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How to Make Remodeling Your Bathroom Easier

By: Stephen Dolan | Posted: Jun 25th, 2007

Remodeling a bathroom is one of the most common home improvement projects because homeowners prefer a toilet and bath area where they can relax from a difficult day's work. Be aware that whatever fixtures, accessories and furniture you wish to add to your bathroom should add warmth and relaxation to the room. Many of us have increased the amount of time we spend in the bathroom and because of this require extra space; here are some points to consider before you start remodeling and enlarging a bathroom.

Tips and Tricks in Bathroom Remodeling

Focus on your walls, ceiling and tiles because these three items can greatly influence the outcome of your project. The materials you will buy largely depend on your budget. For people who have a budget of $200 or less, you can easily give a new life to your bathroom by doing the work by yourself and focusing on the walls, ceiling and accessories.

Since you only have a few dollars to spare, you need to choose on the color or theme you want to implement for the ceiling or walls. People who can not do the work themselves should consult a contractor. Make sure you get quotes for the work from several contractors.

A Remodeling Plan Is the Most Important Item

Of course, to be successful, you need to design your remodeling project just right before you swing a single hammer. With all things in bathroom remodeling design, if you design with an eye for common sense and space, you will be successful in your attempt to create a room that's both stylish and functional. When you decide where smaller fixtures, such as the towel rack or even the toilet paper roll, go in the bathroom remodeling design, keep in mind that they should go in places that are sensible.

Once again going back to function over form. The towel rack might look nice by the door, but if it's out of arm's reach of the bathtub, then you won't be happy whenever you get out of the shower, for example.

The first entry that should go into your bathroom remodeling planner is a floor plan of your new bathroom with all of the correct dimensions included. You can complete this on paper, or by buying software that is specifically for this purpose. In addition to the major work, also listed on your bathroom remodeling check list would be any components, such as cabinets, fixtures and countertops.

Once you have determined the exact cost of your project using the bathroom remodeling check list, you should budget another 10 percent of the total cost for contingencies. For instance, when you are cutting out the wall for a latest fixture you accidentally cut through a water pipe and your new drywall is ruined. The contingency budget can pay to replace the cut pipe as perfectly as the ruined drywall.

Finally, even the budget in a room as small as the bath can get out of control if a plan is not set and adhered to. Your bathroom remodeling planner should include a budget of the necessary materials and the labor that will be required. With a comprehensive bathroom remodeling planner, you will be on your way to purchasing the job done right.

Getting the Most Out of Working with a Contractor

You should not really attempt to do a job that is more technical than your abilities. In the long run, the contractor will have to come in and fix it which will cost more money. If your remodeling project is more complicated than painting and replacing the light fixtures, it is probably in your best interest to hire a contractor.

The problem, of course, is where to find a good contractor. The best place to look for a bathroom remodeling contractor is to ask friends, coworkers, and neighbors who have had remodeling work done recently. Next, call all of the contractors on the list and show them what needs to be done. It is appropriate and important to ask for references. Check with some of the references and find out what they liked and didn't like. Bathroom remodeling contractors get work by their previous work. If they aren't good, they won't have very much work to do.

Once you have decided on the right contractor and the right price, the topic of payment will soon come up. Ask the contractor how long the project will take and how much is the labor. In most cases, people don't want to pay the contractor before the work is started. If payment is made before any work has started, the incentive to finish the project will have been lost. Some contractors may want to buy the materials themselves so there is much to talk about with the contractor.

While your contractor is responsible for remodeling a bathroom, it is your responsibility to ensure all materials have been delivered. Before starting the project, inspect all items and accessories. To prevent delays, ensure that all deliveries are complete. Once the job is finished to your satisfaction, make the remainder of the payment in a timely fashion.

You can now take your first relaxing shower and enjoy the long-term benefits of the investment you made. There is no greater joy to a homeowner then to remodel and enlarge a special room such as the bathroom. So, enjoy every minute of it by following a plan and finding a good contractor.
About the Author:

Steve Dolan has undertaken extensive home remodelling over the past 10 years. Learn how to take on remodelling projects Home Remodelling and DIY and redo your bathroom Bathroom Decorating and Remodelling




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