Remodeling your bathroom is an exciting task, but before jumping right into it, there are some less exciting (but important) things to consider so your project turns out just the way you dreamed it would. Preparation is key, remodeling a bathroom (or any room for that matter), involves a lot more than just choosing fixtures and selecting paint colors. Below we've compiled our best tips and ideas to help you get through the process of remodeling your bathroom.
Getting Started
If you're considering remodeling your bathroom, chances are, you've been leafing through design ideas in magazines and online. While doing this, tear out or save photos of bathrooms you like and a few of bathrooms you don't like. You can then share these with your Estimator/Designer when he/she comes out for your initial consultation. This is a oftentimes overlooked step in the remodeling process. Collecting design ideas and inspiration helps you and your Designer get a better understanding of what you're looking for in your new bathroom.
Determine your Goal--There's obviously a reason you want to remodel your bathroom. What is it? Maybe you want to increase your resale value? Maybe your current bathroom has only one sink and you need two? Maybe you want a shower instead of a tub? Or maybe you just want to update the space and make it more functional? Now it's time to assess your wants and needs. Take notes on how you plan to use your bathroom, then try to combine the goals into a sentence "My serene and functional bathroom will be a place for me to relax after a long day at work." Repeating this one little sentence can help you stay focused on what's important to you throughout the process, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed by all of the options that are out there and the many decisions you'll have to make.
Choosing a Contractor
Once you've done your homework on designs and layouts that you like for your bathroom and you've determined your goal for the space, it's time to call a Contractor and get started! Choosing a Contractor is probably the most crucial decision you will make during this entire process. No matter how much planning and preparation you do, if you choose the wrong Contractor, the project will not go well. When making your decision, check out their credentials: Look them up with the Better Business Bureau, read reviews on sites like Google+ and Houzz, request references, and check that they are properly licensed and insured. Be wary of a Contractor that quotes a price that's significantly lower than other quotes (you always want to get a minimum of 3 quotes from 3 different companies). The saying "If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is" could not be more accurate, especially in the remodeling industry.
Budgeting
When you are determining your budget, be sure to include the cost for labor, Contractor's profit, and design (these are things that most homeowners aren't taking into consideration when they plan their original budget). Setting a budget is an essential step in the remodeling process, it's a step that should never be overlooked. You want to get what you want..within reason. When deciding on a budget for your project, approach the process with a realistic attitude. Once you've determined a budget, you'll want to dedicate a portion to each of the categories listed below. Also, try to add a 30% cushion to set aside for the unknown.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) breaks down bathroom remodeling costs like this:
Design Fees: 4%
Installation: 20%
Fixtures: 15%
Cabinetry and Hardware: 16%
Countertops: 7%
Lighting and Ventilation: 5%
Flooring: 9%
Doors and Windows: 4%
Walls and Ceilings: 5%
Faucets and Plumbing: 14%
Other: 1%
These figures are guidelines, not rules, and each project is different. In the end, your budget breakdown will depend on where you live and how much you want to spend, but NKBA's guidelines help illustrate where the dollars go.
Materials & Fixtures
Whether you're purchasing the materials yourself or your Contractor is purchasing them, you will want to have a say in the fixtures that will be installed in your new bathroom. It's okay to start window shopping for materials and fixtures (and even recommended) before you hire a Contractor, but you should hold off on the actual purchasing. Learning basic bathroom layouts and plumbing and mechanical considerations is a great idea, this will help you when deciding on what materials to use. For example, when purchasing a new vanity, you will need to consider where it's being installed. Will it be in the same place as your existing vanity or across the room? You'll need to know if it's the same style as your existing vanity (if it's being installed in the same place), because water lines will need to be moved if the vanity is not the same type or size. For instance, if you're replacing a two door vanity with no drawers with a two door vanity with 3 drawers, then the water lines will need to be moved to accommodate the drawers, costing you more money.
Considerations:
Don't make the mistake of blowing your budget on intricate tile work if it means compromising on your shower or sink. In the bathroom, fixtures are your #1 priority... the space has to function first.
Be sure to choose bathroom-appropriate surfaces when selecting materials, so that you are not only opting for things that are visually appealing, but they should also fit your needs. This will require research. When choosing a surface or vanity top, granite and other natural stone is an appealing option, but keep in mind that it needs to be sealed, porcelain on the other hand, is maintenance-free.
Surprisingly faucets and hardware have a key role in the overall appearance of your bathroom, even something as simple as the finish can alter the appearance of your space. Make sure all of the materials you choose are waterproof, either naturally or by means of an impervious finish.
Adequate lighting is not only essential for a functional bathroom, but it can also create the right atmosphere for you. Maximize natural light and add light fixtures as needed.
Ventilation is crucial, choose a good quality fan for your bathroom- your contractor can help you with this- poor ventilation can leave your bathroom damp, moldy, and can even harm your health.
Even if you aren't concerned with 'going green', the market is trending toward this for the foreseeable future, so it's something to take into consideration if you plan to sell your home anytime in the next 10 years or so. Green Options Include: Low-flow toilets, low VOC or no VOC paint, recycled glass tile, etc.
Choosing the right paint color is vital when designing your bathroom, paint is so important for the overall look of the room that entire books have been written on this subject. Try using ColorSnap by Sherwinn Williams.
Many Contractors will give you an allowance instead of picking out actual fixtures and materials, however, Contractor's allowances are not always accurate. Even with years of experience and industry knowledge it's almost impossible for them to know the right budget for you since each project and person is different.
Everyone has a style and you should embrace yours, but be careful about trends, in a few years you may hate the crazy tile or tub you chose. Try adding trendy accessories and decor or other things that can be easily swapped out with the seasons. Muted colors are recommended for permanent pieces like tubs and bolder options for light fixtures.
Take into consideration time constraints. If you choose custom-made materials, your lead time can range from 6-8 weeks (give or take). Make sure you leave yourself enough time so that all materials are on hand before the project starts. (You should try to have all of the materials there at least a few days before your project start date and have your contractor inspect these materials at your pre-construction meeting, if possible).
It's critical to have all of the materials selected for your project BEFORE you sign a contract! Your contract should state the exact materials and fixtures that will be used and who's in charge of purchasing each item. Your Contractor should know and OK each product you choose since he/she will know what will work in your space and what will not. If everything isn't on site and hasn't been approved by your Contractor, expect installation delays and scheduling challenges with various trades-people. If the tile you purchased comes in two weeks late, you can't expect the tile installer to be available right away to install it. The remodeling industry has a very tight, well-planned schedule, when something happens to delay or change it, it takes some maneuvering to adjust the schedule.
Mental Preparation
It's important to prepare yourself mentally for your project. Things you can expect include: dust, noise, and traffic coming in and out of your home throughout the day...Remodeling is messy!
Expect surprises..There are always surprises in remodeling projects, but if you're mentally (and financially) prepared, you will be better equipped to handle these issues as they come.
Expect Delays! Despite careful planning, having a detailed schedule and all materials on site on time, you can count on a delay or two. Bathrooms are very technical, you can't move on to B until A is complete. Whereas some projects if there is a holdup, the technicians can move on to another part of the project, in the bathroom, this isn't really possible.
Don't make plans for your home too soon. Don't plan to throw a party at your home the weekend after your project is slated for completion.
Be ready for hidden problems...water damage is the biggest issue you can run into. Your Contractor should look for structural deficiencies in the floor framing, improperly vented plumbing, old corroded plumbing, and a tile shower/tub surround that is not waterproof. Fixing these items will add to the cost of your project, but it's well-worth the money to have peace-of-mind that your bathroom is built the way it should be.
Limitations: the size of your bathroom, existing plumbing locations and electrical wiring, and typical standard dimensions of bathroom fixtures. Make sure to measure before you go shopping so that you don't end up purchasing products that don't fit.
Have reasonable expectations. Talk to people who have been through the process before. It's going to take time, it will be messy and financially stressful. If you don't know this ahead of time and you go in with 'rose colored glasses' on, it takes the fun out of it and in spite of all of the stress, it should be fun!
Home Preparation
Preparing your home is another essential part of planning your project. Demolition on the first day will be a messy task. The technicians will more than likely need to make several trips outside to the dumpster/trash. Sanding, cutting, and installing drywall with create a good amount of debris...expect flying shards, dust, and more. If weather permits, put a window fan in the bathroom facing outside to create a backdraft. If your Contractor hasn't done so already, cover your floor with cardboard or plastic from the bathroom to the door that will be used by workers to enter and exit your home. This will not prevent dust from getting into other parts of your home, but it will minimize it while protecting your floors.
Remove anything from your bathroom that you can: In the shower: remove soap, shampoos, washcloths, razors, and toys. On or around the sink: remove soap, toothbrushes, and any other items sitting out. In your vanity and/or bathroom closet: remove all cleaning supplies, towels, toiletries etc. Remove bathmats, magazine racks, trash cans, scales, etc from your bathroom floor. If you're replacing walls, pull off any towel racks you're able to, remove your mirror or medicine cabinet, and remove any pictures or shelves hanging up (this should save you some money on demo).
Other Plans/Considerations
If you have a pet or pets, you will need to make a plan for them during working hours. Keep them out of the technician's way. Possible Options: Use a pet gate to keep them contained in a section of the house that's not being used, keep them in the basement or lower or upper level (whichever floor the crew is NOT working on), take them to a pet sitter or pet sitting facility during the day, or have them stay with a friend or relative.
During the project, where will your contractor, the technicians, and tradesmen park? If a dumpster is being used, where will it go? If you won't be home during the renovation, will you have someone else stay there or will you leave a key or lock box? If you won't be home you should always put your valuables up (this should not be an issue, but it never hurts to be cautious).
Remodeling your bathroom can be a huge inconvenience, which will depend mostly on how many bathrooms you have in your home. If you're redoing your one and only, you'll want to finish as soon as possible. With your only bathroom being inaccessible, you will need to make a plan for using the restroom and showering. Some options to consider: relying on a neighbor, staying with a friend or family member, staying in a hotel, taking a vacation, or you can ask your Contractor to include a portable toilet and temporary shower in the cost of the contract. A temporary fiberglass shower unit can be set up in a basement, emptying into the utility tub floor drain, however this option will cost you upwards of $500 and you may not even have a basement.
Don't only make plans for now, plan for your future self as well..Maybe you don't have kids, but plan to; or your parents or in-laws may move in, in the future; or you may be reaching your senior years soon. Think about some changes that may happen in your life in the next 10 years or so and how these changes could affect what you need from your new bathroom, then plan your accordingly.
Time Management
Set a time budget...When you hear the word budget, you automatically think of money, but it's also important to budget time. Is there an upcoming event that would be affected if your bathroom is under construction? Let potential Remodelers know your time budget (if you have one).
Many people think that a bathroom remodel will only take a few days, in reality they take anywhere from 1 week to a month, depending on the scope of work. If you're just replacing the fixtures in your bathroom with no layout changes, one week is possible, but if you're redoing a master bath with a lot of customization and layout changes, you can count on a minimum of 2 weeks, probably more.
Finalization
Final cleanup should include the cleaning of all cabinetry (inside and out), duct work, walls, floor, windows, and light fixtures. You may want to hire a cleaning service for when the project is complete. Cleanup is usually included in the job scope of all remodeling contracts, however, usually it's only a light cleanup.
Last, but not least, embrace the process! Take plenty of before, during, and after photos. When you get frustrated, remember why you're doing this in the first place.
Remember, remodeling is fun, but it's also stressful, it will take longer than you expect and will be noisier than you imagined. In the end, it will all be worth it to have an incredible space that you helped design.
Do not finish the utility room. If you decide to enclose it to keep it out of view, make sure you leave enough space for a person to fit for upkeep- plan on at least 2 to 3 feet of clearance. There are specific codes for finishing this area and you will need access for inspections and repairs, which is why it's better left alone (like the one in the picture to the left).
While drop ceilings are not the most fashionable, they do provide easy access to electrical and plumbing. One drawback they have is they reduce overhead space. If you do choose to install a drop ceiling, you may be pleasantly surprised, there are more choices than ever, & in recent years they've gotten a major face-lift. 
Most basement remodels involve installing a new bathroom which means removing part of the concrete slab and connecting new waste lines for the toilet and tub or shower. Your ability to connect those lines depends on how deep your waste lines are below the surface of the concrete floor. You need enough fall in the lines to allow the waste to leave by gravity. If you don't have fall or your waste lines exit the building through the foundation you will need a sewage ejection pump to drain the bathroom waste.
