Renovating your bathroom is a big project. It can be stressful and time-consuming, but it doesn't have to be with the right preparation. To help you start on the right foot, we put together a list of things to do before you renovate your bathroom. These will help ensure your bathroom renovation goes smoothly.

Guidelines for Bathroom Renovation

1. Choose colors that are calming and relaxing

One of the most important parts of every bathroom renovation is the color scheme. Some colors to consider are light blues and greens, but keep in mind that there are no right or wrong colors to use. Some people prefer a more bold color scheme, such as deep purple accents with light blue walls. Choosing colors that are calming and relaxing can make your bathroom feel more comfortable and relxaing to use.

You wouldn't want to stare at dark red walls while doing your business, would you? You'll end up wanting to finish using the bathroom quickly, just so you can head out. That's why you want to use colors that are light and inviting. If you're unsure what kind of paint to use when painting, talk to an expert at the hardware store. They should be able to provide tons of different options for you based on your preferences.

Once you've planned everything out, you're ready to go! If painting is something you've never done before, get someone with experience to help out. Painting the bathroom can be a messy and tricky job, so you want to do it right the first time--to avoid mistakes and hassle in the near future. One thing that can be especially tricky is getting all of the edges and corners where two walls meet.

Coordinating colors between your bathroom floor tiles and wall colors is also important because they help tie things together nicely. If you want some ideas about what color schemes might look good in a space like yours, check out designs online. There are tons of beautiful bathrooms with pictures from interior design websites and magazines that you can reference.

2. Replace the vanity and sink with a more modern design

Really consider replacing your old sink and vanity with a more modern one. This could be as simple as adding an updated faucet or installing a new pedestal sink. If you're looking for something on the fancier side, then replacing both of them with a single vessel sink can work wonders!

This is also a great opportunity to change out old hardware in your bathroom, such as towel racks and soap dishes. With a modern design, they may look completely outdated next to the new design.

If the new sink or vanity is taller than your current one, it's essential to make sure there are plenty of outlets nearby. Consider installing outlets on either sides of the bathroom for a mirror light and another in front to charge phones. This is perfect so that people won't need to run around looking for an outlet every time they need to charge up.

3) Measure and consider materials carefully

Like most rooms of the home, the bathroom is another place where people often judge your character based on the quality of the renovation, so plan carefully. You should take measurements from the floor to ceiling before picking out any tiles or fixtures. The best tool to use for taking measurements is with the SuperGuage. With it, you can copy shapes of any object to create outlines in seconds. This is exactly what you need for a bathroom renovation.

It would be terrible to find out something doesn't fit after you've already installed it. The last thing you need is a new countertop installed and then realizing it's not the right size. You should also think about any warranties you have, such as manufacturers' guarantees and third-party certifications. These can come in handy down the road when you're installing something like a waterproofing system in the shower.

If you find that your bathroom is too small as you're taking measurements, here's a tip you can use to make it feel larger; install mirrors and glass shelves on one or both side walls. These can also be great places for storing towels and other toiletries that you'll use often.

Try not to mix different types of tile or grout during the renovation as this can lead to an eclectic style that may only work for some. When it comes to using other materials, think about what will work best for the bathroom before installing anything. You don't want to regret your decisions later as it can lead to wasted money, time, and effort. For example, you may prefer natural stone tiles at the time but later want more traditional ceramic flooring--or none at all. 

4. Add new lighting fixtures to brighten up the space

Adding new lighting fixtures will bring a new and exciting brightness to the bathroom. The right lights can help illuminate dark corners, create a relaxing ambiance, and even set the mood for bathroom activities such as reading. Lights are also great for creating more storage space underneath your sink by giving you additional room to stack things on top of each other, which is where they belong when not in use!

Plus, if you want people who use your restroom to feel comfortable and pampered, then adding the right lighting fixtures is important. They can genuinely have a significant impact on the bathroom's overall feel and appearance. It may sound like something simple, but changing out light fixtures can make the difference in how it feels to use your bathroom.

So think about it, what kind of lighting do you want for the feeling you're looking to bring out? How many light bulbs are in there now, and how many do you need? If a fixture is too big, then it can overwhelm a small bathroom. If the glass shade isn't frosted well enough, excess glare could make it more difficult to apply makeup or shave.

5. Install a showerhead with multiple settings

If you want to save water or scale back on your electricity bill, then a low-flow showerhead is perfect. You can also choose to install a showerhead with multiple settings, which gives you more control of the water--usually in terms of pressure. Believe it or not, there are multiple ways to take showers. Sometimes, you want a relaxing shower, where low-pressure water is more suitable.

Other times, you want some deep-cleaning, where high-pressure water is more suitable. That's why having a showerhead with multiple settings can be great. Don't forget that some people may have sensitive skin, which requires low-pressure water. It doesn't hurt to use a more practical showerhead, so why not install one?

6. Install a new toilet that is low-flow, water-efficient, and eco-friendly

A new toilet is an easy way to increase the efficiency of your bathroom without getting into any major overhauls. It's also great for a mix of style and functionality. If you know what you're looking for, find a toilet that will meet all your needs. We recommend going with a low-flow toilet simply because it's water-efficient. With one of these, you can start saving on water and ultimately money right away.

Some people prefer round bowls in terms of design, while others like elongated bowls or even shape cut-outs. It can be hard deciding which one you like best, but there are some things you can ask yourself:

• What do I want my house to look like? What fits well with the interior design? Will this bowl fit nicely with all my existing fixtures?
• Do I need more storage space under the sink?
• Does the toilet need to be ADA compliant? If so, are there specific requirements for what needs to be done to meet those guidelines?

7. Consider installing a walk-in bathtub

If you're not the type to bathe in a regular tub, there are other options, such as walk-in bathtubs. They're especially useful for those who need assistance getting in and out of the bathroom. It also requires little to no effort. This results in less likelihood of someone slipping or falling as there are no steps involved. Therefore, a walk-in bathtub is not only more convenient but also a safer option.

It may not be obvious at first, but consider where your showerhead will be mounted before starting any renovations! A good place would be close to the top of your enclosure, so water doesn't spray all over while someone waits for it to heat up enough or get too cold from being left on.

When planning a bathtub installation, think about whether you want to install one in the same room as the toilet or shower. If the tub is outside your bathroom but still nearby (for example, in an adjacent room), then this won't matter so much. If your home doesn't have many bathrooms, you should consider installing two full bathtubs! That way, your friends and family won't have to fight to use the shower every morning or night. 

8. Get rid of clutter around the bathroom and securing your door

Getting rid of clutter around the bathroom is especially important around the medicine cabinet. Simply put, nothing should be crowded with too many items. Clutter makes your bathroom feel cramped, and seomtimes even dirty. If possible, clean the clutter by tossing out expired prescriptions, and put anything in the bathroom that could be stored elsewhere.

You also want to make sure that the bathroom is secure. There's nothing worse than using a bathroom that doesn't have a functioning lock. It lacks privacy, and makes using the toilet uncomfortable to use. If you don't have a lock on your door, install one or use a push-pin for temporary use. 

9. Decide on the right drain

A drain is the pipe that carries dirty water away from your sink. If it's too small for a new sink, you may end up with a clogged drain or sink. The wrong drain size can lead to water spilling out onto the floor and running down your wall--or even worse, overflowing into the cabinets. It would be a tragedy to find yourself knee-deep in water while working on your bathroom renovation.

A good and general rule is to install the same size of pipe that's currently in your home, but it's worth measuring and checking before you buy. Installing the right-sized drain is especially important if you are installing a new sink with an overflow drain. Ensure you know what kind of overflow hole is installed on your sink before installing it in the bathroom.

10. Remove old or outdated fixtures

Completely removing the old fixtures won't give you reminders of what your bathroom used to look like. Instead, you'll start loving your new fixtures even more! For every bathroom renovation, it's great to update your towel racks, toilet paper holders, and other amenities.

However, it can be a problem if you don't remove the out-of-style ones! Also, if there are windows that let light into this space, such as skylights or regular windows overlooking the sink area, make sure they're secure with locks. It should be a priority to update outdated fixtures with new ones with all of today's standards for safety, design, and use.