The Bathroom Reno Checklist You Need
When Jillian and Brian Massey bought their home in Madison, Alabama, they knew they would enjoy collaborating to curate spaces that fit their lifestyle and mutual style preferences. Their bathroom remodel experience created a great checklist for first time renovators. It also is a helpful example of how long a bathroom remodel takes. What they were told would take forty five to sixty days took six months, but their patience was worth it.
As the only bathroom on the main floor of the home, their primary bedroom en suite opened into the den hallway where guests could also use it. Broken up by several walled off sections, the space was cramped and lacked function. It also was not in fitting with their personal styles.
As the Masseys talked us through their renovation journey, five checklist items were evident:
1. Define Your Non-Negotiables
What is it that you can’t live without in your space? For this couple, it was the Blue Note classic subway tile in the shower found at ProSource in Madison, Alabama. The Massey’s had seen a similar tile prior to their redesign and knew it was what they wanted. They also wanted a soaker tub and wood furniture elements. They identified a James Martin vanity and mirrors (found at BathVanityExperts.com) they had to have.
The Blue Note classic subway tile adds the perfect pop of color to the space
The soaker tub allows for the perfect space to relax at the end of the day
The wood backsplash on this James Martin vanity provides the perfect compliment to the piece
2. Mix and Match your Fixture Finishes
Initially nervous to do this (Brian was, Jillian wasn’t), the Masseys worked with a designer to help them configure the space. Working with Lauren Petersen Design they were encouraged to mix their metals. The shower and sink fixtures match in brushed nickel and are nicely contrasted with brass light fixtures and drawer pulls. They used art, rugs, and other decor to pull the tones together.
The brushed nickel shower and sink fixtures are contrasted with the brass drawer pulls
Decor throughout the space helps to pull all the tones together
The Lark Shea collection vanity light in brass add additional contrast to the brushed nickel shower and sink fixtures
3. Function and Enjoyment go Hand in Hand
While curating ideas online, they came across two things they loved: 1) a foot rest in the shower making it easier for shaving and 2) a multi-purpose light fixture that acts as a light, night light, fan, and Bluetooth speaker. These details create comfort and enjoyment in the space. Their designer also recommended reallocating some of the square footage to create a separate powder bathroom off the den area so that guests would not have to continue to use their bedroom en suite. This allowed them to wall in the second doorway to their primary bathroom, so now it is only accessible through their bedroom. As a bonus, this also opened up more wall space for where the soaker tub sits.
The built in footrest was put at the perfect height to allow for easier shaving
The Massey’s purchased their Homewerks Bluetooth Compatable Bathroom Fan at Lowes
The pedestal sink in the new powder room was purchased at build.com
4. Don't Settle
When we asked the Masseys what they would have done differently with their primary bathroom remodel, they said, “The finish of the tile is just as important as the look of it. Don’t settle.”
While they like the look of their floor tile, it’s not actually what they wanted. Fatigued by a month and a half timeline that turned into six months, they settled for a tile that just wasn’t quite right in terms of finish. The finish of the tile makes it difficult to keep clean and it also doesn’t hide dirt and grime well. They are constantly sweeping and cleaning the floor and wish they had waited for what they wanted.
5. Clearly Define your Budget
Budget planning is one of the most important steps in any home remodeling project. “If we were giving a checklist to someone, we’d say get multiple quotes, and don’t go with the lowest one. Also do the math to find out what your preferred budget is, then multiply that x1.5 to get your real budget. Then you have to work hard to stick to it,” says Brian. You can count on something unexpected to happen, so be prepared to make changes and adjustments as necessary.
Our New Favorite Space
“This project was fun and stressful at the same time,” said Jillian. The collaboration they shared in creating what they now describe as “their favorite room in the whole house” will carry over as they consider their next space to remodel as they continuing making their house their home.
