If you live in an older home, it’s likely you have several areas that may need to be refreshed or remodeled. Styles come and go, and no matter when your bathroom was last renovated, it may feel tired, outdated, or otherwise uncomfortable. Maybe that’s why “bath renovations Connecticut” is such a popular internet search term.
Luckily, bathroom renovations can quickly breathe life into your older home. Whether you’re completely overhauling your master bath or refreshing a hallway half bathroom, you can add value to your home while making it feel much more comfortable and consistent with your personal style. Here are five tips for how you can maximize the value of your bathroom through remodeling.
1. Make a Plan for Your Bathroom Installation
Just like with many other home improvement projects, it’s natural to want to get started right away. But your first step in any renovation is to make sure you have a detailed plan. Consider all of your bathroom remodel ideas, including the number of fixtures, bathtub vs. shower, colors, and materials. Discuss your options with everyone who’ll be using the bathroom to make sure you’re all on the same page.
You also need to establish a clear budget. Bathroom renovations can get expensive, especially in an older home, where you may need to do extra work. Be sure to set aside some money as a contingency, in case any surprises come up.
2. Update Plumbing and Wiring
It’s common for older homes to have outdated plumbing and wiring, so you need to be prepared to update these systems. Homes built before 1960 probably have galvanized steel pipes, which are probably corroding and need to be replaced. You also may come across knob and tube or aluminum wiring, both of which are generally considered unsafe and don’t meet modern safety codes.
Even if your plumbing and wiring aren’t failing, you may want to update your systems anyway. Doing this will make sure your renovations will last you over the long haul and can improve the efficiency of your home, which will end up saving you money.
3. Fit Your Bathroom to Your Home’s Style
Every homeowner has a personal sense of style, and renovations are a great opportunity to make your home fit that style. This is especially true in older homes, which are more likely to have outdated looks that you’re desperate to replace.
However, you should keep the overall style of your home in mind when you’re planning your bathroom remodeling. While you should feel free to express yourself through your design, you’ll want to make sure you don’t stray too far from the overall look of your home, or your bathroom will stick out—usually not in a good way.
4. Choose Durable Materials
When it comes to renovations, there’s a constant battle between style and cost. While cheaper materials may help you get a certain look while staying within your budget, it’s important to consider the durability of the materials you choose. Saving money on the installation is great, but not if you end up spending more money just a few years later to replace it.
Because bathrooms are exposed to a lot of moisture, you should avoid materials that are extremely porous. For example, cabinets and counters made from particleboard and MDF may look good when they’re installed, but they’re susceptible to water damage.
5. Bathroom Renovations are for You, Not the Next Homeowner
Some homeowners renovate their bathrooms in order to increase their sale price. While bathrooms have a good return rate, the real value of a bathroom renovation is in making it something you’re going to enjoy using for years to come.
Renovating with an eye on selling can increase your resale value, but that also means the renovation needs to be less about you and more about installing generic fixtures and design features with broad appeal. Instead, think about how you can make your new bathroom work best for you.
Bathroom Remodeling Connecticut
When you’re looking to update your Connecticut bathrooms, don’t spend time googling “bath remodel CT.” Instead, call or contact the experts at Better Built Kitchens and Bathrooms, and we’ll design and install the bathroom of your dreams!