Remodel a Small Bathroom

Why Remodel?

Your bathroom is so small, so what's the point of remodeling? Actually, by remodeling or updating your bathroom's décor, you can add value to your home. This may be a must-do project if you are thinking about reselling or even if you are considering a refinance of your existing mortgage.

Even if you don't have a financial reason for redoing your bathroom, you may find that once you begin the remodel process, you'll wonder why you waited so long! Why does your bathroom need to be neglected? After all, it's probably the most used room in your home!

Draw the Design

Before you head out to your local home improvement store, spend some time actually drawing out your design if you plan on gutting your bathroom and starting from scratch. If you aren't sure about what you want to do, look through home and garden magazines and websites for some ideas.

Once you've narrowed down what you think you want to do, spend some time measuring out your bathroom, then draw it on a small scale, placing everything exactly where you think it will work best. Obviously, if your remodeling job doesn't entail moving the main pieces of your bathroom, such as the toilet, sink, and tub, then you don't have to do this step.

Remodel a Small Bathroom

It is possible to remodel a small bathroom without actually removing any of the major pieces.

• Paint: One of the easiest ways to remodel is to paint the entire room. Add a chair rail to divide up the wall, and for more pizzazz, paint above and below the chair rail in different colors.
• Wainscoting and Crown Molding: Another way to add a more finished, formal look to a small bathroom is to add wainscoting and/or crown molding. Paint both in a high-gloss white for a sparkling look.
• Mirrors: Mirrors can make any room look bigger, so add a floor-to-ceiling mirror or fill up a wall with mirrored tiles.
• Flooring: Maybe now is the time to replace that worn-out flooring with some beautiful ceramic tile. Because your bathroom is small, you won't have to spend much money on the tile, but the look can make a huge difference!
• Fixtures: Visit your local building supply store and look at all the beautiful fixtures that are available. You can give you bathroom a new look by simply buying new faucets for the sink and bathtub.
• Cabinets: Consider stripping the finish off your bathroom cabinets and using a gel stain to bring out the color of the natural wood. If you like the look of painted cabinets, choose a bright color that will really pop!

Major Projects

If you are in need of more drastic changes when you remodel a small bathroom, such as replacing the toilet and tub, then consider rearranging where you will place these to allow for more room. Remember, however, that moving plumbing may raise the cost of your project considerably, and you shouldn't do it yourself if you don't have experience.

• Can you center the tub? Can you move the toilet to the opposite wall?
• Will a pedestal or micro sink work?
• If you have a furnace in the wall, can it be moved higher or removed altogether?
• Can you replace floor cabinets with only wall cabinets to allow for more space?
• If you have a closet in the bathroom, can it be opened up to allow for more room? If so, you can still place a few towels in a decorative, woven basket.
• Can the tub/shower combo be replaced with just a shower?

Before you do any drastic, structural changes, be sure to consult someone who has experience in these matters. For more advice, visit your local building supply or home improvement store.