Remodeling your bathroom can be a wonderful way to transform your plain, boring and bland old bathroom into a magnificent, cozy and comfortable modern bathroom you will love for years to come. Since a bathroom remodeling project usually cost more than a resulting net increase in the value of your home, it is very important to carefully consider several important factors before taking on an all-out bathroom remodeling project at your home.
Making a decision when and how to remodel your bathroom should be based on your short and long term goals for your home. If you are looking to sell your home some time in the near future, then a small “cosmetics only” bathroom remodel may be a better option than an extensive bathroom remodeling job reflecting a decision to stay in our home for at least five years, or longer.
Approximate Bathroom Remodel Cost
Consider that a complete overhaul of your bathroom might cost upwards
of $10,000, but the resulting net increase in the value of your home may only be around $6,000. Thus, you would not be able recoup your money if you were to sell your house in a relatively short period of time. On the other hand, if you plan to live in the home for another five to ten years, then it could very well be a worth while investment since you and your family would benefit greatly from having a beautiful and cozy bathroom.
Planning for your Bathroom Remodeling Project
Once you have carefully considered and evaluated your plans and goals for your home, consider what you like about your existing bathroom, and what changes you would like to see. Perhaps, the existing bathroom fixtures are old and unsightly. Maybe the existing lighting is poor, or the floors are in disrepair. Carefully think of all the changes you would like to make. You may want to visit your local home improvement store, hardware store, or a bathroom showroom to see what they have to offer as well as help you a better idea of what you may ultimately want from your bathroom remodel.
Hiring a professional bathroom designer/bathroom
remodeling contractor can be an easy way to get your remodeling process started, but there are many ways to plan the remodel on your own. Remodeling magazines and Television home improvement programs can help you envision your desired remodeling outcomes for your bathroom. Keep in mind that at this stage of the process you are just generating some ideas, visualizing and making a dream list for your new bathroom. You do not need to consider your budget quite, yet! This brainstorming process of envisioning and designing your ideal bathroom will help you make better decisions about your bathroom remodeling project.
Bathroom Remodeling in West Los Angeles
There are many things you can do to improve the overall look, and functionality of your bathroom. For instance, painting the old walls, and replacing the old floors can provide a sense of “newness” and bring a positive change to your old bathroom. Also, do not forget to include some little touches such as paint, in your planning design.
Bathroom Flooring Options
Flooring options for your bathroom remodel are widely varied. Linoleum and tile are popular options as they allow spilled and dripped water to be cleaned effortlessly. Marble and wood floors are alternatives, but can be quite costly to install. Bathroom carpeting was
once a fashionable trend, but has fallen out of favor, given its propensity to hold water. The best flooring options for your bathroom remodel should be based upon your personal needs. A non-slip surface is of extreme importance in a bathroom, so if you select a slippery material, make sure you have non-slip mats and rugs in place.
Wall and Floor Tile Options
There are two tile material options for the installation of wall and flooring tiles in your bathroom; you can opt for porcelain wall and floor tiles, or for marble tiles. The installation cost of marble tiles will be roughly twice as much as the cost to install porcelain tiles. You can also pick tiles with mosaic design to add a touch of style to your bathroom walls. While porcelain tiles will work just fine for your bathroom’s and kitchen’s floor, they are not suitable for general living areas in your home, where you would want to have warmer and more traditional types of flooring materials such as hardwood flooring.
How to Hire a Bathroom Remodeling Specialist
Now that you have a budget and a list, it is time to decide if you are going to do the work yourself, or if you will be hiring a contractor. If you have no experience or skill in remodeling type tasks, hire the job out. This is not the time to try to learn carpentry or plumbing skills. The cost of your bathroom remodel can easily double or triple if you make a lot of mistakes. Flooding your home by forgetting to seal a pipe or drilling through a wire hidden in the wall are both likely options when you do not know what you are doing. It is best to find a competent remodeling contractor you can trust to make quality remodeling upgrades to your bathroom.
Ask your family, friends, and co-workers if they have a suggestion as to whom you should hire. Also, contact your local Better Business Bureau, or look up home improvement contractors in AllConstructionDirectory.com – Home Improvement Contractors, Construction and Home Improvement Directory. Finding recommendations for, or against a particular contractor can afford you a piece of mind that your job will be carried out appropriately.
Bathroom fixtures are perhaps the biggest changes you can make to your bathroom. There are many ideas to choose from when selecting a shower or bathtub. Tub and shower combinations are also available in many options. When your budget does not allow for a complete up do, consider having your tub re-glazed and have the tile, or shower surround piece replaced. Make sure that your bathroom remodeling contractor checks for existing leaks that might have led to mold growth. The mold should be professionally treated in order to to kill it, and prevent it from returning.
Replacing Bathroom Sinks
Replacing bathroom sinks and vanities are another fantastic way to update your bathroom. Whether you have a freestanding sink, or a bowl in a cabinet, it is quite a simple fix to change out either element. Do not forget that replacing your bathroom faucets can make a bold statement on its own. Stainless steel faucets, handles, and towel racks can immediately bring a new look to your bathroom without spending a fortune.
Keep in mind that while colored tubs, toilets, and sinks may look nice today, they may be horribly out of fashion before they need to be replaced again. Remember the avocado green and dusty rose bathrooms of the 1970s, and understand that anything other than the color of cream or white may end up with the same effect a few years down the road.
Natural Bathroom Lighting Ideas
Lighting in the bathroom is an important element. Windows can bring in natural lighting and fresh air to your bathroom. Skylights are a wonderful addition to any room in your home, but make for a particularly great idea in a bathroom where you might not want to have wall-hung windows, or may not have the space for them.
Artificial lighting is of vital importance with, or without the addition of windows, or skylights. When considering recessed fixtures, keep in mind that this will produce a shadow effect. Without proper lighting, it is difficult to use your bathroom for shaving, or applying makeup properly. Halogen floodlights are particularly known for casting a shadow, which makes it critical to include alternate lighting options. Diffused light fixtures placed above the mirror will cut down on the shadow effect of the recessed lighting and can be used when needed, and turned off at all other times.
What if you need to make your bathroom handicap accessible?
Making your bathroom handicap accessible is another way to update your bathroom. If you think that it will look like a hospital or rest home, keep in mind that there are many handicap accessible features that are quite stylish and may not even be noticeable at a glance. Non-slip mats in the tub, a handrail for lifting oneself off the toilet, or out of the tub, and scald-guards are all easy to install updates that will be appreciated immediately.
Conclusion
Remodeling your bathroom can be a wise investment in your home’s comfort and your overall level of happiness with your home. With careful planning, budgeting, and execution, your bathroom remodeling job can be carried out effortlessly. Remember to consider your wants, needs, and budget before undertaking a bathroom remodeling job, and hire a respected remodeling contractor to ensure a smooth remodel, and your complete satisfaction not only with the process, but also with the end-result.