Are you tired of the cramped and outdated look of your bathroom? Does it feel like an eye-sore compared to the modern style seen online or in home improvement magazines? If so, it could be time for you to expand your space. Expanding a bathroom can seem intimidating.
However, with proper product selection and professional help from experts like contractors or architects, you can turn that petite powder room into a luxurious oasis.
Whether you’re just looking to add a few extra feet or completely remodel your bathroom, here are some tips to remember when expanding your space.
In this blog post, we will show you how easy it is to make the improvements necessary to create an elegant and functional larger bathroom! Keep reading to learn more about how to expand a bathroom!
What Will You Need?
Before beginning any bathroom remodel, knowing what materials and tools you’ll need is important. Here are some items to consider when expanding your bathroom:
- Drywall: Drywall is necessary to ensure that the new walls of the expanded space are insulated. You can also use this material to cover up existing plumbing or conduit lines on the wall.
- Joint Compound: This is used to cover up any gaps between the drywall and existing walls.
- Tiles: If you’re planning on adding a shower, tub, or backsplash, you’ll need to select tiles that best match your existing design.
- Plumbing Fixtures: If expanding your bathroom requires moving plumbing lines, you’ll need to purchase new fixtures such as a toilet, sink, showerhead, and faucet.
- Paint: You may need to repaint your bathroom’s walls to match the new design.
- Flooring: If you’re expanding into the floor space, you’ll also need to invest in floor tiles or hardwood planks.
Once you’ve gathered and purchased all necessary materials, it’s time to start tearing down existing walls and expanding your space.
10 Easy Steps on How to Expand a Bathroom
Step 1. Plan Your Layout:
The first step to expanding your bathroom is to plan your layout carefully. Work with a professional designer or architect to ensure your layout is functional and aesthetically pleasing. Consider factors like where the plumbing lines will go, where the new walls will be, and how much larger the bathroom will be. Sketch out a blueprint or use a digital tool to visualize your layout.
Step 2. Obtain Necessary Permits:
Before you begin tearing down walls and making changes, obtaining the necessary permits is crucial. This usually involves submitting your plans to the local building department for approval. Regulations vary by location, so you must check with your local authorities about what is required. Neglecting this step could result in fines or mandatory corrections, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Step 3. Demolition:
Start demolition by tearing down the existing walls or fixtures you plan to replace or move. It might be messy and laborious, so ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment like gloves, goggles, and dust masks. You may also need to rent or purchase specific tools like a sledgehammer or pry bar for this step. Remember, if you are unsure about any aspect of this process, hiring professionals is always safer to prevent any potential damage to your plumbing or electrical wiring.
Step 4. Frame the New Walls:
With the old fixtures and walls out, it’s time to create your new space. Install the new frames for your walls, ensuring they are securely fastened and structurally sound. This step might require a bit of heavy lifting, so consider seeking help from a professional if you need more clarification. Also, leave room for doors and windows if they’re part of your expansion plan. Once the frames are up, you can insulate and install drywall.
Step 5. Install Plumbing and Electrical Outlets:
After the framing step, you must install any new plumbing lines and electrical outlets required for your expanded bathroom. This phase is typically best left to professionals due to the complex nature of the work and the potential safety hazards. A licensed electrician can ensure your outlets are correctly wired, and a plumber can install your new water lines, drains, and fixtures in compliance with local building codes.
Step 6. Install Drywall:
Once all your new plumbing and electrical outlets are in place, installing the drywall is time. This step involves measuring, cutting, and attaching drywall panels to the wall frames. Make sure to cut out any necessary areas for outlets or switches. Use joint compound and drywall tape to cover seams and create a smooth surface. This step might take a bit of time, so patience is key.
Step 7. Paint and Tile:
Now that your drywall is primed, it’s time to add color and style to your expanded bathroom. Paint the walls with a color that complements your design scheme. As bathrooms are typically exposed to high moisture, opt for a paint that is mold and mildew resistant. Wait for the paint to dry before you start tiling.
As for tiling, it can be done on the floor and the walls, especially if you are planning a walk-in shower. Choose tiles that match the overall aesthetics of your bathroom. The tiling process involves applying adhesive, laying down tiles, applying grout, and cleaning the surface.
Step 8. Install Fixtures:
With your walls painted and tiles installed, you can now move on to installing fixtures. This includes items like the toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower. The installation process will vary depending on the specific type of fixture, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
If you need more confidence in your ability to install these yourself, it might be best to hire a professional. Remember to install smaller fixtures like towel racks, mirrors, and lighting.
Step 9. Install Vanity and Countertop:
After installing the major fixtures, it’s time to enhance your bathroom with a vanity and countertop. The vanity offers housing for your sink and additional storage for your bathroom essentials, while a beautiful countertop adds to the overall aesthetics and functionality of the space.
Choose a vanity and countertop that matches your style and the bathroom’s decor. You may need professional help to ensure proper installation, particularly if the countertop material is heavy, like granite or quartz.
Step 10. Final Touches and Clean Up:
The final step of your bathroom expansion is adding finishing touches and cleaning up. Install any remaining decor items like shower curtains, bath mats, art, or plants. Add some shelves for additional storage. Perform a deep cleaning to remove dust from the construction and ensure everything sparkles.
Double-check everything, ensuring that all fixtures work properly, there are no leaks, and everything is as per your design. Now, take a step back and enjoy the result of your hard work and planning: a beautifully expanded bathroom.
With all these steps, you’ll have a larger, more stylish, and more functional bathroom. Keep in mind that the specifics of your project may vary depending on the size of your space and scope of work.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Consider using built-in storage solutions such as shelves and drawers to add more space. This way, you can store towels, cleaning products, and other necessities without taking up too much floor area.
- Adding a bigger mirror is a great way to make the room look larger than it is. You can even opt for an illuminated or backlit model to enhance the look and feel.
- Try adding a window or two to your bathroom if you can, as it can bring in natural light and air circulation. This also gives the illusion of more space when done right.
- Introduce plants and other decorative elements into the room to create a relaxing atmosphere while maintaining an open feel.
- Don’t forget to factor in adequate ventilation, as this can help to prevent moisture buildup and mold from forming on the walls. Install a fan capable of ventilating your bathroom and keep it running whenever you shower or bathe.
By following these tips, you can easily expand your bathroom and make the most out of your existing space.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t attempt to extend your bathroom walls, as it can cause structural issues and damage.
- Refrain from applying too many colors or patterns in a single space, as it can make the room appear smaller.
- Avoid dark tones on walls, floors, and other surfaces, as this adds to the cramped feeling.
- Make sure you don’t overcrowd the bathroom with furniture, as this will make it look smaller and reduce maneuverability.
- Do not forget to consider how much natural light comes in through windows or skylights; if there isn’t enough, then consider adding fixtures that provide adequate illumination.
With a bit of planning and preparation, transforming your space into a modern and inviting area doesn’t have to be difficult.
Conclusion
Through thoughtful and practical planning, there are many ways to expand a bathroom without having it break the bank. Whether you choose to buy an extra sink, add extra storage space, or even give your existing décor a facelift, there is no doubt that you will come out with a bathroom that is larger and full of personality.
So what’s stopping you? Now is the time to start budgeting for the future of your restroom and make those dreams of an expanded space come true. Your hard work will be worth it once you’re done – push yourself to make the most out of every square inch and enjoy the outcome!
Hopefully, the article on how to expand a bathroom has given you the insight and knowledge needed to turn your ideas into a reality. Good luck, and don’t forget to have fun with it!
