From Bedroom to Bathroom: Everything You Need to Know About Transforming a Room

You have a spare bedroom that gets little use, so you’re thinking of converting it into an extra bathroom that would be beneficial in your home. Is it as simple as it sounds? You might have some doubts, but yes, it is possible! Here’s the step-by-step process and all you need to know about it before taking the plunge into this bedroom-to-bathroom remodel. 
1. Select a Budget
While there are too many variables to pinpoint an exact cost for converting a bedroom to a bathroom, you need to have a general idea of what you would like to spend. Keep in mind that your selection of fixtures, counters and storage can either keep the price manageable or drive it higher. There are many choices that will have an effect on your general budget range for your project.
2. Choose a Trustworthy Contractor
Don’t choose a contractor based solely on the price of the bid. It’s important to choose someone who listens and will work with you. Remember, they will be in and out of your home for days. Choosing the lowest bid may not always give you the most trustworthy people, and this could have your project ending in disaster. Get your agreement in writing to prevent any misunderstandings.
3. Make a Plan
This absolutely cannot be stressed enough: make a plan. If you don’t, you will spend more money than you want or need to – that’s a guarantee. Work with your contractor to plan out the layout of your new bathroom. Functionality is important, so you want to make sure you can work with the existing space to create a layout that makes sense. Also consider the size of the bathroom. You might not be looking to create a large bathroom, but you do need to make sure all of your fixtures will fit properly into the existing room with good functionality. When planning the layout, another thing to consider is sightlines. It might seem silly, but if the first thing you see when you walk into your bathroom is the toilet, an open door could reveal this to people eating or cooking (depending on where the bathroom is located). Yes, we know you can just close the door, but there’s always a chance that someone will leave it open.
4. Demolish the Room
Demolition is the first step in the remodel process. With converting a bedroom to a bathroom, it will likely entail taking the walls down to the studs. Craftsmanship can make a big difference, too. You may find that a previous owner was an inexperienced do-it-yourselfer who made strange alterations because they didn’t know any better. Unfortunately when you bought the house, you inherited those headaches. Demolition and removal of wallboards and fixtures brings you face-to-face with the reality of what is going on behind your walls. With luck, everything will be dry and tight.
5. Check for Structural Problems
This is the time to do repairs to ensure a trouble-free bathroom for years to come. Don’t scrimp; it’s more important to spend the money to fix plumbing, electrical and structural issues now than to worry about the aesthetics of the room.
6. Install Plumbing & Electrical
Plumbing and electrical must be completed before drywall is put up. Plumbers are well-trained professionals who must adhere to exact construction standards. Select plumbing fixtures like bathtubs and showers carefully for quality, and have them installed by someone who knows what they are doing. Keep in mind that since you’re turning a bedroom into a bathroom, there might not be access to nearby plumbing. But that’s nothing a reputable plumber can’t fix! When it comes to electrical wiring for outlets, switches and lighting, a competent contractor can move a switch. But when it comes to new wiring, a licensed electrician should be employed.
7. Add Windows
Lighting is everything! If you want your new bathroom bathed in natural sunlight, consider adding windows or skylights before drywall is put up. However, while natural light is great, privacy is also an essential element of your bathroom. Consider using privacy glass if you have any windows added, or switching to privacy glass if existing windows are too big.
8. Put Up Drywall
Next, the drywall is installed. In a bathroom, water-resistant green board may be used on most walls, but cement backer board should be used in showers and behind tub surrounds. Once the drywall is up, your bathroom is ready to be finished. This process can take several days, especially when humidity is high.
9. Add Trim
Window, door and baseboard trim will be installed generally to match the existing trim in the house.
10. Paint
The key in a bathroom is priming all paintable surfaces to seal the drywall and trim work.
11. Tile
Tile is handsome and available in an infinite number of colors and styles. Cement board will be installed on the floors and shower walls. A vinyl pan/mud system will be installed in the shower floor, most likely with smaller tiles.
12. Install Cabinetry & Light Fixtures
Cabinets and countertops are installed after the flooring. Choosing a quality-made cabinet will help extend the life of your new bathroom. A qualified electrician is next up to install the light fixtures, outlets, switches and exhaust fan. If you weren’t able to add windows or a skylight, look for light fixtures that add soft lighting rather than unappealing artificial lighting.
13. Install Plumbing Fixtures
Installation of plumbing fixtures such as the toilet, faucets and tub/shower controls comes next.
14. Add the Finishing Touches
After completing a bathroom remodel, most homeowners are ready to close the door and take a vacation. But there are still a few small details such as installing towel bars, shower curtain rods and other accessories. Try to get these items during the remodeling process so once the trim is installed, you can add these simple but essential bathroom elements right away.
Town Bank Builders – a trustworthy, reputable, licensed and insured company that’s been serving Cape May County since 1970 – can help you consider all of these points and create the remodel of your dreams! “Your vision, our craftsmanship” is Town Bank Builders’ motto, offering the finest construction services in kitchens, baths, additions and renovations, decks and porches, and more. To start your project today, visit townbankbuilders.com or call (609) 884-5151.