Determing the Correct Material Options for Your Bathroom Renovation

So, you’re ready to remodel your bathroom? This is a fantastic project that will bring a lot of joy and relief into your life. There’s nothing quite like seeing a poorly-used space turn into something magically functional and aesthetically pleasing.

However, in order to properly prepare for your bathroom renovation, you’ll need to start considering materials early in the process. If you wait to pick out all of your bathroom renovation materials, you may find that you exceed your budget in the end. Be sure to chat in depth with your bathroom designer about not only your budget, but also the specific materials that you want in your new bathroom. A bathroom designer will help you to select materials for your bathroom renovation project that will meet your budget.

Flooring options

Believe it or not, tiles actually come in a variety of styles. If you’re not a bathroom renovation expert, you probably wouldn’t know that tiles come in natural stone, porcelain and ceramic varieties. Ceramic tiles often have more texture to prevent slippage. Natural stone is also a great option if you’re looking for a bathroom floor that won’t get too terribly slippery when wet.

Some people opt out of tiles altogether for their bathroom renovation and instead decide to go with hardwood floors. Be sure to talk with your bathroom designer and your contractor to ensure that your hardwood floors are sealed properly for your bathroom.

Other options for bathroom floors include carpet, or vinyl. However, carpeting can easily mold and vinyl is not the most upscale choice.

Countertop options

Bathroom vanity tops are an essential part of any bathroom renovation project. Your bathroom countertop receives a heavy load of morning rush hour traffic from adults and kids alike. You want to make sure that you have a surface that is easy to clean and won’t stain easily. However, it’s equally important that your countertops are durable and will stand the test of time.

Granite and marble are two excellent choices for a bathroom redesign. These two countertop materials are classy and durable. However, granite will need to be sealed and both of these options are much pricier than going with a laminate option.

Laminate is by far the most economical option for bathroom countertops. Laminate comes in a variety of styles and colors and can stand up to water and spills.

Bathroom fixtures

Toilets, sinks, bathtubs and showers are definitely the major components of any bathroom. You can easily spend thousands or tens of thousands of dollars on the most luxurious fixtures available. Again, if you’re not a bathroom designer, you probably don’t realize the immense number of options you have in terms of bathroom fixtures.

Shower fixtures can include body sprayers, rain shower heads, dual fixtures, combo mounts, or your typical shower head. And within these categories you can choose from economy models to the absolute pinnacle of luxury in shower fixtures.

Sinks and faucets are another type of bathroom fixture that you’ll need to consider. Think about how many people use the bathroom at once, and you may find that you need multiple sinks for early rush hour bathroom traffic.

Of course, who could forget the toilet. Many bathroom designers prefer to hide the toilet in a separate room, but no matter where you put it, you’ll need to decide what type of toilet is right for you. Toilets also come in a full range of sizes and colors. There are also options for those with disabilities, which would include handrails, or different sizes. No matter your budget, there is definitely a toilet for you.

How to choose the right bathroom designer

Do I need a bathroom designer?

If you’re thinking about redesigning your bathroom, you’ve probably already started searching for your options online. As you’ve probably already seen, there are many options for bathroom design ranging from materials, to appliances, to fixtures and more. If you’re working full time, chances are that you won’t have the time needed to dedicate to planning everything for your bathroom redesign on your own. Finding a bathroom designer isn’t as complicated, or as pricey as it may seem. Bathroom designers are experts in remodeling and redesigning bathrooms. Better yet, finding a local bathroom designer is a great way to get expert knowledge on local prices, materials and contractors, that you just wouldn’t be able to source yourself.

What is a bathroom designer?

A bathroom designer is a professional with many years of experience in bathroom remodeling, renovation and design projects. Bathroom designers don’t only know about the design elements of a bathroom redesign project, but they can also advise you on materials and contractors to meet your budget.

Where can I find a bathroom designer?

It can be tricky to find a designer who specializes in bathroom renovation, as many home designers are generalists. Finding a real bathroom design professional can be quite a task. If you’re in the Austin area, check out Joe Currie from Capitol Design. Joe has been designing bathrooms since 1981. Joe is super friendly and knowledgable and will be able to help you redesign your bathroom in a way that reflects your unique taste and style.

Discussing your budget with your bathroom designer

Once you’ve found a bathroom designer, it’s important to be upfront and honest with him/her. For example, your new bathroom designer will want to understand your budget. Don’t be worried if you think your budget is too low. Bathroom designers are experts in meeting clients’ needs and will be able to work with you to find appropriately priced materials based on your specific budget. So, when your bathroom designer asks about your budget, be upfront and honest. Let them know your absolute maximum budget so that they can plan your bathroom redesign effectively.

Explaining your specific style to your bathroom designer

Everyone has different preferences and tastes. It’s a designer’s job to make a plan that will suit their client’s particular style and taste. Therefore, discuss your style preferences with your bathroom designer. Create a Pinterest board of your favorite images to show your designer. You can also clip your favorite magazine clippings and share these with your bathroom designer. Try to explain as clearly as possible your style preferences, as well as the styles that do not resonate with you. By having open and clear communication, you’ll be able to support your bathroom designer as he/she creates the perfect bathroom redesign for you.

Discussing materials with your bathroom designer

Now that you’ve had the discussion about your stylistic preferences and your budget with your bathroom designer, it’s time to move on to materials. Bathrooms may seem rather simple, but do require a lot of planning. Bathrooms include the obvious components such as toilets, bathtubs, showers and sinks, but they also include fixtures like shower heads and faucets. Ceilings, walls, tiles, and flooring should also be considered. And finally, a proper designer will be able to help you plan your wiring for lighting and plumbing, as well. As you can see, there really is a lot of planning that goes into bathroom design. This is one reason why having an excellent bathroom designer is so crucial to achieving the perfect bathroom on your budget.

Find a bathroom designer in Austin

Are you looking for a professional Austin bathroom designer? Joe Currie from Capitol Design has been working with home renovations since 1981. Joe has designed projects for media celebrities, Fortune 500 CEOs, and even a well-known St. Louis chef. Contact Joe here.