Is it the right time to remodel my bathroom?
Bathroom remodeling is not something you often do and thank god for that! Because this is not an easy process. If you are considering a bathroom remodel, you have probably decided whether I want to remodel my bathroom? (spoiler: it was a “yes”).
Bathroom remodels consist of so many little details, from layout and design to choosing the suitable finish materials, getting permits, and ensuring it is all done in a timely manner. That’s why you need to have all the information and be aware of every step of the process to ensure this is the right time to dive into it. In addition, you would probably need to be away from your house while the remodeling and construction works take place, so make sure you prepare accordingly.
What’s my budget for a bathroom remodel?
While you may find a remodeling company that would offer you a whole bathroom remodeling in less than 10K, you would like to ask some hard questions first. First, low price offer doesn’t guarantee high-quality work, that’s one thing. Second, there is a good chance this offer includes only the minimum, and you would be asked to pay more (and more) later on.
Even if you are price sensitive, keep in mind that it shouldn’t be the highest priority. A more reasonable budget for a bathroom remodeling in San Francisco and the bay area would be around 30K, more or less depending on the layout, finish materials, and quality of labor. If you don’t have this budget at the moment – that’s fine! However, you might want to take the time and save for it or rethink your remodeling budget altogether. A tip from us: whatever your budget may be, set an extra budget – around 20%, just in case. You can’t expect the unexpected, but you can be ready for it.
How to choose the right remodeling company?
As mentioned before, pricing is definitely one of the things that should be considered when choosing a bathroom remodeling contractor, but that’s not the only thing. Skilled contractors in the bay area are in high demand, and professional masons are not easy to find. Bathroom remodeling takes time, and you should expect to communicate with your project manager on an almost daily basis, so make sure you have good chemistry.
Ask your contractor to go through all the offer details together to make sure you covered everything. If reviews on their website are not enough, it’s ok to ask to speak to a former client. Don’t be shy – it’s your bathroom, your property, and your money that’s invested into this. Check if your contractor is licensed and insured (hint: the license number should be found on the contractor’s website and any other material provided to you, such as the offer doc and even their business card). Take a look at previous remodeling projects the contractor has worked on, and ask them to share some tips and advice – experienced contractors would be happy to share it, even before you start working together. Know the estimated timeline, what happens in case change orders are needed, and who is the point of contact for any questions or concerns.
Will my needs change in the future?
Your lifestyle, age, number of children – are all factors that need to be considered when planning a bathroom remodeling. You are probably not planning on renovating your bathroom again in the next few years, or probably even decades, so thinking ahead is essential. Ask yourself how many people will be using the bathroom. Will you need a place for a baby bathtub? Is bidet something you would be interested in? (it’s good for you and for the environment!) Should your bathroom be ADA compliant? You might want to consider having a wide shower instead of a bath or – if space allows – having both. It is all up to your needs, budget, and future plans.
Is there a chance my aesthetic preferences and tastes will change?
Bathroom designs (and our aesthetic taste) are heavily influenced by trends and “what’s in.” As any visit in a bathroom that has not been remolded in the last five decades would indicate, trends do not always age well. If budget is a factor, and you are thinking about remodeling your bathroom as an investment, both in your lifestyle and your house value, stick to basics. You would probably like to choose neutral colors and tones, a classic style sink and faucet, as well as a showerhead, and easy-to-clean wall tiles. If you truly believe you would love a bright orange backsplash, and yellow subway tiles in ten years – go for it! But if there is any chance you would decide to move to a new place and would like to rent or sell your house, future tenets might prefer something more subtle. Neutral is key when designing a long-lasting bathroom. Your unique aesthetic touch can be added using plants, accessories, and textiles such as the bath rug.
Are you looking for a bathroom remodeling contractor in San Francisco and the bay area?
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