Bathroom Remodeling Lexington KY is a great opportunity to add value to your home. However, a successful project requires careful planning.
Changing the layout of your bathroom may require plumbing and electrical work. Using a professional contractor will save time and money.
A limited remodel includes cosmetic upgrades such as a new vanity, cabinet, and countertop. A complete remodel also includes universal design improvements.
Designing an efficient layout is one of the biggest challenges for any bathroom remodel. Getting it right can be challenging, but careful planning can prevent costly mistakes.
Before starting a project, it’s important to consider how and by whom the bath will be used. For example, a family bathroom that is shared by two children will need to accommodate multiple users at once and may need features like plenty of storage.
A good bathroom floor plan is both functional and stylish. Notice how this one includes generous private space for the toilet and uses a pocket door to eliminate wasted swing space. This helps economize on construction costs and prevents the need for future repairs caused by a swinging conventional door. It also makes it easier for everyone to use the sink and shower without tripping over each other’s items.
Plumbing
The plumbing and electrical systems form the backbone of any bathroom, and they are often the most challenging part of a remodel to navigate. During this phase, it’s important to work with a reputable remodeling contractor who can ensure that the new layout and features align with current codes and safety regulations.
This step is a crucial one, and involves shutting off water lines, tearing out old fixtures, and preparing the space for installation of the new design. It’s a complex process that requires skill, precision, and foresight.
This is also a good time to install blocking for grab bars between wall studs, especially in bathrooms shared by multiple people. It’s also the time to upgrade or relocate plumbing lines, such as adding a shower control system or adjusting drain lines for a new sink. This is called the plumbing rough-in stage.
Electrical
Rewiring a bathroom is more involved than simply changing outlets. Removing and installing electrical systems is a job for a professional and will likely require a permit from your local building department.
Plumbing and electrical rough-ins will lay the foundation for your final bathroom fixtures and finishes. This is an important step, as it will ensure that your bathroom is safe and that the new fixtures work properly.
Choosing the right flooring and lighting will transform your bathroom’s look and feel. For example, replacing old tile with a durable option like vinyl or porcelain can brighten the room and make it look new. Upgrading the lighting to include a mix of ambient, task, and accent fixtures will create a relaxing atmosphere and help highlight features. Finally, adding a fan and mirrors will complete the new look.
Flooring
Bathroom remodeling is the perfect opportunity to upgrade flooring. New floors not only add beauty and style but can also increase traction for slippery surfaces in wet conditions, improving safety and reducing the risk of falls.
Installing moisture-resistant drywall and framing for storage are additional essential upgrades. These improvements prevent rot, mold growth and help reduce water damage.
Outdated plumbing systems can lead to clogs, leaks and poor water pressure, so a remodel is an ideal time to update them with more efficient fixtures. Energy-efficient features like motion-activated faucets, dimmable lighting and low-flow toilets also save money and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers. Ample storage solutions are another important addition, reducing clutter and making it easier to find items quickly. This can be achieved with built-in cabinets, vanity drawers or shelving units. Then, enjoy your newly remodeled space for years to come.
Cabinets
Cabinets and drawers are a practical addition to bathrooms, providing much-needed storage in high-traffic spaces. They can also help reinforce a design theme and offer an opportunity to make a dramatic visual statement.
Custom bathroom cabinets can be made to measure to ensure a precise fit. They can also be painted, stained or glazed to match your desired style.
Solid wood cabinets are durable and will hold up to the high moisture and frequent use of bathrooms. However, they can be expensive. An alternative is plywood, which offers a similar aesthetic and is more cost-effective. Choose a high-quality varnish or sealant to protect your cabinets from water damage.
Countertops
Countertops are a big part of bathroom design and often the first thing that gets noticed. Replacing your countertops can breathe new life into the room.
Homeowners can choose from a wide variety of materials for their countertops. Some are incredibly durable and require minimal maintenance, while others are more versatile and can be designed to fit a wide range of decor styles.
Laminate is a popular go-to countertop material. It is highly affordable and comes in a large range of colors and textures. It is also water-resistant and relatively easy to clean, making it a great option for bathrooms.
Quartz is another popular choice for bathrooms because it’s non-porous, which means it won’t harbor bacteria or easily stain. It’s also heat-resistant, but you should avoid leaving hot tools like curling irons on it for long periods of time.
Sinks
Sinks come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet your bathroom remodeling goals. From petite bowls to vast trough-like rectangular basins, you’ll find the perfect size and style for your space.
Drop-in or self-rimming sinks allow you to keep your modern bathroom without changing the counter, as they sit on top of the countertop with an outer rim that holds them in place. They’re also available in a wide range of colors and designs to complement your decor.
Double sinks are ideal for households where more than one person uses the room for grooming or other activities, since they offer the ability to keep each person’s personal items separate. They’re available in both square and rectangular designs and are typically wider than they are deep to fit the space. Some are even angled to prevent splashes.
Lighting
Proper lighting is a critical element of any bathroom remodel that enhances functionality, sets the mood, and showcases design features. Insufficient lighting can be unsafe, making tasks like shaving or applying makeup difficult, and it can also make a space feel cold and uninviting.
Layered lighting is ideal for bathrooms, using various light sources to illuminate different areas of the room. Ceiling-mounted lights or recessed lighting can provide general illumination, while vanity lights and sconces focus on specific areas and accent lights highlight décor and design elements. Dimmers are a great option, as they allow you to adjust brightness according to needs and mood.
Energy efficiency is also an important factor when choosing light fixtures, and it’s best to choose bulbs rated for damp or wet locations. A good rule of thumb is to match wattage and color temperature between all light fixtures in the bathroom.
Fans
Fans are essential for good bathroom ventilation and preventing mildew and condensation. Generally, a fan should be sized by its CFM rating, which measures how much air the fan moves in cubic feet per minute. The rule of thumb is to choose a fan with one CFM per square foot of room size.
Fans with humidity and moisture sensors turn the fan on when humidity reaches pre-set levels to eliminate moisture buildup. They also save energy by turning off automatically when the humidity is low. Many models have integrated lighting that replaces or supplements existing lights in the bathroom. Some include night lights that can be switch-activated or motion sensor-activated.
To install the vent fan, first mark the position of the reference hole in the attic with a framing square or layout square. Then use a stud finder to locate the joist that it’s in between.
Mirrors
Mirrors are more than a vanity accessory – they’re a designer’s secret weapon for visually expanding a bathroom. They reflect natural light, creating a warm, welcoming ambiance and highlighting the beauty of your bathing space’s tiling designs.
A framed mirror can add a classic touch that suits any style. Choose from simple, modern frames or more elaborate ones with intricate detailing for a timeless elegance.
Mirrors that are anti-fog can prevent fogging for clear visibility during the morning routine. This can reduce reliance on artificial lighting, which leads to energy savings for the homeowner. Decorative mirrors with unique shapes and colors act as full-fledged art objects, transforming the room into a fabulous labyrinth of refracted reflections.