Things to Consider Before You Remodel Your Bathroom
Spring is here with warmer temperatures and fresh ideas for home renovations. The bathroom remodel is one of the most popular rooms to update since it is one of the smaller rooms in your home and typically a high traffic area. The best part: a bathroom remodel has one of the highest returns on investment of any home renovation. There are a lot of reasons for bathroom makeovers: you need more storage space, you want to install a spa-like shower or update an old bathroom with new amenities…or maybe all these reasons.
What’s my budget?
The size of your renovation will dictate the budget so you need to decide if you want a partial or complete bathroom renovation.
Answer these questions about your bathroom remodel ideas: What do you want it to look like? How do you want it to function? How often will you use it? How many people will use it? What materials do you want to use? How do you want it laid out?
Do your Research on:
Bathroom fixtures, products and accessories cost.
Any bathroom renovation companies bids and labor cost.
Keep in mind you can always add the extras or luxury items down the road.
After you calculate your cost, add a cushion-10% for possible unforeseen issues that can arise or last minute changes.
Next Determine: “How an I going to pay for it?”
Maybe you’ve been pinching pennies to save for it or you just received a hefty tax return. Many remodelers turn to a home equity loan to cover the bathroom remodel cost because, in many cases, it can be tax deductible. Be sure to shop around for the best interest rate, loan rates and repayment terms.
Bathroom Remodel Vs Professional Remodeling
Bathroom remodeling can be suitably defined as one of the more challenging home improvement projects. But on the other hand, the project pays off in terms of resale value very well too. In fact, it will be apt to say that it has a great pull for prospective buyers.
But because it’s a challenging AND important task, it definitely requires skilled hands to handle at least some aspects of the project. The good thing is that there are a few things you can easily DIY. For the others, however, you are better off trusting a professional remodeling company.
And besides, it’s only a professional that can tackle the unexpected surprises that arise during the process. Take, for instance, the rusted and rotten pipes that are about to give way or suddenly revealed leaks that need to be repaired. Then there are those wet black spots on walls that point towards mold, or the rattling sound some plumbing lines make. Besides, a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Going exclusively DIY in bathroom remodeling may prove dangerous later on.
Costs of a Bathroom Remodel
Before you plan anything, you need to have an idea of the difference in the cost of both types of remodeling. The cost of bathroom remodeling will fall somewhere between $3,000 to $30,000. Within this range, expect to pay the contractor anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the bathroom size. The cost of fancy materials, the fixtures, repairs, and other changes is extra, of course.
The Time Factor of a remodeling Project
This one is the simplest to fathom. In fact, over the years, we’ve heard and read about so many DIY projects that went up to six months or more. Honestly, do you really have that kind of time? Let’s face it. You don’t have a crew that’s trained to do a specific job. As a DIYer, you can only do so much when you look up tutorials on YouTube. Besides, you need to be realistic. You cannot block your bathroom for as long as it takes, especially if you do not have a spare one. Most professionals, on the other hand, will be able to take on the project from the design stage itself and deliver within a few weeks.
Ways to Save Money During Your Bathroom Renovation
Keep Plumbing Where It Is
It may at first seem like a good idea to renovate your bathroom’s design, but unless you’re willing to shell out about $5,000 each time you move plumbing fixtures, you might want to keep your existing fixtures in place
Frame Your Mirror
The focal point of your bathroom is likely the mirror over your sink, so why not fancy it up? Not only will adding a frame around your mirror make for an elegant look, but it will also hide any age-related wear around the mirror’s edges
DIY a Vanity
To save during a bathroom renovation, hit up those antique stores, flea markets and resellers for a beautiful old dresser you can spruce up and reuse in place of your outdated bathroom vanity. It makes for a great DIY project, and you’ll be able to easily cut out the space to hide the plumbing, seal drawers, add towel bars on the sides and put a sink in it or on it
Skip the Tile
While tile makes for a clean and sleek look, having it from floor to ceiling can cost a hefty amount. Consider alternatives like reclaimed wood panels, which create a more warm and rustic look that can accent white fixtures and other minimalist elements.
Check Online for Extras
When other people remodel their bathroom or other parts of their home, they sometimes have leftover tiles that they’ll sell on Craigslist or eBay. Scour the sites in search of people’s leftovers, which will likely be up for grabs at a steep discount, since they can’t return them! Purchase as much as you can, then buy the rest from a local home improvement store.
essential questions to ask your bathroom remodeling contractor
“The biggest mistake a client can make when working with a bathroom remodel contractor is not asking enough questions and being part of the process,” says Michael Big of Big Brothers Development. “The last thing a contractor wants to deal with is a client who isn’t happy with the final product.”
Can I see examples of your past bathroom remodeling work?
Read your contractor’s reviews. Comb for details on their punctuality, communication skills, work environment cleanliness, and work quality. But if you see negative reviews, don’t dismiss the pro right away. Look at how they respond: if they show strong communication and conflict-resolution skills, they may still be a good fit.
Do you take on bathroom remodeling projects of my scope?
Some contractors specialize in certain kinds of projects. For example, one contractor may do bathroom additions, while another focuses specifically on small bathroom remodels. Asking this question upfront will save everyone the time and effort of a site visit. Also, if you need bathroom design services, make sure to ask if your contractor has design training. If not, consider hiring an architect or designer.
How many projects do you run at the same time?
You want a company that has time for you and has long-term relationships with its subcontractors. Make sure you and your contractor have the same expectations about how often they will be onsite once the project kicks off. The contractor should be open with you about how long each stage of the project will take, and they should show a good understanding of what factors could potentially push that timeline out.
Who will be working in my home?
Many general contractors serve as the business head and hire foremen to run projects. Ask to meet the project manager and make sure it’s someone you want at your house every day. Depending on the elements of your bathroom remodeling project, your contractor will probably bring in more specialists.
Complete bathroom renovation guide: from basins to bathtubs
Once you consider what’s involved – plumbing, tiling, tapware, baths and basins – it’s easy to see how the costs can quickly add up. Because there are so many different elements and trades involved with a bathroom renovation, it’s important to plan and budget accordingly.
BATHTUBS
When you actually have time for a good soak, you want to enjoy it. Make sure you head to a showroom to try your bathtub before you buy it.
Budget: Inset baths sit into a tiled hob and is a more traditional-looking bath. From $120.
Mid-range: For a more designer look, many inset baths are moulded in slick, modern shapes. These can cost from $330 to $700.
Premium: If you have the room, go for a freestanding bathtub. They come in a variety of styles and materials from acrylic or resin to stone and metal. You’ll pay up to $800, or more.
TOILETS
Toilets can range greatly in pricing depending on the quality and look you’re after, but here are the basics.
Budget: A simple link suite is where the cistern is mounted to the wall and is separated from the pan with a PVC apron. You can buy one for under $150.
Mid-range: A close-coupled suite is where the cistern sits directly on top of the pan, which creates a cleaner look. A wall-faced suite sits flat against the bathroom wall, hiding water connections for a modern, easy-to-clean finish. $135 to $500.
Premium: If you want a high-end look then go for a concealed or in-wall toilet where the cistern is built into the wall cavity so only the buttons show. You can have it floating off the floor, too. $600 to $1000.