Transform Your Bathroom: Top Tips for Remodeling

Remodeling a bathroom can transform your home, increase its value, and improve your daily living experience. However, it's a significant project that requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some expert tips from The English Contractor to guide you through a successful bathroom remodel.

1. Plan Your Budget

Before you start tearing out tiles and fixtures, establish a clear budget. Consider all expenses, including materials, labor, and unexpected costs. A well-planned budget helps avoid overspending and ensures you get the best value for your investment.

2. Consider the Layout

The layout of your bathroom is crucial for functionality and comfort. Think about the placement of the toilet, shower, bathtub, and sink. You might want to keep the existing layout to save on plumbing costs, but if your current setup isn't working, don't hesitate to make changes.

3. Choose Quality Materials

Bathrooms endure a lot of wear and tear, so investing in high-quality materials is essential. Opt for durable, water-resistant materials for flooring, countertops, and fixtures. Porcelain or ceramic tiles are excellent choices for their durability and low maintenance.

4. Maximize Storage Space

A well-designed bathroom should have ample storage to keep it clutter-free. Consider built-in cabinets, floating shelves, and vanity units with drawers. Vertical storage solutions can make the most of limited space.

5. Focus on Lighting

Good lighting is key to a functional and inviting bathroom. Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a well-lit space. Incorporate dimmable lights for flexibility and consider adding a window or skylight for natural light.

6. Ventilation is Vital

Proper ventilation prevents mold and mildew, ensuring your bathroom remains fresh and clean. Install a high-quality exhaust fan that can handle the room's humidity levels. If possible, place the fan near the shower or tub for maximum efficiency.

7. Don’t Forget the Details

Small details can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Choose fixtures and hardware that complement your design style, and consider adding features like heated floors, a rain showerhead, or a freestanding bathtub for a touch of luxury.

8. Hire a Professional

While DIY projects can be rewarding, a bathroom remodel often requires professional expertise. Hiring a skilled contractor ensures that the job is done right, on time, and within budget. Look for a contractor with a solid reputation, positive reviews, and relevant experience.

9. Think Long-Term

Trends come and go, but a timeless design will stand the test of time. Choose classic colors, fixtures, and layouts that you’ll love for years to come. This approach not only ensures a beautiful bathroom but also adds long-term value to your home.

10. Prepare for the Unexpected

Even with meticulous planning, unexpected issues can arise during a remodel. Build a contingency fund into your budget to cover surprises like hidden water damage or structural problems. Being prepared can help you handle these challenges without derailing your project.

A bathroom remodel is a significant investment that can greatly enhance your home's comfort and value. By following these expert tips from The English Contractor, you can ensure a smooth and successful remodeling process. Whether you're updating a small powder room or transforming a master bath, careful planning, quality materials, and professional help will make your dream bathroom a reality.

For more personalized advice and professional remodeling services, contact The English Contractor today. We're here to help you every step of the way.

Bathroom RemodelCraig RussellJuly 28, 2024The English Contractorbathrom, bathroomremodel, bathroomrenovation

End of an Era: Goodbye, 1930s Bathroom!

So many of you have a love of historic homes—and we’re with you there. We were lucky enough to be called into renovate a Tutor-style home in Avondale. Several areas of the home had already been tastefully updated, adding modern detail while preserving original elements, like rich woodwork and unique window hardware. Charm, however, only goes so far when you have to live in a home every day, and kitchens and bathrooms are two important areas of the home that just work better when they’ve been renovated. The English Contractor team worked with these homeowners, who happen to have a great eye for style and design, to modernize the home’s bathrooms.

We’ll take you through the owner’s suite bathroom, a space that had not been touched since likely the 1930s or 1940s. A home like this though, is a part of history, even through styles have changed and products wear out. You’ll be happy to hear that many of the pieces of this bathroom were salvaged and resold to collectors, so they will happily live on in another bathroom somewhere.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The original bathroom had black tile with gold glazing that had worn away over time. One wall was covered in rose gold mirrors, with a convenient slot to dispose of safety razors (which we discovered during our renovation). A mint green Art Deco sink with chrome detail was centered on the wall.

The bathroom was carefully brought down to the studs. The basic layout of the space is the same, but is now brighter and seems bigger, with lots of extra storage. The black floor tiles were replaced with the Daltile Marble Attache in Calcutta Satin. The solo sink was replaced with a long vanity that can now hold two sinks, with a stone top to coordinate with the marble floor and shower tile.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The commode previously sat behind a full wall, with frosted window. A new half wall gives some privacy and lets more light from the adjacent window into the space. We love the addition of a countertop to this half wall as well.

Yes, that mint green sink had a matching mint green toilet. It was replaced with a new Kohler, with an angular tank that still gives this bathroom a vintage-y feel. The mirror was deleted and the window extended, with a gorgeous, chunky sill.

Both versions of this bathroom had a built-in vanity. We preserved this idea in the new space. The new bathroom has a narrow cabinet, topped with stone, and a light up mirror behind it. The light up mirror keeps the space looking clean and modern, without the need for an additional sconce or light fixture. We love the addition of recessed shelves between the shower and the vanity—what a perfect place to keep towels and extra toiletries at the ready.

This was one of this projects where we loved seeing the “before” as much as the “afters.” It was a fun walk through history was we worked in this home. We’ve included lots of before and afters here, so you can fully appreciate the impact of this renovation.