The Basics of Bathroom Renovation
Renovating your bathroom requires a clever balance of aesthetics and function. Not only will you enjoy a beautifully designed project, but also a well-constructed bathroom can increase the value of your home. Upon resale, renovating or adding a bathroom can recoup between 63% to 71% of the costs.
A typical bathroom remodel in Putnam County ranges from $7,000 to $80,000. The average renovation is $12,000. The most noticeable elements, such as tiles and fixtures, set the feel as they are front and center. Whether your aesthetic is modern, vintage, or otherwise, your needs will dictate functionality.
Obviously, size matters and will impact your investment. The four common types of bathrooms are:
- powder rooms – usually 15 square feet (3 * 5)
- hall baths – usually 40 square feet (8 * 5)
- en-suite master baths – 50+ square feet
- luxury bathrooms – 100+ square feet
Bathrooms are some of your home’s most highly trafficked spaces. Choose your materials carefully. For example, while wood creates a nice look, it poses a problem when exposed to moisture or water. More practical choices for bathroom flooring include tile, vinyl, or other non-slip options.
Be sure you have an adequate window or fan that vents efficiently to prevent moisture buildup. The vent will clear the steam off the mirrors and wick away excessive moisture, reducing mold and mildew buildup. Install ventilation large enough to keep the room dry without being excessively noisy.
Lighting: Aesthetics and Function
There are three types of lighting:
- ambient – which includes recessed fixtures, pendants, or chandeliers
- task – typically in the vanity area for routines such as shaving or putting on makeup
- accent lighting – highlights specific areas or to eliminate shadows
The right light sets the bathroom feel and influences perceptions, such as making a small space feel larger. Frosted glass or semi-opaque shades soften the brightness shining directly toward you. Use dimmer switches as another way to control how your space illuminates.
Organization and Storage Solutions
To achieve a more spacious feeling, keep your bathroom clutter-free. Your bathroom can quickly become overrun with cosmetics, toiletries, and grooming products. Various storage space options can improve functionality:
- under-sink cabinets
- floating shelves
- wall-mounted racks or soap dish
- decorative items
- shower niche
Consider a mix of open and closed storage or try frosted door inserts to break up the look of the space.
Wall-mounted cabinets are another excellent storage solution to remove stuff from your vanity countertop. Use containers or trays inside drawers or cabinets to keep organized. Add a USB port or electric outlet inside your medicine cabinet for devices such as electric toothbrushes. Other built-in storage options include hampers or even a toilet paper dispenser.
Get creative with colors
Choosing the perfect paint color involves more than just picking a color you like. Make sure that your choice complements your decor. Factor in the size and lighting of the space.
Light and neutral shades make smaller bathrooms look bigger and brighter. Darker tones add depth and create a dramatic, sophisticated atmosphere in larger bathrooms. Add colorful tiles to a backsplash, shower or accent wall to jazz-up your space.
Stylish upgrades for your bathroom remodel
A freestanding tub for a relaxing hot soak can provide an excellent oasis to a master bathroom. With more locational flexibility than a built-in tub, you could consider positioning it near a window to look outside as you sit in your bubbles.
A steam shower is another way to recreate a spa-like experience at home, though it can be pricey. For another touch of luxury, radiant heating can warm up your stone or tile floors. For a more modest way to add heat, consider a heated towel bar.
In short, a bathroom renovation can create a calm, stylish refuge you will enjoy for years and can even pay off at resale.
At Kevin Roberts Painting, we have provided expert painting and renovation services to Westchester and Putnam for almost four decades. Since 1986, we have helped homeowners choose the colors and materials best suited to their preferences and needs. If you have any questions or would like to get a free estimate, call us today (914) 741-2791 or book an appointment.
