Essential Tips for Homeowners: What to Look

| by Ivan | Bathroom, Renovations
Bathroom renovation with floating neutral vanity, LED mirror and modern toilet by UPPERAVENUE Construction Inc.

for in your Bathroom Renovation

This week, we wanted to provide some essential tips for homeowners planning a bathroom renovation to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and value.  As experienced renovators of bathrooms across our service area, UPPERAVENUE Construction Inc. has knowledgeable estimators, contractors, team members and staff who are able to walk you through the entire process from start to finish.

Overview of Bathroom Renovation Importance

Homeowners are increasingly investing in bathroom renovations to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. A well-planned renovation can significantly increase a home’s value, with average costs ranging from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on the scope of the project. Understanding key factors can help homeowners make informed decisions during the renovation process. For instance, a renovated bathroom can yield a return on investment of up to 70% during home sales, demonstrating its potential to increase property value.

The bathroom is one of the most frequently used spaces in a home, making its functionality critical for daily routines. A well-designed bathroom can enhance comfort and convenience, catering to the needs of all household members. For example, adding features like double sinks can improve accessibility for couples or families sharing the space.

Our design team will work with you to get your dreams of that new bathroom down on paper (or tablet) in order to have a visual of the potential finished bathroom.

Setting a Budget

Setting a realistic budget for a bathroom renovation requires careful consideration of various elements. It is advisable to allocate a budget cushion of 10-15% for unexpected issues such as water damage or plumbing upgrades, which can often arise during renovations. Including costs for essential elements like fixtures, materials, and labor in the budget helps prevent overspending. Researching the average costs for different types of renovations can provide homeowners with realistic expectations and aid in budgeting effectively.  UPPERAVENUE Construction Inc. will be able to provide costs based on the design that will work within your budget.

We also suggest that our clients use a detailed line-item budgeting in a program like Excel or even just written down in a notebook.  This is essential for tracking spending and avoiding overspending on specific items. For example, a homeowner might initially allocate a specific amount for tiles but find that premium options exceed their expectations. This approach allows for adjustments to be made in other areas of the renovation to maintain financial balance.

Budget plan with pen.

Choosing a Contractor

Selecting the right contractor, like UPPERAVENUE Construction Inc. is crucial for the success of a bathroom renovation. This should be the #1 priority to ensure quality workmanship and adherence to local regulations. UPPERAVENUE Construction Inc. is an example of one of the most trusted choices for Toronto homeowners seeking licensed renovation services. Verifying contractor credentials, including insurance and references from previous clients, further ensures reliability and can help prevent potential issues during the project.  We will be happy to provide any of the information you need about our company.

Discussing project timelines with the contractor is also important, as it ensures that they have the availability to meet your schedule. We would often suggest that homeowners should request multiple quotes to compare services and prices, ensuring they choose the best value for their renovation needs. For instance, a contractor who offers a detailed proposal that includes timelines and materials may be more suitable than one providing a vague estimate. 

UPPERAVENUE Construction Inc. prides itself on producing detailed estimates which cover all of the basis for any renovation.

Planning the Design

Planning the design of a bathroom renovation involves creating a cohesive look that aligns with the rest of the home. Homeowners should consider choosing a color palette that enhances the overall aesthetic of their living space. Incorporating durable materials, such as porcelain tile and solid-surface sinks, can also contribute to the longevity of the bathroom while ensuring it remains visually appealing.

Design elements like shiplap walls or unique lighting fixtures can add character to the space, making it feel personalized and welcoming. For instance, a well-placed pendant light can serve as both a design statement and an illuminating feature, enhancing the bathroom’s functionality. Utilizing mood boards or design software can help visualize the overall aesthetic before finalizing choices, guiding homeowners in their decisions throughout the renovation process.

Drawing of bathroom renovation with two vaneties, sinks, toilet and walkin shower with storage space

Enhancing Functionality

Enhancing the functionality of a small bathroom during renovations requires thoughtful planning. Homeowners should assess the existing layout and identify pain points to optimize space effectively. It’s at this point where UPPERAVENUE Construction Inc. can be a real asset in assisting you with the new layout for your bathroom.  For example, replacing a traditional bathtub with a walk-in shower can significantly improve usability, especially in tight spaces.

In addition to layout changes, installing water-efficient fixtures, such as WaterSense-labeled toilets and faucets, can lead to long-term savings on water bills while being environmentally conscious. Incorporating storage solutions like built-in shelving or cabinets can help reduce clutter and maximize the available space, making the bathroom feel larger and more organized.

Timeline and Logistics

Establishing a logical timeline for the renovation process is essential for successful execution. Homeowners should include phases like planning, construction, and finishing in their timeline. Ordering materials early can help avoid delays and ensure availability during the renovation, which is especially critical for elements like tiles or fixtures that may have longer lead times.

Planning for logistics around plumbing and electrical work can minimize disruptions during the project. For instance, scheduling a pre-construction meeting with the contractor helps finalize the timeline and expectations, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Homeowners should also prepare for potential living arrangements during extensive renovations, particularly if the bathroom is the only one in the home, to maintain comfort throughout the process.

UPPERAVENUE Construction Inc. has years of experience in creating and working within both timelines and the varied logistics of completing your renovation on-time.


Post-Renovation Considerations

After completing a bathroom renovation, homeowners should schedule follow-up inspections and maintenance to preserve the quality of the work done. Utilizing customer testimonials and galleries from contractors like UPPERAVENUE Construction Inc.  can help gauge service quality and satisfaction, providing insights into our reliability for future projects. Including universal design elements ensures the bathroom remains functional for all ages and abilities, enhancing long-term usability.

Make sure that you are documenting all renovation details and warranties is crucial for future reference and maintenance. This can help you keep track of the materials used and their respective warranties, making any necessary repairs or replacements easier down the line. Additionally, sharing renovation experiences through reviews or social media can assist others in their decision-making processes, contributing to a community of informed homeowners.

Conclusion

As one of the most sought-after home renovation contractors in the GTA, UPPERAVENUE Construction Inc. is ready to meet with you to discuss all of your renovation or new construction needs.  Give the office a call to book an appointment to go over your “renovation” dreams!