Even though we don't usually pay the same level of attention as some other rooms, bathrooms are some of the most vital areas of our home. If you take a look at some surveys they will tell you that remodeling these two rooms can increase the value of one property by a staggering 60%.

But, even if you don't intend on putting your house on the market, these numbers indicate that good bathroom renovations can drastically increase the functionality and hospitability of one property.

On the other hand, as much as they are capable of increasing home value and hospitability, bathroom renovations also require considerable investments and careful planning if they are to be pulled off correctly.

Let us see then if we can help you avoid this problem and pull off the next master bathroom remodel in a functional and affordable manner.

Research the topic and check others’ ideas

Remodeling projects that are built on bad ideas and wrong calls have no chance of bearing satisfying results no matter how much effort and money you pour down the line. So, before committing to any idea or deadline, take some time to see what other people did with their own homes. 

Fortunately, all good ideas have probably already been used and you only need to cherry-pick what works for your property. Where to start your search? Well, you have visually-based services like Instagram and Pinterest. Checking specialized home improvement magazines and websites is a good idea as well.

Focus on clear and tangible goals

All renovation projects are conducted with some general purpose in mind. Having this sort of idea guiding your projects will help you keep it on track and avoid spending money on things of lesser relevance. Try then to decide if you want to improve functionality, add luxury, or overhaul the look. You may also decide to solve some area-specific issues. 

For instance, numerous older homes in Australia have very small bathroom sinks or no sinks at all. Solving this problem sounds like a good place to start the project. Once you sort the priorities, fitting the project into your budget will be much easier.

Upgrade the lighting

When it comes to interior lighting, bathrooms often end up being shortchanged. Most people limit their efforts to one overhead light and one at the vanity. This is a big mistake since giving this challenge more thought can dramatically change not only its look but also its functionality and sustainability. 

So, feel free to use the traditional ideas for improving indoor lighting like adding more natural light, using mirrors to reflect the light sources, layering the lighting, and investing in efficient LED fixtures. These small tweaks will transform your bathroom from an afterthought to a real looker.

Work with a reliable plumber

Englishmen like to say they are not rich enough to buy cheap things. Well, plumbing works definitely work in a similar vein. You need to find people who will conduct the project in the most efficient and professional manner and require no patchwork afterward. 

You also need to find professionals who will offer some sort of warranty and be available to quickly react if something goes wrong. So, look for the contractors in your general area. Let’s take Australia as an example once more. If you live in Brisbane, you look for a professional plumber from Camp Hill or some other nearby neighborhood.

Use shower cabins

Yeah, you will need to say goodbye to relaxing saltwater baths. But, the benefits you will get along the way make more than fair compensation. First of all, standing shower cabins look incredibly trendy and streamlined so they will instantly elevate the bathroom look. Second, they will save you a lot of valuable floor space and allow you to spread the other features and items with more leisure. 

Finally, newer shower cabins are simply easier to use and maintain, as well as offer countless options like sauna showers and hydro-massage. So, any way you take it, it's more than a worthy option.

Try not to move plumbing unless necessary

To put it simply, reworking your plumbing network is incredibly expensive and it burns resources that can be used to meet some other, more beneficial ends. Therefore, if having clear remodeling goals is your principle number one, feel free to stick to the existing plumbing layout on the spot number two. 

The solutions to your layout problems should instead be found in creativity and picking up the cues from downsizing strategies. Use vertical space, keep the floor accessible, and implement pieces that serve multiple purposes. These small tricks will give your bathroom much more breathing room.

Move in plants and seating pieces

More available space gives you more options to play with the very idea of how your bathroom looks and feels. One of the most exciting options at your disposal is to populate the available space with some pleasant indoor plants and comfortable seating pieces. 

If you manage to open up the room with more natural light, you will create a very pleasant spa-like vibe and turn the bathroom from the mostly utilitarian space to the room where you actually enjoy spending some time. If you want to push this idea even further, try adding clocks, creative art, bookshelves, and other beautiful accents.

Keep the tiles under control

Tiles make one of the heftiest budget items so, unless you are turning your bathroom into a full-scale wet room, don't insist on wall-to-ceiling tile options. Partial tiling will also give you more design freedom in the future since you will be able to completely change the look of the room with a single paint job, and remodeling works will be far more affordable. Open walls also give you the option to hang pictures, play with patterns, and countless other small perks. The arrears that are going to be tiled, however, should get a classy treatment. Tiles that are sized 12" x 24" or larger will do the job.

We hope these couple of ideas helped you realize that your bathroom can become much more functional and good-looking even if you keep the remodeling works at the bare minimum. You will mostly be able to achieve this by careful planning and focusing on clear goals. Once you have these things in check, the rest of the things will very quickly fall in line. So, start the research as soon as possible and make sure your bathroom gets the treatment it well deserves.

Author bio: Marie Nieves is a passionate blogger and writer with an eye for design, a flair for storytelling, and a love for culture. She contributes regularly to various blogs and online magazines, all while satisfying her wanderlust by exploring states and countries near and far.

Cover image by Image by mrsiraphol on Freepik