Researching your next NJ bathroom makeover project?  Bathroom remodeling is very popular in New Jersey, as many people find it much easier to remodel their existing bathroom than to find a house that already includes a perfect bathroom for them. While the process for remodeling a master bathroom is largely the same as a regular bathroom, there are a few things to keep in mind.  In this article, we will outline some tips to help you have the best possible experience when renovating your master bathroom, or any bathroom in your house for that matter.

Tip #1 – Lighting is Extra Important

One of the baffling things when most people design their master bathroom, is they put very little thought into lighting. On one hand, you might think lighting is not all that important, because it’s just the bathroom. On the other hand, the bathroom is where you will do your makeup, shave and do other intricate things in front of the mirror. Why would you not focus on giving yourself proper lighting?

While there is no single way to light your bathroom correctly, there are some guidelines you should follow. For example, don’t have just one light for the whole room – have several different lights so you can light up each area individually. We recommend one over the shower, several around the mirror and sink area and a few around the room to light up the entire room. There are many different configurations you can experiment with, but make sure you can get proper lighting to each important area of the bathroom.

Tip #2 – Don’t Skimp On Your Bathing Area

This is the master bathroom, and you want to feel like a king or queen every time you use it. While for the guest bathroom it’s no problem to choose a budget option for the shower or tub, it looks a whole lot less impressive in your master bathroom.

You’d be surprised at just how affordable some of the options for nice showers or tubs are. Even if you feel like you don’t have the budget to go for a nice fixture now, remember that this fixture will be permanent and difficult to replace later on. You’re better off spending the extra $500-1000 now to not regret having cheap fixtures in your master bathroom.

Tip #3 – Be Honest and Clear About What You Want Before Starting Work

When it’s time to get master bathroom remodeling estimates, don’t try to hide the complicated things you’re trying to do in attempt to save money – it won’t work. Many people believe the best strategy is to find a contractor, tell them their simple plan, get a quote and then expand upon their plans later on. If you’ve tried that before, then you know that all that happens is the price you pay in the end goes way up.

Instead, figure out what it is you want, and also how to convey that to a potential remodeling company. Don’t be shy about the fact that you may be very particular about how things get installed and that you might be a finicky client. They can build that into your quote in the beginning so there are no surprises later on. Remember, if you’re doing something atypical, it WILL cost you money whether you mention it upfront or not. In fact, in most cases it will be more expensive if you wait until later to speak up about your special requests.

Tip #4 – Understand That Your Quote is Exactly That

One common complaint from people who have gotten their bathroom remodeled, is the end price ended up being more than the quote. This happens frequently, and isn’t always the fault of the contractor. Sometimes it’s because the client didn’t specify their needs correctly (see above) or because there were unforeseen complications in the building process.

If you are working on a tight budget, make sure to let your contractor know that in the very beginning. They can tell you whether or not they think what you’re looking to do is reasonable for the amount you’re looking to spend. If you let them know how tight your budget is, they can also let you know if you are approaching higher prices, so you can adjust the project accordingly as it is completed.

When you work with the Design Build Planners, however, one of the primary focal points of our initial meeting is sitting down with you and gaining a realistic understanding of your budget and how you are going to finance your project.  Only by establishing a realistic remodeling budget are we able to provide design options that fit not only your budget, but your lifestyle and needs.

Tip #5 – Make Plans to Use a Different Bathroom for a While

Chances are, your master bathroom will be pretty much unusable while it’s being remodeled. The more often you need to go in there and get things, means the more you’re bothering the workers and the longer it will take them to actually complete the project. To keep things running smoothly, take everything you need out of the bathroom, and make other arrangements until the remodeling is finished.

It might be a pain trying to squeeze everyone’s morning routine into just one bathroom, but it will ensure that your master bathroom is finished in time, meaning you can enjoy it that much sooner.

Tip #6 – Consider Permanent Fixtures Where Possible

While most of the larger fixtures in your bathroom will obviously be permanent, like the shower and sink, there are others where you have more options. The thing is though, non-permanent fixtures, while more versatile, usually don’t look nearly as nice. For example, if you have the option between a permanent toilet paper holder or one that is installed, in most cases the permanent one will look more elegant.

While elegance may not be a huge concern for you when talking about your other bathrooms, this is your master bathroom and you want things to look as nice as possible. When it comes to toilet paper holders, towel racks and things of that nature, spend a little more on nice, permanent fixtures and enjoy them for years to come.

Bathroom Makeover Tips – Conclusion

While there is no perfect way to remodel your bathroom, or the perfect way to do it cheaply, your bathroom renovation doesn’t have to be a headache. Just make sure you’re working with a contractor who understands your needs, and knows how to do the type of work you’re looking for. Most peoples’ problems when remodeling their bathroom simply stem from picking the wrong contractor, so make sure to interview thoroughly and when it’s time to choose, go with your instincts on which one feels right.

The Design Build Planners will work with you, your lifestyle, your preferences, and your budget to choose the bathroom remodeling contractor best suited for your particular project.  We have the ability to manage your bathroom renovation from concept to reality.

What Does a Bathroom Makeover in Monmouth County Cost?

If you are looking for more general pricing for New Jersey bathroom projects, we have compiled a guide that will help get you started and will help you budget for your project.  You didn’t think The Design Build Planners would tempt you with an article title like this and not actually provide real numbers, did you?  You can read the local remodeling pricing guide here.

Estimated Remodeling Project Investment Costs

Our Bathroom Remodeling Services – Local Areas We Serve

We have been one of the most active home design and remodeling contractors in Monmouth County for over 30 years, specifically in the towns of Spring Lake NJ, Sea Girt NJ, Manasquan NJ, Brielle NJ, Wall NJ, and surrounding local towns along the Jersey Shore.