Renovating a bathroom can be a daunting task, but with the help of a professional contractor, the process can be made much easier. In this blog post, we will detail the steps involved in having a contractor renovate a bathroom.
Planning and Design
The first step in any bathroom renovation is to plan and design the new space. This includes determining the layout, selecting materials, and deciding on the overall style of the bathroom. It's important to work closely with the contractor to ensure that the final design meets your needs and fits within your budget. This stage is important because it will set the stage for the rest of the project. A good plan will make sure the renovation proceeds smoothly.
Permits and Inspections
Before any work can begin, the contractor will need to obtain the necessary permits and pass any inspections required by local building codes. This process can take some time, so it's important to factor this into the overall timeline for the renovation. In Ontario, a plan must be submitted for the permit application. Either the homeowner or the contractor can submit the drawings. If the contractors submits the drawings they must hold a BCIN (Building Code Identification Number) or they must hire a BCIN registered designer.
Demolition
Once the permits and inspections are complete, the contractor will begin the demolition process. This includes removing any existing fixtures, such as the toilet, sink, and shower or bathtub. The contractor will also remove any old tile or flooring, and possibly remove walls to open up the space. A good contractor will take the time to set up flooring protection, ventilation and dust control masking to prevent the rest of the home from damage and severe amounts of construction dust.
Plumbing and Electrical
Once the demolition is complete, licensed plumbers and electricians will come in and update the pipes and wiring to make sure they meet the updated building code. If you have made any significant changes to the layout of the bathroom, the subfloor may need to be removed to gain access to the plumbing underneath. Having the fixtures on-site for this stage is important so that the subcontractors know exactly what will be installed during the finish stage. It also helps the contractor ensure clearances and its a final check that everything will fit and work as intended.
Framing and Drywall
With the plumbing and electrical work completed, the contractor will then begin framing and installing drywall. If you haven't made large changes to the layout of the room, there may not be a lot of framing and drywall to be completed. Even if the existing drywall was kept, your contractor should ensure that it isn't water-damaged and that the walls are relatively flat and plumb. This becomes more important on walls where cabinets or tile will be installed later.
Flooring and Tile
This is where it starts to look like a bathroom again! Now that the walls are complete, the contractor can install the new floor and any tile that you've chosen. It is important that the contractor properly prepares the subfloor for the type of flooring that has been selected. If you have selected a tile shower, this would be the time that all prep and waterproofing would be completed as well.
Finishing Touches
With the major work completed, the contractor will then begin the process of adding the finishing touches to the bathroom. This includes painting, installing new light fixtures and hardware, and any other final touches that were included in the original design. These final touches can make or break the entire project. It's the last 15% of the project that really makes it shine and having a contractor with an eye for detail will pay off big at this point.
Final Inspection
Once the bathroom is complete, the contractor will schedule a final inspection with the local building department to ensure that the work meets all building codes and regulations.
Final Walk-through
Once the inspection is passed, the contractor will schedule a final walk through with the homeowner to ensure that everything meets expectations, and fix any minor issues that might have arisen. Although we aim for perfection, it happens to the best of us. Having a contractor that will honour their work is important to make sure all final touch-ups get done. Also, ensuring they have a strong warranty will give you piece of mind that they won't disappear if anything were to stop working after they have left.
Overall, renovating a 3 piece bathroom can be a complex process, but with the help of a professional contractor, it can be made much easier. By following these steps and working closely with the contractor, you can ensure that your new bathroom is both functional and beautiful.
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