Everyone loves a dramatic bathroom transformation exhibited in before and after pics. One reason is the fact that few rooms can be as impressive as an upgraded bathroom, and few rooms get as nasty as an old bathroom, so the change can seem to border on the miraculous. No doubt about it, a newly renovated bathroom lifts the spirits and can serve as a place to unwind and relax at the end of a busy day. However, the process of going from “before” to “after” is generally less fun, especially if you’re doing some or all of the work yourself. Even if you’re hiring everything out, though, you’ll still be down a bathroom for weeks or months. Take advantage of our tips for staying sane during this difficult time!

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1. Be savvy about the timing of the project.

 

We’ll start with a suggestion for the planning stage. Unless your home will still have plenty of bathrooms even with one of them out of commission for renovation, you want to be smart about when you do the project. For example, if you have kids away at college, don’t shut down your second bathroom after they’ve returned home for summer break! Other points to consider include:

• Activities like school sports seasons that put the shower in high demand.
• Very hot weather that can also increase the frequency of showering.
• Seasons of inclement weather, when contractors might not be able to make it to your home or you might be unable to run to the store for more building supplies.
• Any upcoming visits from houseguests.

 

As you weigh your options for the timing of the project, keep in mind that renovations often go longer than scheduled, and give yourself a solid cushion.

 

2. Take it easy on yourself.

 

Things can get hectic during a remodel, so try to make routines like dinner prep easier during this time. Eating out and ordering in are nice options, but this can get quite spendy after a while. More budget-friendly possibilities include:

• Making meals ahead of time and freezing them.
• Cooking a double batch of whatever you’re making, so you can take another night off.
• Shopping less processed convenience items like rotisserie chickens and pre-packaged salads.
• Loading up on meats and veggies that are easy to grill.

 

Also, accept the fact that your house might not be as clean and tidy as usual during this process, and try to take a philosophical view of any messes that occur.

 

3. Carefully discern what, if any, work to do on your own.

 

No doubt about it, doing some of the work yourself can be a real money saver. Even something like putting in a glass shower enclosure is possible for a homeowner with the right skill set. This would typically involve steps like taking and recording measurements, buying the necessary glass and hardware, and building the stall. If you have experience with this type of work or have done related work and have access to helpful information, a DIY shower enclosure might be an excellent choice. When it comes to frameless sliding door systems, you can even buy a hardware kit rather than sourcing each component separately.

However, avoid overestimating your capabilities. For many homeowners, tasks like plumbing, electrical work, and glass shower installation are best left to the pros for reasons of safety and quality. On the other hand, taking care of the painting is feasible for many and helps cut the overall cost of the remodel.

 

4. Make a schedule for using the remaining bathroom(s).

 

If having one less bathroom is going to be an issue for family, be proactive about how you will navigate this. You’ll probably want to establish a shower schedule, especially for busy school/work mornings. Often this problem can be solved by having one or more family members switch to evening showers while the remodel is ongoing. Post the schedule on a whiteboard near the usable bathroom’s door for handy reference!

 

5. Slow down and make purchasing decisions with intentionality and care.

 

In the face of big project, we can be tempted to rush, especially when purchasing items that seem small and unimportant compared to larger fixtures like the bathtub and vanity. However, even the smallest glass shower clamp impacts the overall look of the space. When choosing clamps and hinges, for instance, you’ll want to pay attention to details like:

• The door weight and width for which a hinge is rated.
• Whether the profile is square or beveled. (You want this to match across the enclosure.)
• The finish and sheen.

 

6. Promote good communication among all parties.

 

Good communication is key to any project, and a bathroom remodel is no different. Ensuring that you and your spouse are on the same page about materials, colors, options, etc. helps avoid disappointment with the finished project as well as expensive alterations and fixes after the fact. It’s also vital for different tradespersons working on the project to communicate. For instance, in order for a glass shower door to function properly, the curb must be slightly sloped toward the inside of the shower. Otherwise, leaks are likely to occur, even with the proper vinyl seals installed.

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If you need glass shower hardware, shelf clamps, or cabinet hardware, we hope you’ll take a look at all that Glass Simple has to offer! Our helpful Virginia-based team is also available to answer your questions and offer pro tips – (571)707-7760.