Your bathroom sees more daily use than almost any other room in your house. Yet most homeowners live with outdated fixtures, cramped layouts, and poor lighting for years before taking action. One of the best things you can do to increase the value of your home is to add a bathroom, or at least remodel an existing one. Even if you are not planning to sell anytime soon, a nice bathroom can add considerably to your comfort. A bathroom remodel can be quite disruptive, especially if there is just one bathroom in the house. It can also be messy and time-consuming. So, you want to make sure you get it right the first time.
To do that, you have to plan it very carefully. It helps to have a professional contractor like Granite ASAP to carry out the project for you. But there are some things you can do before getting in touch to make your bathroom remodel an awesome one.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Bathroom Remodel Options
The scope of your bathroom project depends on your goals, budget, and timeline. Simple remodels focus on updating finishes and fixtures while keeping the existing layout intact. Full renovations involve gutting the space and rebuilding from scratch, often including layout changes and structural modifications. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right approach for your situation and budget.
Surface-Level Remodels
These projects refresh your bathroom’s appearance without major construction or plumbing changes:
Fresh paint in moisture-resistant formulas
Updated lighting fixtures and vanity mirrors
New granite countertops on existing vanities
Modern faucets and shower heads
Updated cabinet hardware and towel bars
Frameless glass shower doors
New toilet seats and accessories
Decorative tile backsplashes behind vanities
Moderate Bathroom Remodels
These upgrades involve some construction while maintaining the basic room layout:
New vanity cabinets with improved storage
Walk-in shower conversions from tub/shower combos
Updated flooring throughout the space
Enhanced lighting with recessed fixtures
New toilet installation with modern features
Tile work on walls and shower areas
Improved ventilation systems
Additional storage solutions
Full Bathroom Renovations
Complete overhauls transform everything about your bathroom space:
Layout changes, including plumbing relocations
Structural modifications like wall removal
All new electrical and plumbing systems
Custom vanities with double sinks
Luxury features like heated floors
High-end finishes, including natural stone
Built-in storage and organizational systems
Accessibility features and safety upgrades
Start With Your Layout
Room dimensions dictate many design decisions. Measure your space carefully, noting door swings, window locations, and existing plumbing positions. Moving plumbing lines adds substantial cost to any remodeling project, so work with your current layout when possible.
Walk-in shower installations require adequate floor space for comfortable movement. Standard recommendations call for at least 36 inches of clear space in front of toilets and vanities. Double vanity setups need sufficient wall length plus room for two people to stand comfortably.
Consider traffic flow patterns throughout your planning process. Bathroom doors shouldn’t swing into other fixtures or block access to storage areas. Plan the placement of towel bars, toilet paper holder locations, and other accessories before finalizing your layout.
Setting a Realistic Budget
When planning your bathroom renovation, expect to spend anywhere from $2,500 to $30,000, depending on your goals. Simple updates like fresh paint and new fixtures keep expenses manageable, while luxury finishes and major layout changes can push costs significantly higher. Most homeowners find themselves somewhere in the middle, around $12,120.
Labor dominates your budget since skilled contractors charge premium rates. Beyond the daily fees, plumbing modifications add substantial expense, especially when moving existing pipes. Materials like granite countertops and quality tile contribute to the total, but unexpected discoveries behind walls often become the real budget surprises. Always add an extra cushion for those hidden issues.
Ways to Stretch Your Budget
Timing your bathroom renovation during contractors’ slower seasons often yields better pricing. Many professionals offer discounts during the winter months when outdoor work decreases. Book early for the best selection of qualified contractors.
Standard-sized fixtures and materials cost less than custom options. Stick to common dimensions for vanities, shower enclosures, and tile layouts when possible. Special orders add weeks to your timeline, plus significant expense.
Keeping existing plumbing locations saves thousands compared to major layout changes. Work with your current toilet, sink, and shower positions unless moving them solves serious functional problems. Focus your budget on finishes and fixtures instead.
Choosing Materials That Last
Your material choices determine how your bathroom looks and performs for years to come. Water, steam, and daily use put serious stress on surfaces, so investing in quality materials upfront saves headaches later. The trick lies in knowing where to splurge and where you can save without compromising durability.
Flooring Options for Wet Areas
Porcelain Tile – The gold standard for bathroom floors due to exceptional water resistance and durability. Large format options minimize grout lines for cleaner looks and easier maintenance. Textured surfaces provide better slip resistance near showers and tubs.
Natural Stone – Marble and granite create an undeniable luxury appeal but demand more maintenance than ceramic alternatives. Regular sealing prevents staining and water damage. Consider stone accents rather than full installations to balance beauty with practicality.
Luxury Vinyl Plank – Modern LVP has improved dramatically in recent years, with excellent moisture resistance and a comfortable underfoot feel. Installation costs significantly less than tile while delivering attractive, realistic wood and stone looks.
Heated Floor Systems – Electric radiant heating mats are installed under tile or stone surfaces for comfort during cold mornings. Programmable thermostats warm floors before morning routines begin, adding luxury without major expense.
Wall Treatments and Tile Selection
Subway tile never goes out of style and works with virtually any bathroom design. White subway tile creates timeless appeal, while colored versions add personality without overwhelming small spaces. Consider different laying patterns like herringbone for visual interest.
Large-format tiles make small bathrooms appear larger by reducing visual break lines. However, cutting large tiles for complex layouts requires professional tools and experience. Balance size with your installation budget and skill level.
Accent walls behind vanities or in shower areas let you use premium materials without breaking your budget. Focus expensive tile in high-impact areas while using more affordable options elsewhere.
Countertop Materials for Vanities
Your vanity countertop takes a beating from daily routines, water splashes, and bathroom products. The right material balances beauty with practicality while standing up to moisture and frequent use. Here’s how the top options stack up for bathroom applications.
Granite – Natural beauty meets exceptional durability with unique patterns and colors in every slab. Resists scratches, heat, and moisture when properly sealed. Works beautifully with both traditional and modern bathroom designs while offering excellent value for the investment.
Engineered Quartz – Delivers consistent patterns and colors with minimal maintenance requirements. Never needs sealing like natural stone, making it ideal for busy family bathrooms. Brands like Silestone, Caesarstone, and Cambria offer superior stain resistance, though expect higher costs than granite.
Marble – Creates an undeniably elegant, luxury appeal that elevates any bathroom design. Requires careful maintenance to prevent etching and staining from acidic products. Best suited for powder rooms or low-use bathrooms where exposure to harsh cleaners is minimal.
Quartzite – Combines natural stone beauty with superior durability compared to marble. Harder surface resists scratches and heat better than other natural stones. Requires periodic sealing but offers unique patterns that engineered materials cannot replicate.
Essential Bathroom Features for Modern Living
Today’s bathrooms need to work harder than ever. Beyond basic function, your space should organize daily chaos, accommodate multiple users, and adapt to changing needs over time. Smart planning during renovation creates solutions that actually improve how your family lives.
Smart Ways to Stay Organized
Built into walls, medicine cabinets provide storage without eating up precious floor space. While recessed installations need adequate wall depth, they create clean, finished looks that beat surface-mounted alternatives. Look for models with electrical outlets inside for charging electric toothbrushes and devices.
For daily organization, vanity storage delivers the biggest impact on bathroom function. Instead of traditional doors, drawers let you access items tucked in back corners without emptying everything first. During cabinet planning, carve out dedicated spots for hair dryers, cleaning supplies, and fresh towels.
Inside your shower, built-in niches keep products within reach without cluttering ledges or relying on hanging caddies. During the design phase, plan niche locations carefully to ensure proper waterproofing and attractive proportions. Rather than one large opening, multiple smaller niches usually work better for organizing different products.
Lighting for Function and Ambiance
Without proper lighting, even the most beautiful bathroom becomes frustrating to use. Dark corners make daily routines harder, while harsh overhead lights create unflattering shadows for grooming tasks. Layering different light sources transforms your space into something both functional and relaxing.
Around your vanity, eliminating shadows becomes crucial for grooming tasks like shaving or applying makeup. When wall space allows, fixtures on both sides of mirrors provide the most even illumination. In narrower spaces, single fixtures above mirrors work but create more shadows across your face.
Keeping Moisture Under Control
Without proper ventilation, your beautiful new bathroom becomes a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and expensive damage. Steam from hot showers creates havoc on finishes, while trapped moisture rots wood and peels paint. Getting air circulation right protects your investment for years to come.
For effective moisture removal, exhaust fans need to move air volume equal to your room’s cubic footage every hour. Sizing fans appropriately for your specific space dimensions ensures adequate performance without excessive noise. Underpowered fans leave moisture lingering, while oversized units waste energy and create unnecessary noise.
After showers, timer switches keep fans running long enough to clear remaining humidity from the air. Motion-activated models automatically start when someone enters, while humidity sensors detect rising moisture levels and activate fans as needed. These smart controls ensure proper ventilation without relying on family members to remember.
Fixture Selection for Style and Efficiency
Your fixture choices define how your bathroom functions daily while setting the overall style tone. Beyond looks, today’s fixtures deliver impressive efficiency gains that lower utility bills and reduce environmental impact. Smart selection balances performance, comfort, and long-term value.
Toilets That Perform and Save Water
Today’s efficient models use just 1.28 gallons per flush while still handling waste removal effectively. For even better water savings, dual-flush options let you choose different volumes for liquid versus solid waste. Over time, these efficiency improvements add up to noticeable reductions in your water bills.
At 17-19 inches from floor to seat, comfort height models sit higher than standard 15-inch toilets. This extra elevation makes sitting and standing easier for people with mobility challenges while feeling more comfortable for most adults. If family members have physical limitations, this upgrade proves worth the modest additional cost.
For ultra-modern aesthetics, wall-mounted units create sleek appearances while making floor cleaning much easier. However, installation demands robust in-wall carriers and significant plumbing modifications during construction. Save this option for complete renovations where wall framing can accommodate the necessary support systems.
Shower and Bathtub Options
How you bathe sets the tone for your entire day, so getting your shower and tub choices right matters more than you might think. Whether you’re a quick-rinse person or love long soaks, the right setup makes your routine smoother and more enjoyable.
Walk-in showers eliminate those annoying barriers that can trip you up, especially when you’re half-awake in the morning. Curbless entries work beautifully for families planning to age in place, though proper drainage and waterproofing become absolutely critical to prevent water from escaping into your bedroom.
When it comes to shower heads, your daily comfort depends heavily on what you choose. Rain heads deliver that luxurious spa feeling, while handheld units give you flexibility for everything from washing kids to cleaning the shower itself. Don’t forget thermostatic valves – they keep water temperature steady and prevent those shocking temperature swings when someone flushes a toilet.
In larger bathrooms, freestanding tubs become gorgeous focal points that guests always notice. You’ll need adequate space around all sides, though, so built-in models work better in tighter quarters while still giving you that relaxing soak after long days. Think honestly about your family’s bathing habits before committing to either option.
Vanity and Sink Configurations
When space allows, double vanities end those morning battles over mirror time. You’ll need at least 36 inches between sink centers and 6 inches from each sink to walls or other fixtures for comfortable use. Don’t forget electrical outlets at each station – nobody wants to share hair dryer space or stretch cords across the counter.
Floating vanities give bathrooms that clean, modern look while making floor cleaning much easier underneath. Wall mounting demands proper blocking behind drywall since these cabinets support their own weight, plus people leaning against counters. Skip the DIY approach here. A professional installation prevents expensive failures down the road.
Maximizing Your Investment
You’re dropping a chunk of change on this renovation, so you want choices that actually pay off. Getting it right means enjoying your new space daily while protecting what you’ve spent when it’s time to sell.
Features That Add Resale Value
Updated bathrooms consistently rank among the top improvements for return on investment. Focus on elements that appeal to broad audiences rather than highly personal preferences. Neutral colors and classic styles age better than trendy alternatives.
Energy-efficient fixtures appeal to environmentally conscious buyers while reducing utility costs. LED lighting, low-flow fixtures, and quality insulation add value while improving daily economics. Document these features for future marketing efforts.
Quality materials and professional installation protect your investment long-term. Cheaper alternatives often require replacement or repair within a few years, negating initial savings. Research manufacturer warranties and contractor guarantees before making final decisions.
Finishing Touches That Matter
When all your faucets, cabinet pulls, and towel bars match, everything looks intentional and polished. Mixing metals can work, but do it wrong and your bathroom looks like a clearance bin.
Test colors at different times of day before you commit. That gorgeous sage green might look muddy under your vanity lights. Make sure everything plays nicely with your tile and countertops.
Bigger mirrors make tiny bathrooms feel less cramped while giving you better views for getting ready. Pick frames that fit your vibe without taking over the whole room.
DIY Projects vs Professional Installation
Painting transforms any bathroom without requiring special skills or expensive tools. Remove fixtures temporarily for complete coverage behind toilets and vanities. Use bathroom-specific paint formulated to resist moisture and mildew.
Installing new hardware like towel bars, toilet paper holder brackets, and cabinet pulls requires basic tools that most homeowners already own. Take time to mark locations carefully and use appropriate anchors for your wall type.
Replacing basic light fixtures falls within most people’s comfort zones, assuming existing electrical boxes remain in good condition. Turn off the power at the breaker and test wires with a voltage detector before starting work.
When to Call the Professionals
Plumbing modifications require permits in most areas and involve potential flood risks if done incorrectly. Licensed plumbers understand local codes and carry insurance protecting you from liability. Let professionals handle toilet installation, shower valve replacement, and any pipe modifications.
Electrical work in wet areas follows strict safety codes that change regularly. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection, proper box installation, and adequate circuit capacity all require professional expertise. Mistakes create fire hazards and insurance complications.
Major tile work involves multiple specialized skills, including waterproofing, layout planning, and precision cutting. Poor installation leads to water damage, cracked tiles, and expensive repairs. Professional tile installers guarantee their work and know proper techniques.
Getting Started on Your Bathroom Remodel
Ready to turn that outdated bathroom into something you actually enjoy using? The key lies in doing your homework before the first hammer swings. A little upfront planning saves you from costly mistakes and contractor headaches down the road.
Before anything gets demolished, grab your camera and measuring tape. Photos of your current space help contractors give you accurate bids, while measurements prevent ordering the wrong-sized vanity. Keep all your receipts and material records, too. You’ll thank yourself later when warranty issues pop up or tax time rolls around.
This renovation will probably be one of the bigger expenses you tackle, but it’s also one that pays back in daily comfort and home value. Take time to find contractors who actually know what they’re doing, especially for plumbing and electrical work. When everything’s finished, you’ll have a space that makes those rushed morning routines a little more pleasant and adds real value when it’s time to sell.
Visit our showroom to see materials up close and talk through your project with our team at Granite ASAP. Our experience with natural stones like granite and marble, plus engineered materials like Caesarstone and Silestone, gives us unique insight into what works best in wet environments.
