When searching for a bathroom renovation near me, it’s important to understand that the bathroom, though often the smallest room in the house, can be one of the most complex to remodel. It involves coordinating multiple suppliers and trades with specialized skills. Finding a reliable general contractor is key to achieving your dream bathroom while staying within budget and on schedule.
Before you even pick up a sledgehammer, take time to plan out your ideal bathroom layout. Sketching out the space and showing it to contractors at this stage will ensure that they know exactly what you want. You will also be able to get accurate estimates on costs and timelines from them.
Once you have a firm idea of what your renovation will look like, it’s time to start picking out materials. You can find inspiration on the internet by browsing websites from big retailers or manufacturers. Some even have galleries of photos from their product lines. It is always a good idea to visit showrooms as well and try out different styles and finishes before making a final decision.
When selecting your materials, keep in mind the scope of work that will be done during the renovation. A ‘rip and replace’ type of remodel can be done relatively quickly, but a more extensive redesign may require relocating plumbing or electrical wiring and therefore have a longer construction period.
Depending on your building and scope, you might be required to apply for city permits or condo/co-op board approvals before starting the actual renovation. These can add weeks or months to your project. In addition, materials lead times and contractor availability are also major factors that can affect your break ground date.
At this point, you will begin taking down the existing bathroom walls and floors, exposing the plumbing and electrical systems in the walls. This step is important because it allows you to see what needs to be done before closing up the walls again. You might need to reroute plumbing or electrical, make adjustments to your floorplan, or upgrade your fixtures.
After you’ve stripped the bathroom down to the studs, it’s time to put in any new plumbing and electrical. You might need to install a new shower head, relocate or add an additional sink, convert a single vanity into a double vanity, or swap out a toilet for a new one. This is also a good time to consider adding a washer and dryer, if your building permits it. Sweeten homeowner Lynn added a ventless washer and dryer to her small half bath, and it has been a game-changer.
Once the construction has begun, it’s important to have a solid contract in place that clearly defines the scope of work and includes all costs associated with the renovation. This will prevent unforeseen issues from causing delays or unexpected expenses down the road. To streamline the process and minimize stress, use a tool like Sweeten to connect with vetted general contractors who are familiar with working in NYC buildings. When you post your project on Sweeten, you can get three contractor recommendations right away with reviews and photos of previous projects from their portfolio.