A complete bathroom remodel is an investment that will give you long term returns. Add new features, create comfort that has been lacking, and even increase the value of your home – a new bathroom will continue to reward you for years to come.

If you’re planning to remodel now, or even if you’re just exploring your options, you’ll find the entire process to be easier when you have the right advice.

Before you book a contractor or look at a single piece of hardware, make sure you’ve read these 12 tips for a better bathroom remodel Des Moines.

1) Think Creatively When Working in a Small Bathroom

You could remodel even the smallest space to create a beautiful and functional bathroom. Not every bathroom needs to be large and extravagant. It’s all about how you use the space that is available.

Choose fixtures that maximize space. Toilets with in-wall tank systems are perfect for small bathrooms. Recessed storage and compact vanities are also great space-saving options.

Choose a light color pallet and make your bathroom brighter using lighting, windows, or even a skylight.

If you need more floor space for a growing family or to incorporate all the fixtures you want, then you could plan a remodel with a bathroom extension.

2) Bring Comfort to Your Bathroom Remodel with Underfloor Heating

Do you want to wake up to a warm bathroom every winter morning? You’ll feel better walking into a bathroom with underfloor heating.

Electric floor heating systems are relatively inexpensive, and they can be used with tile, stone, engineered wood, and laminate flooring materials. Install a programmable thermostat for complete control over your bathroom heating.

3) Insulate Your Pipes

Insulate your bathroom pipes during a remodel and you’ll make winter-proofing easier year after year. Insulated pipes will protect against freezing, cracking, and bursting. Insulating your hot water pipes will increase efficiency and could cut down on your home energy usage.

4) Add Ventilation During the Remodel

A bathroom remodel is the perfect chance to add ventilation. This will keep your bathroom fresh while taking moisture (and the risk of moisture damage) out of your home.

Connect a ventilation fan to lighting so that it’s conveniently activated any time you’re in the bathroom. Alternatively, you could choose a fan with a timer so that it continues to remove steam and moisture after you’ve finished using the bathroom.

Opt for the quietest fan possible to improve comfort.

5) Use the Right Walls for the Environment

Tiles are popular for finishing bathroom walls, but they’re not the only option. The key here is to choose walls that are beautiful, functional, and resistant to moisture. Wallpaper is obviously not going to be a good option for your bathroom. Semi-gloss bathroom paint can be used to complement floor tiles.

If you want to go for something that’s more high-end and that creates a strong visual impact, consider wainscoting wood paneling. You’ll can find beautiful solutions for all styles, particularly transitional and traditional bathrooms.

6) Maximize Space with Accessory Nooks

If you’re goin to remodel or renovate a smaller bathroom, you’ll need to get creative with the space that you have. Recessed accessory nooks are perfect for adding functional storage while keeping available space at a maximum. Consider adding recessed nooks in the shower and next to your bathtub. If you have the space in your walls, you could even go for hidden cabinets for a streamlined look and feel.

7) Always Keep Accessibility in Mind

Don’t forget about accessibility when designing a beautiful modern, traditional, or even transitional bathroom. Power outlets, light switches, and storage features should all be easily accessible. Function should come first and then you can start to develop beauty around standard heights and placements.

Everything from towel bars and robe hooks, to your cabinets and toilet roll holders should be carefully positioned during the initial design.

You can work with a bathroom remodel experts to design your bathroom layout using 3D modeling that shows you exactly what the completed project will look like. 

8) Light Up Your Vanity

Lighting in any room is key. In your bathroom remodel, you should make effective use of lighting around your vanity.

Avoid a hanging or recessed ceiling fixture for your vanity mirror. Instead, go for eye level soft lighting, or strip lighting above the mirror that comes down at a 45-degree angle. Talk to your design team about using LED vanity lighting to reduce energy usage and save on your utility bill.

9) Frame Your Mirror

If your budget is tight you can work with your contractors to create innovative and cost-effective bathroom designs. The mirror in your bathroom can add beauty and a sense of space. An inexpensive builder-grade mirror can be upgraded with a custom-made frame. Have a wooden frame painted to match your bathroom remodel, or, paint it a bold color to make it a feature on a large wall.

10) Upgrade Your Wiring

Your older home wiring might not be able to keep up with modern appliances. Hair dryers, straightening irons, curlers, and electric razors can all put a strain on your electrical system.

You should take the opportunity to upgrade your wiring during a bathroom remodel. A 20AMP independent circuit will power all your appliances and accessories now and in the future.

11) Don’t Skimp on Storage

Everybody wants a clean and organized bathroom. However, the push for modern minimalism sometimes results in impractical bathroom remodel that lack storage solutions.

During the design and planning phase you’ll have plenty of opportunity to add storage for towels, toiletries, and cleaning products etc.

Make use of cabinets, shelves, or choose vanity designs that include plenty of storage.

12) Get Your Bathroom Remodel Planning Right

This is hands down the most important tip of all!

Always go all in at the start of the project and get the planning right. With meticulous planning you’ll eliminate surprises, extensive cost overruns, and other setbacks that could occur.

Everything from a floor plan and 3D design, to material selection and colors can be completed in advance. You’ll go in to your remodel knowing exactly what you’re going to get out of it.

Get Better Advice for Bathroom Remodeling Des Moines

Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. With care and planning, you could design and build a bathroom that will last your lifetime and beyond. A new bathroom remodel could also bring long-term value to your home. If you ever decide to sell in the future, a beautiful, fully featured bathroom will be a real asset.

Follow our simple tips to enjoy better results from your upcoming bathroom remodeling project. If you’re looking for expert support and an end-to-end design and installation process, the team at HomeWorx Iowa is ready to help.