What a budget decorating saves the bank can be spent on the time it will take to do the job properly. Bathroom decorating on a budget can achieve professional results if the person doing the decorating is willing to put the effort into it.
Paint
Paint is fairly inexpensive and can completely redecorate a bathroom on a budget. Most paint costs around $15 a gallon and many bathrooms will only need two to three gallons of paint for most bathrooms.Â
The time spent in a technique that will make bathroom fitting on a budget look professional can be less than it would seem to by the way it looks. For example, using textured rollers to create a pattern in the paint can make the job look more professional, especially when layering colors to create designer effects.
Also creating designs such as lattice work, nature, or a two toned look with a border can spruce up a bathroom but won’t cost too much money. Using multiple colors when implementing these designs can create depth which also looks more expensive then it actually is.
Tile
Using tile for decorating a bathroom on a budget is a wise idea. Tile can be purchased for very little money and with the proper time taken to install the tiles can look very professional. Buying a book specifically geared towards installing tile in a “do it yourself†capacity will ensure a quality job can be achieved.
The technique chosen to lay the tile is also important, mosaic designs look designer quality if done properly, but can be quite labor intensive. Setting tile evenly in strait lines and with equal amounts of calking or grout can also take a lot of time and effort.
To make the room look even more expertly finished textured tiles, painted tiles, or larger tiles all lend to a more polished effect. Textured tiles may be found at whole sale or in discontinued styles; also painted or large sized tiles can be found for a lower price at discount stores in addition to whole sale or discontinued styles.
Staining
Decorating a bathroom on a budget often means improving what is already there. Staining cupboards can make them look new. Staining can also be used on furniture or other wooden items, matching all the staining in a room can make a small bathroom seem larger.Â
Decorating a bathroom on a budget can be simple and give very high-end results. Taking the time to learn a technique and follow through with that technique will make the bathroom look like it was decorated by a professional designer but will cost little enough for most anyone.
Filed under Bathroom Remodeling by on Apr 29th, 2009. Comment.
If you are considering a makeover of your bathroom, you will undoubtedly be amazed at some of the products that you have to choose from in creating a private retreat in a much-used area of the household. Technology has not only come to the family rooms and kitchens of homes today; there is a plethora of high-tech options available for the bath as well. If you have the dream, and a few hundred dollars lying around, you too can bring a touch of luxury and technology to the smallest room in your home. However, if you do decide to indulge in some new decorating ideas for the bathroom, be prepared to want to spend even more time inside!
Modern Sinks offer Beauty and Function
There are many new decorating ideas for the bathroom that involve upscale and redesigned sinks and faucets. One of the most beautiful looks in sinks today is the many lovely choices in basins that actually sit above the counter level. These bowls come in a variety of colors, styles and materials, and are gracing more and more countertops as people are becoming familiar with this trendy look. A step in the right technology direction brings electronic faucets out of restaurants and airports and into your own private bath. These faucets are motion sensitive, which makes them a great choice for kids who tend to leave that faucet running!
A Whole new Meaning to the Word “Cleanâ€
Bathing has come a long way since the tin washtubs that were filled with water that was hopefully heated on the wood stove. If you love to soak away your stress in a warm bath, you can now get that tub filled with minimal effort on your part. Another new decorating idea for the bathroom is a tub control that will fill your bath to the exact temperature and level that you desire – all with a single push of a button. Not only will this unit remember temperatures and levels for three different members of your family, you will also enjoy 10-second refills throughout your soak for maximum comfort and luxury.
Toilets that can do it All
If you want to sit on a throne that is truly made for royalty, consider a self-serve toilet. This new idea in bathroom decorating will heat the seat for you, and give you a thorough cleansing and deodorizing when the job is done. You will even receive a warm, drying finish for the highest level of hygiene. No need for flushing either – the toilet will flush itself when you are finished, and even close the lid to prepare for the next user. There is no better example of luxury, comfort and functionality colliding for maximum homeowner benefit.
If it is time for a bathroom makeover, count yourself lucky when you see the many wonderful new decorating ideas for the bathroom today. Decorating just got a little more technical and a lot more comfortable.
Filed under Bathroom Remodeling by on Apr 29th, 2009. Comment.
A home’s value can be increased with well-thought out kitchen and bathroom renovation projects that improve not only the appearance, but also the function of the two busiest rooms in the house. In many cases, the bathroom and kitchen may be connected and certain remodeling jobs in one room are going to affect the other room in some way.
When the two rooms do join, floors are typically the same material and design. Since both rooms have the same slip hazards as well as the potential for laying water, having the same floor type can help eliminate the hazards in both rooms. Different bathroom or kitchen designs may be desired to visually separate the rooms during kitchen and bathroom remodeling, but having the same material may be a good thing.
Wall colors of the two rooms should complement each other as opposed to being a stark contrast, but if the rooms are totally divided, opposing colors can be used if desired. Using the same contractor for kitchen and bathroom remodeling can possibly save money since one person will be buying the materials for both jobs and can possibly get a reduced overall price on fixtures.
Mechanical Upgrades Done At Same Time
By using the same contractor for plumbing and electrical work on kitchen and bathroom remodeling jobs, can definitely reduce the cost as they can run wiring and plumbing work for both rooms at the same time. If done with two different people, you will be charged double for the same work.
Coordinating countertops and wall coverings can also help coordinate your home renovation when kitchen and bathroom fitting projects are done at the same time. Additionally, both rooms will be torn up about the same amount of time instead of having each room in disarray at different times. Although the bathroom is usually the smallest room in the house, coordinating it to your kitchen can add to the value of your home.
When planning your kitchen and bathroom remodeling always consider the possibility that at some time in the future, you may want to sell the house and the project needs to add value and not detract from it. Odd color tile or countertops may be within your tastes, which are fine as long as you own the house, but think about what potential buyers may think of your choices in the future. If, during your kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects you stick to the basics, you will not go wrong.
Filed under Bathroom Remodeling by on Apr 29th, 2009. Comment.
You have just purchased a new home, only it is not really a “new†home, but rather an older home that is in need of remodeling. So, in this older home you plan on remodeling your bathroom first. However, you are not sure what to fix first, so what you need are some older home bathroom remodeling tips.
About Older Home Bathroom Renovation
The first thing that you need to do when it comes to older home bathroom remodeling, is check to see how the plumbing is. If, for example, the bathroom’s décor looks old but the plumbing is alright, that is one less thing that you have to remodel, since everything has to do with the plumbing.
If, however, both the décor and the plumbing need to be fixed, you of course must start with the plumbing when doing your older home renovation. It all has to do with the kinds of pipes that you choose. Some kinds of pipes are more reliable than others. They are of course more expensive as a result.
Once the plumbing has been fixed, the next thing you need to do is look at the tiling. Because you are in an older home, no doubt the tiling is old as well. Thus, you have to check for things like mold. The best idea is to rip all the tiling up, and make sure that any mold that has accumulated beneath the tiles has been eliminated and the new tiling is installed properly.
After the tiling has been completed, the next thing you need to think about are the sink and the toilet. Make sure that you do not purchase just any sort of sink or toilet, just as long as it is inexpensive. Rather, find a sink and toilet that are of a good quality.
When it comes to the colors that you choose for the bathroom, think about the size of the bathroom. If the bathroom is large, and you would like it to appear smaller, choose darker colors for the décor. If you have a small bathroom and you would like it to appear larger, choose lighter colors for the décor.
If you need more information on the kinds of older home remodeling bathroom ideas you should implement, go to you local home improvement center. You can also search the internet for web sites that have to do with that topic. With the proper research, you are sure to find the right older home remodeling bathroom ideas.
Filed under Bathroom Remodeling by on Apr 27th, 2009. Comment.
Are you a homeowner? If so, if you could change one thing about your bathroom, what would you like to change? If you are like other homeowners, there is a good chance that the bathtub was your response. In the United States, there are a fairly large number of homeowners who wish that they had a new bathtub. If you are one of those individuals, did you know that you don’t have to wish any longer? If you want a new bathtub, you should get one. Making a new bathtub part of your kitchen renovation project isn’t as difficult as it may seem.
Perhaps, the first step in choosing a new bathtub is determining how much money you can afford to spend on one. If you are also remodeling the rest of your bath, it is important that you not only focus on the cost of a new bathtub, but also the cost of your other supplies. If you mistakenly spend too much on a new bathtub, the rest of your bathroom renovation plans could suffer. Also, you will likely find that having a bathtub limit or budget is the best way to save time while shopping. Knowing how much money is too much to spend will prevent you from wasting your time, by examining bathtubs that you cannot even afford.
It is also a good idea to determine, ahead of time, how your new bathtub will be installed. If you are planning on having a professional install your new bathtub for you, you should keep the extra costs in mind. Although you may want to avoid paying a professional contractor, you may have to. There are a lot of bathroom contractors who specialize in replacing bathtubs. In fact, some, literally, just place a new bathtub right over the old one. It may be possible for you to do this yourself, but, in most cases, you will find that a professional contactor could have your new bathtub installed in as little as a few hours.
Filed under Bathroom Remodeling by on Apr 25th, 2009. Comment.
Because of the way that new home prices have continued to climb, many people have decided that it is cheaper to stay in their own home and do own home renovation. The areas that most people want to work on are the kitchen and bathroom. These are the most used rooms in the house and one that many guests will always see. There are kitchen and bathroom remodeling tips available for those interested.Â
There are many places where people can get kitchen and bathroom remodeling tips.The first place to look is with your family, friends and neighbors. See if they have had any work done to their homes. There is probably at least one person. People can invite others to their home and ask for basic suggestions.Â
Kitchen and bathroom renovation tips can also be found in one of the home warehouse centers located close by. Just walking down the aisles of the kitchen and bathroom sections will give people some ideas and tips that they might want to use for their own. The sales people at home improvement stores often have helpful suggestions.
Also, check on the internet for ideas on bathroom and kitchen renovation tips. There are so many choices available on the internet that it may be overwhelming. All of these sources have many tips that can either be taken or left alone.
More Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Tips
Something that people should think about while they are getting kitchen and bathroom remodeling tips is, will they help the property value of the home. People don’t want to get so detailed that buying another home might cost less. There are many small things that can be done that will increase the value of the home without depleting the budget.
Kitchen and bathroom remodeling tips should provide ideas and they don’t all need to be used.If some people get scared at just the thought of major renovations, get help first by hiring a decorator. They can give people ideas and will draw out the possibilities for the two spaces which will allow people to glimpse what it will look like when it is completed. The kitchen space is most likely going to take the bulk of the money to complete. Always try to work within a budget in order to keep costs down.Â
The kitchen and bathroom remodeling tips might be great, but it is probable that the people will only be able to use a few of the tips. People should always remember that the house belongs to them and the changes should reflect their own desires and needs. Getting the tips is an excellent way to begin a project and they will help when it comes to picking out what it is that people want.
Filed under Bathroom Remodeling by on Apr 23rd, 2009. Comment.
One of the most overlooked rooms in your house, as well as one of the busiest, is your bathroom. Many families just accept the bathroom as a functional space not worthy of time and effort. Yet, a few accessories in the room as well as decorating bathroom mirrors can add life to the smallest room of the house.
Mirrors in a bathroom not only serve a genuine purpose, they can also make a room look larger can be a good reflection on you and your decorating taste. There are many ways for decorating bathroom mirrors, with lights, colors or small stickers, so that they do not have to be just a necessary item hanging on the wall. Larger bathrooms can accommodate larger mirrors, but if a mirror is above a vanity, it should not be wider than the cabinet. If you place wall lamps on either side of the mirror, they may extend past the edge, as long as the mirror is within the confines of the cabinet width.
When looking at decorating bathroom mirrors consider who uses the bathroom. If you have young children, they may appreciate seeing some of their favorite stickers on the lower corners of the mirror, making the room seem more kid-friendly. The stickers are easy to apply and just as easy to remove without causing permanent damage.
Try Window Dressing On Large Mirrors
Bathrooms with large mirrors may be dressed with window treatments, such as decorating bathroom mirrors with window scarves. Draped over the top of the mirror and allowed to hang evenly down both sides can add a color accent to a possibly bland room. Coordinating the color with other items in the bathroom, such as towels and throw rugs, can bring all the colors together. Depending on the size of the mirror, you may also consider using glass chalk and a portion of the mirror as a message center for notes to your family.
Another means of decorating bathroom mirrors may be to place a frame around the mirror. Space allowing, the top of the frame can be used as a shallow shelf for smaller items to be displayed or wider to hold a small lamp. You might even consider a frame around the mirror with shadow box-type shelves on either side to help dress up the room. Provided enough of the mirror is left open to be functional, this can add more depth and decorating space to your bathroom.
Filed under Bathroom Remodeling by on Apr 22nd, 2009. Comment.
How about using one of your cute baskets for all your foot care that you have to dig out of the two or three spaces. The cute basket will store all your foot care in one place, which makes it much easier for you when it comes time to soak those tired feet after a long day at work. If you have items stored in your basket, why not add a few more baskets and make up a floral garden.
How to arrange flowers for your baskets:
How about making and artificial arrangement of flowers to fill one of your baskets, just take those fancy washcloths you have in the closet that you don’t want anyone to use. Roll them up like you would napkins for the dining room table and line the basket with the clothes. Now arrange those silk flowers in the center. This will make a nice flower in that dark room and they’re easy to take care of too.Â
Your wall is finished and you’re used those old shelves and baskets that were taking up space in the garage. You now have all you nail and foot care organized with a flower in the center. Baskets are handy, since you can fill them up with your favorite items. Of course, you can store the baskets filled with items in the back of your cabinets, especially items you no longer use, yet want to keep. Keep in mind however when searching for the baskets it can become stressful, since as you add other items it pushes the basket back further.
Baskets make great organizers. In addition, you can create nice shelves to organize your bathroom items as well.
How to make shelves:
Take some plywood, cut it to fit, and acquire a few nails, a hammer, drill, bits, etc, and you are on your way to creating a nice shelf. You can run the shelves in a row also, which means you can use several pieces of plywood to make your shelves. The shelves make nice organizers, since you can store towels, cleaning supplies, bathroom items, and more.
How do I mount the shelves?
You will need anchors made of plastic materials. The anchors you will push into the holes that you have drilled into the wall. Once you tighten the screws, it will lock your anchor in place. If you choose to use other types of anchors, such as the metal stars, the anchors will buckle its finger, folding back and clamping it to secure.
Mounting shelves is easy. You use common sense and the right materials and you shouldn’t have a problem. If you want to securely mount your shelves, consider the steel cleat anchors. You can also place a strip of wood beneath the shelves to mount. Screws the wood in place. If the shelves do not have wooden strips, then you can choose slots, such as the keyholes. You will need a router and unique jig to fit. In short, you have a wide array of tools to mount and fasten your shelves in place. It is your choice. If you are not familiar with mounting materials, go online and research the products before starting your project.
Filed under Bathroom Remodeling by on Apr 15th, 2009. Comment.
If you have a cluttered bath, you may want to consider a wide array of bathroom cabinet, including the storage shelves. Most people store items in linen closets, below in sink cabinets, or inside shelves installed in a bathroom. Some of us do not have this luxury. Still, those who do have the luxury often face clutter.
Online or at any store, you will find cabinet organizers or the common pullout drawers. Shaker boxes, wicker baskets, hatboxes, shoeboxes, etc, all make great bathroom accessories for storing. In addition, you can add a sink skirt below your sink, especially if you do not have doors to hide your items.
How do I choose?
It depends on what you want. If you enjoy the 3-stacked picnic baskets then you may want to consider the wickers. The color and pattern is based on the texture of your bathroom. You can place the baskets in the corner of your bathroom to store items. If you have a cluttered sink, then try purchasing small wicker baskets to store your items, such as colognes, perfumes, hair sprays, dryers, cosmetics, and so on.
How do I choose shaker boxes?
Shaker boxes are usually small boxes. You want to go online to choose the boxes, since the market has a wide selection. If you are accessing a country bath, then you may want to consider a collection of the boxes. The boxes will add enchanting style to your country surrounding.
If you have a traditional bath, or even a country bath you may want to consider the traditional pie safes. Pie safes stand in the corner of your bath, which it is similar to a shelf. The doorway is made of glass frame. The storage facility is ideal for storing towels, linen, or cleaning supplies. In addition, if you have an old-fashion bath, you may want to add a rocking chair designed for children to the room. The chair will hold items, such as towels. Mount the chairs to your wall to clear up space.
How do I clear up space in my bath tub?
Try choosing bathroom accessories, such as the wired-over storage, or the tub trays. The tub trays lapse-over your tub side or back, and allows you to store toys, soaps, wash clothes, etc. The wire-over storage provides you the same capabilities, yet you can store shampoos and conditioners in few, depending on what you select.
I like the shower bags, or mesh bags also. If you have a shower, the bags enable you to store soaps, shampoos, conditioners, shaving cream, razors, bathing toys, and more.
If you are creative, you can design your own medicine cabinet, which makes a great storage. Ultimately, you can purchase a wide array of medicine cabinets online, or at Home Depots. If you are designing a child's bath, consider the aquarium cabinets, toss in an aquarium toilet seat, shower curtain, rug, etc, and you have a brand new surrounding that your children will enjoy.
How do I choose exotic patterns and colors?
It again depends on your style. If you want exotic you can add a few live plants and vines to your room. Exotic is too general to point a finger, so considering your style is important.
Exotic surroundings however often have outlandish, striking, bizarre, mysterious, alien, etc items in the surrounding. If you add plants and vines, add a few nature-based pictures and frames on the wall. Paint the walls greenish, and add green tiles. You could also add foreign pictures and frame, paint your walls black, match the tiles, and set the room off with fluorescent lights. Next, you may want to crochet a rug.
Filed under Bathroom Remodeling by on Apr 14th, 2009. Comment.
Are you a homeowner? If so, how you do you like your home, particularly the bathroom? Each day, we make countless number of trips into the bathroom. That is why it is important that your bathroom is one that not only looks attractive, but one that makes you feel good about yourself and your home. Unfortunately, not all homeowners have the perfect bathroom. Did you? If not, you may want to think about having bathroom renovation.
When it comes to bathroom renovation, there are many homeowners who decide to have their old bathroom toilet replaced with a new one. In fact, there are losts of homeowners who choose to do more than just have their bathroom toilet replaced. Whether you are looking to remodel only a small portion of your bathroom or a large portion of it, there is a good chance that you may be in the market for a new toilet. That is because, when it comes to bathroom remodeling, one of the mostly commonly executed changes includes the installation of a new toilet.
If you need a new bathroom toilet, there are a number of important factors that you may want to take into consideration. One of those factors is the other remodeling that is being done. If you are planning on home renovation, you will want to make sure that you pick a bathroom toilet that will compliment the rest of your soon to be newly remodeled bathroom. Having everything match, from the toilet to the floor tiles, is one of the best ways to create an attractive looking bathroom.
In the States, the majority of homes have a traditional toilet in them. Traditional toilet is another way of describing standard model toilets. Most standard model toilets come in white and they are, well, just standard.If you are remodeling your bath on a budget, you may be able to benefit from the purchase a standard model bathroom toilet. Standard bathroom toilets are often known as being the most affordable of all bathroom toilet models. Although you may be shopping on a budget, you may also be shopping for the best toilet around. If that is the case, you may be looking for something different, say something a little bit more elegant. If so, you should be able to find it, with a little bit of research.Â
When choosing a new toilet for your next bathroom remodeling project, it is important to be concerned with the appearance of a toilet, but it also important to be concerned with the cost of one. Although it is possible to buy a standard toilet for only a few hundred dollars, you need to keep additional costs in mind. As you likely already know, bathroom toilets are heavy; therefore, you may need assistance getting your toilet into your home. Depending on where you shop, you may be able to get free delivery, but you should also be prepared for a small delivery fee. Also, if you need assistance with installation, you will need to keep installation costs in mind.Â
As you can see, there is a fairly large amount of decision making that does into choosing your next bathroom toilet. Despite the fact that it may take a little bit of research and time, to find the perfect toilet, the results will almost always be worth it.
Filed under Bathroom Remodeling by on Apr 13th, 2009. Comment.
You cannot complete renovating a bathroom project without first determining your budget. You alone can determine how much money you have to spent on services and materials, and you will have to do your research carefully to ensure you’re spending your money as frugally as possible.
If completing your project is going to cost your time and money from your own employment, it may be best to hire a contractor anyway and save yourself the added expense.
Don’t forget that with a small bathroom remodeling you must research and obtain the required permits and any subcontractors and inspectors—these must be included in your budget. Be aware that in some states it is required for some parts of the home renovation project to be performed or inspected by a certified contractor and you be granted a permit to complete. Cutting and placing tiles, for example, may require the expertise of a specialist to ensure the quality of the finished product.
Many Tasks Can Be Done By Homeowners
There are some areas of your bathroom restoration project that you can do without having to hire a contractor. Cleaning up the debris at the end of every workday is something that homeowners can do themselves. But, depending on the size of the project, you should discuss with the contractor working with you on your bathroom renovation project, whether it is most cost effective and safe to do the clean up yourself.
A homeowner can install new light fixtures without having to obtain a license to do so. A professional electrician might be required if any rewiring is required. Discuss with your contractor which aspects of your bathroom renovation project you can and can’t do on your own to save a little money.
Many homeowners relegate their responsibilities to issuing the checks to the contractor while they take care of the entire project. However, tracking progress and dealing straight with the bathroom renovation contractor can help ensure the job is done on time and within budget.
Filed under Remodeling by on Feb 17th, 2009. Comment.
Remodeling a bathroom in an old house without increasing the space is a real challenge. Bathrooms in old homes are rarely larger than 5 feet x 8 feet. However, D-I-Y bathroom remodeling, much like remodelling a kitchen, will create a great resale value and can be relatively easy if you don’t have to change the location. If you make radical changes to the existing layout, you’ll need to find out whether or not you can build what you want without making structural changes.
D-I-Y bathroom remodeling can be one of the most expensive interior decorating projects in your home, but you can give your bathroom a fresh, new look without spending a lot. New bathroom faucets can update a bathroom with a small amount of time and work. Before you begin, clean your bathroom from top to bottom. Remodeling a bathroom can be expensive. The average cost of a full renovation of a bathroom when hiring a contractor is about the same as the cost of a small car. Remodeling a bathroom can be a simple or complex task, depending on the type of remodel. The outcome of the remodel can enliven a house and totally change the look and feel of your home.
Another bonus when remodeling a bathroom is that it gives you the opportunity to add energy efficient measures like lighting, windows and even ventilation fans. Any home remodeling project that includes opening walls will provide the opportunity to improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home by adding insulation and air sealing materials. Remodeling a bathroom can be an expensive and complex job. Many people fail to recognize that there are a few things that can help them save money over the course of their remodeling job and help reduce their remodel cost. Creating a new bathroom can be an exciting adventure that produces amazing results. It can be helpful to let a professional designer help you visualize the possibilities with the latest in computer aided design and to build your confidence with their attention to detail and their willingness to listen to you and your concerns.
A bathroom renovation can also provide the opportunity to insulate and air seal this area when replacing the tub or shower enclosure and to install a low-flow shower head and faucets to conserve water. Additionally, a low-flow toilet model will consume only 1.6 gallons per flush compared to older models that use from 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush. Bathroom renovating covers a broad range of design options, materials, repair procedures, tools, and installation techniques that can help you remodel an ailing bathroom into an exceptional one.
Visit the Home Improvement Site for more tips and ideas on bathrooms, kitchens, decks and other remodeling projects for your home.
Filed under Remodeling by on Feb 4th, 2009. Comment.
The cost of all bathroom renovation projects are different. Very similar bathrooms can still have very different costs of bathroom renovations depending on what needs to be done in the renovation. There are so many variables to keep in mind which contribute significantly to costs.
Size Of The Floor Space
Getting a good idea of the size of the area you are remodeling will give you a more precise idea of what the cost of bathroom renovations will be. If you are leaving the floors alone, get a good measurement of your wall space. Knowing exactly how much space you are working with will determine what materials you need and how much you can purchase within your budget. Get a ruler or tape measure and write down your findings (numbers are easy to forget). If you are not sure, guess that you have more square feet rather than less. That way you’ll be sure you have what you need and won’t be short on materials.
Choosing Materials
This is another important factor in calculating the cost of bathroom renovations. For example, you may want to put in granite countertops or custom cabinets, but they can be very expensive. Perhaps you can contrast some decorative tiles with plain (and cheaper) tiles made from synthetic or composite materials. If you want to use tile on the floor or walls, you’ll need to decide what kind of tile you want. Knowing the cost of the materials will help you realize if you can afford to tile all of that space, or make other plans.
Labor
Get a few estimates rather than go with the first contractor to call back, if at all possible. Get them to write their estimate down.  The estimate shouldn’t cost you anything. Your estimate should outline the cost of the project and the timeframe in which it will be completed. Only do it yourself if you have experience. It can increase the cost of your project, your stress level, and the number of things that will need to be corrected.
If you don’t have the time to have several contractors look at your bathroom and make an estimate, you can go online to their web sites and use their home renovation calculators to calculate the cost of bathroom renovation. Just enter your bathroom measurements and materials into the calculator and let it work it’s magic!
By: Chet Lystrom
Filed under Bathroom Remodeling by on Jan 23rd, 2009. Comment.
Remodeling a room or two of your house is a realistic alternative to packing up all your things and then buying a more ideal home elsewhere. However, it is not always cheaper to remodel; choosing an unqualified contractor or poor organization can often lead to financial and emotional distress. Doing your homework and establishing a sold game plan are your best weapons to safeguard against common mistakes experienced during remodeling projects.
Your bathroom, your garage, and your kitchen are great rooms to start your home remodeling. But prior to beginning your project, you should ask yourself a number of questions. The most important question requires honesty and pertains directly to money: how much can you invest into your remodel? It is critical that you are realistic with your financial position when considering a remodel. Unless you exercise great care when accepting bids from local contractors, your total construction cost will most likely run 20% to 30% higher than estimated. While you certainly have unlimited options for your home remodel, this article will only talk about three different rooms: the bathroom, the garage, and the kitchen.
If you are remodeling your bathrooms be sure to replace your old bathroom medicine cabinets with new ones. Medicine cabinets come in all sorts of shapes and designs so you are sure to find exactly the style that fits your decor. You can buy bathroom medicine cabinets online or at your local hardware store. Of course you will probably get a better selection online.
The home bathroom is a private sanctuary to most people. Where else can a person remove herself from the world and relax in a warm bubble bath or perhaps stand under a hot shower? During your planning process for your bathroom remodel, you will need to consider where you spend your bathroom time: gazing at your face in the mirror or enjoying the tub. Answer that question honestly and you’ll discover where you need to spend most of your money during the remodel. Spend a little extra money and you can install towel a towel warming rack or even heated flooring. And it is always in your best interest to spend extra money on brand name bathroom fixtures. And it is always advisable to spend extra money on the bathroom fixtures. By investing more cash into the bathroom’s bells and whistles can easily transform a typical bath into an enjoyable at-home spa.
It’s a well known fact that more than 50% of home owners don’t park their car in their garage. Instead of actually parking vehicles inside it, their garage has become a storage unit. Do you have boxes in your car’s parking spot instead of your car? If so, maybe you should think about remodeling your garage. If so, your garage might be the room you should remodel. A properly remodeled garage can increase your storage space, A properly remodeled garage can substantially increase storage space, add quite a bit more usable square footage to your house, or it could grant enough space to park a car.
In addition to getting extra storage space, a garage can be remodeled into a laundry room, a workout room, an elaborate work room, or you could remodel it into extra living space; everyone can use an extra bedroom! If you decide to develop extra living space from your garage remodel, you must include the additional costs for HVAC and electrical. And if you desire to add a bathroom or water supply with hot and cold water, you must factor plumbing costs into your remodel estimate.
Remodeling a home’s kitchen is usually the most difficult (and costly) home remodeling project you can begin. It is a very large undertaking; don’t take it lightly! It is always a better idea to hire a licensed contractor than to perform the work yourself. If you accept bids from several different contractors (which is advisable), your scope of work details must be very specific about the many kinds of materials that should be used in the project (detailed estimates allow for a more accurate comparison between them). Not too mention, if you are not specific about the construction materials you want, your contractor might end up using materials that are either inferior or more expensive than what you really wanted.
Designing your ideal layout for your kitchen is the first step of your remodel project. You must review and approve every aspect of your new design prior to beginning construction. You will need to consider the down time; how many weeks (or months) can you handle not having a kitchen? The more you alter your existing layout, the longer you’ll have to survive without a working kitchen.
Outside of hiring a state licensed, experienced contractor for your remodel, it is also recommended that you hire an independent consultant that can oversee your chosen contractor’s work progress and overall quality of work. Most people couldn’t tell the difference between ductile iron piping and black steel piping, but an independent consultant that specializes in home remodels can. He or she will notice if your contractor attempts to take any shortcuts.
Your overall livelihood (and happiness) is closely associated with your home. Be extremely thorough in your remodel planning and preparation and your remodel experience will most likely be a pleasant one.
Filed under Kitchen Remodeling by on Jan 15th, 2009. Comment.