Bathroom Remodeling any space in NYC is challenging enough, but bathrooms require their own special set of considerations. Before you dive into demolition and redesign, take a beat and read through these essential tips.
They’ll help ensure your remodel is as stress-free and successful as possible, with a bathroom you’ll love for years to come. Because in a city where space is at a premium, your bathroom deserves to be an oasis of calm.
With some strategic planning upfront, your bathroom can transform into a spa-like retreat right in the heart of the city that never sleeps.
Let’s get started!
Get the Proper Permits
Remodeling a bathroom in NYC requires permits and for good reason. The city needs to ensure the work meets building codes and safety standards.
To get started, you’ll need approval from the Department of Buildings. They’ll want to see detailed plans for plumbing, electrical work, and any structural changes. It can take up to 4 weeks to get residential building permits approved, so plan.
Once you have the permits, be prepared for inspections. Plumbing and electrical work will need to be checked at multiple points during the remodel to pass inspection. Have your licensed contractors on hand to make any needed corrections to keep your project on schedule.
While permits and inspections may seem tedious, they protect you and your investment. A successful bathroom remodel starts with the proper permits.
Hire Licensed Contractors
When it comes to remodeling your NYC bathroom, hiring licensed and insured contractors is non-negotiable. Unlicensed contractors may seem like an easy way to save money, but it often ends up costing more in the long run. Licensed pros have the proper training, experience, and insurance to get the job done right the first time.
1. Do your research and get at least three estimates from licensed contractors or remodeling companies. Check their reviews and references to make sure previous clients were satisfied. Meet with the contractors in person to get a feel for them and make sure you’re on the same page regarding the scope of work.
2. Once you hire a contractor, get everything in writing. A detailed contract should specify the work plan, timeline, total cost, payment schedule, and warranty details. This protects you and the contractor by managing expectations upfront.
3. Don’t make large upfront payments. A typical payment schedule is 10-25% upfront, a few interim payments as work is completed, and the final payment once the job is done and you’ve inspected the work.
Plan Your Bathroom Layout
The layout of your bathroom is critical to how functional and stylish it will be.
Grab some graph paper and sketch a rough layout of your existing bathroom space. Then, think about how you want the final design to flow. Do you want separate areas for the tub/shower, toilet, and sinks? An open concept? Consider what will work best for your needs and the space you have.
Once you have a layout in mind, measure your bathroom and add the measurements to your sketch. This will help ensure all the fixtures, cabinets, and other elements you want will fit. It’s much easier to adjust a sketch than to realize partway through a remodel that something won’t work!
Think about:
• The paths between fixtures – they should be open and easy to navigate.
• Where plumbing and electrical connections already exist – it’s cheaper to keep fixtures in roughly the same area.
• Storage – look for any unused space that could be turned into cabinets, a linen closet, or shelving.
• Lighting – map out where you want good task lighting, ambient lighting, and any natural light sources from windows.
• Accessories – don’t forget a place for towels, rugs, art, plants, or anything else that will make your new bathroom complete.
Choose High-Quality Fixtures That Last
When choosing fixtures for your NYC bathroom remodel, opt for high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time. Cheaper fixtures may seem like a good deal upfront, but you’ll end up replacing them more frequently, costing you more in the long run.
Stick with well-known, reputable brands for fixtures like faucets, showers, tubs, and toilets.
Choose fixtures that suit your needs and lifestyle. If you have a large family, an oversized tub or walk-in shower and dual-flush toilet may be good options. For frequent use, look for commercial-grade or water-efficient models. If it’s just you or you have a small space, compact fixtures can work great.
Take Care of Your Storage Space
Living in NYC, you know that space is limited and storage is scarce. When remodeling your bathroom, utilize every nook and cranny to create storage solutions.
Look for wasted space behind doors or in corners where you can add cabinets, shelving, or recessed storage. Under the sink is prime real estate for extra cabinets. You can also have cabinets installed that go all the way up to the ceiling to maximize vertical storage space.
Consider a vanity with drawers to keep items like makeup, hair brushes, and other toiletries organized and out of sight. Drawers are more space efficient than cabinets with doors. Or choose a vanity with shelving underneath for baskets to corral smaller items.
If your bathroom has an attic access door, install a drop-down attic ladder and use the attic for extra storage. Make sure the attic flooring is properly insulated first.
For smaller items like cotton balls, q-tips, makeup pads, etc., mount wall organizers, racks, and magnetic boards. This frees up counter space and puts supplies right at your fingertips.
A towel ladder, bar, or rack mounted to the wall also provides storage for towels, freeing up floor space. For extra towels and linens, use an over-the-door rack on the back of your bathroom door.
When all else fails, you can never go wrong with under-sink sliding drawers, wall-mounted corner shelves, recessed medicine cabinets, and freestanding storage furniture for a bathroom. Get creative with your storage solutions and you’ll gain back valuable space in your NYC bathroom.
Patience is Key
Remodeling a bathroom in NYC requires patience. Everything takes longer in a city that never sleeps. Permit approvals, inspections, deliveries, and construction can easily extend timelines by weeks or months. Going into your remodel with realistic expectations will make the process less frustrating.
Give yourself plenty of buffer room in your schedule for the inevitable delays. If you need the remodel done by a certain date, build in an extra month or two of wiggle room. It’s always better to finish early than scramble at the last minute.
Be prepared for lots of waiting. Waiting for permits, waiting for inspections, waiting for materials to arrive. Try not to harass your contractors or suppliers, as this will likely only make the wait longer. Staying on top of things without being overbearing is key.
Make sure any work requiring inspections is completed well in advance of when you need to use the new bathroom. In a city the size of New York, inspectors can be delayed for days getting to each appointment. It’s not unheard of for final sign-offs to get pushed back by a week or more.
If at all possible, have a second bathroom available during the remodel.
Staying patient through all the ups and downs of an NYC bathroom remodel may test your limits at times. But keeping a calm, collected attitude will help ensure your remodel stays on track as much as possible. With some luck and perseverance, your shiny new bathroom oasis will be well worth the wait.
Conclusion
Follow these and you’ll be well on your way to a stylish new space you’ll love for years to come. Remodeling a bathroom is a big project but with some planning, it can be a rewarding experience. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying relaxing bubble baths and rejuvenating showers in your dream bathroom. Best of luck and happy remodeling!
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