Project Perfection: A Checklist For Your Bathroom Remodel

Remodeling the bathroom is one of the smartest renovations a homeowner can make, both in terms of quality of life and in terms of resale value. Even so, remodeling the bathroom is not something to be taken lightly, and there may be some roadblocks along the way.

Undergoing a bathroom renovation without taking the proper preparatory steps is always risky, but it can be even worse if the bathroom you are remodeling is your only one. Even the fastest remodeling project means you will be without your shower – and your toilet – for a day or two. That means you need to think about what you and your family will do in the meantime.

Getting Prepared

Whether that means renting a portable toilet during the duration of the bathroom remodeling project or making friends with the neighbors and asking to use their facilities, proper preparation will be the key. Even if you already have your Bed Bath & Beyond shopping list prepared, you still need to think about the impact the remodeling project will have on your family and your home.

One of the smartest things you can do is create a checklist before you start your bathroom remodel. Go through your favorite home improvement magazines and catalogs, make a list of the items you want to use during the bathroom update and price each one. Once you know what you want to add to your bathroom, you can start building a checklist – and a budget – that will make the rest of the remodeling project that much easier.

How Much Will You Spend?

Once you have a budget in place, it is important to build in some wiggle room. You never know when a sudden price spike or unexpected plumbing repair will rear its ugly head, and planning ahead will make things go a lot smoother. Building an emergency fund equal to 10-15% of your established budget is a smart way to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.

Before you call a contractor or start buying sinks and toilets, you need to carefully measure the bathroom and determine exactly how much space you have to work with. Renovating the bathroom should result in a more usable space, and trying to cram too much stuff into a small bathroom is generally a bad idea.

Make the Most of Your Room

You can make the most of the space you have available by incorporating built-in storage units into your remodeled bathroom. Something as simple as placing a storage cabinet above your new toilet or choosing a shower enclosure with sufficient storage can have a huge impact on the success of the project.

Find the Right Professional

When the time does come to hire a contractor, it is important to look for a professional you can trust. There are plenty of online and offline resources you can use to choose the perfect contractor, and you do not want to rush this critical part of the remodeling project.

Renovating the bathroom can have a huge long-term benefit for your home and your family, but the right preparation will be key to the success of the project. If you want your bathroom remodeling project to come in on time and under budget, the time to prepare is now.

Jerry Dove has years of DIY experience behind him and enjoys sharing his ideas and suggestions online. He is a regular contributor for a number of different DIY and lifestyle websites.