Important questions to ask when remodeling a bathroom

Making the decision to remodel your bathroom can be both exciting and intimidating. Before you even begin, understand that a bathroom remodel is a huge investment in your home’s value. By updating this area, you can increase your home’s resale value. However, there are a few important questions you need to ask yourself before you hire a home improvement specialist to begin your bathroom transformation.

What type of bathroom user are you?
It’s important to consider how much time you and your family spend in the bathroom when preparing for a remodel. If you only use the bathroom to get ready in the morning and at night, you may not need a luxury tub or high-end shower. If it’s just you in the house, there’s no need for multiple sinks that will take up counter space. However, if you share the bathroom with a few family members who are on the same schedule, it may be a good idea to invest in multiple sinks and a larger space that can accommodate the traffic.

Are my appliances up-to-date?
If your sink is rusting or your shower head just isn’t producing the kind of water pressure it once did, it’s a good sign that it’s time to upgrade. A bathroom remodel is the perfect opportunity to put in the new state-of-the-art shower you’ve been wanting or simply choose a new sink and countertop.

This bathroom remodel included an upgraded bathtub and new sink.

Is energy efficiency something I’m interested in?
Bathroom can be a big source of energy waste. However, there have been vast improvements in bathroom features that can help cut back on the amount of energy you use in this room. For example, many of the appliances used in bathrooms now have energy-efficiency options. If you’re interested in saving money on energy costs, consider swapping out some of your old bath accoutrements for their eco-friendly counterparts. Examples of energy-efficient options in the bathroom include low-flush toilets, low-flow shower heads and LED or CFL lightbulbs.

Does my bathroom have enough ventilation?
Ventilation is a very important feature in your bathroom. Proper airflow can help prevent mildew growth and improve the air quality in the room. It can also cut back on annoyingly fogged mirrors. Improvenet.com suggested installing one CFM-rated ventilation fan per square foot to cut back on excessive moisture.

A bathroom remodel is an opportunity to personalize the space and get the most out of one of the more popular rooms in your home. Use the upgrade wisely by asking yourself the right questions before you begin. Know what you want from your new and improved bathroom, and you could save yourself stress in the long run. Don’t be afraid to play around with different ideas until you find the remodel design that is best for your home and your family’s needs. You should also consult a home improvement specialist to help you answer any questions you have.