If you stay awake at night dreaming of a personal spa-like sanctuary, you’re not alone. Bathrooms are often a favorite room in the home, and it’s natural to want a space that feels both sophisticated and functional. The right design can complement your bedroom, feel inviting morning or night, and provide a private retreat when a little downtime is needed. It can also transform your daily routine into something far less mundane.
Whether you’re still in the dream stage or ready to jump in, here are some tips and ideas to help get your bathroom remodeling project moving in the right direction.
Benefits of a Bathroom Remodel
Remodeling a bathroom is more than just updating an outdated or inefficient space; it’s an opportunity to create a retreat that’s both beautiful and highly functional. While the goal may be to design a space you’ll love spending time in, a bathroom remodeling project also elevates the overall value of a home. In the competitive Twin Cities housing market, that’s especially important. After the kitchen, the primary bath is the most influential room when it comes to resale, and outdated fixtures or worn flooring can easily turn buyers away.
A remodel also opens the door to thoughtful enhancements. Energy-efficient upgrades like low-flow toilets and LED lighting can reduce utility costs, while features such as heated flooring bring a touch of everyday luxury. Improved storage solutions add convenience and help maximize every inch of space. Taken together, these updates not only transform daily routines but also strengthen a home’s market appeal for years to come.
The Design–Build Journey: 6 Steps to Your Remodeled Bathroom
Once you take the plunge and turn your bathroom over to the remodeling experts, you want the project to go as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Yet you also want top quality craftsmanship. Here are six ways you can help keep the project on track to ensure smooth sailing.
- The Big Picture: Before you start calling contractors, take the time to outline your bathroom remodel wishes in detail. Ask yourself these questions first: Will you be taking down walls or reconfiguring the space? Are you planning to move plumbing fixtures, or keep the layout as is? Do you want to hire a full general contractor to manage the project from start to finish, or are you envisioning a more hands-on approach with help from a handy family member and only need a handyman for certain tasks? Getting clear on the general scope before you reach out will save time, set realistic expectations, and ultimately shape your budget.
- Initial Consultation: Your journey starts once you schedule a consultation—either on the phone or in person—to discuss the goals of your bathroom remodeling project, your budget, and your functional needs.
- Planning: An interior designer will guide you through floor plan options and material selections, helping you see how each choice shapes the overall space. With expertise in both style and the construction process, they’ll elevate the design while also thinking through every possible option, ensuring your bathroom is beautiful and functional.
- Development: This step includes drafting a project scope, timeline and estimated budget for your bathroom remodel. All Twin Cities codes and permit requirements are addressed. Once approved, the builder has the green light to move forward with the demolition and remodel process.
- Construction: During this step, a project manager and site supervisor will be monitoring every phase of demolition, construction, plumbing, electrical, tiling, finishes, and cabinetry installation. Your interior designer will also check in on the progress to ensure your vision is executed without exception.
6. Final Walkthrough: Get excited! Your bathroom remodeling project is complete. Step into your personalized sanctuary and experience all the upgrades firsthand with your project manager.
Bathroom Remodeling Themes to Inspire You
Your personal preferences and style will dictate the final look and feel of your new bathroom. Here are a few popular themes we’ve created for our customers:
- Luxurious Retreat: Includes elegant lighting (think a crystal chandelier over a soaking tub), bold mirrors that make a statement, and rich finishes.
- Spa-Inspired Elegance: Heated floors and towel bars, a separate sauna room, and a frameless glass shower can give the feeling of your own personal spa.
- Farmhouse Rustic: Incorporate wood flooring and an accent wall along with neutral stone and soft lighting to create an ambiance that reflects the Minnesota prairie.
- Modern Minimalism: A floating vanity, sleek fixtures and clean lines keep it simple yet modern, perfect for a Minneapolis condo.
Visit our gallery of bathroom remodeling projects for more inspiration.
Bathroom Remodel – Before and After
Before
After
Nestled on the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, this home featured a small and outdated bathroom. The homeowners asked Highmark Builders to combine the existing bathroom and nearby closet to create a spacious retreat featuring a large shower, soaking tub, and custom vanity.
Before
After
The primary bathroom in this lakefront home was transformed into a spa-like retreat, complete with a luxurious steam shower featuring aromatherapy and chromotherapy.
Before
After
This Apple Valley home featured a dark and outdated bathroom until Highmark Builders transformed it with his/her vanities, a large wet room with dual shower heads and an oversized freestanding tub.
Before
After
Floral wallpaper and outdated cabinets and countertops led to this complete bathroom remodel featuring a stunning porcelain slab behind the soaker tub and custom cabinetry.
Your Trusted Builder
Building trust comes with a cohesive team dedicated to the success of your project. At Highmark Builders, everyone—project managers, job supervisors, carpenters, and award-winning interior designers—is committed to making your new home everything that you’ve dreamed of and more.
Contact us to discuss your vision and lifestyle, and you’ll learn why countless families consider us their building partner for life.
