent materials can therefore make cleaning and maintenance easier.
• Options for counter-tops are many and varied, including tiles, laminates, and synthetics.

Work in Order

When you begin the actual work of remodelling, make sure to start with electricity and plumbing. Unless you are a qualified professional, it’s best to leave this to the pros!

Do any necessary painting before you fit your cabinets, drawers and fixtures.

Install wall tiles and flooring next, including tiled shower stalls if it’s part of your plan.

Next come plumbing fixtures, including sinks, toilets, and tubs.

Outfitting your counter-tops and cabinets should come last.

Time to Decorate!

When the nitty gritty renovation work has been completed, it’s time to let your creativity shine through with choosing your new bathroom décor!

Accessories – including mirrors, towels, mats, soap holders, and wall art – add to the ambience of your new bathroom space.

Choose storage according to you and your families’ needs, including shelving and towel racks.

When it comes to window treatments, choose low-maintenance curtains or blinds that can be easily cleaned of moisture, water splashes, or soap residue.

Consider Insurance Implications

Before beginning any kind of renovation project, it’s wise to consider the insurance applications of a major room remodel. Keep these important renovation and insurance do’s and don’ts in mind to avoid any headaches down the road, so you can enjoy your rejuvenated bathroom oasis with peace of mind.