6 Steps to a Successful Bathroom Remodel

Whether you plan to sell your home in six months or stay in it until the grandkids go to college, you want a bathroom remodel that stands the test of time. Following is our six-step guide to a beautiful new bathroom.

1. Develop a Plan
   The average bathroom remodel takes around 10 to 12 weeks to complete. You want to spend at least as much time planning your remodel, and most experts recommend doubling that.
   Factors to consider include the materials you want to use, how to use the space, and, of course, your budget. The amount you have to spend dictates everything else. If money's tight, look for items you can perform yourself, such as installing shelving, baseboard trim, and towel bars.
   

2. Hire a Design Team
   Even on smaller projects, such as replacing cabinets, sink, and countertops, it makes sense to hire someone who specializes in bathroom remodeling. Your designer helps you develop your ideal layout and get the most out of your budget and available space. One-stop-shops also help coordinate all of your contractors, which is a big help when completing a full bathroom renovation.
   

3. Don't Change the Footprint
   Unless you absolutely must have a larger room or move plumbing fixtures, it makes sense to keep your existing footprint. The most expensive items in any renovation are demolition and reconstruction, followed closely by revamping plumbing or electrical.
   Your designer can walk you through tricks to make the most out of the space you have available.
   

4. Use a Neutral Color Scheme
   When it comes to bathroom cabinets, floors, and countertops, you want a neutral color palette. Whites, creams, beiges, and grays are all timeless choices that coordinate with any design. And, when the time comes to sell your home, your bathroom won't look dated or scare away potential buyers.
   Of course, you also want your bathroom to look and feel like you. A neutral palette is good for that, too. Get as colorful and bold as you want with rugs, window treatments, wall colors, and decorative items. You can even change them down the line and the neutral tones of your permanent features won't clash.

5. Make a Big Impact with Lighting
   When it comes to getting more bang for your remodeling buck, lighting is one of your most economical choices. Ideally, you want task lighting above your vanity mirror as well as vertical side fixtures to eliminate shadows. Since not everyone is the same height, consider four-bulb vertical fixtures that span around 24" of mirror length.
   A bulb's lumens rating tells you how bright it is. Recommendations for your bathroom vary according to where the lighting is installed. In the water closet or toilet area, look for 45 lumens. Above the sink, 450 lumens. Around the vanity, 1,680 lumens.

6. Increase Storage
   Most bathrooms have limited storage space, which is unfortunate since they're also the rooms where most people have a lot of items in need of a home. In addition to towels you have personal care products such as lotions and deodorant, toilet paper, and hair styling items such as blow dryers and brushes.
   In addition to cabinets, you can install portable shelving that stands over the toilet tank as well as more permanent shelves on blank wall space, such as the area over towel bars. Use a basket to store clean towels and a hat rack to hang wet towels.
   If you get creative and take the time to plan your project, you can make a success of any bathroom remodel.