From Planning to Profit: Your Complete Guide to Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom remodels rank among the most popular home improvement projects, offering benefits that extend far beyond aesthetics. A well-planned renovation improves daily functionality, provides a strong return on investment, increases energy efficiency, and significantly boosts resale value. Thinking about a remodel? Here's everything you need to know to navigate the process successfully.

Assessing Your Needs

Functional vs. Aesthetic Goals

Before diving into design inspiration, honestly evaluate what's driving your remodel desire. Understanding whether you're primarily focused on functional improvements or aesthetic updates will guide every decision that follows.

Common Triggers for Renovation

Homeowners typically pursue bathroom remodels due to outdated fixtures that no longer function properly, poor layouts that create daily frustration, water damage requiring immediate attention, or changing accessibility needs. Perhaps your morning routine feels cramped, storage is inadequate, or the space simply doesn't reflect your personal style.

Creating Your Priority List

Pro tip: Create a comprehensive wishlist of everything you'd love to change, then categorize items as must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Must-haves might include fixing functional issues or adding essential storage, while nice-to-haves could include luxury features. This exercise helps maintain focus when making budget decisions.

Setting a Realistic Budget

Average Costs by Remodel Type

Understanding financial scope prevents costly surprises and helps inform decisions throughout the process. Cosmetic updates typically require modest investment, while full gut renovations represent significant financial commitments. Mid-range remodels fall somewhere between these extremes.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Don't overlook expenses beyond materials and labor. Permits, plumbing upgrades for older homes, mold remediation, outdated electrical work, or structural issues discovered during demolition can significantly impact budgets. Plan for a contingency fund to handle unexpected discoveries.

Financing Options

Consider various funding approaches, including home equity loans or lines of credit, personal loans for smaller projects, or contractor financing programs. Some homeowners choose phased approaches, spreading costs over time while maintaining functionality.

Designing Your New Space

Layout Considerations

Smart design maximizes both function and visual appeal within existing space constraints. Evaluate traffic flow, natural and artificial lighting integration, and proper ventilation to prevent moisture problems that can lead to costly repairs.

Material Choices

Material selection significantly impacts both budget and long-term satisfaction. Consider durability, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal when choosing flooring, wall treatments, countertops, vanities, and fixtures. Balance initial costs with long-term performance expectations.

Style Inspiration

Popular design approaches include modern styles emphasizing clean lines, farmhouse aesthetics incorporating warm woods and vintage hardware, spa-like retreats focusing on natural materials and calming colors, and minimalist approaches prioritizing function and simplicity.

Design Planning Tools

Pro tip: Create mood boards using magazine clippings or digital tools to visualize how different elements work together. Many retailers offer virtual design services that help visualize ideas before making final selections.

Hiring the Right Professionals

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Project complexity and personal skill levels determine appropriate approaches. Simple updates like painting, replacing hardware, or installing new accessories might be manageable DIY projects, while plumbing relocations, electrical work, and complex installations typically require professional expertise to ensure proper function and code compliance.

Working with professionals, such as RIHI The Home Improvement Specialist, brings significant advantages beyond technical expertise. Experienced contractors understand local building codes, navigate permit processes efficiently, carry insurance protection, and provide warranties on their work. They can also coordinate multiple trades and troubleshoot unexpected issues, ensuring quality workmanship while protecting manufacturer warranties.

Vetting Contractors

Verify appropriate licenses, liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage. Request and contact recent references, asking about work quality, timeliness, cleanliness, and problem resolution. Online reviews provide additional insights, but focus on patterns rather than individual complaints.

Written Contracts and Scope

Written contracts protect both parties and should include detailed work scopes, material specifications, timeline expectations, change order procedures, and payment schedules. Avoid contractors requesting large upfront payments or pressuring immediate decisions.

Choosing the Right Materials

Flooring Options

Bathroom flooring must withstand moisture, frequent cleaning, and daily traffic. Popular options include porcelain tile, offering excellent water resistance, luxury viny,l providing comfort and easy installation, and natural stone, creating elegant environments while requiring regular maintenance.

Wall Treatments

Wall materials set design tone while protecting against moisture damage. Consider ceramic tiles for durability, specially formulated bathroom paints for budget-friendly updates, and wainscoting for traditional charm with splash protection.

Countertops and Vanities

Bathroom surfaces should resist stains, scratches, and water damage. Engineered materials provide consistent patterns and low maintenance, natural stone offers unique beauty with proper care, and solid surfaces allow integrated features. Vanity selection impacts both storage capacity and overall style.

Fixtures and Hardware

Modern fixtures improve both function and efficiency. Consider water-saving toilets, durable faucet mechanisms, and coordinated hardware finishes throughout the space for a cohesive, professional appearance.

Lighting and Ventilation

Proper lighting combines task, ambient, and accent sources for optimal functionality. Vanity lighting should eliminate shadows, while overhead fixtures provide general illumination. Appropriately sized exhaust fans prevent moisture problems, leading to mold and structural damage.

Doors and Windows

Balance privacy needs with natural light preferences. Consider frosted glass for light transmission with privacy, solid doors for complete privacy in shared spaces, and humidity-resistant window treatments offering adjustable privacy and light control. When selecting door and window frames, lumber options, like what you might find through someone like Dolans Lumber for Doors and Windows, like cedar or treated pine, provide natural beauty and can be customized to match your design aesthetic, though they require proper sealing and maintenance in humid bathroom environments.

Navigating Permits and Compliance

Building Codes and Requirements

Most bathroom remodels require permits, especially when involving plumbing or electrical changes. Local building codes ensure safety and proper installation, while accessibility considerations might be required for certain modifications. Contact local building departments early in planning to understand specific requirements.

Plumbing and Electrical Updates

Upgrades often involve moving water supply lines, drain relocations, or installing modern fixtures with different connection requirements. Electrical work might include adding circuits, upgrading lighting, or installing required safety outlets. These improvements enhance safety but impact your timeline and budget.

Timeline Impacts

Inspections and approvals vary by location, but typically add time to project schedules. Plan accordingly and ensure contractors schedule inspections promptly to avoid delays that extend project duration and increase costs.

Timeline and Project Phases

Typical Duration

Bathroom remodel timelines depend on project scope and complexity. Small updates might take several weeks, while full renovations typically require longer timeframes for complex projects involving structural changes.

Project Phases

Typical phases include demolition and disposal, rough-in work for plumbing and electrical updates, installation of tile and major fixtures, and finishing work, including paint, trim, and final connections. Each phase must be completed and inspected before the next begins.

Minimizing Disruption

Planning alternative arrangements for daily routines reduces construction impact. If multiple bathrooms exist, designate one as primary during construction. For single-bathroom homes, consider temporary solutions during the most disruptive phases.

Maximizing ROI

High-Value Features

Strategic choices significantly impact return on investment. High-value improvements include double vanities accommodating busy families, walk-in showers appealing to modern preferences, and energy-efficient fixtures reducing utility costs. Focus on enhancements that improve daily functionality.

Resale Considerations

Resale strategies favor neutral design choices appealing to broad audiences over highly personalized selections. Durable materials maintain appearance over time, while classic design elements provide lasting appeal across changing style preferences.

Investment Strategy

Invest in timeless upgrades providing long-term value rather than chasing current trends. Classic materials, neutral colors, and quality fixtures maintain appeal while providing reliable performance for years to come.

Successful bathroom remodeling combines careful planning, realistic budgeting, and strategic material selection to create spaces that enhance daily life while providing strong investment returns. While the process can be disruptive, the end result—a beautiful, functional space tailored to your needs—makes the temporary inconvenience worthwhile. Ready to start your remodel? Contact us for a free consultation.

Taming The Medicine Cabinet: What To Keep, Toss, And Restock

Medicine cabinets are deceptively easy to ignore. Once you shut that door, all the clutter is nicely tucked away behind the mirror, never to be seen again — until next time. The fact is, having to face that clutter every single day doesn’t only make your life harder; it makes it more likely that you’ll run out of necessities, accidentally ingest expired products or actually become ill due to one of the above. 

No part of these scenarios needs to happen. Whether you’re doing a whole house decluttering or just trying to make a small little oasis in your bathroom, the medicine cabinet is an ideal place to begin. It’s small enough to be manageable and important enough to take priority over other organizing tasks. Let’s begin. 

Start by Seeing What’s What 

First, you need to get the big picture. Clear off a table, pull everything out of the medicine cabinet and lay it out. One by one, examine each item. If you’re like a lot of people, you’ll likely come across items you forgot about, duplicates, and things that expired years ago. That’s OK. That’s why you’re taking care of it now. 

Now that the medicine cabinet is clear, it’s time to give it a thorough cleaning. Sticky spills and old residue tend to build up over time. You’ll be surprised how little spots accumulate. Get it as close to looking new as possible. If it’s worse for wear, consider treating yourself to a brand new medicine cabinet. 

Check Dates and Let Go of What’s Expired 

Medication doesn’t last forever. Expired pills and liquids can lose their effectiveness, or in some cases, even become unsafe. If the date is missing or the label is unreadable, lean toward caution and put it in a discard pile. 

Wait, though: don’t flush medicine down the toilet unless the packaging specifically says it’s safe to do so. Instead, ask your local pharmacy or urgent care clinic if they participate in a medication disposal program, or follow FDA guidelines for sealing and tossing medications in household trash. 

Sort What Stays by Function and Use 

Now that you’ve cleared out what doesn’t belong, look at what’s left. Daily-use items such as pain relievers, allergy meds, and first-aid supplies should be stored within easy reach. If you have children in the home, make sure everything is stored out of reach or in a locked cabinet, depending on the items. 

Group like items together so they’re easy to find when you need them. Think in categories: stomach relief, cold and flu care, wound care, and so on. Simple dividers or small bins can help without adding visual clutter. 

Restock With Essentials, But Don’t Overbuy 

Now’s the time to fill in gaps. Think about what your household has needed over the past year, especially during cold season or after minor injuries. It’s helpful to keep a digital or written list of essentials to check off as you restock. 

Stick to basics that support common needs: pain relievers, bandages, thermometers, antiseptic cream, allergy medication, and fever reducers for kids if needed. Avoid the temptation to buy “just in case” items that you rarely use. That’s a fast path to cluttering things up again. A well-curated cabinet works better than a stuffed one full of things for some future situation that may never happen. 

Plan for Easy Maintenance Year-Round 

Once your medicine cabinet’s clean and organized, the goal is to keep it that way. Every three to four months, do a quick sweep for expired products or nearly empty packages. A seasonal reset — before cold and allergy seasons, for example — can keep your household better prepared and reduce those last-minute pharmacy runs. 

A Small Habit That Pays Off Big

A clean medicine cabinet may seem like a small thing, considering all the organizing you may have planned, but it can save time, prevent waste, and make stressful moments easier to handle. Whether it’s a fever in the middle of the night or a scraped knee after school, having what you need, and where you expect to find it, makes a world of difference. 

Take the time to get your medicine cabinet tidy now, and you’ll thank yourself over and over, every time you open the door. 

AUTHOR BIO: Dr. Mark Durcan is Chief Medical Officer at ClearChoiceMD, which provides immediate care for adults, children, and infants at 21 convenient urgent care centers across New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Durcan has been a physician with ClearChoiceMD for over 10 years and has been Regional Medical Director since 2023 and Chief Medical Officer since 2024. 

Sources: 

https://homemadelovely.com/how-to-organize-a-medicine-cabinet-safely/ 

https://www.scripps.org/news_items/3037-6-tips-to-clean-out-your-medicine-cabinet 

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines 

Blocked Drains? Here’s How to Keep Your Plumbing Clear and Stress-Free

We partnered with a home improvement company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

Imagine you wake up in the morning and find a slow drain or unexpected backup. Well, it ruins your day. Doesn’t it?

But beyond the inconvenience, neglected plumbing can lead to serious and costly water damage. In fact, water damage is the second leading cause of property insurance claims in the U.S., with the average claim totaling around $12,500. And to make matters worse, roughly 1 in 50 insured homes file a water damage claim every year.

On top of that, over 1 trillion gallons of water are wasted annually due to leaky pipes, faucets, and sprinkler systems. So, keeping your drains clear is not just about convenience. Besides, it is a smart way to protect your home, your wallet, and the environment.

Having said that, this article is here to tell you how you can keep your home’s drain clean and flowing smoothly. So, without further delay, dive in!

What Causes Clogs?

If you have a basic understanding of clogs, it helps you prevent them before they create larger issues. Some of the most common causes include the following:

• Hair and soap scum in bathroom drains.

• Food scraps, grease, and oils in kitchen sinks.

• Mineral buildup from hard water over time.

• Flushed foreign objects, such as wipes, floss, or cotton swabs.

• Tree roots are infiltrating underground sewer lines.

Among these, grease is particularly dangerous. When fats, oils, and grease (FOG) harden inside pipes, they cling to pipe walls and catch passing debris. As a result, they eventually form massive blockages, or "fatbergs." 

These can severely restrict flow and require more than DIY efforts to resolve. If your home frequently experiences slow drainage, backups, or recurring clogs, it may be time to consult experts in drain cleaning.

Why Professional Drain Cleaning Matters

A plunger or baking soda-vinegar combo may help with minor clogs. However, persistent or recurring problems usually signal deeper issues. For example, if you deal with:

• Cracked or offset drain lines.

• Tree root invasions.

• Grease buildup that DIY methods can not remove.

• Corrosion or collapsed pipes.

This is where professional drain cleaning becomes crucial. These days, trusted companies, like Smart Choice Plumbing, use cutting-edge techniques such as:

• Live video inspections to pinpoint the exact source of a clog.

• High-pressure hydro-jetting to blast away years of debris and buildup.

• Snaking or augering tools for non-invasive clog removal.

Unlike chemical drain cleaners that can corrode your pipes, professional equipment is safe and thorough. Moreover, this is tailored to your plumbing system.

Along with that, these professionals go beyond clearing clogs. They can assist with drain clog repair, fixing your drain line, replacing deteriorated sections, and recommending upgrades to prevent future damage. That, too, all while ensuring compliance with local plumbing codes.

Drain-Saving Habits Every Homeowner Should Know

After this professional cleaning, you do not have to wait until another drain clog occurs. In fact, a few small and consistent habits can go a long way in preventing future blockages and protecting your plumbing system. Have a look below to know!

• Use drain screens or catchers: These inexpensive filters trap hair and food particles before they cause clogs. Keep in mind to clean them frequently.

• Dispose of grease properly: Pour cooled grease into a disposable container and toss it in the trash — never down the sink.

• Flush with hot water weekly: Pouring boiling water down kitchen sinks once a week can help loosen buildup.

• Use natural cleaners: A monthly flush with baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water, helps maintain a fresh and functional drain.

• Avoid flushing foreign items: Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. Even “flushable” wipes are a major culprit in blockages.

• Clean your garbage disposal: Run cold water and grind citrus peels occasionally to prevent odor and buildup.

• Check outdoor drains and gutters: Leaves, dirt, and debris can clog exterior drains just like indoor ones. Clean them out seasonally, especially before heavy rain.

All in all, these habits, when combined with periodic professional inspection, can extend the life of your pipes. Thus, keep your home running smoothly.

To Sum It All Up!

Clear drains do more than just prevent messes. In fact, they protect your home, your health, and your budget. With water damage claims climbing into five figures and grease-related blockages clogging nearly half the nation’s sewers, proactive maintenance is one of the smartest investments you can make.

So, whether it is adopting better habits or calling in professionals for a stubborn clog, do not wait until you’re ankle-deep in water. Stay ahead of the problem, and keep your home running smoothly.

Bathroom Occupied Lights: A Simple Solution for Shared and Public Restrooms

We partnered with a home improvement company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

Ever walked into a restroom thinking it was free, only to realize someone was already inside?

Bathroom occupied lights solve that awkward moment instantly.

I’ll never forget the time I was at a busy concert venue and barged into a restroom stall someone forgot to lock properly.

The embarrassment on both sides was real, and I promised myself I’d avoid that situation forever.

That’s when I discovered the magic of a simple light that signals if the bathroom is in use.

Why Clear Indicators Matter

Public and shared restrooms can feel like a minefield of awkward encounters.

We’ve all done the cautious door push or knock, hoping not to surprise anyone inside.

A clear occupied light removes all guesswork.

It tells you exactly when it’s safe to enter without needing to ask or listen for movement inside.

Imagine in an office where people rush between meetings.

Or in a restaurant during a dinner rush when everyone lines up at the restroom.

A bathroom occupied light keeps the line moving smoothly and avoids those cringeworthy walk-ins.

Making Life Easier in Shared Spaces

In homes with big families or multiple roommates, mornings can turn into a chaotic dance.

Everyone’s scrambling to get ready, and no one wants to knock endlessly to check if the bathroom is free.

Adding a simple signal light can make a huge difference.

It brings peace to those groggy mornings when you’re barely awake and just want to know if it’s your turn.

I installed one last year in my shared apartment, and the improvement was immediate.

We stopped yelling across the hallway or tapping lightly on doors.

Suddenly, everything felt more respectful and coordinated.

Check out these bathroom occupied lights if you’re tired of guessing games.

Small Change, Big Impact

When it comes to accessibility, a clear indicator is a game changer.

Older family members or guests with limited mobility don’t have to strain themselves or feel embarrassed.

They can easily see from a distance if the restroom is occupied.

In public spaces, these lights help maintain privacy and reduce discomfort for everyone.

A simple visual cue goes a long way in making places more welcoming.

How Bathroom Occupied Lights Work

Most systems connect directly to the door lock.

When someone locks the door, the light turns on outside automatically.

It’s straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy setup or tech skills.

Some advanced options even include battery-powered models or wireless indicators for extra convenience.

Installation is usually quick — I did mine in under 20 minutes with just a screwdriver and a bit of patience.

Great for Businesses Too

Think about gyms, coworking spaces, or small cafes.

These places often have single-user bathrooms, and people hate waiting awkwardly right outside the door.

A bathroom occupied light allows customers to wait comfortably at their table or in the hallway until it’s free.

I’ve seen these lights at boutique yoga studios and they create a more relaxing, spa-like atmosphere.

It shows that the business respects the customer’s privacy and comfort.

A Smart Addition for Events

At large events like weddings, festivals, or conferences, temporary restrooms can quickly become a headache.

People peek under doors, knock repeatedly, or form long, confused lines.

Adding occupied lights makes the process smoother and faster for everyone.

Guests know exactly when it’s their turn and no one has to feel rushed or interrupted.

A Future-Friendly Upgrade

As we continue to make homes and public places smarter, these little additions help us move in the right direction.

Bathroom occupied lights are a low-tech solution with a high impact.

They improve privacy, reduce stress, and make day-to-day routines smoother.

Next time you catch yourself doing the awkward door jiggle, remember there’s a better way.

One simple light can transform that small but essential part of daily life.