If you have been contemplating remodeling your bathroom or honing your skills for that perfect washroom, you are not alone. Granted it wouldn't take an entire year to improve upon that 5ft by 5ft compact space, you will benefit from tips and techniques learned from online videos. Any type of remodeling can be overwhelming and this applies to bathrooms too.
You are off to a good start if you already have an idea about what your finished bathroom should look like. If not, take several steps back and think it through. Are you making some simple cosmetic changes here and there? Or knock down a couple of walls to transform it into an entirely new room? Only after you made this decision will you be able to move forward with the planning phase. What items in your bathroom will stay and what needs to go? How do you see modern elements fitting into your new plan? All these questions need to be answered prior to your DIY bathroom project.
The logical place to start a bathroom remodeling project is by assessing the lighting needs. This is not just a matter of changing light bulbs or deciding which bulb color you like and which ones you don't but stepping back to take a look at the big picture. Is the lighting system bright enough to illuminate the rest of the bathroom area apart from the sinks and cabinets? If not, choose the right type of lighting from your hardware or big box store. A well-lit bathroom does more than provide light inside the room. It will make it easy to move throughout the space, especially when you have too young or old household members. While natural light from the windows provides much-needed visibility during the day, choosing the right bulbs and fixtures can offer the same at night.
Faucets and showerheads are a few of those elements in a bathroom that can be changed easily with a couple of tools and instructions. They are sold at most hardware or retail stores, just make sure to not only coordinate their colors and styles but dimensions are compatible as well. Today's faucets vary widely in style and finish, and come in multiple flow settings and features. Do you need a hands-free tap or high-arc variety? There are a wide array of fixtures to choose from, but if you insist on replacing the existing faucet with the same variety, this is a fairly simple job.
Painting or wallpaper installation is one of those DIY projects that most homeowners take pride in. When selecting paint type for your bathroom, consider two basic criteria: durability and look. For durability and longevity, use a paint and primer combo that is mold and mildew-resistant. If the look is a key criteria, choose a soft color, such as white, ivory, light green, or yellow. If, during the DIY project, you will be replacing the wallpaper or installing a new one, make sure to complement it with adjacent rooms.
It may seem like a small part of your lengthy bathroom remodeling project, but the right knobs and pulls of the cabinets, doors and windows can make a huge impact on the room's look and style. Think of matching these items as you would do with fashion accessories. For instance, if the faucets and showerheads are in chrome, choose knobs and pulls in chrome finish. However, you can perfectly match or go for contrast if it makes sense. Just make sure that the size of all the knobs and pulls are in proportion to one another.
Likewise, if you plan on changing the cabinet paint, use finishes that come embedded with mold and mildew-resistant properties.
Backsplash options for behind the sink and vanity area are as varied as those for flooring and countertops. They are available in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, styles, and materials. And thanks to advances in technology, now you can purchase faux tiles for backsplash projects that resemble real tiles in look but are considerably lightweight. Then there are tiles that mirror other materials, such as stone and wood, but void of the upkeep of the real version. These options are resistant to water, heat, mold, and mildew as well.
A well-organized bathroom can make a huge difference in how you use and access this room. Your brushing accessories, hair care products, and bath towels don't need to clutter vanity countertops and toilet tanks. If your bathroom is lacking enough storage areas, consider purchasing stand-alone cabinets outfitted for small items, towels, supplies, and trash. Look for a simple design, one with a couple of shelves and drawers that offer more flexible storage. Medicine cabinets can be mounted on the wall near the main mirror. They can take on other forms as well, as additional storage space. They also provide easy access to daily needs. Keep in mind, however, that the placement of any furniture should facilitate easy movement around the room.
Fine details in your bathroom can transform this room from ordinary to an eye-catching one, whether it's a neutral painting hung on the wall or matching soap dispensers and trays. Cleaning or replacing window treatments can disguise an exhaust fan near the window, while a vanity cabinet with doors might hide things like cleaning brushes and supplies. When built-in shower storage doesn't have enough space to hold all the hair and body care products, a tension pole caddy or corner shower caddy is recommended. By matching the fixtures in place, these accessories can lend a more finished look.
Your do-it-yourself bathroom remodeling is only successful as long as it is put together with efficiency in mind. Because faucets and showerheads can let a large amount of water flow, and directly influence your utility bill, deciding which one to purchase is an important step in the entire process. For starters, consider WaterSense-labeled models that typically have a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute. Likewise, aerator shower heads mix air into the stream of water so that a steady pressure is maintained throughout the flow.
Materials for your DIY bathroom remodeling project are likely to come from various places. Even big-box and hardware stores may obtain their products from suppliers and assemble them if need be. Customized and high-end materials increasingly come from far away places which means there is added cost when you are ordering such products. On the flip side, if you looking for a plain material or straightforward installation, such materials can be purchased right off the shelf from a home center or local bathroom products dealer. However, they come in limited finishes such as chrome, bronze, and brass, as well as some basic colors. They are also the most affordable option, typically running about a portion of the cost of custom or high-end materials.
Whether you are self-confident about your ability to make the needed changes in your bathroom or a bit uncertain regarding your ultimate bathroom design, you may want to rely on expert suggestions at some point. Professional designers and architects can be of great help in recommending cutting-edge design ideas, while contractors and builders will assist you in bringing those ideas into reality. Nevertheless, we hope the tips above will give you a start, and inspiration you will ever need for remodeling your bathroom.