Eight steps to your new bathroom

While decorating shows on TV are fun and inspirational, the real life process of creating a new bath—whether it’s a master bath or powder room—takes longer and involves many more “behind the scenes” steps than first meets the eye. Here, I am going to spell out the eight steps to achieving your dream.

1. Assess your needs What are your main objectives? Your priorities will drive all further decisions on budget, style, products and more. So give this step some time and talk it through with your family.

2. Establish a budget range Determine how much you can realistically invest in your new bath and how you plan to pay for it. Shop around to get an idea of product prices and remember that installation can be about 20 percent of the budget.

3. Work with a professional Interview to find someone who understands the scope of your project.

4. Finalize room layout and design Your designer may have several ideas on how you can best use your space, each with different budget implications. Make notes on how you use your space, where the current roadblocks are, and what you wish worked better.

5. Decide on a look Define your style by collecting pictures, visiting showrooms and home shows, and making notes of individual elements you like.

6. Choose products You’ll have a seemingly endless list of product decisions to make. Your design professional can help you sort out what’s truly the best for your needs.

7. Plan for the installation Consider who will be responsible for finding and supervising the electricians, plumbers, tile contractors, carpenters, cabinet installers and all the other trades involved with a new bath. Marsha Sefcik Interior Design has preferred contractor partners that we have worked with on multiple projects and we stand behind their work.

8. Kick back and enjoy, for years to come! Keep all receipts, contracts, warranties and product information. Understand the proper care and maintenance of all new products, then relax and enjoy your dream come true.

On a cost-per-square-foot basis, a bath can be one of the most expensive rooms to remodel. That’s due in part to the complexities of plumbing and to the need for multiple contractors to work sequentially in a small space. However, with a wide variety of quality products available, there’s a bath for almost any budget. Here’s a quick breakdown of a typical Bathroom Remodel.

Check out our newest Bathroom Consultation package to kick start you Bathroom remodel off on the right foot.