Renovating a bathroom is challenging and daunting, requiring a delicate balance between functionality, aesthetics, and budget. Modular bathroom installation is becoming a solution many homeowners opt for as it has all three.
For people considering that option, the steps on how to buy prefab bathrooms online are as follows: measure the space, decide on the layout, find a manufacturer, choose a delivery date, and prepare for the bathroom pod.
This blog post will include a guide on the different steps for ordering prefab bathrooms online. Read for more information!
What Are The Steps To Buying Prefab Bathrooms Online?
There are five steps to follow when ordering a prefabricated bathroom online — mapping out the available bathroom space, choosing a design layout, searching for a credible manufacturer, deciding on the delivery date, and prepping the room for the new arrival.
An all-in-one bathroom is a functional unit pre-assembled off-site. It usually has sanitary wares, fixtures, finishes, concealed pipes, ceilings, and walls. It is a preferred solution by many homeowners since it is more affordable and easier to install than traditional bathrooms.
Due to the several benefits of prefab bathrooms, more and more homeowners are gearing toward it. As such, the demand for this specific bathroom unit is also slowly increasing.
Now, homeowners have the option to order these units online. Many manufacturers are making their prefab bathroom models and units available and ready to order online. Homeowners need to learn the proper way and steps of ordering to ensure they can get the prefab bathroom of their dreams!
For those that want to know, here are the five steps to follow:
#1 Measure the Available Space
Homeowners building or renovating their bathrooms must first measure the available space to know the measurements they need for their prefab bathroom. To do that, prepare the essential tools: tape measure, pencil, and paper. This task is relatively easy, requiring only half an hour to accomplish.
To correctly measure a bathroom, one must choose a starting point. With that, start measuring along the wall and go from one corner to another. Sketch the room on the paper and jot down the measurements.
Be sure to measure all walls. Next, measure the room’s height from the floor to the ceiling. Measuring the width is also necessary.
If there are permanent fixtures, mark those down the sketch. Also, make sure to add the doorways and windows to the drawing.
#2 Decide on the Layout and Design
The next step involves the layout and design of the bathroom pod. For this, keep in mind that different types of prefab bathrooms are available online. Primarily, they differ on the fixtures included in the unit.
Some all-in-one bathrooms solely have a sink and toilet component inside. It works best for small and compact spaces. Other modular bathrooms include a complete shower kit and fixture, though these units need more space.
The biggest modular bathrooms are those with actual shower stalls inside. They are fully operational and functional, with a toilet, sink, storage, shower kit, and shower panels. They occupy the most space since the shower is separate from the toilet, typically with a divider or glass panel.
#3 Find a Manufacturer
Now, it comes down to choosing the modular bathroom manufacturer. A homeowner must know what to consider to ensure the manufacturer is credible, reliable, and trustworthy.
To do that, here are some tips:
- Check what the manufacturer offers: Manufacturers often stick to a specific aesthetic or type of prefab bathroom. It would be best to pick a manufacturer with an active website. That way, it would be easy to browse through their product list.
- See their package inclusions: Ensure the prefab bathroom is fully furnished and operational. Talk with the manufacturer and ask questions you need answered. For customization requests, ask if they are willing to accommodate.
- Make sure that they can deliver: The point of a prefab bathroom is to have a ready-to-assemble bathroom delivered. For that, it is essential to ensure the manufacturer can deliver the prefab bathroom to the homeowner’s location.
- Good warranties and maintenance services: Most prefab companies offer some product warranty. However, the policies tend to vary. Another factor to look into is the reparation and maintenance services. See if the manufacturer provides those.
- Reputation: An excellent reputation is among the best considerations when choosing a manufacturer. Browse past clients’ reviews and experiences to see their credibility.
Once a manufacturer is chosen, start the transaction and negotiation. Open a line of communication with them to talk about the order. Discuss the measurements, design, layout, etc.
#4 Decide on the Delivery Date
Once the negotiation ends, it is time to decide on the delivery date. Keep in mind that bathroom pods are quicker to install than traditional bathrooms. It will depend on the customization and design.
For a more accurate timeline, talk to the manufacturer. They could have dates for the homeowners to work with.
#5 Prepare the Space for the New Prefab Bathroom
Prepare the available space while waiting for the prefab bathroom to be delivered. Clear out debris and dust to make the modular bathroom installation easier and quicker.
How Much Do Prefab Bathrooms Cost?
Often enough, websites do not outright post the price of their prefab bathrooms. There would be a need to contact the manufacturer for a starting price.
Regarding average costs, a bathroom pod would run several hundreds of dollars. Typically, the starting price is around $1,500. That price will rise depending on the bathroom pod’s size, fixtures, design, and finish.
One can spend over $10,000 for a prefabricated bathroom. A homeowner can expect top-quality materials and design at this price range.
Fortunately, most modular companies offer numerous models and units at appealing prices. Most of them range around $2,000 to $5,000.Those numbers are not to sneeze at, but they pale in comparison to the supposed average budget needed to remodel a traditional bathroom. According to the NKBA, or the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association, homeowners planning traditional bathroom renovations should prepare at least $16,000 to cover the materials and labor.
Final Thoughts
Homeowners with plans to remodel or build their bathrooms next year should learn how to buy prefab bathrooms online. The demand for prefab bathroom units is slowly rising. As a response, more manufacturers are starting to take their business online.
Now, homeowners can shop for their ideal prefab bathroom online — eliminating the hassle and effort required to go out and hunt them down. It all comes down to knowing the proper steps of online shopping for these bathroom units to ensure they can get their money’s worth!