Are you considering a bathroom renovation in the Kansas City area? Sometimes there are obvious signs it’s time for a bathroom remodel, like your shower is broken and it’s officially beyond repair. Or perhaps your bathroom just isn’t functional for your needs, i.e. it lacks storage space. Whether its function or appearance, embarking on such a project requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a successful bathroom renovation. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key factors you need to consider for a seamless bathroom renovation experience in Kansas City.
1. Assess Your Bathroom Needs
Before diving into the renovation process, take the time to clearly define your objectives. A few of those things may be reviewing bathroom functionality, your wish list, aesthetic, budget, and timeline. By taking the time to assess your needs and set clear objectives, you pave the way for a successful bathroom renovation. Read our post Assessing Your Bathroom Remodeling Needs to help define your objectives.
2.Set a Realistic Budget
We are surrounded by images of beautiful bathroom remodels from HGTV to Instagram, it’s so easy and affordable…right? Unfortunately, costs represented on tv and even in Google searches aren’t always realistic. There are many variables that go into a bathroom renovation price including type of bathroom remodel, bathroom size, and material selections. In the Kansas City area, we’ve found small hallway bathroom remodels start at $35,000 and larger primary bathroom remodels start at $75,000.
The best way to get a rough idea of what your bathroom remodel may cost is to speak to a remodeling expert, they’ll have an idea of costs based on actual projects they have recently done. Take a listen to Ron Webster’s, CKBR Budget podcast "Ready to Remodel? Let’s Discuss Budget!" to help establish your budget.
3. Find the Right Design While Maximizing Space and Functionality
After establishing your objectives and a budget you can start to look at your bathroom design and its style. A good bathroom design will make your everyday life easier, and you’ll enjoy getting ready every day. A bad design will leave you frustrated day in and day out and makes for a bad investment. Spend the time and money to create a space that fits your needs.
Bathrooms come in all sizes and even if your bathroom is physically small that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice storage. There are amazing cabinet and storage solutions to maximize it’s functionality including recessed mirrors, vanity organizers, up johns, and notched cabinet drawers to avoid plumbing. We strongly suggest working with an experienced bathroom design to ensure a bathroom you'll love. Nina Schmidt, CKBR shares some of her secrets in her "Functional Bathroom Design" Podcast.
4. Accessibility Considerations
Accessibility may be crucial right now if you have someone in your home with special needs, or it may be something you’re considering as you age in your home. Either way it is important to understand what your needs and options are when designing your new bathroom. A few items at the top of the design requirements are door width, floor space, and adequate space for wheelchair turns, an ADA compliant vanity, a zero-entry shower, and grab bars. Take a listen as Kelly Summers, KCBR discusses some of the accessible bathroom renovations she’s worked on in her "Accessibility in the Bathroom" podcast episode.
5. Select High-Quality Materials
Every day, the market is flooded with new options in tile, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures and more. Additionally, there are varying levels of quality. A Kohler faucet sold at Home Depot may have plastic internal parts while a Kohler faucet sold at a plumbing supply store may have metal interior parts. Invest in high quality bathroom products to ensure the longevity of your remodel. If making selections is overwhelming a bathroom designer might be a great option for you! Not only will they guide you through the design, but they can narrow down selections based on your style and ensure everything comes together beautifully.
Check out some of the different size bathroom remodel sizes around Kansas City, shared by Megan Bringman,GCP, AKBD, "Tailoring Your Space: Small, Medium, & Large Bathroom Design Remodels Unveiled."
6. Hire the Right Remodeler
When it’s time to hire an expert to help with your construction you will need to decide if you are hiring a General Contractor or a Design Build Remodeler. There are differences between the two so having your bathroom remodeling needs outlined will help guide you in your selection. Learn the difference between the two in our post "Should I Hire a Design Build Remodeler or General Contractor?"
It is important you do your research and select a reputable and experienced professional for your bathroom remodeling project. You are making a large investment, and you want to ensure the remodel is done right and comes in at your budget. We recommend researching local remodelers in Kansas City, reading reviews, and asking for referrals from friends or family members who have recently completed renovations. To help in your decision we've created 9 Questions To Ask Your Remodeling Contractor
We hope these 6 tips were helpful in your bathroom Kansas City bathroom remodeling planning and help you achieve the bathroom of your dreams!
Ready to start discussing your remodel? Contact Us to speak to a remodeling expert.