What To Expect, From Start To Finish

Your bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in your home, but it is certainly one of the most important. It's a place that should be up-to-date, aesthetically pleasing, comfortable, and highly functional. If your bathroom is unattractive, the fixtures are outdated, and the space is so cramped it just does not work for your family any longer, it's probably time to remodel.

You may be concerned that undertaking a remodeling project will be overwhelming and disruptive to your daily life. If you plan well, it doesn't have to be. We're here to help by demystifying the process of remodeling your bathroom.

1. Determine Clear Objectives For Your Remodeling Project

Carefully consider what you want to achieve by remodeling your bathroom. Do you want to simply update the fixtures, cabinetry, and tile, or are you looking to double the size of your bathroom so that it can accommodate your growing family? Whatever the scope of your project, it's important to plan properly so that your remodeled bathroom will serve your needs well into the future and you can be sure that your money has been well-spent. Check out websites that specialize in bathroom remodeling ideas and start collecting photos of what you find appealing so you can share them with your remodeler.

How Much Does It Cost To Remodel Your Bathroom?

2. Choose Your Remodeling Expert

It's essential to choose a trustworthy, skilled, and licensed professional to handle your bathroom remodeling project. Often, word of mouth is the best way to find a reputable remodeling expert, so ask your friends and work colleagues for references. Then, make sure you research and interview several remodelers before hiring one. Check out their websites and project portfolio photos to see the quality of their work. For more detailed information about selecting the right remodeler or homebuilder, click here.

3. Establish Your Budget

Establish your budget and share that information with your remodeler up front. Make an initial wish list for your project with the understanding that your list may change once your plans and selections are finalized. Maybe you are dreaming of having heated floors or special audio/visual equipment in your new bathroom. Let your remodeler know what your priorities are so that everything is factored in from the start and there are no financial surprises later. Want to learn more about budgeting for your home remodeling project? Just click here.

4. Evaluate What's Already There

The remodeling professional that you hire will need to check out your existing bathroom. Measurements will be taken. Drains, water supplies, electrical outlets, and the HVAC system will be located and evaluated. Your remodeler should document any plumbing, electrical, or HVAC system components that need to be moved or added. If you are planning to expand the size of the bathroom, the adjacent areas will be checked out to see how these spaces will be impacted. Your remodeler will often consult with another professional, such as an architect or engineer. This will help to ensure that your remodeled space will be structurally sound and meet all code and local jurisdictional requirements.

5. Determine The Scope Of Work

After completing an exhaustive evaluation of your existing space, your remodeler should ask to review your wish list with you once again to determine what is realistic and what will potentially bust your budget.  Your remodeler will now be able to tell you if moving the shower to the other side of the bathroom is doable or if you have room for the two separate vanities that you want. Then, the entire scope of work should be put in writing so that your remodeler and you are on the same page. Review this information carefully to ensure that your remodeler's understanding of the project fully meets your expectations. 

6. Craft The Plans

Your remodeler should provide you with architectural plans of your new bathroom, based on the scope of work and your stated budget. The plans should be comprehensive and show where the cabinetry, shower, tub, vanities, and new fixtures will be located. At this point, your remodeler should give you a detailed timeline for the completion of your project from start to finish.

7. Make Your Selections

It's time to make your selections. You'll choose your cabinetry, tile, shower doors, flooring, countertop materials, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, and accessories such as towel bars, hooks and toilet paper holders. The choices you make will have significant financial implications, so work with your remodeler or an interior designer to pick items that will keep you within your budgetary parameters. Ask about delivery times for the items you select and be sure that any backorders will not negatively affect the construction timeline. Finally, pick paint colors with the type of finish that will resist damage from moisture. Click here for more information about choosing the right kind of paint for your new bathroom.

8. Finalize Your Costs

Once your selections are made, your remodeler can give you a final cost for your project. Now you can truly see if you have stayed within your budget or if you need to make modifications to your selections or plans. A final, written contract should be provided to you and all costs should be transparent and detailed. Once the contract is signed, your remodeler will order the items that you have selected and the construction phase of your project will begin.

9. Begin Demolition

You will need to move all of your belongings out of the construction zone and the surrounding areas. Once demolition begins, you will not be able to utilize your bathroom until your project is complete. Don’t forget to ask your remodeler when workers will arrive and leave each day so that you know what to expect.

10. Frame It Up

The framing phase begins and the shape of the new bathroom becomes apparent.

11. Modify The Systems

Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems will be modified per your finalized plan.

12. Put Up The Drywall

Moisture resistant drywall will be put in place and the space is now clearly defined.

13. Install The Flooring And Tile

The beautiful tile and flooring materials that you selected are installed at this point.

14. Add The Cabinetry And Fixtures

Next, the cabinetry, trim, shelving, plumbing fixtures, and shower doors are installed. This step is exciting because your new bathroom is really taking shape!

15. Paint And Accessorize

The room is painted and all accessories are put in place. The details make the room come together and your vision is realized.

16. Perform Builder's Quality Control

Required inspections are handled by your remodeler to ensure compliance with local rules and codes. Any last minute fixes or repairs are completed and a final cleaning is done so that your bathroom is sparkling.

17. Schedule Client Walk-Through

You will do a final walk-through with your remodeler to make sure that everything is to your satisfaction. If there are any outstanding items, a punchlist should be made that includes a date when all final touches will be completed.

18. Enjoy Your New Bathroom

That's it! It's time to enjoy your newly remodeled bathroom for years to come!

At Meridian Homes, we specialize in luxury remodeling and custom home building in the Washington, DC area. Our mission is to create exceptional residences that exceed expectations. Our highly personalized design process and careful management of every project have earned us a reputation over many years for outstanding client service and solid, beautiful craftsmanship. Contact us today to begin your custom home or remodeling project.