Bathrooms are essential spaces in our homes. We like them to be easily accessible when we need them, but we also want them to be visually appealing. In addition to rooms like the living room and kitchen, a bathroom is one of the rooms most likely to be used by your guests. A visually appealing bathroom with premium features will impress your guests and make them feel comfortable. So, what should you expect when planning for a bathroom remodel? We have created a scheduling guide to help you understand what a bathroom remodel entails. Plus, we have a few expert tips to make your remodel a little bit easier. If a bathroom remodel is on your wish list, read on!
Before embarking on any remodeling project, you should firmly establish reasons why you want to do your remodel and the priorities for your space. Give some thought to the layout, functionality, and storage (or lack thereof). What would you like to improve about the space’s overall flow and appearance? Who is the bathroom serving: kids, guests, you? Making a list of your desired improvements, and putting them in ordered priority will help keep things in perspective.
Next, research the realistic costs involved with a bathroom remodel in your area. Our Home Remodeling Cost Guide is a free downloadable resource specifically focused on home remodels in Snohomish County. Remodeler’s Magazine also publishes an annual Cost vs. Value Report, which you can drill down into certain areas of the country to learn more about what have the most return on investment.
Next, the fun begins! Collect design ideas and favorite elements to give our designers direction for a design that is uniquely yours. We are remodeling experts and the sweet spot of working with a design | build company like VanderBeken Remodel is that we will guide you through the entire process.
A Bathroom Remodel Timeline: From Start to Finish
The typical timeline for a bathroom remodel is five to seven months (depending on how long the design process goes) and can vary dramatically in cost based on the your wish list, selections and current condition of the home, but the following steps are always involved:
Designing a bathroom remodel
To avoid delays when renovating a bathroom, every detail must be worked out before we begin. The design process can take a few weeks up to three months or longer depending on how extensive the project is, and how quickly you can make progress on the following:
- Prioritize your needs for the remodel
- Sign and pay design retainer in order to secure your spot with one of our designers
- While you wait to meet with one of our designers, gather your design ideas (create a Pinterest or Houzz board)
- Meet with our designer to discuss the scope of your bathroom remodel
- Sign design agreement (50% of design paid up front, 50% paid at the end)
- Approve schematic drawings
- Confirm selections for your fixtures, finishes and colors
- Review your specifications binder
- Specialty trade partner open house
- Proposal presentation meeting
During the proposal presentation, we walk you through a detailed proposal with drawings, product specifications and finishes. At this time you will also review your production contract which includes your fixed investment price, payment schedule, and proposed start and finish dates. If you are looking for a line-item quote (often referred to as a bid) we are not the company for you. Our fixed-price method is the best way we have found to eliminate unpleasant surprises. This price will not change unless you request a change to the scope or something unforeseen arises (i.e. dry rot, electrical issues, insects). Check out this short video where we explain the shortcomings of bids and why we use a fixed investment price model instead.
Remodeling a bathroom
Keeping to the original layout may reduce the amount of relocation work needing to be done, however, if you plan to expand the existing footprint of your bathroom or rearrange the location of the tub, sink, toilet, etc., you can expect the project to take a bit longer. Our team provides you with superior craftsmanship no matter the size of your project. We handle the permits, inspections and ensure everything is in compliance with applicable city/county requirements.
We take care of purchasing all materials and fixtures (detailed out in your specifications binder) and deliver them for installation according to the schedule. One aspect that often surprises homeowners is the length of time it takes for the installing of tile in a bathroom.
One of the ways we provide an excellent customer experience is through clear communication with defined expectations. Our Project Manager will meet with you weekly to keep you informed of the progress of the remodel and answer any questions you might have. Our online client portal is another way we provide you with updates and photos of the work being done daily inside your home.
The following schedule is representative of the order and general timelines of the production phases in a bathroom remodel:
- Weeks 1 & 2 – expectations contract meeting, preparation and demolition
- Week 3 – framing and electrical rough-in
- Week 4 – install plumbing rough-in
- Week 5 – install insulation and drywall
- Week 6 – finish drywall and paint
- Weeks 7 & 8 – install tile floor and shower
- Week 9 – install cabinets and create countertop template
- Weeks 10 & 11 – install trim, doors, countertop and backsplash tile
- Weeks 12 – install electrical and plumbing trim, hardware, shower glass and mirrors
- Week 13 – final inspection, cleaning and photos
The value of a newly remodeled bathroom
When it comes to investing in your home, you are wise to consider what will bring the most return on investment. Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report reveals that an upscale bathroom remodel results in a national average of 36.7% recouped cost. The even better news is with a bathroom remodel you get to enjoy the results of the remodeled space on a daily basis (and do not have to wait to sell to see some of that investment return to you).
As you can readily see, a bathroom remodel is a complex process with lots of decisions to be made and various trade partners to supervise; it is no wonder these projects take time! However, with proper planning we can finish your beautiful new bathroom in just a few months. Check out some of these beautifully remodeled primary bathrooms and hall bathrooms to gather some inspiration for your bathroom remodel. Or read what some of our past client have to say about their experience working with VanderBeken Remodel for their bathroom remodel.
Book a Call at a Time that Works Best for You
We get it, you are busy, and honestly we are too. Book a time for an initial call and one of our team members will give you a call at a time that works best for your schedule. Typically the call will last 15-20 minutes. During this call we will try and answer your questions as well as gather information about your unique project, such as:
- location
- length of time in your home
- aspects of your space that are not working for you
