Almost every homeowner carries out a bathroom renovation at some point in their lives. Why is this? As a small, but frequently used area of the home, the bathroom can wear out faster than other areas. It also tends to become dated faster thanks to an increased number of design elements compared to other rooms in the house.

If you are considering a bathroom remodel in Tampa, there are several things you’ll need to do before actually starting demolition. Homeowners have to pick out the fixtures, determine a budget, and decide whether or not to complete a DIY bathroom update. 

The decision to renovate the bathroom without professional help will depend on your skillset, budget, and what you want to do with this space. First, let’s take a look at what needs to go into the bathroom design process:

Decide On Your Bathroom Design

Before much progress can be made with the planning of your bathroom remodel, you’ll need to sort out the basic theme or design you want to use. There are many styles that homeowners have used over the years, including:

  • Mid-Century Modern
  • Industrial
  • Victorian/Vintage
  • Minimalist
  • Country Farmhouse
  • Rustic/Nature
  • Luxury

Choose the Layout of Fixtures

After picking out your theme, you’ll also need to decide what to do with the bathroom layout. The easiest and fastest option is simply keeping the fixtures in place and renovating the surrounding walls, floors, and lighting.

You can also update the fixtures and bath enclosures without moving them, such as installing a shower or tub replacement.

Last, but not least is moving the placement of the fixtures around. The last option is the most time-consuming and expensive because you’ll need to rearrange the plumbing and electricals.

Think About Accessibility

If you don’t want to end up renovating the bathroom again as you age in place at home, you might want to consider more accessible bath enclosures and fixtures. Replacing the shower/tub combo with a walk-in shower is a popular choice. You can also:

  • Pick out sink faucets with large, easy to use handles.
  • Add brighter lighting with visible switches.
  • Install a higher toilet seat.
  • Install a bench seat in the shower.

Put Together a Quick Estimate

As you are planning out what you want to replace and which kinds of fixtures you want to use, now is the time to create a fast cost estimate. Look at the prices for bathtub and shower replacements. Check out the costs for different materials and lighting options. You’ll also want to consider the costs of supplies and even permits for more involved bathroom remodeling projects.

If you are thinking about hiring a professional, take the time to get estimates from a few custom bathroom contractors. You can get an idea of how much it will cost to hire someone vs doing it yourself.

Consider a Cost & Benefit Analysis

Frequently used when making business decisions, the cost/benefit analysis is simply a comparison of the total costs of a project versus what you’ll get in return. Take your estimates from professional remodeling companies and compare them with your DIY estimates. Be sure to list out the features and services you’ll also get in return from each option.

For instance, a bathroom remodeling company can usually complete work faster than a DIYer. The work is completed by licensed experts. Plus, some remodelers also offer a workmanship warranty on labor in addition to the product warranties.

Learn More About a Bathroom Remodel

You can get started with a cost comparison right away by reaching out to CMK Construction about a no-obligation bathroom remodel. We offer free consultations with a bathroom remodeling specialist who can help you with a complimentary cost estimate. Give us a call or fill out our online form to set up your appointment right away.