Bathroom renovations may seem easy, but they can go over budget quickly and still might miss the mark. Keep these few tips in mind as you plan to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth and building out a space you’ll love for years to come.

Choose Durable Materials

If you’re ready to renovate your bathroom, choose the best materials for the job. The main consideration for durability is waterproofing. Make sure your contractor (or you!) seals the grout after installation, so it doesn’t remain porous and susceptible to mold.

Marble, limestone, and unglazed tiles are porous and will require sealing, as well. To save a few steps in the process, choose slate or soapstone tiles for your shower or floor tile. Not only is the natural stone a luxurious option, but the non-porous nature also makes it an ideal choice for the space. 

Consider Lighting

The wrong lighting in a bathroom can make you feel like you’ve wasted so much time and money. Do it right the first time by remembering a few lighting principles.

• Downlighting is not your friend when shaving or applying makeup: it casts too many shadows on your face.
• Ideally, sconces at eye level on either side of the mirror will eliminate shadows and give you the best light for getting ready in the morning.
• Choose a decorative light fixture for over the bathtub to help relax and make your bathroom feel like a spa.

Watch the Budget

If you plan on moving out within a few years, the bathroom may not be the place to increase your value. Most realtors say that you’ll recoup about 70% of the renovation costs when you go to sell. However, if your bathroom is very outdated, it might be holding you back from selling at the necessary price point. In which case, you’ll want to get it “move-in ready.” 

If this is your home for the foreseeable future, then a beautiful bathroom will most likely improve your quality of life and enjoyment at home. Do it right.

Add Luxury Elements

Even if you don’t recoup the full cost, the good news is a little goes a long way in a bathroom renovation. Because the space is smaller, splurging for a beautiful tile or light fixture won’t kill the budget.

Heated flooring is one luxurious feature you didn’t know you were missing. Make the winter mornings more bearable with warm tile beneath your toes. Choose slate or soapstone to hold the heat well and keep it extra warm.

Double Check Sink Height

The standard sink height for a bathroom is approximately 34 inches (yes, this sounds shorter than it feels!). If you’re ordering a bathroom vanity, you’ll know it comes in the correct height for a set-in sink. You’ll need to double-check the height if you want to add a custom vessel sink.

These are a beautiful, luxurious addition even in a powder room, but you’ll want the top of the sink to still be at 34-36 inches. That means the table or stand will need to be lower. Make sure you add in the height of the vessel sink before you order the piece.

Start Planning!

Garden State Soapstone carries soapstone and slate tiles, as well as beautiful custom sinks for bathrooms. Call us today and request a tour of our showroom to learn more. We’re looking forward to partnering with you on your dream bathroom!