Remodeling can add so much value to your already existing home so when you are eventually ready to sell, you can rest assured that your investment pays you back. We’ve discussed remodeling a home, the benefits of building a custom home and why – but maybe you’re not quite ready to undertake a large project just yet. Taking it one room at a time is a great way to slowly get your remodeling done – while still knowing you’re investing in the right areas.

So what room do you tackle first? We suggest that one of the first areas to remodel is your bathroom.

How do you know when it is time to remodel a bathroom? There are several indicators to look out for like: realizing that the plumbing needs some repairs, some major components of the lavatory need to be entirely replaced, or the room is just entirely too outdated for your comfort. When the time comes for these major changes, it may be best to simply call in a professional for a complete overhaul of space. However, there will be several things to think about before calling your homebuilder. Ask yourself the following questions to make the conversation with your home builder or general contractor easier when the time comes. As always, we recommend hiring professionals for any kind of home renovation to ensure that your new construction is up to code and done safely.

What are the basic expectations for the finished version of your new custom bathroom?

A builder will absolutely be able to help in planning the remodel and should be consulted before any decisions are made, but knowing the expectations for space will improve the planning experience for all parties involved. Going into the first meeting with the homebuilder thinking that you know exactly what you want may not be ideal. Have a general idea of what you want out of your space and how you want to feel in your space, and then talk to the professional with an open mind.

What sort of price range will you be willing to work with?

This is extremely closely tied to the basic expectations of the bathroom remodel. If considering a complete overhaul with new fixtures, tile work, and flooring, among other things, the budget may need to be a bit fluffy. However, there are ways to cut costs without cutting corners. If there are aspects of the bathroom that are still enjoyable, try to keep them. This is especially pertinent with part of the remodel like tile or flooring. In older homes, it is sometimes hard to be sure what is lurking below these surfaces, and breaking into them unnecessarily could prolong the expected date of finish as well as skyrocket the final costs. Keeping certain aspects of the plumbing in place will prevent the need to re-plumb areas that do not need it, even if the fixtures are being exchanged for new ones.

Is there a specific nuance you want for the finished bathroom?

Certain aspects of the bathroom should be strategically planned to accommodate ideas of what the finished product should make a visitor feel about space. Much of the nuance can be dictated by available natural light, added lighting, and the color scheme of the materials used in the remodel. Lighting is something that will need to be discussed with your homebuilder, but starting with a general idea of what you want will be best for productivity. Keep in mind that if you have an older lavatory, you may be getting into rewiring for lights in new places. Having a well-lit bathing area or shower will add to the overall feel of the bathroom.

Natural light as well as light fixtures can add to the overall appeal of a remodeled bathroom.

Is there a need for more storage space in the bathroom?

This may be something to think about if there are frequent issues with cluttered countertops in the bathroom before the custom remodel. It could also be a good idea to add in a towel rack or two depending on what the bathroom is being used for, how often it is being used, and by how many people. If there is no linen closet elsewhere in the house, or you simply want to have your towels easily accessible where you need them most, then you should consider storage

Do you need to rewire or update your electrical?

There is value in rewiring the lavatory. When remodeling an older bathroom, outlets and electrical components of space might be outdated beyond current building code. This is not only disadvantageous to the value of the home; it can create a hassle later if it’s not taken care of during the initial overhaul. It is best to not only replace the outlet but also, completely rewire the bathroom during the custom remodel so that this space can support whatever electric needs you could have like electric razors, straightening irons, toothbrushes, etc. This part of the job may cost a bit extra, but will prevent issues if there is ever a time that the house needs to be inspected for sale.

Do you like the size of your current bathroom?

It is incredibly important to work with realistic ideas about the size of your space and what exactly you want in the bathroom. If the bathroom is a bit smaller and contains a bathtub that is not being used, it may be wise to turn this space into a shower. This would open up the bathroom visually and overall create a more practical area.

Dimension and size are huge factors to consider when undertaking a bathroom remodel. Do you want a larger shower? Dual vanity?

In rather small bathroom spaces, sometimes in may be beneficial to move the sink to a corner space in an attempt to open up the room even more.

Maybe you don’t need too much space for your guest bathroom but adding unique shelving and fixtures can make a small space seem large.

Do you know what style you want in your new bathroom?

The textures of the floors and countertops can make a large difference in ease of cleaning, as well as how prone to becoming slippery they will be. This is something to discuss with your homebuilder after discussing your personal expectations, budget, storage needs, and desired nuance for the bathroom. The builder will be able to walk you through what they feel are the best options for assessing your personal desires for the area.

Will the remodel make sure there is enough ventilation?

In an older house, the bathroom may contain an out-of-date ventilation system, which will need to be replaced both for comfort and safety of visitors and residents alike. Having a well-ventilated bathroom can make a huge difference in the possibility of mold growth in the home. Another tactic for prevention of mold growth is to make sure windows in the bathroom can open to let overly humid air escape. This could be as simple as replacing existing windows and as complex as installing new windows where there previously were none. The beauty of the custom remodel is that these things are entirely up to the customer and are completely guided by the homebuilder.

Using these questions can help you determine when, what, how your remodel will look like from start to finish. Making sure that you communicate clearly with your homebuilder is imperative so that your next project finishes smoothly and to your satisfaction. Buena Vista Builders has been a local Durango establishment for over 20 years, providing remodel work to many Durango locals. If you have any questions about what we can do to get your home where you want it to be, drop us a line.

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