Does your bathroom need revamping? Updating your washroom is a cost-effective way to raise the value of your home.

As one of the most frequently used rooms in a house, the bathroom can take quite a beating. While staying on top of maintenance and repairs is vital for most homeowners, occasionally there comes a time when your bathroom no longer meets your needs and a renovation is needed.

When to renovate

Some of the reasons why you might want to upgrade your bathroom include:

Changing needs

Our needs change throughout our lifetime – while a small washroom might have suited us when we were single, a growing family means that we need a larger space.

Changing tastes

Not only that, but our tastes change, too! You might have grown tired of the retro ‘70s feel (or, on the contrary, are craving it) and want a modern (or old-fashioned) update.

Increasing resale value

Renovating your bathroom can boost the resale value of your house by up to $50,000. A low to mid-range rescale will give you higher returns than an upscale one; most people will be satisfied with a second sink or extra storage space.

Consider your budget

Determining your budget should be the first step in your renovation project. Bathroom renovation projects range on average from around $5,000 to $30,000. Avoid overspending by giving yourself a 10% buffer to cover any unexpected costs that may arise. For a full renovation, spend roughly 40% on fixtures, 35% on tiles, 20% on plumbing and 5% on electricals.

Small budget (<$15,000)

People on a small budget may want to consider just purchasing the essentials. Updating things like the vanity, shower, sinks, toilet and possibly bathtub is a safe way to renovate. Avoid overspending on accessories and mirrors – simple and affordable options are ideal. You can also save money on tiling by re-grouting, rather than totally replacing them. And of course, don’t skimp on plumbing! There’s nothing worse than a leaking toilet.

Standard budget ($15,000-$25,000)

Those on a standard budget may want to update their whole bathroom, and will generally have more money for things like retiling and a double vanity.

Premium budget (>$25,000)

People on a high-end budget can afford to splurge and create the luxurious experience of their dreams. You’re free to totally change the layout of your bathroom, add a spa or overhead shower, and use premium materials like polished stone or glass.

Choose a style

With so many different styles and designs out there, the only limit is your imagination (and, maybe the overall style of your home). Consider styles such as:

Contemporary
Rustic
Transitional
Mid-century
Beachy
Mediterranean
Farmhouse
Industrial
Asian
Eclectic
Victorian; and
Scandinavian.

You’ll also want to decide on a colour scheme, keeping in mind that while a bathroom might look great on Instagram or Pinterest, it won’t necessarily look great in your home. It is generally advised to go for a colour and style that matches the rest of your house to avoid a jarring effect. Black and/or white schemes are common due to their minimalist, clean look. When including bold or vivid colours, consider using them in decorative accents rather than making the whole wall bright orange. This will make future renovations easier.

Measurements and layout

Making the most of the space you have is vital. Begin creating a floor plan by taking measurements of the room, windows and doors and including the positions of fixtures and electricals. This ensures that you can purchase the right sized items for your bathroom. You will then want to decide on the layout of your bathroom, keeping in mind where your fixtures are located.