If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, you have to think about how much you actually want to change. Depending on the functionality of your bathroom and how much you like it, you may just want to update a few things. On the other hand, you may be thinking that you should start over completely. No matter what your plans for your new bathroom are, bathroom remodels can become a pretty involved process, so it’s best to think ahead.
To make planning a little simpler, let’s take a look at the four levels of bathroom remodels.
Surface-Level
The simplest and most cost-effective type of bathroom remodeling is a surface-level remodel. This is what you should do if you like your bathroom, but it needs a bit of a facelift. Projects that go into a surface-level remodel are things like repainting, replacing the tile, refinishing the tub or shower, and replacing the hardware.
Gut and Replace
If you’re happy with the layout of your bathroom but want to replace everything else, this is the best option. This method involves gutting everything but leaving the plumbing fixtures in place. Once your bathroom is gutted, you can replace the tub, sinks, toilet, vanity, lighting, and anything else. You can do this partially or fully. For example, you’re happy with the vanity, but you want to replace the toilet and shower.
Change the Layout
This is where it starts to get involved. Changing the layout of a bathroom means changing the locations of all the plumbing fixtures. It also often involves rewiring so you can put up new lighting fixtures. If you’re very handy, you could conceivably DIY the first two levels. But any time plumbing and electrical wiring are concerned, it’s best to call in the pros.
Change the Footprint
Changing the footprint of your bathroom will affect more than just your bathroom. Say that the ensuite bathroom in your master bedroom is only a three-quarter bath. If you want to make it a full bath, you’ll likely need to make the bathroom bigger. And that means making the bedroom smaller. But many people think it’s worth losing a few square feet in their bedroom to add a tub where there only used to be a stall shower.
