Bathroom Restoration – Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Transform the Look of a Room

Bathroom remodeling can be expensive. A full redo can cost up to six figures, even for a high-end master bath.

A major remodel involves changing the layout of the bathroom, which can include gutting the room and moving fixtures around. A smaller change can simply be re-painting the room or adding new storage.

Replacing the Mirror

One of the most impactful ways to add personality and style to a bathroom is to install new mirrors. Replacing large, generic contractor mirrors with a few well-chosen decorative ones is an inexpensive, easy to do project that can dramatically transform the look of a room.

Before you get started, it’s a good idea to work with a partner and lay down surface protection such as cardboard or drop cloths over nearby sinks or countertops to prevent damage. The mirrors will be very heavy and can crack or shatter if you handle them improperly.

If your existing mirror is in good shape and simply needs a little “resilvering,” it may be cheaper to have it repaired rather than replaced. However, it can be difficult to find places that offer this service and resilvering is time-consuming. In most cases, it is better to just replace the mirror. This will ensure that you have a beautiful, reflective surface to greet yourself in the morning or check your outfit before going out.

Repainting or Re-staining the Cupboards

Repainting your bathroom cabinets is a great way to transform the room. It’s fairly inexpensive and adds value to your home. It’s also a relatively simple project that most homeowners can do themselves.

When installing drywall, it is important to follow the waterproofing steps correctly. Not doing so can lead to water damage that could be very costly in the long run.

Replacement remodels involve replacing the existing fixtures such as toilets, tubs, showers, sinks and vanities but leaving the overall layout intact. A gut renovation, on the other hand, alters the bathroom’s footprint by rerouting plumbing and electrical wiring. This is typically done by taking the room down to the studs and changing the floor plan. It’s a more involved remodel and should be completed by professionals. This level of remodeling usually involves more extensive materials and labor. This type of bathroom renovation is more expensive than a surface level makeover or a fixture replacement.

Painting the Walls

Whether you’re going for a subtle cosmetic refresh or a dramatic design overhaul, the walls are a critical part of your project. Choosing paint that resists moisture is important, as humidity levels in the bathroom are higher than in other rooms and can lead to mold or mildew if the painted surface gets wet.

Look for a satin or semi-gloss sheen that’s easy to wipe clean. You may also want to choose a flat or eggshell finish, which is soft and absorbs less moisture. Avoid paints designed for outdoor or basement use, which can contain hazardous additives and mildewcide that aren’t safe for inside the home.

Before starting to paint, make sure your walls are squeaky clean with a DIY solution of three parts water and one part bleach. Remove any fixtures that you can, like the toilet tank if you can, and cover any furniture or fixtures you don’t plan on removing with drop cloths to protect them from paint splatter.

Installing New Fixtures

While this is not a job for the DIYer, depending on what you’re doing it could be worth your while to get a professional in to do this. This includes demolishing the old bathroom, making sure all electrical is on its own GFCI circuit, getting plumbing up to code and relocating the toilet and sink as necessary.

New bathroom fixtures can bring the room together in a big way. The style can be traditional, modern, or anything in between. Some popular options include industrial metal finishes, matte faucets and showerheads to thwart fingerprints or industrial style glass fixtures that add boldness and drama to the space.

The final step in the process is adding all the trim and accessories that will make the room feel complete. Then you can take a deep breath and enjoy your brand-new bathroom! Keeping a timeline with the contractor and following it will help to ensure that the project runs smoothly.



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