What to Consider Before Starting a Bathroom Design
Do you know how to design a bathroom? For most homeowners, this skill does not come easy. Such a large remodeling scope in such a small space requires planning down to the most miniscule detail.
Bathroom design is so much more than placing a few cabinets next to each other. It involves choosing products that will stand the test of time while staying within budget in addition to project management. Are you prepared to handle these tasks?
To get you ready, we will walk through the basics of bathroom design. Explore some common questions, basic bathroom layouts, what to look for in products and much more below.
3 Types of Bathroom Designs
Starting your project, it’s important to understand what type of bathroom you have and what they are typically used for. Are you planning to expand? Enlarging an existing space is possible, but it doesn’t always come easy. Adding fixtures to existing spaces will increase your remodeling costs, so explore 3 common bathroom layouts and how they might affect your budget here.
Half-Bath
Half-baths are the smallest type of bathroom. It offers one sink and one lavatory making it a great option for a powder room off the living or dining room. This is the bathroom most often used by guests during holidays or entertaining.
Generally, these are the least expensive to remodel because there is no bath or shower. This is also a great place to use decorative wall coverings because of the lack of humidity. A half-bath gives you lots of flexibility to have fun with modern bathroom design ideas and use your creativity.
Three-Quarter Bath
Three-quarter bathrooms are most common in master bedroom ensuites. In this bathroom you will find one sink, one lavatory and a shower. A bathroom with these fixtures is mostly used by the homeowners rather than outside guests.
Typically, three-quarter baths are some of the most expensive remodels because homeowners like a bathroom space that doubles as a relaxing retreat. They are more likely to spend higher amounts of money here to get the look and function they want. Usually high-end countertops like quartz, marble and granite are used along with stunning patterned tiles in unique color combinations and walk-in showers with glass surrounds.
Full Bath
Full bathrooms are usually used for guests or between secondary bedrooms on another floor. They include each of the four main fixtures including one sink, one lavatory, a shower and a bathtub. Sometimes the shower and bathtub can be combined to save space.
Like three-quarter bath remodels, this type of interior bathroom design can also be somewhat expensive. However, budgets and overall pricing can always differ based on the homeowner's personal preferences. Although it’s not the master bath, many people still choose to do some high-end cabinets and materials in this space to improve home value.
What's Your Project Scope?
Along with different bathroom sizes comes project scope. What you decide to do will drastically impact your budget. Is it a small renovation or a full-scale remodel? Let’s explore different bathroom remodeling scopes below.
Small Bathroom Remodel
Although small bathroom designs may not sound substantial, they can still have a major impact. Small bathroom remodels typically involve some variation of paint, refinishing a vanity cabinet and new cabinet hardware, faucets and mirrors. These tend to be more aesthetic upgrades than anything else and the least expensive.
Medium Bathroom Remodel
Mid-range bath remodels start to involve higher priced items. They often include paint, a new vanity cabinet, cabinet hardware, faucets, sinks, countertops, mirrors, flooring and more. Completing a medium bathroom remodel can significantly improve home value and function.
Large Bathroom Remodel
As you might assume, large bathroom remodels leave no stone unturned. This type of remodel is a top-to-bottom upgrade that sometimes involves expanding the bathroom and even relocating utilities like plumbing and electric. Most often this remodel will include new products like a vanity cabinet, hardware, faucets, countertops, mirrors, flooring, lighting, in-floor heat, fans, tile, glass shower surrounds, soaker tubs and more.
Every project is unique because each homeowner is unique. Where some homeowners want a bathroom covered in tile, another might want wood paneled walls with colorful accents. As you do your research, read ultimate bathroom guides and start talking to designers and product experts for rough pricing. The cost of a bathroom remodel can vary widely. A rough idea of the cost will get you on the right track for a successful project.
5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before a Bath Remodel
We all know how big a bathroom remodel can be. With a project that includes this much forethought and planning, ask yourself good questions before making any concrete plans. After all, your preparation can determine whether you go over budget or stay under budget. Let’s explore some key questions to help you navigate big decisions that will define your project.
- Who will be using this bathroom?
Determine who will be using the bathroom most often. Will it be your kids, guests, grandchildren or yourself? By exploring all possible options, this will help guide you in your choices whether it be design, or products based on durability and longevity.
- Will this be a high-traffic bathroom?
Tying into the previous question, you will want to know if this bathroom will be in constant use. For some homeowners, busier bathrooms mean they will use less expensive products that they can replace as needed in the future. Other homeowners might choose more durable products with a higher price tag, so they don’t have to update for years and vice versa for low-traffic bathrooms.
- What type of bathroom is this? (Powder, full bath etc.)
Looking at the number of fixtures in your bathroom will give you insight into remodeling costs. Powder rooms, for example, will usually be less expensive than a 4-fixture bathroom design because there’s less to replace and update.
- What is your goal for the project?
Figuring out scope will help you develop a realistic budget and timeline. Start planning out the scale of your remodel whether big or small. At this point it’s best to get preliminary pricing and start planning your budget.
- DIY or professional installation?
Deciding to hire an installer or not will greatly impact your budget. With installation costing up to 50 percent of your overall budget, you can make the choice to hire it out or take on the hard work yourself to save some money. Before making your decision, consider your experience level and the number of tools you own. Tool rental and inexperience may cost more than you think.
Bathroom Remodeling Checklist
Interior bathroom designs include an expansive list of products and services. All of which, you will need to coordinate and select unless you are working with a professional designer. Below is a list of everything you will need to choose if you’re remodeling a 4-fixture bathroom. For smaller bathrooms, the checklist will probably be less. This is for general reference to understand the number of product selections and other potential fees you might come across.
- Cabinets
- Shower and tub
- Faucets and plumbing
- Doors and windows
- Vent fan and lighting
- Tile and flooring
- Sinks
- Countertops
- Toilets
- Permits
- Demo and prep
- General contractor
What to Look for in Quality Bathroom Design Products
When it’s time to start shopping, quality products are of utmost importance to make sure your remodel lasts. Choose products that are durable, water-resistant and all-around a good choice for your family. After all, most bathrooms are heavily used on a regular basis. Here is what to look for in the few top categories.
Cabinets
For many homeowners, cabinets can be a foreign concept. Over time, cabinet hardware has become more advanced and there are more wood species and finishes to choose from than ever. If you want a high-quality cabinet, look for these characteristics: soft-close hardware, dovetail hardwood drawer boxes, mortise and tenon joinery, bumper pads and at least ½-inch side return panels. These are indicators of quality cabinets that will last for years to come.
Countertops
The best finishes for a bathroom are easy to clean. When it comes to countertops, that means products that are durable and stain resistant. Quartz and pre-sealed granite are some of the most popular options to choose from. Each offers unique benefits. Granite has beautiful natural veining while quartz offers incredible durability with impressive stone-like patterns.
Faucets
Although it’s tempting to save money, avoid cheap faucets. Go for a slightly nicer brand than the big-box store label. Most nicer brands offer better warranties, nicer finishes and even ceramic disc valves instead of plastic. This means your faucet will stay air-tight and work well through many uses.
Lighting
As one of the main places people get ready for work and events, bathrooms need lots of light. Consider using all kinds of light in this space including ambient, accent and task lighting. To find high-quality lighting, go to specialty lighting stores. Like faucets, spending a little more for quality light fixtures will give you nicer finishes, a longer lifespan for the fixture and a better warranty.
Toilets
Shopping for toilets may be the last on your list of exciting products to shop for. But everyone knows a bad toilet can become the bane of your existence. Get it right the first time by looking for a toilet with the following qualities: pressure-assisted flush, water-saving features, a glazed trap way to prevent clogs and an elongated bowl for a more comfortable design.
Why You Need a Professional Designer
In our DIY culture it can be easy to think you don’t need a bathroom designer. It’s simple to learn anything you want off YouTube or step-by-step tutorials, right? There are designers and industry professionals everywhere saying ‘watch my video’ or ‘read this blog’ to find out everything there is to know on said topic.
What they don’t tell you is nothing can replace specific expert advice on your project. It may be possible to piece together information from multiple sources, but at the end of the day, why not talk to an expert who has your best interest in mind? Not to mention they will help you for free.
Those professionals who care about your project are CliqStudios designers. With over 100+ years of professional experience and 50,000 plus projects completed, they can help you achieve your goals. Whether you want a small-scale bathroom design update or a large luxurious upgrade, they are here to help guide you with budgeting, trends, cabinet lines and more. Plus, there is no pressure to purchase making it a no-brainer.
Ready for professional design help? Contact a CliqStudios designer for assistance now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you DIY a bathroom remodel?
Yes, you can complete a DIY bathroom remodel. Take stock of your skillset before committing to such a large project along with the tools you own. Sometimes it’s easier to save money doing a few things yourself like DIY vanity installation or tiling while leaving more complicated jobs to the professionals. Keep in mind that some aspects may need a licensed professional or permits to be completed.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
On average a bathroom remodel takes around 3 – 4 weeks. This is all dependent on the project scope, how many professionals are being brought in and what’s being upgraded. If your plans involve rerouting or moving plumbing and electrical, the project may take longer. Talk to a professional CliqStudios designer to start your bathroom design today!
What should a bathroom remodel cost?
The average bathroom remodeling cost range is $2,500 - $29,000. With a range this wide, it’s hard to estimate what your costs with be without researching materials and getting labor estimates. Material costs are made up of many products like countertops, vanity cabinets, plumbing, light fixtures, and bathroom fans. Costs for each category can be adjusted based on your personal preferences and product choices, but the most common prices for each category are included below.
- Labor: 50%
- Materials: 45%
- Permits: 5%
Will a bathroom remodel increase home value?
Yes. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value report, the average mid-range bathroom remodel saw a 73.7% recoup on investment. That was with an initial investment of $25,251 and a return of $18,613 on the renovation. Talk to a CliqStudios designer to get started on your bathroom design today!
