Renovating A Bathroom: How To Do It Beautifully Without Spending Too Much

Although the bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in the apartment, renovating it is not easy. You need to take into account many nuances: remember that the room has a special microclimate, focusing on both beauty and functionality. At the same time, mistakes are expensive: one wrong step at the planning stage and the entire renovation will go down the drain.

The best solution is to study in detail the advice from professionals and be inspired by successful examples before starting work. In this article, we will show you the easiest way to the bathroom of your dreams.

Stage 1. Creating a project

Typically, drawing up a project takes place in three stages: in the first stage, a decision about redevelopment is made, the location of plumbing is thought through, and a sketch is created. The second step is the measurements of the room, which will be needed to calculate the amount of materials. The final stage is creating a plan and drawing up an estimate.

The project is one of the key stages. It is thanks to this step that you will not spend too much and create a comfortable and ergonomic interior. Without a design project, the renovation will turn into chaos - you need to understand where to install the plumbing, how many materials you will need, and how to arrange the electrics correctly.

Of course, if you have experience and, most importantly, time, you can take on the project yourself. But the level of responsibility here is very high: if you make a mistake with the measurements, there may not be enough tiles (or there may be too much, which means you will spend extra money), and the plumbing fixtures may not fit in the intended place. Result: you go beyond your budget, and the renovation is delayed.

Stage 2. Selection of materials

Partitions are built, screeds are laid, and walls are leveled throughout the restoration process. And every step requires purchasing the right materials. What to look for? If you are planning to build a partition, it is recommended to give preference to the masonry method - this is a more reliable option with excellent insulating properties. 

To lay partitions, tongue-and-groove slabs are used: they must be moisture-resistant. To construct a frame partition, you need plasterboard boards: keep in mind that, in this case, additional waterproofing is required - the sheets may collapse if they are in constant contact with water.

To level the walls, you need plaster: both gypsum and cement also require waterproofing. Before you begin facing work and waterproofing, the walls are primed: it is better to use a primer for wet rooms or a deep penetration primer. They contain antifungal components that prevent the formation of mold.

The most important step is waterproofing the walls and floors. Coating materials are often chosen for waterproofing concrete floors: please note that at least 28 days must pass from the moment the screed is laid. If the floors do not harden completely, the screed may collapse. If you don’t want to wait, vapor-permeable painting waterproofing materials will come to the rescue.

Waterproofing gypsum walls or partitions requires special compounds that are resistant to deformation because gypsum partitions themselves are a deformable material. 

To lay tiles, you will need tile adhesive: it is better to give preference to elastic adhesives - they protect against the formation of cracks and, therefore, against the accumulation of moisture and subsequent destruction of the tiles.

Waterproofing tape is suitable for corner junctions of shower walls and other plumbing units - it is easy to install and prevents water from penetrating into the seams at the junctions. The seams of the tiles are grouted with a special grout; after installing the tiles, the joints also need to be insulated with a sealant - give preference to moisture-resistant materials that prevent the formation of mold and mildew.

Stage 3. Finishing the bathroom

The bathroom is a complex room with a special microclimate. There is a high level of humidity and temperature changes here: if you want the renovation to please you for many years, you should not make mistakes when choosing finishing materials.

The most common finishing solution is tiles or porcelain stoneware: they are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture. An additional advantage of tiles is that you can find a suitable option for any budget. Porcelain tiles will cost more. The bathroom may have the most budget-friendly white tiles: to transform it, just use blue grout - the finish will look more expensive.

Stage 4. Selection and installation of plumbing

The location of the plumbing fixtures is determined at the design project stage, but there are several nuances that should be taken into account both during installation and when choosing models.

One of the main questions when choosing plumbing fixtures is a bathtub or a shower enclosure. If you prefer a shower, keep in mind that the organization of drainage will depend on whether you are using a ready-made tray with a classic siphon or making a build-grade tray with the installation of a special drain. In the second case, you will also need to correctly set the slope of the ladder for normal water drainage. If you want to install a bathtub, consider the material: for a minimum gap between the tiles and the bathtub and an even screen, models made of cast marble, made to order according to the size of the room, are suitable. In other cases, there will be a gap, albeit small.

An important point in installing a sink is determining the optimal height. Often the distance from the edge to the floor should be from 31 to 34 inches: a deviation in height is allowed, but not more than one inch.

The toilet can be regular or wall-hung: many are afraid to use hidden-mounted installations because of their unreliability, but this is a myth - you will have easy access to communications, the models do not weigh down the interior, and are easy to clean.

A hygienic shower may seem like an extra expense, but in reality, it is a smart investment: it can be used not only for its intended purpose but also to collect a bucket of water for washing the floors. Installed as a faucet near the toilet or mounted on a manifold.

Heated towel rails are available in water and electric types. Water ones are a more economical option but with their own disadvantages. Among the electric heated towel rails, you can find economical models: there will be no leaks with them, and you can turn them on as needed and install them where you need them.

Stage 5. Decor

The decor in the bathroom sets the mood: it is at this stage that you can implement many simple and budget-friendly life hacks. Of course, it is again important to take into account the moisture resistance of items: buy bathroom cabinets treated with a special compound for storage, or give preference to plastic.

Don't be afraid to use greenery in the bathroom: plants are often not placed here due to the microclimate. The decision is correct, but fresh flowers can always be replaced with artificial ones: they will help refresh the room.

Accessories are also part of the decor: for example, use beautiful dispensers for soap, shampoos, and other personal hygiene products - this way, you get rid of visual noise and can add additional accents.

Be attentive to the palette of textiles: it is better to choose towels to match the tiles or accent details - they should fit into the color scheme. You can find textiles in the shade of tiles and wall paint - the design turns out to be harmonious and unified.