Top 7 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Bathroom Remodel

One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make when starting a bathroom remodel is not being ready for it. Bathroom remodeling can be challenging, especially when you do it yourself. You may be surprised how much damage has been hiding in your bathroom for so long that it needs repair. Home may feel uncomfortable when remodeling disrupts daily use of the toilet for a long time. To be mentally and financially prepared for the challenges you’re most likely to face during your remodel, it is best to ask these essential questions before starting a remodel:

1. What’s your budget, and how flexible is it?

Being excited about turning your bathroom into a luxurious spa-like one is understandable. However, some homeowners get too ahead of themselves without considering their budget. It is best to be realistic about your budget. Prepare your desired bathroom design options and decide which financially makes the most sense. Here are some tips for finalizing your budget for a bathroom remodel:

• Get an accurate quote from your contractor for their bathroom remodeling services. Choose a trustworthy contractor to give you a reliable quote for their services with no hidden charges. Get a realistic estimated cost of materials to be purchased and find alternative options with the help of experienced professionals.

• Be flexible by including a contingency cost for expenses that are sometimes difficult to estimate in the initial quote of your bathroom remodel. Consider reasonable changes in the pricing of materials in your budget. This way, you will not be overwhelmed with sudden changes in the costs considered for your bathroom remodel.

Understanding the financial aspects of a bathroom remodel is crucial. This will help you ensure a smooth and well-budgeted bathroom remodel journey.

2. What’s your primary goal?

Having a set of clear and well-defined goals for your bathroom remodel can make a world of difference. Understand your needs when setting a goal. These goals will serve as your guide in successfully planning your bathroom remodel. Here are some of the goals homeowners typically have when planning their bathroom remodeling projects:

• Upgraded Aesthetics

A refreshed look can enhance your home's value and appeal. Upgrading from an old style to a modern one that fits your lifestyle can bring your home’s aesthetic appeal to a new level.

Fig. 1. From an old style bathroom remodeled into a modern luxurious bathroom by Modern Handymen

• Better Functionality
  
  

A bathroom remodel allows you to optimize your layout and space for better functionality. It can also create a spa-like experience for users and increase storage space to organize essentials.

• Improved Energy Efficiency

Installing new water-saving fixtures in your remodeled bathroom can significantly reduce water and light consumption, lowering energy bills.

• Enhanced Safety and Accessibility

Due to the bathroom’s limited space and constant water exposure, safety and accessibility can sometimes be compromised. Remodeling your bathroom by adding grab bars, installing anti-slip flooring, or creating wider doorways for walkers can ensure the bathroom remains functional for all stages of life. Your remodeled bathroom with safety and accessibility features appeals to users planning to age in place.

Fig. 2. Installed grab bars at bathtub for added safety in a bathroom remodeled by Modern Handymen

• Replaced Bathroom Fixtures

Bathroom fixtures play a functional and decorative role in every bathroom. If your outdated bathroom fixtures bother you, consider replacing them with newer models. A new bathtub can transform your ordinary bathing experience into a more relaxing and efficient one. New lighting fixtures can also change the mood of any bathroom, allowing users to experience a spa-like treat.

Fig. 3. An upgraded lighting fixture and bathtub creates a- Spa-like bathroom experience in Nashville

3. Are there underlying issues like plumbing or mold that need addressing?

Underlying plumbing issues can be a big nuisance for homeowners. Some common plumbing problems that require immediate repairs include a smell in your bathroom due to clogged sewer lines, water ponding due to clogged drains, overflowing toilets, and moldy areas due to leaky pipes. These bathroom problems can cause water damage, mold growth, and, worst of all, structural damage. A bathroom remodel allows you to fix these underlying issues while upgrading your bathroom space.

Fig. 4. An underlying toilet plumbing issue repaired by Modern Handymen prior to bathroom remodel in Nashville

4. What materials and finishes do you prefer?

Since the bathroom is one of the most frequently used spaces in every home, choosing the right materials and finishes for your bathroom is key to a more comfortable and functional space. Invest in materials and finishes that are water-resistant, easy to clean, and durable to maintain a long-lasting bathroom. Understanding the pros and cons of each material will help you make informed decisions for your bathroom remodel. As you plan your bathroom remodel, focusing on its overall design and the quality and durability of the materials and finishes used is essential.

5. How will this remodel add value to your home?

Bathroom remodeling is one of the best and fastest ways to increase the value of your home. If you are one of the many homeowners planning to re-sell your house, a clean and well-maintained bathroom of an old house is not enough to mark up its resale value. Bathroom remodeling allows homeowners to upscale their bathrooms by adding key features to improve their aesthetics and functionality. According to Remodeling magazine’s cost vs. value report for 2024, a homeowner can expect a return on investment of 73.7% with a mid-range bathroom remodel. Net return for bathroom remodeling has significantly increased since 2020 by 10%. A successful bathroom remodel is a smart investment, improving your home’s appeal to potential buyers.

6. What’s the expected timeline, and how will it affect daily life?

Embarking on a bathroom remodel is an intricate process that requires careful planning, not significantly affecting daily living. A timeline is set to streamline the step-by-step process of a bathroom remodel and help homeowners make informed decisions. Remodeling will likely hamper daily bathroom use at home. The time to complete a bathroom remodel depends on many factors, including the size of the bathroom, the scope of work, and the skill of the bathroom remodeler. Therefore, homeowners and remodelers should agree on a timeline to avoid delays and untoward incidents.

7. Have you hired a contractor who is experienced in bathroom remodeling?

While DIY can be budget-friendly, there are a few bathroom remodeling tasks that most people can’t complete because they lack the necessary skills. You can spend more when there is a re-work due to failed results in your bathroom remodel. An experienced contractor saves you time with quality results in your bathroom remodel. If you want something done correctly, it is best to hire experienced professionals. Hiring an experienced contractor will save you time and energy so you can focus more on other important things.

Modern Handymen is a team of trusted professionals for bathroom remodeling in Nashville and Brentwood, TN. With a wealth of experience in the bathroom remodel industry and home improvements, Modern Handymen can guide you from bathroom designs to a successful bathroom remodel. If you’d like more help determining what options may work best for your bathroom remodeling project, Modern Handymen is here to help you. Need guidance? Contact our team for a consultation at 615-200-8071 and start that remodeling journey for your bathroom.