A bathroom renovation can ensure it be both functional and aesthetically pleasant. After all, a bathroom is one of the most frequently used spaces in your house. If your bathroom looks dated, you should consider updating it with a new look. Doing so will likely increase the resale value of your house. In any case, here are five factors to consider before you begin your bathroom renovation.

1. Shower or tub?

Before you gut your bathroom, think twice about the amount of space your household uses to bathe. If you primarily have adults in your home, perhaps consider a large, luxurious shower. If you have children, a large tub for bath time might be in order. It’s important to think about which one you want to invest in before you get started.

2. Long-term accommodations

If you intend to live in your current home for many years to come, consider features that could come in handy, such as built-in shower seating. Railings can also be helpful for your loved ones once you get older. Until then, they can act as decorative towel holders.

3. Budget

Depending on the size of your budget, it may not be wise to splurge on custom tiling or luxurious fixtures in your renovated bathroom. Take labor costs into account and do the math before making final decisions. This will help you avoid any big financial headaches once the project is under way.

4. Unexpected problems

If you haven’t lived in your house for a long time or you’re unaware of its history, expect the unexpected. Depending on your home’s age and what its previous owners might have done, you could run into issues during the renovation process. Whether it’s old piping or mold, you need to account for problems that could pop up once you start the project. Set aside a little extra time and money in your budget as a contingency.

5. Storage

Storage is something that is commonly overlooked in bathrooms, but it’s necessary for keeping clutter at bay. If you have multiple people living in your home (especially kids), you’ll want to take storage into account when you’re renovating your bathroom. Think built-in cabinets and shelves to hold extra towels and cleaning supplies.

