Taking on a bathroom remodel requires a blend of practicality and creativity. You want to absolutely love your space’s new design while also making it functional. After all, it is a space where you spend a significant amount of your time.
Bathroom remodeling involves more than simply choosing tile or paint colors. It’s selecting the bathroom fixtures, storage, and lighting. In a space that can sometimes be tricky to navigate with layout and size constraints, every inch matters!
Our bathroom remodeling blog has our top tips for a seamless bathroom upgrade that reflects your personality and fits your lifestyle.
9 Steps to a Successful Bathroom Remodel
1. Set a budget.
Setting a budget is the cornerstone of any bathroom remodel. Without a clear budget, costs can quickly spiral out of control.
Budgets help determine your priorities. For example, if you have your heart set on a vintage porcelain bathroom fixture, you can splurge on this piece, while allocating less of your budget to other bathroom design choices that aren’t as important to you. Don’t forget to factor in expenses like materials and labor and any unforeseen contingencies (see step 5)!
2. Plan and design.
Bringing in a skilled contractor at this stage is highly beneficial, and effective communication with your contractor is vital. Many people also consult a designer for their project! Beyond helping you select finishes and products, a professional designer can make the process less overwhelming while ensuring an elevated finished space.
Your vision will lay the groundwork, while your contractor’s expertise will provide valuable insights into the feasibility of bringing your vision to life. Contractors can offer ideas to maximize space, suggest materials that fit your budget and style, and navigate the complexities of building codes and permits.
Now is also the perfect time to dream big — maybe a double sink bathroom vanity is a must-have, or a walk-in shower with a waterfall showerhead has always been on your wishlist. Every choice should marry functionality with your personal aesthetic preferences. If you like to stay on top of the trends, check out what bathroom trends are in style.
3. Research and gather ideas.
Whether you choose to gather inspiration online or in person at a bath gallery, the possibilities are endless for your bathroom remodeling plan.
Design showrooms, like the Immerse showroom in St. Louis, allow you to “immerse yourself in innovation” with a private showroom tour of some of the best bath brands around the world, including Waterworks, Brizo, TOTO, Dornbracht, and more. Immerse’s bathroom experts are on hand to show you the latest shower systems, elegant bathroom mirrors, and luxurious shower tiles — allowing you to touch and see the pieces you’re interested in all in person to determine what is the best choice for your space.
4. Select fixtures and materials.
Traditional or modern? Farmhouse or industrial? Each fixture and material you choose brings unique texture, color, and style to set the tone for your bathroom’s overall look.
If you’re looking for a timeless bathroom, choose neutral finishes and clean lines for your tile and hardware but experiment with paint color (step 7) and less traditional shapes for other accessories, like your bathroom mirror.
5. Complete demolition, prep, and plumbing/electrical work.
Your bathroom design selections are made, and it’s time for your contractor to take the reins. It’s during this step that surprises may be uncovered, such as water damage or outdated electrical work. Rest assured: these hidden issues are normal but should be resolved to ensure a solid foundation for your dream bathroom.
6. Install bathroom remodel selections.
Your dream bathroom is about to become real — finally! Your meticulously picked bathroom sink cabinet, shower tile floor, and maybe even a washlet (find out if a washlet is worth it here) are carefully installed. Every item you’ve selected will transform your vision into a tangible reality.
7. Paint and do the finishing touches.
The main pieces are in and the focus shifts to the all-important finishing touches that make the space your own, like paint color or wall coverings, bathroom cabinet hardware, heated towel bars, and other small, yet impactful, luxury bathroom accessories.
8. Pass your final inspection.
Completing a bathroom remodel is a significant achievement. The final inspection is an essential moment when your new bathroom is thoroughly assessed to ensure that all safety standards have been met and that the final result aligns with your vision.
It’s the grand seal of approval you’ve been waiting for, and it showcases the hard work and attention to detail that went into every aspect of the project.
9. Enjoy!
Congratulations, you’ve successfully completed your bathroom remodel and can now bask in all your hard work!
Should your style evolve or tastes shift, don’t worry; you’re not stuck with the changes you made. We will be here when you’re ready to rejuvenate your bathroom again (or tackle your next space)!
Get started on your bathroom remodel
Are you ready to revamp your bathroom? Bathroom remodels don’t have to be daunting, Immerse is here to help each step of the way! Book a showroom tour with your contractor for expert design inspiration.
