A bathroom renovation can have a positive impact on your lifestyle and your property price. However, many things can go wrong, such as exceeded budget, blown timelines, and strangers in your house for weeks on end. While remodelling a bathroom is never going to be fun, there are some things you can do to make it as stress-free as possible.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
The fastest way to generate stress is to have unrealistic expectations. Nobody is going to be able to complete a significant bathroom overhaul in two days, and expecting that is going to lead to massive stress. Also, try to work with what you have. When you start working with a bathroom designer, take inspiration from spaces that are similar to yours. While you may not get the ultimate luxury bathroom, you’ll still be able to get something that you’re satisfied and comfortable with for the next couple of years.
2. Budget
Money is always a huge source of stress, especially when it starts running out, and the project end isn’t in sight. Setting up a budget involves visiting showrooms and appliance centres, accounting for materials and labour costs, and also planning for emergencies. Many mistakes can creep into a project, and it’s a good idea to budget for those mistakes and emergencies as well. Take your original budget and add an extra 10% onto it. At worst, you’ll have some cover when things go wrong. At best, you’ll have money left at the end of the day that you can splurge on something else.
3. Plan Your Deadlines
Your timeline for the renovation is going to depend on several factors. One of the most significant factors is whether or not the materials and fixtures you want are in stock. Custom cabinetry, fancy accessories, and flooring can take weeks to arrive, which can put a spanner if your renovation dream.
When you first start planning your renovation, speak to your contractor, and find out what they expect their deadlines to be. If you’ve placed an order, make sure to keep track of the order, and if it hasn’t arrived when it needs to, give the manufacturer or supplier a call.
4. Make Alternative Plans
There will be days where you won’t be able to use your shower or toilet. Instead of getting frustrated, make alternative plans in advance. Send your kids away to family or friends, and enjoy a night in an expensive hotel for two. Or go camping with the family to forget about what’s going on in your bathroom for a weekend.
5. Work with the Best
A good contractor will make your life so much easier. Professional bathroom designers and contractors will set out deadlines and timelines and ensure the project runs smoothly. While hiccups can still happen, a good contractor will make sure that they don’t affect the project negatively, or minimise their impact.
6. Hire a Professional Cleaner
Most contractors will try to clean up after themselves, but this will often only entail a vacuum, mop and waste disposal. Hiring a professional cleaning crew will eliminate the last traces of construction, letting you enjoy your new bathroom in peace.
