Renovating your bathroom can bring excitement about the new look, but it also has some practical challenges. If your home has only one bathroom, you’re likely worried about how long you’ll have to go without a toilet or shower. Managing logistics can take time and effort, even in homes with multiple bathrooms. By planning, however, you can minimise the disruption and speed up your enjoyment of the newly refurbished space.
Bathroom renovations are rewarding in the long run and can add significant value to your home. Since the bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms, you’ll need to consider some strategies to help you get through the process with minimal stress. This guide will look at practical tips for surviving a bathroom remodel and ensuring a smooth renovation process.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Bathroom renovations can be exciting but disruptive, especially if you only have one. To minimise the inconvenience, plan ahead by inspecting fixtures, decluttering the space, and setting up temporary washing stations. Use dry shampoo, body wipes, and buckets as interim solutions. Keep pets and children out of the work zone, and protect your home from dust with sheets and covers.
Arrange alternative toilet and shower options, such as using a neighbour’s or a portable solution, and be prepared for delays by keeping a flexible schedule. To avoid setbacks, properly vet contractors and ensure all materials are ready before work starts. Once the renovation is done, clean up thoroughly, test all new fixtures, and enjoy your refreshed bathroom.
Essential Tips For Surviving A Bathroom Renovation
Renovating a bathroom can be a test of patience. However, with good preparation, you can keep things under control. Below are essential tips to help you navigate the renovation phase.
1. Inspect Your Fixtures And Fittings Before The Work Begins
Before the renovation begins, check that all your fixtures and fittings are in good condition. Damages can sometimes occur during transportation, which could delay the installation. For example, if you find a damaged faucet, organise a replacement immediately. This proactive approach will prevent last-minute hold-ups and ensure the project stays on track.
2. Thoroughly Clean And Declutter The Bathroom
Your bathroom will become a construction zone, so cleaning it beforehand is essential. Move all your items, including towels, toiletries, and cosmetics, to another location. This makes the space easier for contractors to work in and protects your belongings from dust and debris. Use this opportunity to declutter and get expired or unused products.
3. Set Up Temporary Hygiene Stations
Since your bathroom will be out of commission, you must establish alternative spaces for your daily hygiene routines. If you don’t have access to a sink, consider setting up a temporary washing station in your kitchen.
For instance, you can store your toothbrush, razor, and other essentials on a tray by the kitchen sink. Keep shampoo and other toiletries nearby for easy access when washing your hair in the sink.
4. Use Dry Shampoo And Body Wipes As Temporary Solutions
Showering might not be an option during the renovation. Invest in dry shampoo and body wipes to stay fresh when you can’t access a full shower or bath. These products are great for extending the time between proper washes, especially during renovation chaos.
5. Keep Buckets Handy
Having a few clean buckets can be handy. You might need them in extreme situations for washing, shaving, or even makeshift toilet solutions. Though your plumber will aim to keep your toilet functional as long as possible, it’s wise to be prepared for short-term alternatives.
6. Manage Pets And Children
If you have pets or small children, you must keep them out of harm’s way. Renovations can create hazardous conditions with tools and dust, so consider confining your pets to a safe room and making alternate arrangements for young children. This not only keeps them safe but also reduces the distractions for the workers.
7. Setting Up A Temporary Toilet
You’ll need a backup solution if the renovation includes removing or replacing the toilet. Options include using a neighbour’s facilities or installing a portable camping toilet. In cases where the plumber can maintain a working toilet throughout the renovation, ask for an estimate on how long the toilet might be unavailable and plan accordingly.
8. Handling Delays
Even with the best contractors, renovations can sometimes run over schedule due to unexpected issues. Keep your plans flexible and be prepared for delays. To reduce disruption, scheduling your renovation around a family holiday or trip might be a good idea. You’ll return home to a nearly finished bathroom with minimal inconvenience.
Managing Renovation Dust And Disruption
While dust and disruption are inevitable, you can take steps to reduce their impact.
1. Reducing Dust Spread
To minimise dust spread during the renovation, place a plastic sheet over the bathroom doorway and lay down canvas drop cloths on the floor. This will help contain the dust in the work area and prevent it from being tracked into other parts of your home.
2. Protecting Your Furniture And Air Quality
Cover your vents and registers to prevent dust from entering the air ducts and spreading throughout your home. Keeping a window open with a fan blowing outwards will also help circulate air and reduce dust. If you’re replacing countertops with granite or other materials, protect the surfaces during installation to avoid scratches or dust buildup.
Avoiding Renovation Delays
Nothing is more frustrating than delays during a renovation, especially when it affects the only bathroom in your home. While some delays are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to minimise the risk.
1. Ensuring All Materials Are Ready
One of the best ways to avoid delays is to have all the materials on-site before the renovation begins. This includes everything from tiles and fixtures to taps and showerheads. If you’re supplying your materials, double-check that everything is in good condition before the work starts. Any delays in ordering or replacing faulty items will push back the project timeline.
2. Setting A Realistic Timeframe
It’s easy to underestimate the time a bathroom renovation will take. Instead, assume it can be done for a few extra days over the weekend. This way, you can avoid unnecessary stress if things take longer than expected. Communicate with your contractor to get a realistic estimate of the project’s time.
3. Choosing The Right Contractor
Before hiring a contractor, research their background and reviews. Ideally, they should come with strong recommendations from trusted friends or family. Checking online reviews and testimonials can also provide valuable insights into their reliability and quality of work.
Ensure you discuss all aspects of the project with your contractor, including any specific times you’ll need access to the bathroom or utilities. If you work from home or have children needing access to certain areas, ensure the contractor is aware so they can plan around your schedule.
Managing The Final Stage Of Your Bathroom Renovation
Once the major work is done, there are a few final touches to ensure everything is complete.
1. Cleaning Up After The Renovation
Renovations leave a significant amount of dust and debris behind. Before using your new bathroom, thoroughly clean all surfaces, including counters, tiles, and fixtures. If you’ve taken steps to manage dust during the renovation, the final cleanup will be much easier.
2. Testing Fixtures And Fittings
Once the renovation is complete, carefully test all new fixtures and fittings to ensure they’re working properly. Check for leaks, proper water flow, and the functionality of the toilet, shower, and taps. Addressing any minor issues immediately will save you from headaches later.
Conclusion
A bathroom renovation can be stressful, but you can minimise the disruption with good preparation. There are several ways to manage the inconvenience, from creating temporary washing stations to keeping pets and children out of the way. You can also ensure a smoother renovation by staying organised and communicating effectively with your contractor. Ultimately, all the effort will be worth it when you finally enjoy your beautiful, updated bathroom.
FAQs About Bathroom
Can You Do Your Plumbing?
A homeowner may obtain a permit to install plumbing in their home. The plumbing must be associated with a repair or remodel (i.e., not constructing a new home). A plumbing permit may be issued to a homeowner who demonstrates their competency to the building official.
Do You Need A Building Permit For Renovations?
Unless you only do cosmetic interior upgrades, like painting or updating your kitchen faucet, you probably do.
Are Plastic Sinks Any Good?
Acrylic sinks offer many benefits, such as ease of installation, low price and a shiny appearance. The drawback is they might not last as long as composites, such as granite, and tougher materials, such as stainless steel. Acrylic is a plastic but appears similar to a porcelain enamel sink.
How Long Do Bathroom Cabinets Last?
Bathroom cabinets are expected to last 30 to 60 years, with an average of 50 years. However, high humidity and splashed water in a bathroom can shorten the life of budget cabinets, and a plumbing leak under the sink or in the wall behind it will also ruin cabinets if not caught and repaired promptly.
Do White Sinks Stain Easily?
The simple answer is yes! Of course, they can scratch and stain. Like most things, it is about maintaining and treating your investment.
