Bathrooms

Seven Tips for Bathroom Remodeling in San Antonio:

1. Create a Detailed Plan Before You Start

Whatever you do, don’t think you can get away with “figuring it out as you go.” You need to have a comprehensive and thought out plan from the very beginning.

Never underestimate the process or just how many details come along with it. Otherwise, you might get stuck halfway through. Things like an electrical swap may seem simple, but in almost all cases they aren’t.  Just know any deviation from the plan cost money because they weren’t accounted for in the original scope of work.

With enough careful planning ahead of time, you won’t be left having to start over or with mismatched items that look beautiful on their own but hideous together.

We always do a detailed CAD drawing of the new bathroom remodel so that our clients, subcontractors, supplier know exactly where everything goes and we can get an accurate estimate/budget on all materials.

2.  It’s Incredibly Easy to Go Over Your Budget

Before beginning to remodel your bathroom, do yourself a favor and have plan to spend at least $5,000 over your budget.  Depending on how large of renovation you are doing, just know there will be unexpected things that come up that couldn’t be accounted for in the original scope of work (termite, water damage, electrical re-wiring, etc)  For most of our clients that live in Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills area, the bathroom has not been updated in quite some time, if ever.  Old plumbing pipes need to be replaced, old knob and tube electrical wire needs to be replaced with romex, the old lath and plaster needs to go and be updated with hardi backer board (and red guard moisture sealer).

Undoubtedly, the bathroom design you choose will have a huge impact on the cost of the job. If you need to relocate a bathtub or sink within the bathroom, extensive plumbing is usually required – which increases the cost of the work significantly. Budget generously.

3. You Might Want to Stay Elsewhere During the Remodeling

It’s no secret that a bathroom remodeling project can be really messy and noisy, especially if you have a baby or small children.

Although you may want to monitor the progress of the work, you should probably stay clear during the demolition phase. Whatever was in that bathroom that you’re planning on getting rid of and replacing has to come out. This brings dust, dirt, debris, and a whole lot of mess traipsing from the bathroom to the front door of your home (even if the workers are relatively clean and careful.)

If you have small children or toddlers, it’s also a good idea to spend as much time outside of the house since workers may leave dangerous tools around and building materials might be more exposed.  There will be times when the water and power needs to be shut off and that means no hot water, no internet and no electricity for some periods of time. 

Lastly, the layout of your house will help determine whether you should stay or crash elsewhere. If you only have one bathroom, this is a no-brainer, especially for those who don’t want to use

4. Work With Your Existing Bathroom Footprint

If you are looking to save money on your bathroom remodel, the most important factor is maintaining the existing footprint whenever possible. Relocating plumbing fixtures such as sinks, showers, or toilets can add significantly to the overall cost. In homes built on a pier-and-beam foundation, plumbing can often be adjusted more easily, while in a slab-on-grade foundation, changes require chipping through concrete, which increases both labor and expense.

Beyond plumbing, careful planning of lighting, cabinetry, tile layouts, and fixture placement helps avoid complications in tight spaces. Details such as cutting tile for small nooks or fitting materials into awkward corners can add complexity — and cost — if not properly planned. At Rhino Design Build, our in-house design team ensures that every detail is considered upfront, allowing for a remodel that is both cost-effective and beautifully executed.

You may be considering switching the location of your tub and shower to create a different layout. While this can be a good idea in some cases, it’s important not to overlook the value of working within your bathroom’s existing footprint. Staying within the current layout helps minimize plumbing changes and can save a significant amount of money.

If additional space is needed, you may need to explore moving a wall or reconfiguring the layout — but in either case, accurate measurements and a well-thought-out design are essential. At Rhino Design Build, we guide clients through these decisions to balance functionality, cost, and long-term value.

For resale purposes, we also recommend keeping at least one bathtub in the home. Families with young children often see a tub as a must-have feature, and removing all tubs could deter potential buyers in the future.

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5. Functionality Should Come Before Beauty

Every homeowner wants to create a bathroom that boasts their style and creativity. However, functionality must come before aesthetics when remodeling your bathroom. Remember to think about efficiency and how you can use the available space. Despite being the smallest room in the house, a bathroom is where you jump start your day and you want everything to work smoothly and easily – especially before your morning coffee.

While a shower gives you more square feet to play with than a tub, you should consider who will be using it. If you have older folks living in your home, a simple shower-to-tub-conversion can be practical.

Another way of improving functionality would be to add more storage spaces. Keep your towels, toiletries, and other daily essentials tucked away. Consider how you use your bathroom space every day and then remodel accordingly. If you struggle to bend down, consider placing your storage on shelves or in reachable cabinets. Also, adding a few shower caddies and elegant towel hooks is a simple and effective way to make your bathroom both functional and beautiful.

If design and functionality don’t work together, you’ll end up with a bathroom that is inconvenient to get in and out of. Think of the areas that aren’t working for you now, and determine how you can remedy the problem in your remodel.

6. Lighting Matters

Lighting requires careful thought. You can’t just install a few light fixtures in a small bathroom and call it a day. Even the most gorgeous remodel will look incomplete when you don’t have the proper lighting in place. The simplest way to brighten your bathroom is by diffusing the light from the center of the ceiling.

Another lighting idea involves the use of layers. Layered lighting can enhance the beauty of the space and will distribute the light evenly for you. You should aim for a combination of light in the form of pendants, chandeliers, and flush mounts. Your second layer should highlight the architectural features and the third should be designed for grooming activities. If you want to control the room’s mood and ambiance, think about installing a dimmer. Each lighting element will create the mood you want.  We always prefer a little too much light that can be controlled by a dimmer switch.

Skylights can also be another alternative to introduce natural light into the bathroom if windows are not option.

7. Splurge on a Few High-End Materials

If you want to increase the value of your home, use the right materials. Splurging on a few materials and finishes can really make your space incredibly luxurious.  Countertops and light fixtures are great example.

Before you start the project, think of two or three items that you would absolutely fall in love with if you had in your bathroom. It might be a special tub or shower or a particular kind of tile for the floor. If you’re on a very tight budget, think of one or two.

When it comes to fixtures, this almost always comes down to personal taste. Instead of plastic, you can go for for stainless steel materials. Believe it or not, installing a high-end shower head might at first seem expensive, you’ll be surprised by just how little they really do cost in comparison to the return on investment you’ll get (both in terms of enjoying a better shower and when it comes time to sell your house).

If you’re going to splurge on your bathroom floor, make sure to go for a non-slip porcelain tile. While you’re likely to fall in love with most natural stones, porcelain is probably a better option. It comes in different colors, textures, and is almost indestructible. It’s also very hard (if not impossible) to stain. Also, keep in mind that most porcelain mimics natural stone varieties like limestone and granite.