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Guide
The first question is whether you are keeping the current layout or changing it. Leaving the toilet, sink, and shower where they are keeps the plumbing in place and keeps costs down. Moving them, or turning a tub into a large walk-in shower, means new plumbing and usually more work under the floor. A layout change can be well worth it, but it turns a simple update into a bigger project. Decide this early.
The finishes are what you see, but waterproofing is what protects your home. Behind good tile there is a proper waterproof layer that keeps moisture out of the walls and floor. This is the step that separates a bathroom that lasts from one that grows mold and rots the framing in a few years. It is not glamorous and you will never see it, but it is the most important work in the room. Make sure it is done right, not rushed.
In our climate, moisture is a constant. A good exhaust fan that vents to the outside pulls damp air out and protects your paint, your walls, and your health. It is a small part of the budget that prevents big problems. If your current bathroom always feels damp or the paint peels, poor ventilation is often the reason.
Moving plumbing, changing electrical, or reworking the layout calls for a permit and an inspection. This is a good thing. A bathroom hides more plumbing and wiring than almost any space its size, and an inspection confirms the work behind the walls was done correctly. Skipping the permit here is a common shortcut that comes back to bite people when they sell.
The two things people most often wish they had done differently are storage and lighting. Think about where towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies will go before the layout is set. Plan lighting that works both for getting ready in the morning and for winding down at night. These are easy to build in early and hard to add later.
Bathrooms are famous for hidden surprises, because they deal with water. Old leaks may have caused damage you cannot see until the work opens things up. Leave room in your budget for this. It is far more common in a bathroom than in a dry room, so plan for it rather than hope against it.
Worth Properties is a licensed general contractor in Palm Beach County, license CGC 1541042. If you are planning a bathroom remodel and want it built to last, call 561-806-8987.
Related service: Bathroom Remodel