Get the most out of your bathroom renovation by incorporating creativity and beauty. This can be achieved by partnering with an interior remodeling contractor. A company like Smart Remodeling LLC can help you achieve this.
During a bathroom remodel, choosing the right materials will save you time and money in the long run. You must ensure that your bathroom is completely watertight. If not, mold, mildew, and possibly structural damage will arise. It all boils down to the bathroom materials you choose and how well they're installed.
A 2018 Cost vs. Value Report revealed that a renovation can provide a 70% return on investment. This goes for a mid-range renovation and the return is about the home value if all your costs are balanced.
To generate a high return, ensure you have a great plan, home builder, and high-quality bathroom materials. When coming up with a bathroom design ensure it is functional and visually appealing. If you think like a home buyer, this will generate a return on your initial investment.
Search For Ideas
This is the most straightforward part. Get online either Google or Pinterest and create a bathroom-themed board. Everything that catches your eye should be pinned. Don't worry about the cost or practicality, that will come later. You can also ask your friends to point you in the direction of anything they think you might enjoy.
Once you have all your inspirational images picked out, it is not time to start involving an expert. An experienced expert will help guide you on the right style and materials to pick as well as the latest trends. (Make It Right, 2020)
What To Consider When Picking Bathroom Materials
1. Design
Your design preference for the bathroom makeover will have a big impact on the materials. Take a step back and think about what you want in your new bathroom before diving in.
Bring inspiration images to your meeting with your contractor on what you want to replace in your existing bathroom. Explain your vision step by step so that you are both on the same page.
2. Heat Resistance
There is a lot of warmth that fills the room after stepping out of the shower. This warmth is visible on the fogged-up mirrors and windows. For this reason, your bathroom materials should be able to withstand heat from steam. It should also be able to withstand heat from hot hair tools that are left on the countertop.
Some of the most heat-resistant materials are quartz, granite, marble, natural stone, and ceramic tile.
3. Moisture Resistance
This is the most important factor to consider when selecting bathroom materials. You will find that bathrooms tend to be steamy and damp as a result of running water, baths, and showers. As a result, it is crucial that the elements such as the vanity, bathroom floor, and walls can resist moisture. (Sunter Homes, 2020)
Picking Out Materials For Your Bathroom Remodel
Choosing the right materials is the first step in making your bathroom remodel a reality. Here are a few tips on how to pick materials for your next bathroom remodel.
1. Materials For Bathroom Flooring
The type of flooring you install is one of the most important decisions you will make. You should also consider the flooring's durability, moisture, and slip resistance. Getting a slip-resistant floor will prevent injury to you and your family.
Here are some of the most popular bathroom flooring options: ceramic tile, natural stone, vinyl, laminate, and cork.
When researching different materials, keep in mind how they will perform under stress. This includes heavy foot traffic, heat, and water as well as how easy they will be to clean.
2. Heated Floor
Radiant heating warms the floor from below using a hydronic or electric system. The hydronic systems heat the floor through rubber tubing installed under the floor. A water heater is used to heat the water which circulates through the tubes and radiates warmth. A heated floor cost about $600 for a small bathroom.
3. Ceramic Tile Floors
The tile is more challenging to clean due to the grout. You might want to avoid smaller more detailed tiles or ones with grout lines that are too thick. Choose larger tiles with thin grout lines if you are going for easy-to-clean tiles.
Ceramic tiles are designed with more texture to prevent slippage. You can also add interest in the bathroom by combining large and small floor tiles. In your pattern, you can use octagonal, hexagonal, and 2-inch or smaller mosaic tiles.
4. Choosing Wall Materials
When it comes to the elements of your bathroom, walls, unlike floors, are more forgiving. As a result, you have a little more freedom when it comes to selecting wall materials.
The best wall materials to choose are ones that are moisture-resistant. The material should also prevent mold, mildew, and rot. Tiling is also a great choice for bathroom walls as it guarantees a moisture-resistant and looks good too.
You will also come across other wall tiling options such as:
- Mosaic tiles
- Beadboard
- Tileboard,
- Natural stone tile
- Glass tile
- Porcelain tile
- Ceramic tile
ProTip Takeaway: If you decide to paint your bathroom walls always choose a bathroom-specific paint. A paint that is fun and resistant to both moisture and mildew.
5. Choosing Bathroom Countertops
The countertop surface you choose is determined by your budget and personal preferences. Granite, marble, and quartz are common materials that dominate home value and aesthetics.
Installing granite or marble pays off because it appeals to resale buyers. It also gives the vanity top a rich, sleek appearance. Granite is more expensive than laminate. The result is heat and wear-resistant surfaces.
There are also wood vanity tops available in the market. Wood provides a warm, inviting feel and an organic look. The downside is that it has porous surfaces that are susceptible to water damage leading to rot in the long run. If you choose a wood vanity countertop ensure it is well sealed in the seams where sinks and faucets are attached.
Vanity tops must be durable and capable of withstanding water, soap, and cosmetics. They must also serve as a large work surface for morning bathroom rush hour.
Vanity tops in bathrooms act as a focal point. This is a point of connection, such as where the wood cabinets below meet the tile wall above. ( Make It Right, 2020)
ProTip Takeaway: Marble is prone to staining, whereas granite is resistant to the majority of stains. To repel grease, granite requires maintenance and resealing.
6. Choosing Bathroom Cabinets
Cabinets are the facelift of any bathroom remodel. Cabinets can completely change the look and feel of your bathroom. It's important to select cabinets that you love, and you also want them to stand the test of time. Consider the durability of the cabinets when narrowing down your options. To maintain value and increase longevity plywood-based cabinets are the way to go.
The most common materials for cabinets include Solid wood, Plywood, Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), and PVC.
Bathroom cabinets also double as storage spaces. Incorporating this space will help to keep your bathroom organized and clean. Adding storage to your space with vanity cabinets, linen closets, and shelving is a great idea.
The old-fashioned medicine cabinet has undergone a functional design. You can go for a modern medicine cabinet that comes with a television, lights and a mirror. (Brother Services Co. 2021)
ProTip Takeaway: Avoid using particleboard in the bathroom. It's not only of lower quality, but it's also susceptible to water damage.
7. Choosing Bathroom Fixtures
Fixtures and finishes, in general, are a matter of personal preference. It is advisable to choose high-quality stainless steel base materials. they help to increase the value of your home over plastics or lesser-grade metals. It is also important to select toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs that make an impression on guests and buyers.
Shower fixtures. Installing a shower/tub combo in a small bathroom is a good idea. On the other hand, a free-standing tub is a way to go if your bathroom has the space. It improves the room's appearance and appeals to potential homebuyers.
A wet room is a waterproof space in your bathroom that is completely open and continuous. For homeowners, this design style is becoming increasingly popular.
The following are some of the appealing features of a wet space:
- There's no need to be concerned about leaks causing damage to non-waterproof materials.
- There is no need to clean the glass shower.
- For your entire bathroom, you'll need a consistent cleaning product.
- A lovely, seamless appearance
Sinks. So, which is more important: the appearance of the sink or its functionality? It's entirely up to you.
The vessel sink is perfect for a powder room and makes a statement. Some people believe that in a full or master bath, a deeper, under-mounted sink is better. This has a nice arching faucet that is easy to operate with a single handle that is more functional.
Pedestal style sinks are classic space savers. They come with bowls in rectangular, oblong, and traditional oval shapes.
Faucets. Today's faucets are practical, with features like built-in ceramic disks that grind away the buildup that causes leaks. You want to pick faucets that will guarantee fewer leaky sink repairs and the sink will last longer.
Toilets: There is such a wide variety of toilets available that will make picking one can somewhat difficult. There is a full range of colors and designs that are also very cost-effective. The standard toilet height is 14 to 15-inch high. Most homeowners are comfortable with taller toilets (16 to 18 inches high). (That Homebird Life, 2017)
Ready For Work On Your Next Bathroom Remodel?
A bathroom is an important part of our home and is the most frequently used room. As a result, everything in the bathroom must work properly. If you're in Houston Texas choose Smart Remodeling LLC as your bathroom remodeling company. We have the most comprehensive selection of services in the area. Our experts will walk the journey with you step by step to ensure you get the best results.
We are certified and skilled in bathroom design and remodeling in Houston. To ensure that your bathroom lasts for many years, we will use high-quality waterproof materials. Whether you're renovating an existing bathroom or adding a bathroom Smart Remodeling has you covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.