Bathroom Remodel Cincinnati is a significant investment that can increase the value of your home. The project is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your quality of life.
A remodel can eliminate safety hazards like rusty water heaters, corroded shower drains, lead paint and mold and mildew. It can also provide added storage by building linen and supply closets.
The plumbing in your bathroom is essential for everything from getting ready for the day to unwinding at night. If your bathroom isn’t meeting all of your needs, a remodel or renovation can breathe new life into the space and add value to your home.
One of the first things homeowners need to decide is whether they want to do a full-scale remodel or just renovate some of the existing elements. This will help determine costs as it will impact how much the plumber needs to work with the existing piping. Working with existing pipes means that the contractors can only do what is feasible within the piping constraints of the room, which usually means a tub-to-shower conversion or moving a toilet.
A remodel is a more extensive overhaul of the entire bathroom that can include changing the location of the toilet or shower, removing and replacing drywall, and adding or replacing cabinets, lights and paint. It can also involve installing a walk-in tub, replacing the sink and faucet, or relocating the drains.
In addition to determining the scope of work, this is also where homeowners need to think about whether they will be selling the home in the near future and what upgrades might increase functionality or appeal to buyers. For example, if you’ll be staying in the house for the long haul, it might be worth upgrading to grab bars or non-slip flooring that can make the bathroom more functional as you age.
Regardless of which type of project you’re planning, the most important consideration is to hire licensed plumbers. They are the experts who can ensure that your remodel is done correctly and safely and will continue to function properly for years to come.
Electrical
Electrical systems in the bathroom must meet specific requirements based on their exposure to moisture. Professional electricians have the expertise needed to ensure your new bathroom’s wiring and lighting are safe and up to code.
During a bathroom remodel, the electricians will install or rewire your system based on the design plan and layout changes. They will also add or relocate receptacles and light fixtures as necessary. Wiring is typically concealed within walls, ceilings, and floors for a finished look.
Bathroom remodels usually require GFCI outlets. These outlets are designed to shut off in the event of a short, which reduces the risk of electrical shock. Professionals will also ensure your home’s system is grounded, which helps prevent electrical shock and fire hazards.
You may need a dedicated circuit for your bathroom receptacles and a separate circuit for the lights, especially if you have a large whirlpool tub. The NEC suggests these circuits be on a 20-amp branch, but you should check with your local building inspections office to see what is required in your area.
Your remodeling project may also necessitate an upgrade to your electrical panel. Your electrician will let you know if this is necessary, but it is important to familiarize yourself with the location of your electrical panel before they arrive. This will allow you to better understand what they are doing, as well as to make sure it is up to date and ready for your future needs. It is also a good idea to talk with your electrician about universal design upgrades that can make your bathroom safer and more comfortable for everyone in the family. This can help you stay in your home longer, while still enjoying the comforts of a modern bath.
Flooring
Flooring is one of the most significant design decisions when remodeling a bathroom, and while there are many materials to choose from, there’s also one important factor that every homeowner must consider: moisture resistance. Since the bathroom is a high moisture area, choosing a material that can stand up to humidity and is slip-resistant should be top priority.
The best choice for high-moisture areas is tile. It’s durable, water-resistant and available in a wide range of designs and colors. Ceramic and porcelain tiles—and some manufactured options that mimic natural stone—are ideal in a bathroom. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including larger planks that create a more dramatic floor look and are easier to clean.
While solid hardwood is beautiful, it’s not recommended for bathrooms because of its sensitivity to moisture. It requires perfect installation, and even then, the smallest amount of moisture can rot the wood. To help counter this, consider engineered wood products. These are designed with a plywood base that holds up better against moisture, while the top layer is real hardwood veneer.
Another waterproof option is rigidcore vinyl, which comes in both plank and square tile formats. This is a good option if you want the look of real wood or stone but can’t afford to pay for those products. Waterproof laminate (WPC) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are a similar product, combining the durability of vinyl with the appearance of wood or stone.
Finally, cork is an eco-friendly option that’s also a great alternative to natural wood and stone. It’s made from the bark of harvested cork trees and is a renewable resource, and it also has a soft feel that’s pleasant underfoot.
Cabinetry
The bathroom cabinetry in your home is an important aspect of its design. It is not only a practical storage solution for toiletries, towels and cleaning supplies, but it can also enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom. New bathroom cabinets can be made from various materials and designed in different styles to meet your specific needs.
One option for cabinetry is solid wood, which is a durable material that can be stained or lacquered to match the rest of your bathroom’s decor. However, since wood is porous, it can swell when exposed to humidity, making it more susceptible to warping over time. An alternative to solid wood is plywood, which is a sturdy material that can be crafted into attractive designs. This is a great choice for bathrooms because it can withstand humidity and moisture.
Another way to enhance the look of your bathroom is to install floating shelves. This is a popular trend that allows homeowners to double the amount of storage space in their bathrooms without taking up valuable floor space. You can use the open shelf space for towels, baskets, vases and other decorative items. You can also place some of your cleaning products on the shelf so you always have them handy when needed.
Choosing the right type of bathroom cabinetry is important for a successful remodel project. To ensure that your new cabinets will fit properly, measure the height, length and width of the room to determine the dimensions for your new cabinetry. If you are installing a double vanity, make sure that the distance between each cabinet is adequate so you can access your products easily.
To give your bathroom a modern feel, you can opt for flat cabinetry that does not have panels and a sleek profile. This style of cabinetry is often found in contemporary bathrooms and is available in many different finishes.
Lighting
The bathroom is one of the few areas in the home that requires a careful balance of task, ambient, accent and decorative lighting. A well-lit space isn’t only functional, but more flattering — it banishes unflattering shadows. A new light fixture may be all you need to brighten up a small bathroom, but it’s important to consider the style and placement of the fixture.
Vanity lights are a popular choice for above-the-sink lighting, but there are many styles to choose from. Some are designed to be centered horizontally over the mirror, while others feature multiple lights on a bar mount that can be aimed upward or downward. Some even have the look of a chandelier.
For an overall bath lighting solution, consider recessed fixtures with diffused shades. They offer ample light, are easy to install, and blend in with the ceiling. If you’re able to incorporate lighting upgrades during your bathroom remodel, it’s wise to add a dimmer switch, as this will give you the option to set the mood for relaxing or grooming in the room later on.
When it comes to choosing the best light bulbs for your bathroom, look at their color rendering index (CRI) and kelvin rating. A CRI between 80 and 98 mimics the color of natural light and helps reduce the blue tint that can sometimes occur in artificial lighting. If you’re considering a traditional torcherier or Hollywood strip style, it’s worth remembering that these fixtures are typically exposed bulbs, so they’ll be subject to more frequent replacement than other fixture types. That being said, they offer a classic design that’s ideal for bathrooms with vintage finishes or tile work.