5 Steps For Planning A New Bathroom Design & Remodel
Planning a bathroom remodel can feel like a big task, but it doesn't have to be stressful. At Toulmin Kitchen & Bath, we get that your bathroom is more than just a functional space—it's a personal retreat. So, when it’s time to remodel your space, we’re here to ensure the process is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Whether you’ve decided to refresh a small powder room or guest bath or go all in on creating a dream spa-like sanctuary for your primary en-suite, we've got you covered.
In this blog post, our expert bathroom designers will walk you through the five simple steps to prepare you for designing your new bathroom and planning your remodel project.
Key Takeaways:
A bit of pre-planning can go a long way in defining your project. Use these five steps to help you get started!
Determine Your Goals For Your New Bathroom
Research and Create a Bathroom Renovation Budget
Hire The Right Bathroom Professionals Near You
Refine And Finalize Your Bathroom Design Plan
Approve The New Bathroom Design
Bathroom Design 101: Factors to Consider When Designing A Bathroom
If you're gearing up for a bathroom remodel, a bit of pre-planning can go a long way in defining your project. Even with a professional bathroom designer and contractor on board, you’ll still be making critical decisions about your bathroom’s functionality and style. Take some time now, before you enlist any bathroom pros, to consider several factors that will impact your renovation.
Start by asking yourself and your family the following questions:
How will this new bathroom fit our lifestyle?
Are there specific features—like a walk-in shower, custom cabinetry, or accessibility—that matter most?
What is the overall look you want to achieve?
What fits within your budget?
Now that you have a general idea of what you want to accomplish, it’s time to start planning your remodel. Below, we’ve included five essential steps to set your remodel up for success.
Let's walk through the process together, breaking down the planning and design phases to help you get started.
Step One: Determine Your Goals For Your New Bathroom
Defining your project beyond “Well, I need a new bathroom” is essential! You're beginning a process that will take time and a good chunk of money to complete, so you want to have a goal going in.
Start with your dream bathroom. If money were no object, what would constitute your ideal bathroom? Who is it for? Is it an en-suite primary bathroom or a downstairs powder room for guests? A bathroom for the kids? Now is the time to consider how often the new bathroom will be used and how it will function.
Customize Your Space To Meet Your Family’s Needs
You can start by examining your family's lifestyle. Is your top priority creating a more functional bathroom that is easy to keep clean? Or is your main goal updating the look of the space? Ask yourself these questions and decide what you want to accomplish with your remodel project. Our bathroom designers also recommend considering the “extras” you might enjoy, like a relaxing steam shower, a high-tech smart toilet, towel warmers, heated floors, or a TV hanging over the standalone tub for those relaxing after-work soaks. Considering these factors now will help you define your needs and goals from the start.
Why Are You Remodeling Your Bathroom?
Based on our extensive experience with clients in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, and Crestline, here are the top four reasons Alabama homeowners choose to renovate a bathroom:
Update the Style of Your Bathroom
If you like the layout of your current bathroom but are tired of the dated look, you'll want to focus your efforts and budget on selecting updated materials and new cabinetry and fixtures. However, as with any renovation project, it’s important to anticipate your contractor may uncover hidden problems once demolition begins. For example, some common issues we uncover during bathroom renovations include water damage behind walls and under floors, mold, mildew, outdated electrical issues, and faulty plumbing. Even if your top goal is to update the look of your space, it’s essential to plan for surprises and ensure they’re accounted for in your renovation budget, just in case.
Renovate to Increase Your Home’s Resale Value
If you're considering selling your home and want to update your bathroom to increase its value, think about potential buyers' wants and needs. Look at trend studies, explore websites like Houzz, and talk to a bathroom designer, neighbors, friends, and family to learn what sells in your area.
Need to Improve Functionality and Gain Storage Space
Think about what you don’t like in your current bathroom—maybe the bathtub feels out of place, or the door awkwardly hits the vanity when it opens. Perhaps you’re craving more natural light or a double vanity to streamline your morning routine. This type of bathroom renovation goes beyond surface updates—it involves stripping the bathroom down to the studs, reconfiguring the layout, and rerouting plumbing. This type of project requires more extensive construction, leading to a higher investment, but it ultimately results in a more functional space that is perfectly tailored to your needs.
You're Planning to Age In Place and Need an Accessible Bathroom
Many older homeowners in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham are choosing to age in place in their current homes. If you're one of them, now’s the time to think about the future. For example, a threshold-free shower will be functional as you get older. Do you have a medical issue like poor eyesight or arthritis? Then, you may opt for large, comfortable handles on the shower and sink or a high-contrast color scheme to aid in depth perception. As we grow older, safety often becomes an issue.
Today, many designers will apply Universal Design principles to make bathrooms more accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities and those who choose to age in place. An aging-in-place or universal design can include removing the tub and creating a threshold-free shower, adding grip rails, and installing a handheld shower.
Step Two: Research Costs and Create a Bathroom Renovation Budget
Before diving into design ideas and drafting your renovation plan, it's important to establish a realistic budget for your bathroom project. Understanding what you can comfortably afford will guide your choices and prevent overspending. For a detailed breakdown of potential costs related to remodeling a bathroom in West Alabama, download our Free Bathroom Remodeling Guide. This resource will also give you insight into what to expect based on different levels of finishes and project scopes.
Be Prepared For Surprises: Build a Contingency into Your Budget
It's wise to set aside an additional 10 to 20% of your budget as a contingency for any unexpected issues that might surface during construction. Hidden problems, like water damage or outdated wiring, can quickly add to your costs, so having this financial cushion will help you manage these surprises without derailing your project.
Maximize Your Budget: Retain Your Current Bathroom Layout
To keep expenses in check, consider maintaining the existing layout of your bathroom. Avoiding the relocation of plumbing and electrical systems can save a substantial amount of money, allowing you to allocate more of your budget toward upgrades in fixtures, finishes, and storage solutions that enhance the overall look and functionality of your space.
What Does A Bathroom Remodel Cost in Alabama?
Check out our home remodeling pricing guide to learn what you can expect to pay for a bathroom renovation in the Tuscaloosa and Birmingham areas.
Step Three: Hire The Right Bathroom Professionals Near You
Once you’ve set your budget and outlined your vision, the next important step is finding the right bathroom professionals to bring your project to life. Hiring a local expert who specializes in bathroom remodels ensures you have access to someone with deep knowledge of the latest design trends, materials, and construction practices. A seasoned professional can guide you through the entire process, from the initial design concept to the final installation, ensuring every detail aligns with your needs and preferences.
Choosing the Right Bathroom Professional: Two Options
When it comes to hiring the best bathroom professionals for your remodel, Toulmin Kitchen & Bath offers two distinct options depending on where you live in West Central Alabama. Whether you need a full-service design and build partner in Tuscaloosa or expert design and supply support in the Birmingham area, Toulmin Kitchen & Bath is here to help you achieve the bathroom of your dreams.
Option 1: Full-Service Design + Build in Tuscaloosa
If you’re within a 30-minute drive of our showroom in Tuscaloosa, Toulmin Kitchen & Bath can serve as your dedicated bathroom designer and contractor, managing every detail of your project from start to finish. Our experienced team will work closely with you to create a customized design that reflects your style and meets your needs. We’ll help you establish a realistic budget, guide you in selecting the ideal cabinetry, flooring, tile, and fixtures, and ensure that every aspect of the project aligns with your vision.
As a full-service design-build firm, we handle every phase of the remodel, including demolition, construction, and scheduling. We also manage all communication with subcontractors, so you can relax knowing that every detail is in expert hands. Our goal is to deliver a seamless, stress-free remodeling experience that results in a beautifully crafted bathroom that exceeds your expectations.
Option 2: Design + Supply Services in the Birmingham Area
For homeowners and contractors in Birmingham, Homewood, Crestline, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, or other nearby areas, Toulmin Kitchen & Bath can serve as your design team and supplier. In this capacity, we collaborate with your chosen contractor to provide the essential design expertise and high-quality materials needed to bring your bathroom vision to life.
Our professional designers will work with you to create custom cabinet layouts and meticulously crafted bathroom designs tailored to your lifestyle and preferences. As your supplier, we’ll provide everything your contractor needs, from functional cabinetry and stylish hardware to plumbing fixtures, tile, and designer lighting. Our comprehensive selection of top-tier materials ensures that your bathroom is beautiful and built to last.
Step Four: Refine And Finalize Your Bathroom Design Plan
At this stage, you’ve likely gathered a wealth of inspiration—perhaps a Pinterest board brimming with ideas or a Houzz Ideabook filled with your favorite looks. Now, it’s time to dive deeper into the specifics, exploring the finishes, fixtures, and materials that align with your vision and budget.
This is where your bathroom design truly begins to take shape.
Your designer will want to see all the photos, notes, and ideas you’ve collected to get a clear sense of your design aesthetic and functional needs. Sharing these with your design team is crucial, allowing them to tailor their plans to your unique style and requirements. Whether you’re drawn to sleek, modern lines or a more traditional, cozy feel, now is the moment to articulate your creative vision.
As you refine these details, your designer will begin creating detailed sketches or CAD drawings of your new bathroom. These visual representations will help you see how all the elements come together, providing a clear picture of the final design. This is the time to make any adjustments before moving forward with the construction phase, ensuring that every detail is just right.
Refining and finalizing your design plan now sets the stage for a smooth and successful remodel that brings your vision to life exactly as you imagined.
BATHROOM DESIGN TIPS
Tailor Your Bathroom To Your Style & Practicality
Perhaps you’re dreaming of more storage, a luxurious double vanity, or the perfect combination of a separate shower and soaking tub. These decisions are vital in ensuring your bathroom not only looks stunning but also meets your day-to-day needs.
Ensure The Bathroom Design Flows With Your Home
It’s also important to consider how your new bathroom will fit within the broader context of your home. The style you choose should complement the overall design of your house. For example, while an ultra-modern bathroom might be striking, it could feel out of place in a Victorian-style home. Your designer will guide you in selecting a style that enhances your home’s character while reflecting your personal taste.
Step Five: Approve The New Bathroom Design
Design approval is the final step before construction begins. During this step, you'll review sketches, floor plans, and elevations showing your bathroom design and proportions. This is to get the layout finalized but only sometimes includes the finished product regarding colors and materials. Once you've nailed down the bathroom design, construction will begin. Then, you'll start working with your designer to pick materials like cabinetry, fixtures, flooring, tile, countertops, lighting, and paint colors for your bathroom.
Bathroom Remodeling: The Bottom Line
Remodeling your bathroom is all about setting clear goals, doing a bit of homework, and making some important choices along the way. Taking the time to learn about the process can really help things move smoothly.
When you bring in a design-build contractor, they’re there to help you shape your plan and bring it to life. They’ll walk you through all your options, making sure you understand what’s possible. Plus, they’ve got the know-how to handle the technical stuff, like permits and building codes, and they’re always up to date on the latest bathroom trends, materials, and techniques. In the end, they’ll make sure your bathroom turns out exactly how you imagined—both beautiful and practical.
Need a Bathroom Designer in Tuscaloosa or Birmingham?
Whether you’re looking for a modern upgrade, a more accessible bathroom design, or a complete renovation, our Toulmin Kitchen & Bath team is here to bring your vision to life. Contact us, and let’s start designing your dream bathroom!
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