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Your bathroom isn’t just another room in your house. In fact, it’s one of the most important spaces in your home.
As such, it should be a personal retreat rather than a hazardous problem or an embarrassing eyesore.
Your bathroom is where you clean and refresh yourself and your family. It’s the root of good hygiene and a place for relaxation.
However, if you feel like your bathroom no longer provides you with this relief, it’s time to consider a remodel.
When it comes to bathroom renovations and remodeling projects, there are countless reasons people decide to go for it.
Perhaps it’s a change in lifestyle, a problem that needs to be fixed, or simply a much-needed upgrade.
Although emergencies can force you to remodel sooner—burst pipes, broken fixtures, etc.—the trending national average for bathroom remodeling is still 4-5 years.
It’s at this point that colors go out of style and
people get sick of the look.
If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, take inventory of your motivation and goals in remodeling
Bacteria growth is a strong catalyst for bathroom renovations, especially because of the threat it presents to your health and safety.
When water, moisture, and humidity have damaged old bathrooms, the space is prone to bacteria growth that creates mold and mildew.
We all know that mold is dangerous—it comes with a host of issues like bronchitis, asthma, allergies, and severe breathing problems.
Children are known to be especially susceptible to these issues too. The longer it remains, the more severe the health problems can become.
It’s vital that you take action.
Leaks and breaks also tend to drive people towards remodeling.
Quickly fixing leaks and plumbing issues, as well as keeping the room clean and updated, will go a long way in preventing that mold.
Leaky pipes aren’t the end-all be-all of bathroom remodeling, though. Call a plumber and attempt to repair them first.
Same goes with damaged materials. If you can repair them without a full scale remodel, attempt to do so and save yourself some money.
However, if the same problem occurs again, or different breaks occur regularly, then it’s time to remodel.
Having all that extra moisture everywhere from broken parts is too dangerous.
Beyond addressing your immediate needs, bathroom remodels offer additional benefits that impact your life in the distant (or not so distant) future as well.
Here are a few long-term benefits of a good bathroom remodel project:
Real estate agents always say that bathrooms and kitchens are what sell houses! It only stands to reason that a bathroom remodel can do positive things for your home’s value.
Not only will your home show better as buyers walk through, but a quality bathroom remodel is consistently within the top 15 home renovation projects that offer a solid return on investment—bathroom renovations have a consistently high ROI.
The goal for many remodels is to make the bathroom safer and more accessible for those with limited mobility or strength.
With supplemental safety features and upgrades, you can rest assured knowing that the bathroom is a safe place once more.
As bathroom technology advances, so does the capacity for them to become more accessible. It’s becoming less and less of a problem as the demand for accessible features increases.
Your average bathroom remodeler will offer all kinds of basic to advanced equipment to help with this:
With energy-conserving upgrades, you can save resources and money!
By swapping out old products for newer, more efficient options you can save money on both your monthly water and power bills.
The options for energy efficiency in bathrooms have greatly expanded in recent years
As energy costs and public demand for more energy efficient technologies increases, manufacturers will continue developing new models with each passing year.
Opting for energy efficient models during a bathroom remodel will save a lot of money in the long run.
As an added bonus, it limits your home’s usage of natural resources.
Whether you’re thinking about a remodel for safety, convenience, or style, it’s important to understand all your possible choices.
Making the most of your bathroom renovation depends on it.
That’s why you should work with a remodeling company that is willing to walk you through all your options:
In the rest of this Bathroom Remodel Guide, we’ll take a closer look at each one of these questions on the following page.
You can either read through each one sequentially or click to jump directly to your area of interest.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to answer these questions for yourself so you can take the next step in your remodeling project.
And if you’d like help working through all of these areas, we do this every day at Five Star Bath Solutions!
The average cost of a bathroom remodel ranges between $10,000 to $50,000.
This wide range hinges on what you plan on doing in your remodel—and, of course, the more you redo, the more it will cost.
When establishing a budget for your bathroom remodel, all factors must be considered before deciding what is affordable.
Don’t just pick an arbitrary number! Take stock of what's available:
This will help determine what you will realistically end up spending to accomplish your goals.
Start by getting some quotes from different companies to learn about materials, costs, and timelines.
The need to repair damages and leaks may also influence what you need to budget for in your remodel.
In fact, aside from the scope of the project,
most of the cost will hinge on two things: the state of the walls and the state of the plumbing.
You may not have clear answers on these until you get behind the walls—which can make determining your budget upfront tricky.
Because of this, you should almost always build in a contingency buffer (we recommend about 10% of your budget).
Your final cost will primarily hinge on the scope of your project. This means it’s critical to determine the extent to which you will be remodeling:
At Five Star Bath Solutions, we tackle this uncertainty by doing a thorough in-home consultation and inspection beforehand.
We’ll provide you an exact estimate, and because we have a “No Surprise Guarantee” your original estimate will be exactly what you pay regardless of what we find behind the walls during demolition.
If there’s water damage in or under the walls, you’ll need a more extensive remodel, likely a floor-to-ceiling renovation.
The final cost depends on the extent of the damage. Presence of mold, warped surfaces, and structural deterioration will all add to the price.
If you suspect there may be water behind
your walls, give us a call at Five Star Bath Solutions.
Likewise, the state of the plumbing is an important aspect for anyone doing the remodel.
Pipes can become a gnarled mess over time with different additions and removals.
When big plumbing projects are involved, the price will climb based on the time and professional services needed to make those changes.
If you decide to do it yourself, your overall project costs will be lower because you’re not paying for labor.
Though there are arguments to be made about costs associated with your time and the risk of needing to hire someone to fix it later.
Alternatively, you could hire a contractor and pay for the labor upfront, ensuring less cost on the backend.
We provide a balance that offers you the best of both worlds by offering high quality installation and products for a low price.
This is made possible through our SmartPay financing options. We have a bathroom to fit every budget.
The answer is to look at all the costs. You’ll need to compare the cost of working with a professional versus the possible cost of the work being done incorrectly.
This greatly depends on your knowledge and abilities in bathroom remodeling.
If you’re new to renovations, the chance is higher that something will go wrong and you’ll need a professional to fix it down the road ultimately costing you more.
However, if it’s a smaller project or you’re more experienced, DIY can save you money and may be the right fit for you!
You’ve decided to remodel your bathroom. This means you want an updated, clean, and safe bathroom that will be a personal paradise.
Take an honest inventory of your project’s scope along side your abilities and knowledge.
In a DIY project, your expertise will affect he look and function of your bathroom.
How long the project will take, and how long your work will hold up before it needs to be fixed or replaced.
Your contractor’s expertise will also be key in the final project if you decide to hire someone.
Whether you DIY or hire a contractor, choosing someone with skill and experience is the key to getting the best results.
Your schedule and expertise will make all the difference. A DIY project could range from a few days to months at a time depending on what you know and when you’re available.
Additionally, the bathroom’s downtime can be a deterring factor. If the water needs to be shut off or appliances pulled out, the bathroom may not be available for use.
This can be problematic, especially for those who only have one bathroom to begin with.
While a professional team may be able to get through the remodel faster, it’s vital that you discuss these concerns with a contractor as well.
We’ve all heard the horror stories about contractors who start a project and then don’t show up for weeks at a time!
Should you choose to go with a contractor, it’s important to know their timeline so you can plan ahead.
As we’ve discussed, choosing quality materials & products is one of the biggest factors in the final outcome of a renovation.
Go with low-quality materials like tile & grout and it might already be too late. That’s why it’s important to select quality materials from the very beginnning.
There are other, less obvious options, though. At Five Star Bath Solutions, we use exclusive products that aren’t available at stores like that.
The key is to explore the range of materials available, looking for high-value products.
Quality products ultimately save you time and money, so you need to make sure they’re installed correctly--whether by you or a contractor.
Ultimately, the decision to go with a DIY project or hire a contractor comes down to weighing the variables of expertise, time, and products.
Your decision from here can make the difference between your dream bathroom and a huge renovation headache.
The best way to avoid common mistakes is by learning what they are. Knowing about potential problems allows you to plan better from the beginning.
Ventilation is a necessary, but often overlooked, update in a bathroom remodel. A lot happens in a bathroom, and the biggest worry is moisture buildup and water damage.
From hot and humid showers to kids splashing around, excess moisture can come from anywhere.
Ensuring proper ventilation allows airflow to prevent waterlogged surfaces. In turn, you stay ahead of issues like mold and mildew.
This can be as simple as choosing the right bathroom fan.
You’ll want to make sure that your fan vents out of your house, rather than dumping the moisture in between floor joists or into the attic.
If you’re concerned about a fan pulling heat out of your home, consider choosing one with heat-exchange ventilation.
There are many options to consider based on your desired power and airflow, noise level, and extras like motion-sensing lights.
Similarly, powerful drainage in the tub, shower, and sink allows the plumbing to do its job. This will reduce water damage and prevent most puddles after use.
It can’t be overstated how important this is, for both health (less mold and mildew possibilities) and safety (less possibility of slipping).
Odds are, your current bathroom situation doesn’t offer you enough storage. Towels, cleaning supplies, makeup, skincare and haircare products, bath toys—the list goes on and on!
Your bathroom remodel is your chance to up the storage to be as convenient and useful as possible.
Likewise, the bathroom is the place where most people get ready for the day and clean themselves up. We’ve all had the experience of trying to shower or put on makeup in a poorly lit bathroom.
So, when upgrading your bathroom, take this into account. The proper light placement, light fixtures, and light bulbs make a world of difference.
Measuring will probably be one of the first things done—whether you’ve decided to go DIY or hire a contractor.
At the beginning, loose measurements may suffice for a general idea of your remodel.
However, it is vital that all measurements be precise when it comes to buying products and completing renovations. This is when the old construction adage applies: “Measure twice, cut once.”
Luckily, this one is a pretty simple fix. Whether you plan on a DIY project or hiring a team, consulting an expert or two will provide you with invaluable insights for your particular situation.
A bathroom remodel is not something you should face on your own without a little guidance first.
Choosing the right materials and products will make the difference between an expensive-looking bathroom and a cheap-looking bathroom.
It will make the difference between a bathroom that lasts a lifetime and one that begins having problems within a few months.
One of the biggest material mistakes people make when remodeling their bathroom is in their tile choices.
Since we work with so many customers who are disappointed in their tile, we want to call this one out specifically!
Tile is the most common installation for bathroom walls and flooring. But, did you know that tile was not created to be used in wet areas? That’s right. It was made for flooring that wouldn’t be exposed to a great deal of water.
Putting tile in bathrooms is a relatively new thing brought on by fashion trends, not functionality.
What does this mean? Well, ultimately, there are quite a few disadvantages to putting tile in an area with a lot of water, moisture, or humidity—your bathroom. One of the biggest problems is grout.
Grout is a sand-like filling that hardens like cement. It’s the most common method of filling the space between tiles because it’s relatively inexpensive.
However, this sand-like material is just that: sand-like.
It’s very porous, which allows water to easily seep through the tile into your floors and walls, leading to the growth of mold.
Without complete waterproofing, this is the perfect recipe for mold and bacteria to make an unwelcome appearance in your life, threatening your health and peace of mind.
Water damage is the main threat to a bathroom’s longevity, causing structural damage beneath the tile.
Thus, when using tile and grout, it must be sealed. Even when properly sealed, the nature of the materials are not as waterproof as we would like.
Moisture can continue to sneak past the tile, warping and cracking wood underneath.
Further, tile can be very expensive. This is particularly true when you have specific aesthetic needs that demand luxurious designs and materials.
Whatever you tile choices, they will play a big factor in staying on or going over budget.
Finally, if your tile continues to leak, you’ll end up spending more on continued renovations.
It’s easy to assume that tile is the best and only option for bathroom surfaces.
This is a common mistake made in bathroom renovations.
Fortunately, there are much better options that solve all the problems that tile presents.
Our bathroom products are effective, look great, and are much more affordable. We’re talking thousands of dollars cheaper!
These products are high-quality and low-cost. This keeps you on budget while creating a safe and beautiful space.
Modern composite materials that eliminate the need for porous grout.
This significantly reduces the chance of water damage, increasing the longevity of the framing and flooring, and overall project.
The entire product is sealed and waterproof, which is exactly what you want in a bathroom.
Plus, there’s an extra safeguard layer to ensure protection against mold and mildew growth.
Whether for small surfaces or floor-to-ceiling walls, these products offer a truly powerful waterproof shield. In fact, it’s guaranteed 100% waterproof for life.
This is the key to a successful bathroom remodel that will last a lifetime, rather than cracking or staining in just a few years.
Unlike tile, Five Star Bath Solutions also provides surfaces that have microbe protection properties.
That means it rolls off the factory floor ready to resist bacteria. While it still requires cleaning, it’s safer and healthier than ceramic tile and porous grout.
When it comes to that necessary bathroom cleaning, these modern materials are incredibly easy to clean too.
No more worrying over stained, filthy grout or excessive scrubbing to get a sterile and shining bathroom.
Best of all, no more harsh chemicals! Maintain a hygenic space without overpriced, toxic cleaners.
All Five Star Bath Solutions remodeling projects are backed with a lifetime warranty.
From parts and materials to labor and installation, this warranty guarantees your bathroom is waterproof for life.
And, if you ever face an issue in the future, one of our installers will be
there to fix it.
Quality remodels should last a lifetime—we’re here to make sure that happens and that you avoid all the common mistakes of bathroom remodels.
Before you jump into picking a bathroom style and aesthetic, it’s important to make note of any design considerations you’ll need to take into account for your project.
This means revisiting your reason behind your remodel as well as your current lifestyle and family situation.
For example, if you’ve decided to remodel because your elderly mother is moving in with you (or perhaps you’re thinking about aging in place for yourself), it would be important to take that into consideration when designing the remodel.
Special accessibility and safety additions may be needed in that case.
Additionally, you want to ensure you have a clear understanding in regards to appliances, fixtures, storage, plumbing, etc.
Thoroughly looking into bathroom options will allow you to confidently move forward, knowing your bathroom will be the best it can possibly be.
Let’s take a look at a few of the top design considerations to think through.
Shower seating is one of the first things to consider when designing your remodeled bathroom.
Whether for comfort, to maintain your independence, or to make life easier for a caregiver, shower benches deliver.
There are many options when it comes to shower benches.
- Drainage holes in seat
- Armrest for added stability
- Build-in wheels for mobility.
Five Star Bath Solutions has a large selection of comfortable, sturdy shower benches that will hold up.
Whether you want it built in, mobile, or any other accommodation, we can make it happen.
Adding safety bars is an excellent way to reduce the risks without taking up space in the shower area.
Grab bars are installed into the wall of your shower, providing balance when the floor gets slick and slippery.
Five Star Bath Solutions has ADA-rated safety bars available in various lengths, colors, and textures.
Our safety bars can fit any aesthetic while adding a sense of ease and comfort.
Low-threshold, walk-in bases make entering and exiting a safer, easier experience.
Never precariously hop into the tub again!
Walk-in spaces completely eliminate the need to raise your leg or foot more than a couple of inches off the floor.
It’s more manageable, more convenient, and allows many individuals to hold on to their independence longer.
The best way to reduce the risk of slipping is by including slip-resistant floors and mats.
Standard tubs and walk-in showers become much safer with textured non-slip floors.
These flooring options add extra grip that helps bathroom users keep their footing.
In many homes, bathrooms are very small spaces—and they’re even smaller in camping trailers and tiny homes! These micro-homes give us the perfect place to glean a few lessons about how to effectively use small spaces to make the most of your bathroom. So, how do you make the most out of a small space?
This is one of the biggest considerations to make before you start your remodel design. Begin brainstorming about solutions (walk-in shower, small vanity, multipurpose items) to have an idea when you talk to a professional.
Glass shower doors keep things bright and airy.
When you’re short on space, the illusion of it can be just as helpful as actual square footage.
Glass doors allow you to see through the room, making everything seem bigger.
Five Star Bath Solutions offers:
In tiny bathrooms, multi-purpose spaces are your best friend. Locating the shower over the tub consolidates space.
You can even turn your entire bathroom into a walk-in shower. Make the vanity waterproof to get rid of shower doors and curtains.
Utilize your walls!
When you have limited floor space, use wall storage for anything and everything.
From toothbrushes and razors to towels and medicine cabinets.
Adding shelves and niches for your bathroom toiletries will keep you organized without using
extra space.
Floating vanities give you more floor space and make the room feel open.
These designs work great for people who want an uncluttered, minimalist feeling.
Five Star Bath Solutions offers an incredibly variety of shower enclosures and bath designs. We provide options for showers with doors, curtains, or panels, as well as corner shower designs.
We also offer luxury bath options with jetted tubs or special showerheads at select locations.
Do your research and make a list of wants, needs, and concerns. Without this list, it will be harder to move forward with the design process.
Now that you’ve gone through your needs, wants, and special design considerations, it’s time to look into style!
When you’re remodeling your bathroom, you have complete control and artistic license to create a personalized oasis.
To get started, we’ll review the 3 main bathroom styles—traditional, modern, and contemporary—to help you clarify your plans to a contractor.
The traditional design style has been used for centuries—it’s a tried-and-true, classic template.
It has an inherent luxurious look and feel that transforms a bathroom into a lavish escape. Easily customizable, traditional style allows you to bring your personal touch and charm without distracting from the design.
Traditional style might be right for you if you’re looking to add character, customization, and personality to your bathroom design.
Some of the core qualities of modern bathrooms are openness and simplicity. Minimalist decor and clean design stick to the necessities, eliminating superfluous pieces.
This pure, uncomplicated style makes it easy for your bathroom to feel fresh and new.
Modern style might be right for you if you’re looking for a simpler, quieter design for an uncluttered bathroom space.
Contemporary is the most recent and most fluid of the three styles. These designs take advantage of the most popular trends as well as the newest technologies and appliances.
Constantly evolving, this style is always adapting to stay current with the world of interior design.
Contemporary style might be right for you if you want lots of light, open space, and you’re looking for the most current design trends.
Contemporary design is of the moment. Though people often confuse contemporary and modern, contemporary style is more fluid than the modern style.
Contemporary design follows current trends and styles, being open to what is most popular rather than what has stood the test of time.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, so don’t feel limited in your style options.
Your bathroom is your personal paradise, and these design styles act only as a jumping-off point for your customized taste and individual aesthetic.
Regardless of which style you’re looking to adopt, Five Star Bath Solutions has the answer.
With over 20+ color and style options, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. Our warehouses are full of options ready to be customized.
Once you’ve decided to hire a contractor and you have a general idea for your remodel, you’re ready to find the contractor who will fit your needs. However, finding the right contractor can feel overwhelming and stressful—how do you know you picked the right person?
When you know exactly what to look for, this process becomes significantly easier.
Not every contractor is qualified for the specific job you need done. So it’s important to know exactly what their license and insurance cover.
The licensing system for contractors is set up by each state to ensure competence, and their insurance makes sure it will be covered if something goes wrong.
License and insurance are the first green light (or red flag) that they might be a good choice.
A picture is worth a thousand words. So, any before/after photos you can find of a contractor’s past work is an invaluable piece to the puzzle!
These photos will demonstrate the type and quality of work they do. Each contractor has their own style as well.
Looking at their pictures will help you understand if they’ll be able to replicate the aesthetic you want.
Additionally, take a look at what warranties the contractor offers. Warranties show that they are confident and an expert in their abilities.
They aren’t worried about any possible mishaps. If something does go wrong, they’re willing to offer you protection and guarantees without any extra cost.
It’s also important that you do your research on their business. How many years have they been working?
The longer they’ve been in business, the better. This is proof of their time and experience.
If they’ve been in business for several years, this tells you that they have no shortage of work or clients—another indicator of quality work.
Don’t discount customer reviews! Past customers have been where you are now, and their testimonials will show you what kind of experience you can expect.
The number of reviews matters just as much as the quality and what they say, so take the time to read them through.
Look on the contractor’s website and Google as well as home affiliates like Home Advisor, Thumbtack, or Houzz, where the reviews are certified.
Learn everything you can about the suppliers a contractor uses. You want high-quality products and materials when it comes to your bathroom remodel.
Ensure that they use professional-grade, state-of-the-art materials that will fit your design.
Now that you’ve chosen a contractor, the journey can begin!
To guarantee that the process goes smoothly, let’s go over the steps you’ll take in the process of working with a contractor.
We recommend getting at least three bids from different contractors to understand your options.
Make sure that both you and your contractor understand the bid.
Is your bid an estimate or the final cost?
Some contractors will give you the estimate, but they will end up charging you more once they realize how extensive the job is.
Throughout the process, make a point to have regular check-ins with your contractor.
When you stay in the loop, it’s much easier to head any issues off early and keep the project from getting out of your control.
Regular check-ins will prevent miscommunications, misunderstandings, mistakes, and frustrations that can come with bathroom remodels.
As you continue to check in with your contractor, don’t hesitate to give feedback regularly.
Give feedback about their work and bathroom design, as well as the process and your concerns.
Contractors can’t read your mind. If you give clear feedback you’ll feel confident that your project will turn out the way you wanted.
Living through a bathroom remodel can be frustrating, slow, and painful. Especially if it’s taking a lot longer than you expected!
This is what makes realistic expectations at the outset so important.
Talk with your contractor to better understand their process. Will you be able to use your bathroom during the project? How long will it be out of commission (if at all)?
When you’re beginning to question if a bathroom remodel is even worth it, it’s important to know what to expect.
Our process at Five Star Bath Solutions is different because we’ve worked hard to keep it simple and straightforward.
Our goal is to create a functional bathroom that you’ll love as quickly as possible.
In contrast to those 3-4 weeks, a Five Star Bath Solutions remodel is done in Just 1-2 days!
The first step is to meet with a Five Star Bath Solutions technician. The technician will come to your house for your a design consultation, moisture meter reading, and quote.
At this consultation, you’ll be able to see your bathroom with our 3D design software, so you know exactly what it will look like, from colors to materials.
Once you’ve walked through each of these areas and made the decisions on how you want to move forward, you’ll be well on your way to your dream bathroom!
Best of all, with this advanced preparation, your remodel will be faster and more efficient with an end result that’s exactly what you want.
You can confidently move forward with your bathroom remodel knowing that you have a plan and a vision of the future!
