Renovating your bathroom can add personality and charm to your home while enhancing aesthetics and functionality. In some cases, it can even contribute to a higher home resale value. We suspect this is why bathrooms are the second most commonly remodeled room in the home after kitchens! Whatever the inspiration, if you’re considering updating your bathroom, you’re probably wondering if it is necessary to hire a designer for the job or not. While working with a designer presents plenty of benefits, it may also have its drawbacks.
So, do you need a designer for your bathroom remodel? As it turns out, the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no! In reality, whether or not you should work with a designer is dependent on your unique circumstances. Here are a few things to consider.
How Extensive Will Your Bathroom Remodel Be?
Bathroom remodels range from simply replacing existing fixtures with more modern versions to completely gutting the space and starting over with a new layout. If your project leans towards the prior, you may not need to hire a designer to help out. However, if you picture yourself ripping down walls or moving fixtures and counters around, it may be astute to hire a designer who specializes in bath renovations.
Creating a new bathroom from scratch is not only an involved process but also requires an intimate understanding of how bathrooms need to be arranged according to your local building codes and existing plumbing. If you intend to move fixtures around for a new layout, working with a knowledgeable designer can actually help save money in the long run. That’s because moving plumbing hook-ups can be incredibly expensive. When you work with a designer, he or she will likely strive to create a space plan that places fixtures in a logical manner that will not require extensive re-plumbing.
How Far Ahead Have You Planned?
Do you already know what you want your finished bathroom to look like, or do you need a little more creative help to visualize the end results? If you find yourself confident about the way your bathroom will look by the end of your remodel, you may not need to collaborate with a designer at all. However, if you need a little more help deciding on the overall aesthetic you hope to achieve with your project, consider at least consulting with a bath designer to get their professional input.
In addition to helping you come up with a concept and general mood for your bathroom, a designer can be helpful with choosing appropriate materials and finishes for your bathroom. Since the bathroom is a space that frequently encounters moisture, certain materials are more functional and convenient than others, and an informed designer should be able to guide you through the process of selecting the right materials to fit your project’s constraints.
A designer can also be good to collaborate with to discover new resources that you otherwise might not come across, such as suppliers and vendors. Designers are typically well acquainted with other industry professionals who may be able to help out with a remodel project, including contractors, plumbers, and suppliers. While most designers will not hire these collaborators outwardly, they may provide you with recommendations, cutting down the time you need to spend researching your options.
What Type of Furniture and Decor Will You Include in Your Design
Designers typically receive a trade discount for the purchase of most furniture and decor, which they can (and should) pass on to you. Working with a designer can help curb costs if you are planning to purchase high-end furniture and decor to go into your new bathroom after it has been remodeled.
Of course, if keeping a tighter budget is a priority for your bathroom remodel, you may want the option to select and purchase furniture and decor from non-designer stores. If this is the case, there is virtually no benefit to working with a designer since they will not be able to get a discount on those items. More than that, many designers prefer to purchase decor and furniture only from upper-scale brands due to their superior quality and aesthetic.
Working with a Designer for Your Bathroom Remodel
If you have decided that it is time to hire a designer for your bathroom renovation, remember to go about the process in an organized and structured way. Do ample research on different designers, comparing their general processes and pricing to narrow down your list of potential hires. You will likely want to interview a few of your top options to get a better idea of the benefits they can provide you and what it would be like to work together.
As long as you are willing to put some time and effort into researching and finding the right designer for your bathroom remodel, teaming up with a professional will likely help keep your project timeline on track, keep costs reasonably within your budget, and lead to stunning, one-of-a-kind results.
If you’re ready to start interviewing potential designers for your bathroom renovation, get started today at The Anderson Studio! Find inspiration by viewing our portfolio, and contact our team to start imagining your new exciting project.
