Must Haves For Your Next Home Renovation Project

If you are planning a home renovation you probably already have a few ideas of what you want. It might be a smaller project where you are just concerned with renovating the bathroom or kitchen or it could be a large-scale project where you are renovating the entire home.

A home renovation is a good opportunity to get a range of different upgrades. If you already have the work going on in the home, adding a few additional tasks could help you to get more value from the project.

Today, we are going to take a look at a few ideas that any homeowner should consider when they are doing a renovation. Some of these might already be on the list, and others might not apply to the type of renovation that you are doing. However, if you can fit any of these in with your current home renovation plans, it could make for a better value in the long run.

Energy Efficient Appliances

This is primarily a point for kitchen renovations. If you are redoing your kitchen, then it is a great time to consider energy efficient appliances. Modern dishwashers and refrigerators are much more efficient than the ones that were coming out just five years ago. This is an upgrade that will not only pay you back in savings from your utility bills, but it is a good upgrade for the resale value of the home. Look for the Energy Star logo typically this is a good indication the appliance you’re browsing is a good buy.

As an additional point for improving the efficiency of your home, this may also be a good time to consider upgrading to an energy efficient water heater. If the water heater in your home is getting old, it might need to be replaced soon anyway, and a tankless model can offer some serious savings. It’s a good idea to consult with a licensed plumber even if you’re planning on doing this work as they’ll have good recommendations for your home and can also provide installation services.

When embarking on a bathroom renovation, one of the most impactful upgrades you can make is to replace your existing tub with a new, stylish model. A bathtub is not only a functional component of your bathroom but also a key element in creating a relaxing and enjoyable space. Whether you’re seeking more comfort, style, or functionality, upgrading to a new tub can significantly enhance your bathroom experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect tub for your needs.

1. Understanding Your Options

Size Matters:

• Standard 60-Inch Tubs: Most homes come with standard 60-inch tubs, which are a practical choice for families with children. They provide ample space for bath time but may feel a bit cramped for adults who enjoy a more luxurious bathing experience.
• Larger Tubs: If you’re looking to upgrade your relaxation space, consider opting for a larger tub. A 72-inch tub, often referred to as a “six-footer,” offers more room and can provide a more comfortable bathing experience for adults. For those seeking even more space, there are tubs that extend to seven feet or more, catering to a variety of preferences and bathroom sizes.

Styles to Consider:

• Alcove Tubs: These are the most common type of tubs, designed to fit neatly into an alcove with three walls surrounding them. Alcove tubs are practical and space-efficient, making them a great choice for smaller bathrooms.
• Freestanding Tubs: Freestanding tubs are a stylish option that can become a centerpiece of your bathroom. They are not attached to any walls and can be placed anywhere in the room, offering a more open and elegant look. Freestanding tubs come in various shapes, including oval, rectangular, and circular, allowing for customization to fit your aesthetic.
• Clawfoot Tubs: A classic choice, clawfoot tubs feature raised legs and often have a vintage appeal. They are typically freestanding and can add a touch of historical charm to your bathroom.
• Corner Tubs: Designed to fit into a corner of the room, corner tubs often come with built-in seating and can make the best use of available space. They are ideal for larger bathrooms and can provide a unique design element.
• Whirlpool Tubs: For a spa-like experience, consider a tub with a whirlpool function. Whirlpool tubs are equipped with jets that provide a soothing massage, helping you unwind after a long day. They are available in various styles and sizes, offering both relaxation and luxury.

2. Choosing the Right Material

The material of your tub not only affects its appearance but also its durability and maintenance needs. Here are some common materials:

• Acrylic: Acrylic tubs are lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain. They come in various shapes and sizes and are resistant to chipping and cracking.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass tubs are another affordable option. They are also lightweight and come in a variety of styles. However, they may not be as durable as acrylic and can become discolored over time.
• Cast Iron: Cast iron tubs are known for their durability and heat retention. They are heavy and require sturdy support but provide a classic and luxurious feel.
• Stone: Stone tubs, such as those made from marble or granite, offer a high-end, natural look. They are heavy and expensive but provide unmatched elegance and durability.

3. Installation Considerations

Space and Layout: Before choosing a new tub, measure your bathroom space carefully. Ensure that the tub you select will fit comfortably and that there is adequate room for installation and movement. Consider the layout of your bathroom and how the new tub will fit with other fixtures.

Plumbing Requirements: Upgrading to a new tub may require changes to your existing plumbing. It’s essential to consult with a licensed plumber who can assess your current plumbing system and make any necessary adjustments for the new tub. This includes ensuring proper water supply and drainage connections.

Accessibility: Consider the accessibility of your new tub. If you have mobility issues or plan to age in place, you might want to explore options like walk-in tubs or those with built-in seating for easier access.

4. Working with a Professional

Expert Advice: An experienced plumber can guide you through the selection process, helping you understand the pros and cons of different tub styles and materials. They can also provide valuable advice on installation requirements and ensure that your new tub is installed correctly.

Quality Installation: Proper installation is crucial to the performance and longevity of your new tub. Hiring a professional ensures that the tub is installed according to manufacturer specifications and that all plumbing connections are secure.

Post-Installation Care: Once your new tub is installed, a plumber can provide maintenance tips and address any issues that may arise. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your tub and keep it looking and functioning like new.

5. Additional Features

Consider additional features that can enhance your bathing experience:

• Built-in Shelving: Some tubs come with built-in shelves or storage areas for convenience.
• Integrated Lighting: Lighting options, such as LED lights, can create a relaxing ambiance.
• Heated Backrests: For added comfort, some tubs offer heated backrests that keep you warm and cozy during your bath.

Lighting Upgrades

Lighting is something that you should consider with any home renovation. With many homes, the lighting is not great, and a home renovation is the perfect opportunity to make improvements. You could obviously consider things like energy efficient lighting or lights with dimmers. In addition to that, you have several style options that you may want to consider.

Rooms like the bathroom or kitchen may have specific lighting needs, so you may want to pay special attention to the lighting solutions that you use. In the bathroom, you are going to want to think about vanity lighting and make sure that there is enough light for the shower. In the kitchen, you may want to think about all of the different workstations and provide lights to each. Dedicated lights for the sink and different counter spaces can be good. If you plan to have a breakfast nook, you will want to make sure that the space has its own light.

Water Saving Toilet and Shower

With a bathroom renovation, it is also a good chance to do your part to conserve water resources. You have a great selection of toilets and showers that use less water. In the past, some of these water efficient products did compromise on the quality of performance, but the designs have advanced in such a way that you can get the water savings and still enjoy good performance.

If your home is somewhat new, then you may already have some of these water saving features, but if your home was built before the 1990s, there is a good chance that you could significantly reduce the amount of water used in the home.

Organization and Storage

This is another upgrade that can be good for almost any home renovation. You can have new storage spaces built in the home or you can have your old closets redesigned to get the most out of the space. If it is a kitchen upgrade, you are probably already thinking about new cabinets, but you may also want to have your pantry redesigned with new shelves and drawers.

While the kitchen is the one room that will probably benefit the most from better storage and organization, this idea can expand to any area in the home. For a bathroom renovation, you can redesign your linen closet, the medicine cabinet and you can have storage and shelving built into the bathing area. Your bedroom closets can also become much more functional and practical by designing new storage solutions into the space.

Upgrade Your Kitchen Sink

If you love to cook, a nice kitchen sink can really make your life easier. Unfortunately, most homes come with a fairly basic kitchen sink. It might serve the practical purposes for washing dishes and preparing food, but you can do better.

In searching for a new kitchen sink, you have so many options. You have a range of different configurations for the bowls and faucets, different materials, different sizes and there are different ways that sinks can be installed. For a person that really enjoys preparing food, something like a cast iron undermount sink could be a great upgrade from the standard kitchen sink.

A home renovation is a big project and it takes a considerable amount of planning. Beyond getting the renovations that you want, you also want to make sure that the work is done right. By hiring licensed plumber and other experience professionals, you ensure the highest standards of craftsmanship.