Bathroom Remodeling Columbia is a complex task. It requires careful planning to avoid costly mistakes and delays. The first step is determining how much you can afford to spend on the remodel. The next step is identifying what changes you want to make.

Layout changes include converting a tub into a shower, moving the toilet, or adding a second sink. Style changes include adding recessed lighting, updating switches and receptacles, and increasing storage.

The flooring choice is a major decision in any bathroom remodeling project. Depending on your budget and style preference, you may need to install new drywall before installing the flooring.

A popular choice for bathrooms is laminate. This material looks and feels like wood but has a stronger and more resilient surface than real wood, and it is less expensive than solid parquet. It also has the advantage of being easy to clean and moisture-resistant.

Tile is another common flooring option for bathrooms. It is stylish and comes in various colors, sizes, and pattern options to suit any budget. It is also very durable and easily cleaned, and it can be textured to add grip and reduce slipperiness.

If your home was built before 1979, your existing flooring might contain lead. It is important to have your flooring tested to ensure no hazardous lead levels are present.

Another option is a vinyl sheet, tile, or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). These products are water-resistant and come in a variety of colors and styles. They are also cheaper than tiles and can be easier to install as they don’t require the same substrate standards. They are particularly good for remodeling an older home. If you are considering using this type of flooring, check the manufacturer’s website for a list of approved installers.

Bathroom cabinets are usually at the center of a bathroom remodel project. If your cabinetry is worn or outdated, new cabinets are an easy upgrade to your bathroom. You can choose from a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes to enhance the look of your space.

Cabinets are typically made from particleboard, plywood, or medium-density fiberboard and are available in various sizes. Ready-to-assemble cabinets are the most budget-friendly option, but they’re not as durable as custom or stock cabinets. Custom cabinets are more expensive, but they’re built to order and offer a greater selection of materials and finishes.

A good bathroom remodeling contractor will know the best cabinets to install in your home based on your budget and personal style preferences. They can recommend the most durable, water-resistant cabinetry that will last for years.

The time it takes to complete a bathroom remodeling project depends on the amount of work required, complexity, and unexpected discoveries that might come up along the way. Small bathroom projects can often be completed in a single day, whereas larger projects may take several days or weeks. Once the bathroom renovation is complete, finishing touches can be added, such as window treatments, decorative storage containers, and pictures on the wall to make your bathroom feel like your own. Then, it’s time to relax in your new, improved space.

Upgrading countertops is one of the most impactful changes you can make to a bathroom. Freshly minted surfaces cleanse the space and define its style. Adding new countertop materials can also help you increase your home’s value.

Popular options include quartz, granite, and corian. These materials can withstand moisture and resist heat, making them ideal for the bathroom. They also look beautiful and are available in various color options. Choose a bolder shade to add drama if you want your countertop to be a focal point. However, remember that darker colors may show water spots more easily and require extra care to maintain appearance.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider laminate. It’s a great choice for guest bathrooms where you may not need a durable surface, but it’s not ideal for high-traffic areas like the master bath. It would be best to remember that laminate counters can swell when exposed to excess moisture, and they’re more likely to be damaged by hot appliances like curling irons.

Granite is a premium material that can add much value to your home. It’s a popular choice for kitchens, but it’s also becoming more common in bathrooms. While it’s more expensive than quartz upfront, it will probably hold its value better.

When remodeling a bathroom, lighting is one of the most important aspects of the project. You want to choose fixtures that are both energy-efficient and visually appealing. For example, select a semi-flush ceiling light for your bathroom to add a decorative touch and brighten the space simultaneously. You could also opt for recessed lighting over your tub to simultaneously provide task and ambient light. This type of lighting works well with metallic arboreal wallpaper and can help to reflect the light around the room for a brighter, more open space.

Layered lighting is a popular choice when it comes to bathroom lighting ideas. This type of lighting system uses three different types of lights – accent, task, and overall – to illuminate the room in layers. Accent lighting highlights certain bathroom areas, while task lights primarily focus on regions like vanity spaces. Overall lighting illuminates the entire bathroom to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.

If you plan to install a new light fixture in your bathroom, it’s a good idea to consult an expert to ensure your renovation is completed properly and safely. A licensed professional can point out issues and provide recommendations to avoid potential problems in the future. For example, they can ensure that any new fixtures are damp-rated for their location, and they’ll use the right bulb to render colors correctly.

If you add a new toilet, shower, or tub, your contractor will likely install piping. It’s always a good idea to upgrade your plumbing system when you do a major remodel to avoid costly issues.

Whether it’s an old leaky faucet or a non-functioning shower head, upgrading your bathroom fixtures can make the space more comfortable and efficient. It may even save you money on your water bills.

Refinishing your bathtub or shower will give the room a clean look without replacing the tub. If you do this, use a product designed for the job. Poor refinishing will result in a dull finish that is easy to mold and mildew.

A major consideration when considering a remodeling project is its potential impact on resale value. Luxury bathrooms will not pay off at selling time, but a modest, user-friendly layout and a focus on neutral colors will attract buyers.

Electricity is an essential part of any bathroom, and a renovation or remodel should include upgrading electrical and fixtures as needed. The minimum requirement for bathroom outlet receptacles is one GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet served by a 20-amp circuit. Outlets must be located 36 inches from the floor and away from sinks and bathtubs. Outlets should also be recessed and covered to reduce the risk of water damage.

Other important electrical upgrades include a bathroom exhaust fan with a GFCI motor and an RCD residual current device. The RCD will protect against shock by shutting off the power if it detects electricity flowing through a circuit where it shouldn’t. The exhaust fan will also help to reduce humidity in the bathroom.

Heated flooring is another popular upgrade and can add a luxurious feel to any bathroom. Working with a licensed electrician is important to ensure the system is installed correctly and safely.

During your bathroom remodeling project, it’s helpful to distinguish between layout changes and style upgrades. Layout changes include:

• Converting a tub into a shower.
• Moving or adding a toilet.
• Enlarging a shower or sink.
• Increasing storage space.

Style changes include updating light switches and outlets, changing the lights, or adding a new window. These changes can be easier to accomplish and may not require a permit.