Renovating your bathroom is an exciting project, but it can be hard to know where to start without the right help. That’s why we’re here to give you tips and help you with what you need to make sure your bathroom renovation goes smoothly.

We can help you understand how important it is to communicate clearly with your provider and how to avoid common mistakes. When you’re ready to make your bathroom dreams come true, remember that Precise Plumbing is your trusted partner in Oakville for high-quality bathroom renovations. 

Let’s start this remodelling project together, and we’ll make the bathroom you’ve always wanted. Contact Precise Plumbing right away and let us help you improve your bathroom with accuracy and skill. For now, here are some dos and don’ts for your bathroom renovation.

Tips on What You Should Do For Your Bathroom Renovation

1. Plan and budget

Make a budget that makes sense and fits with your financial goals and how much money you can spend each week. During the repairs, this will be used as a guide. Once you know how much you want to spend, do a lot of research on different types, materials, and finishes that you like. 

Next, get a list of reliable contractors so you can compare prices and make sure you’re getting a good deal.

Unexpected costs are a part of every home improvement project, so you should be ready for them. Add 10–20% to your budget as a safety net for these unplanned costs. 

Also, think about how your bathroom is set up and make sure it works well and meets your wants. For example, if you have a young family, you might want to choose a bathroom with two sinks. You can make a bathroom makeover that will last for years if you follow these steps and work hard as you go.

2. Choose a design

Choosing the right style for your bathroom remodel requires careful thought and attention to detail. First, think about your wants and how you spend your time to figure out how the bathroom will be used most often. Think about things like the size of your family, how often you have guests over, and any specific needs you have to make sure the plan meets your practical needs.

Once you know what you need your bathroom to do, you can look at different types of bathroom design, from traditional to modern to rustic. Choose a style that matches your taste and makes you happy every time you use the bathroom.

If you’re not sure how to design the bathroom yourself or don’t think you’re good at it, a designer or contractor can help you out and give you useful advice.

Start the design process by putting together a mood board with pictures that show the style and atmosphere you want. Use the Internet, magazines, and home improvement shops to get ideas and think about what could be done.

To get more ideas, look at other bathrooms and visit stores. This will give you a better idea of what is possible and what you like.

Don’t be afraid to mix styles to make a place that is unique and yours. Designing a bathroom lets you be artistic and try out different things to make a look that is both cohesive and unique.

Details can make a big difference in how the bathroom looks as a whole, so pay close attention to them. Choose finishes and materials that fit your style and help create the atmosphere you want.

3. Get permits and inspections

Depending on the size of the job, bathroom renovations in Oakville, Ontario, may need building permits and inspections. The Ontario Building Code (OBC) says that you need a building permit for any building job that covers more than 10 square meters (about 108 square feet). Not all bathroom repairs, though, will need a permit.

If you move pipes, add or remove walls, or move sinks, toilets, tubs, or showers, you probably need a building permit. On the other hand, you usually don’t need a permit to make changes that are just for looks, like changing bathroom vanity cabinets, countertops, hardware, flooring, and light fixtures.

Before starting the renovation, homeowners should call their local building code client service centre to find out if their project needs a permit. Before starting any work, you have to send in plans and drawings of the spot for review and get a permit. Schedule inspections at different stages of work to make sure that safety standards and building codes are being followed.

If you try to make changes to your home without the right permits, you could face fines, a stop in the building, and even legal trouble. Also, if a building fails because work was done without a permit, the insurance may not cover it.

The fees for a permit depend on how much work needs to be done. Even though a professional builder or renovator can take care of tasks that have to do with permits, the homeowner is ultimately responsible. It’s smart to talk to the contractor on a regular basis to make sure permits are posted and checks are done.

4. Get everything in writing

For bathroom renovations, it is very important to get everything in writing to protect both the owner and the contractor. A thorough written contract makes sure that all agreed-upon changes and specifications are written down, so there is no room for confusion or disagreement. If there are any arguments or problems during the renovation, this written agreement will be very important.

A well-written contract usually includes a full list of changes to be made, estimates for labour and materials, the length of the job, and a schedule for payments. By putting these details in writing, the homeowner can avoid price changes that were not planned for and have a clear idea of what the job entails.

Handshake deals no longer work in the modern world, and professional workers know how important it is to have a written contract. It gives both parties interested in the renovation a way to go to court and protects them.

Before moving forward, homeowners should carefully look over the contractor’s plan and quote. Any part of the contract that isn’t clear or isn’t written well should be a red flag that you need to find another provider.

The contract should be written, clear, and, if necessary, looked over by a lawyer. Using specific words, like “workday availability” and “daily cleanup,” helps keep communication and standards clear while the renovation is going on.

Before work starts, most people pay a 10–20% down payment, but there are exceptions, like when custom items need to be ordered ahead of time. Instead of being based on time, the payment plan should be based on goals and the amount of work done. This method encourages steady progress and makes sure that payments are made based on how much work has been done, with a final 10% held back until the whole job is done.

5. Be prepared for delays

During a bathroom makeover, it’s important to be ready for delays if you don’t want to feel frustrated and let down. Renovations can be hard, and delays can happen for many reasons. 

Unexpected things like structural problems, delays in getting permits, or material backorders are often to blame. Also, choosing a contractor with little experience could lead to inefficiency and delays. Changes to the scope of the job and bad communication between the homeowner and the contractor can also cause problems. Also, bad weather can throw off the plan for renovations.

To deal with possible delays, it’s important to be flexible with the plan and mentally ready for problems that come up out of the blue. Homeowners should know that not everything will go as planned and that they may need to make changes along the way. Open communication with the contractor and a clear knowledge of the project’s timeline and possible risks can help manage expectations.

6. Ventilate

In order to keep the bathroom healthy and cozy, it is important to have good ventilation. Ventilation is important because it takes the humidity out of the air, which is important for many reasons.

Good airflow helps stop mould and mildew from growing. Because of showers, baths, and sinks, bathrooms tend to get a lot of wetness, which is perfect for mould and mildew to grow..

Second, a bathroom with good airflow has less condensation. When warm, moist air comes into touch with cooler surfaces, condensation forms. This can cause water damage to walls, ceilings, and floors. Effective ventilation stops condensation from happening by removing extra moisture from the air. This keeps the bathroom from falling apart.

Also, ventilation improves the air quality by getting rid of smells that come from the bathroom. Whether it’s the smell of a hot shower or the smell left behind after using the toilet, a bathroom with good airflow gets rid of these smells quickly and effectively.

There are two main ways to get air into a bathroom: natural and mechanical. To get rid of moisture in the air, open windows and doors are used for natural ventilation, while fans are used for mechanical ventilation. Mechanical ventilation is usually better at getting rid of moisture than natural airflow, but it can be more expensive to set up.

Choosing the best type of ventilation relies on your needs and your budget. If you live in a humid area or have a problem with mould and mildew growing all the time, mechanical airflow might be a better choice. On the other hand, natural air can still work for people who are on a tight budget.

7. Upgrade to more efficient plumbing fixtures

During a bathroom remodel, upgrading to more efficient plumbing equipment has a number of important benefits that make it a good idea to do so. 

One of the main benefits is that it saves water. Fixtures like low-flow toilets and showerheads use less water than their older versions. This means that you use less water and pay less for it, which is especially helpful in areas with high water rates. Also, some energy-efficient fixtures, like low-flow toilets, use less energy to run, saving energy and lowering electricity costs even more.

Upgrading to more efficient plumbing fixtures not only saves money but also has less of an effect on the earth. Homeowners can help protect natural resources and reduce their carbon footprint by saving water and energy. 

From a financial point of view, changing to more energy-efficient fixtures can raise the value of the home when it comes time to sell it. In today’s market, buyers want homes that use less energy and are better for the environment. This makes plumbing systems that use less water and energy an attractive feature.

Depending on the features chosen and the size of the bathroom, the initial cost of an upgrade can vary. However, the long-term savings on water and energy bills can more than makeup for the initial costs. 

Older toilets use 3.5 gallons or more per flush, but low-flow toilets only use 1.28 gallons or less. Low-flow showerheads use 2.5 gallons of water or less per minute. This cuts down on the amount of water used in baths. Energy-efficient taps are another way to save water and energy. Also, tankless water heaters heat water only when it’s needed, so they don’t waste energy like standard water heaters do.

8. Test the plumbing after the renovation is complete 

Testing the plumbing after a bathroom remodel is a very important step to make sure that the new plumbing system works and is safe. Leaks can cause expensive water damage to your home, so it’s important to find them as soon as possible. Leaking water can also cause mould and mildew to grow, which is bad for the health of the people living there.

There are many ways to check the sewage system after it has been fixed up. Fill the tub or shower with water and look for signs of leaks, like water dripping or pooling on the floor. Another way to check for plumbing problems is to turn on all of the bathroom devices, like the toilet, sink, and shower, and listen for strange noises or see if water is leaking.

It is just as important to test the bathroom vent system after the remodelling. You can test how well the vent system works by lighting a match or incense stick and holding it close to the vent hole. If the smoke goes up into the vent, it means everything is working right. If the smoke doesn’t go anywhere, there’s something wrong with the air system that needs to be fixed.

What Not to Do for Your Bathroom Renovation

1. Trying to do it yourself

People who want to save money or work on a personal project might be tempted to do their own bathroom repairs. But there are many good reasons why you shouldn’t try to fix up your bathroom on your own.

First of all, you need to know how to do things like plumbing, electrical work, and woodworking to do a bathroom remodel. Without these skills, mistakes can happen, which can lead to dangers and expensive fixes. Also, bathroom renovations can take weeks or even months to finish, which can be inconvenient for homeowners, especially those who don’t have a lot of time or who live in small areas.

The cost of supplies and labour for bathroom renovations can add up quickly, which could mean that inexperienced DIYers will go over budget. Also, if you don’t have the right skills to do the makeover right, mistakes and problems like leaks and mould growth can happen, which will cost you more money and time to fix.

Also, if homeowners do their own bathroom renovations and make mistakes that cause damage, their house insurance could be cancelled. If this happens, they would have to pay for the repairs themselves. To make sure a bathroom makeover goes well and is safe, it’s best to hire a professional with the right skills and experience. A professional contractor will know all the ins and outs of bathroom renovations, as well as the local building codes and rules. This will make sure that the job is done safely and according to the rules.

2. Not getting multiple quotes

Getting multiple prices for a bathroom remodel is a smart way to make sure you get the most for your money and hire the right contractor. One of the best things about getting more than one rate is that you can compare the prices and services of different contractors. With this comparison, you can find the best deal that fits your project’s needs and your cash.

Having different quotes also gives you more power to negotiate with the contractors over the price. With different choices in hand, you can talk about the quotes and maybe come to a better price point. You can also compare the skills and knowledge of different contractors by getting multiple quotes. This helps you find a contractor who specializes in bathroom renovations and can meet your wants and expectations.

By getting multiple quotes, you can get a better idea of how much the whole renovation will cost. This will help you avoid any surprises once the job is underway. Prices that are easy to understand and a full breakdown of costs help people make better decisions.

Also, getting multiple quotes lets you talk to different workers and find out how professional they are, how they talk to you, and how well they answer your questions and concerns. This helps build trust with the chosen contractor and gives peace of mind that the makeover will be done well.

To get different quotes for a bathroom makeover, you should talk to at least three contractors. This will give you a wide range of prices and services to compare. As you get prices, ask the contractors about their experience and qualifications. Make sure they have experience renovating bathrooms and that they are licensed and insured for the job.

3. Not being clear with your contractor

For bathroom renovations, it’s important to be clear with your contractor so that the project goes smoothly and meets your standards. When it comes to bathroom renovations, there are a lot of things that can go wrong, but if you talk to each other clearly, you can avoid mistakes.

Clarity about your budget is important because it helps the contractor plan the makeover in a way that doesn’t go over budget. This is especially important for bathroom renovations, which can be expensive because they can add up quickly. 

Setting a clear timeline for the project makes it easier for the worker to plan and schedule the work in a way that keeps delays to a minimum and makes sure the project is finished on time.

By keeping clear lines of communication open with your contractor, you can build a connection based on trust and cooperation. This makes it easier for everyone to work together during the makeover, and any problems can be dealt with quickly and effectively.

It is important to be clear with your provider about what you need and what you expect. Instead of making general requests, be specific about things like the size of the bathroom, the fixtures you want, and the finishes you want. Sharing as much information as you can, like floor plans, pictures, and inspiration boards, helps the worker get a better idea of what you want.

However, it’s important to listen to what the provider has to say. They might give you useful tips or ideas you hadn’t thought of, which could lead to better results from the makeover. Throughout the job, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open and to talk about your needs and preferences. This will also keep you up to date on how things are going.

4. Not being present during the renovation

Being there during a bathroom makeover is important because it lets you keep an eye on the work and make sure it fits your vision and requirements. Being there lets you make choices right away and deal with any problems that come up during the renovation. 

Being there during the renovation also gives you the chance to get to know the contractor better. Setting up a good working relationship can help you get work done in the future and makes it easier for people to talk to each other. 

It’s important to talk to the worker on a regular basis. By keeping them up to date on your wants and goals, you can make sure that everyone is on the same page as the project goes on. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if there’s something you don’t understand. The worker should be able to explain the process and answer your questions.

5. Move fixtures unless you have to

Fixtures shouldn’t be moved during a bathroom remodel unless it’s completely necessary because it can cause a lot of problems. Cutting into walls and floors is usually needed to move things, which can be messy, take time, and cost money. It can also lead to problems that were not planned for, which can make the remodelling harder and cost more.

Moving fixtures can also cause damage to the fixtures, especially if they are old or fragile. When fixtures are moved, the warranty on them may no longer be valid in some cases. This could lead to extra costs and problems if the fixings ever need to be fixed or replaced.

Another important thing to think about is how it will affect the plumbing and electricity systems. Moving fixtures can have an effect on these important systems and could cause leaks or electricity problems. It is important to have a professional plumber and electrician check the systems before and after changing any fixtures to make sure they are safe.

When fixtures are changed, the structural integrity of the bathroom may also be affected, especially if they are heavy or need a lot of work. In these situations, it is important to bring in a structural engineer to check the stability of the bathroom and make sure that changing the fixtures won’t cause any structural problems.

6. Be distracted by trends

When you’re remodelling a bathroom, it’s important not to follow fads. Even if a style is appealing at the time, it may not last.

First, bathroom trends can cost a lot of money. Most of the time, they involve using high-end materials and fittings that can be expensive. By following trends, homes may spend more money on their bathroom renovations than they need to, putting a strain on their budget for things that will only be trendy for a short time.

Second, bathroom design styles change very quickly. What’s famous and trendy right now could be old and out of style in a few years.

Trends are often based on what is popular in the media or on social media sites. This means that many bathrooms look the same. Those who want a unique and personal area should stay away from trends.

Also, some bathroom styles might not be good for daily use. For instance, a trendy walk-in shower might look nice, but it might not be useful for a family with young children or older people. When making choices about a bathroom remodel, it’s important to put functionality and ease of use first.

Instead of following fads, it’s better to choose bathroom fixtures and finishes that will last for a long time. If you choose a classic style, like traditional, transitional, or modern, your bathroom will still look good and be useful for years to come. The makeover will last longer if you use high-quality materials like marble, granite, or travertine.

Neutral colours are another great choice for a bathroom that will last for a long time. Neutral colours like white, grey, and brown can be used in many different ways and have a classic, elegant look. When picking fixtures, you should also think about how they work and how easy they are to use. 

By choosing design elements that will last for a long time instead of following trends, homeowners can make a bathroom that they will love and use for a long time without worrying that it will look old or not be useful. It’s important to put money into a bathroom remodel that will last and show off the homeowner’s personal style and tastes.

Hire a Trusted Oakville Bathroom Renovations Contractor

In the end, working on a bathroom renovation job can be both fun and scary. By remembering the dos and don’ts in this blog, you can make sure that your remodelling goes well and makes you happy. Don’t forget how important it is to get everything in writing, be ready for delays, test the plumbing after the job is done, and communicate with your worker as much as possible.

If you want to remodel your bathroom in Oakville, you don’t need to look any further than Precise Plumbing. Our team of skilled plumbers and renovation experts in Oakville is committed to giving you the best service possible and making sure your project is done to your full satisfaction. 

With our experience, attention to detail, and dedication to doing good work, we can make sure that your bathroom gets a beautiful new look without any problems. Don’t settle for less than the best. Choose Precise Plumbing as your trusted Oakville bathroom remodelling company. Contact us today to talk about your ideas and let us make them come to life in a way that is precise and excellent. Your dream bathroom is waiting for you!