Are you considering home renovations in Kitchener? Upgrading the bathroom is an excellent investment, as it boosts property value, makes an integral space more functional and can even decrease your utility bills. Of course, large-scale renovations can be expensive, especially when you need to hire skilled professionals such as electricians and plumbers. However, there are plenty of ways to save money without compromising quality. In fact, home renovation contractors can even help you keep the project affordable.
Tips for Affordable Bathroom Renovations
If it’s been a few decades since you decorated, your washroom may look outdated. That can deter potential buyers and even lead to issues down the road. After all, everything has an expiration date, including plumbing. Older homes may have metal pipes, which can leech chemical compounds into the water at the end of their lifespan. Replacing degraded plumbing safeguards your health and improves efficiency.
You may also find that after a while, your bathroom no longer fits your needs. Perhaps you’ve expanded your family, or you’re aging in place. The bathroom is a critical space used by all residents and should accommodate everyone.
That said, how can you ensure your renovations don’t go over budget? The key is to prioritize your needs and optimize your returns on investment.
Start With a Plan
You should know exactly what you want to accomplish with your washroom before any demolition takes place. To ensure this, create a plan with the help of your contractors. This plan should have two parts: your list of priorities and your budget.
Your priorities list should start with the “must-haves” that make your bathroom more functional or safer. Further down the list are your “wants,” such as items that increase energy efficiency or improve aesthetics.
As you create your budget, set aside funds for the “must-haves” first. You can then divide the remaining funds among your “wants.” It’s also a good idea to make an “emergency” fund you can draw from if the contractors stumble across hidden issues. Unfortunately, home renovations often unearth such problems, but you can dampen the blow by preparing for the possibility.
Brighten Up the Space
Smaller bathrooms tend to be darker, especially if they don’t have large windows. Fortunately, there are plenty of residential renovations designed to brighten a room.
One popular trick is to decorate with mirrors. Reflective surfaces bounce light, multiplying the effect of even a small amount of illumination. Since people use washrooms to get ready, multiple mirrors make sense functionally as well as aesthetically.
Replace Hardware
Do you have hard water? If you don’t have a water softener, faucets, showerheads and other hardware can accumulate calcium deposits over time. While expensive cleaners may remove lime from the surface, these minerals can build up inside plumbing, causing massive problems. Eventually, you’ll need to replace these components.
Of course, you can also undertake these home renovations for aesthetic purposes. You have a variety of finishes to choose from, each of which offers a different visual impression:
- Stainless steel
- Bronze
- Nickel
- Brass
- Chrome
Incorporate Storage
Storage is crucial for bathrooms, especially those with less square footage. To keep your personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies within easy reach, consider the following storage solutions:
- Install built-in shelving.
- Get over-the-toilet shelves.
- Put a lazy Susan under the sink.
- Install hooks.
- Put in a shower nook.
Professionals for Home Renovations in Kitchener
CJ Brubacher is the place to call for help with home renovations. This team of professionals has transformed houses for over a century and remains dedicated to quality to this day. Whether you’ve planned a renovation or need emergency repairs in the middle of the night, CJ Brubacher experts are ready to jump into action. Go online or give us a call to learn more.