Remodeling A Bathroom

Posted on: July 18, 2016
By: Alan O'Neill
Posted in: Bathroom Remodeling

Have A Plan Before You Start: Houston Homeowners Remodeling A Bathroom 

Having a plan you’ve worked out with a professional will assure you that your design, budget and timeline are realistic, and it will give you a goal with a path to get there. Working with a designer or architect may seem like a pricey move right out of the gate for someone wanting to remodel their bathroom on a budget, but it is money well spent.Bathroom remodeling is tricky because both plumbing and wiring are typically involved, hardly things you want to mix together, and it means you’ll need a plumber and an electrician as subcontractors. 

Tips for Remodeling a Bathroom

• The best place to start with any remodeling project is the budget. Not only will it have a big impact on the type of materials you select for your bathroom renovation, it will also help you set the boundaries of your design. Knowing what you can really afford to spend will make it a lot easier to decide what items you want to replace and where you need to get creative!
• Going “green” is not only good for the environment; it’s also good for you. Green products have great design, tend to function better, which lowers utility bills, and they’re also chemical-free, making them better for your health. Having an eco-friendly approach to remodeling isn’t just about buying new products, doing something “green” can be as simple as painting a cabinet instead of tossing it in a landfill.
• Want to save some big bucks remodeling your bathroom? Consider refinishing existing items such as your bathtub, shower, sink or tile. With refinishing, you’ll only pay a small fraction (as little as 10 percent) of the cost of replacement. Your bathroom won’t be torn up for weeks, you’ll avoid the big renovation mess and you’ve put one less big ol’ tub in the landfill
• Don’t want your budget to skyrocket? Don’t move your plumbing. On the surface, switching your sink and toilet around may look easy enough, but the problem lies underneath and all the costs involved in moving that plumbing. Besides, if you spend less money on moving fixtures, you’ll have more to spend on that new sleek shower system or vanity you’ve been eyeing.
• Be brutally honest about your DIY skill level. Assess which projects to do yourself and which are better left to the pros. You could save yourself a ton of money in the long run if you don’t have to call someone in to fix a project you’ve messed up. The best way to find a good contractor — seek referrals from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and others who have had remodeling work done.
• Some of the most effective updating in a bathroom can also be the easiest and the cheapest. Changing out all the hardware, such as drawer pulls, faucet handles and showerheads, can make a big impact. Be sure to use the same finish, such as stainless steel, aged bronze or brushed nickel, to keep the room looking cohesive.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of lighting in a bathroom. Sconce lighting at the vanity is the ideal way to get even lighting on your face, and installing it at eye level will help diminish unflattering shadows. Dim lighting is nice for a relaxing bath; bright lights are great for shaving or applying makeup. Adding more overall lighting can make a small bathroom seem larger.
• Ventilation. Ventilation. Ventilation. Moisture is your bathroom’s greatest enemy. Mold and mildew will make quick work of any renovation you’ve done so be sure to install a vent fan of appropriate CFMs for the square footage of your bathroom. The rough guide is one CFM per square foot for bathrooms of one hundred square feet or smaller. New designs are quieter and more stylish than ever and are a must have for any bathroom remodel.

Planning a bathroom remodel

Evaluate the space

The first step to planning a bathroom remodel is evaluating the existing space. If you’re planning on updating or renovating an existing bathroom, what would you like to see improved? Do you want to update the look of the bathroom by changing details like lighting and mirrors, or are you interested in a major overhaul? Answering these question will help give you a clearer idea of what you want the finished product to look like.

Make comparisons

Whether a bathroom remodel pays off in terms of improved resale value often depends on what comparable homes in your neighborhood feature in their bathrooms. For example, if every home in the neighborhood features just one bathroom, you could improve your home’s sales appeal by adding a second bathroom where one previously didn’t exist. Read more.

How do I decorate my bathroom?

No remodel is complete until the finishing touches have been added — in this case, the bathroom decor. In this particular room, the term decor can be used rather loosely; even a toilet paper holder can add to the style of the space if chosen correctly. Pick fixtures with finishes that reflect the look you are trying to achieve, and match or coordinate soap dispensers, toothbrush holders and wastebaskets for a cohesive feel. If you’re lucky enough to have extra counter or wall space, add some artwork or a decorative vase with fresh flowers. For those that aren’t looking to do a full renovation, a smaller scale bathroom makeover can be achieved by simply swapping out some of your old accessories and changing the color scheme with new linens or paint. Call us (713) 812-7070 for your home service and repair needs.

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