14 things to consider before starting a Bathroom Renovation

If you’re tackling a bathroom renovation having a clear idea on what to expect and things you should consider can make all the difference between a bathroom project nightmare which could take months, cause a few tears and ends with you having to settle for a space you’re still not happy with or a smoother experience with the bathroom you where dreaming about.

To help you out PD Construction offers you a few tips that should help keep you sane during your bathroom-remodelling project.

Before you begin any project, it’s important to put your expectations into perspective when it comes to how much money you’re willing to invest. The size of your bathroom, the quality of materials you want to include and whether you’re planning to do some of the labour yourself all can affect the cost of your renovation.  Our suggestion is call up a few bathroom renovations companies and get a number of quotes. Make sure you pick reputable companies that can provide photos of their previous work and references. 

If you’re doing the work yourself, check around at various suppliers to get costs for materials, sometimes you can find great deals if you’re willing to take time and effort to search around. Even search online classified adverts for people selling materials that you can repurpose.

Also, always ensure you have a contingency fund; you never know what problems lurk behind the walls once you remove everything.

Ask a bathroom designer what his or her best tried and true tip is, and this is what you’re likely to hear. The reasoning is simple. Oftentimes bathroom doors get left open, meaning that you or any guest in your home walking by will see the toilet — which, come on, isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing thing to look at. If you’re hoping for a spa-like vibe, putting the loo front and centre in the design can sort of kill the mood as you’re transitioning into the room. So, what should you make the focal point? Anything but the toilet.

In this room, the designer hid the toilet behind a hutch-like cabinet wall. 

The best approach to a well-lit space is to incorporate layers of task, accent, ambient and decorative lighting. 

Knowing a few key measurements, like the size of a typical bathtub and how much space is required for your toilet, will help you plan the layout of your renovation. 

Typical countertops are 813 to 867 millimetres off the floor. But you need to consider how your sink will add to or take away from the countertop’s height. If you have an above-counter vessel sink, for example, you’ll want to make your counter height lower so you can wash your hands or brush your teeth comfortably.

If you’ve got a tight space with potential traffic-flow problems due to how the entry door or shower door swings open, then consider a wall mounted small basin or putting your sink in the corner to free up space. But make sure you get something your happy with; some designs can make you feel like you're on a plane, train, or automobile.

If you’ve got a small bathroom, you may think that a bathtub is not an option. But many companies are now shrinking their models down to accommodate chic little spaces. 

Vanities aren’t just for looks. Get one too big and you could mess up your bathroom’s traffic routes. Too small and you’ll be scrambling for more countertop space and storage. Pick the wrong material and you could have maintenance issues on your hands. 

A little designer secret is that because bathrooms are usually smaller spaces, splurging on a few higher-end materials and finishes can be a good investment that can make your space seem incredibly luxurious. So before you issue a mandate that your bathroom will feature only the most basic, affordable materials, look at materials for wall and floor coverings, countertops and more on the higher end of the spectrum. You might find that adding one or more of these materials to a small portion of your bathroom is within your budget.

If you’re trying to keep some of your current tiles and need a matching grout when you replace a few tiles it can sometimes be tricky to get the exact same color and style. There’s a wide range of grout choices out there including sanded and un-sanded, sealing grout, cement-based grout, etc., etc. Matching grout color is like matching paint! Seemingly slight color variations can produce glaring differences in repair work and things like cleaning agents can modify your original color.

If you’re going with new tile ensure that you get the right tile size, if your quoted tile size turns out to be a different measurement this might also factor in a grout joint, putting your fancy new tile layout, niches and plumbing off. 

If you don’t take baths but have a bathtub, then that large area is really going to waste. Converting it to a shower would be cost effective, because it would make use of the space that’s already there and you wouldn’t have to reroute the plumbing.

Reducing mold and mildew begins with removing moisture. To do that it’s best to have a multifaceted approach: a great fan that vents to the outside (not into an attic) and an operable window. 

Chances are, your bathroom will have a tile floor, but the hallway or room it’s connected to will have something totally different, like hardwood. The transition between these two spaces and materials is something that’s tough to get right, you’ll want to ensure you have both floors at the same height to ensure a smooth transition and no trip hazards. As in most cases, planning ahead will give you results that meet your expectations. 

Need help with your Dublin bathroom renovation project? PD Construction specializes in top to bottom bathroom remodelling projects. Give us a call and on of our experienced tradesmen will work with you on helping you to get the bathroom you love. For details call 085 7378410.