Are you thinking about fixing up your bathroom with a new remodel? There are some questions that you want to take care of before you start. This short guide can help answer important questions that may save you some money and excessive contractor costs.
Find a middle ground with your contractor
There is no way to get around the cost of hiring a contractor to make your bathroom remodel finally happen. The downside to hiring any contractor is going to start with telling them what you want versus their recommendation. Some issues involve space that they can work within. Since some bathrooms are going to be more compact due to lack of space, that will be a cost issue for your contractor.
In fact, no matter what size bathroom you have, you’ll need to find the middle-of-the-road price agreement. It’s going to be an uphill battle since you and your contractor will always have a different opinion.
Your planned budget might not be a reality
It’s good to have a budget that you want to stick within, but the reality is always going to be different. Depending on what your contractor is getting paid and the material and items that go into your bathroom, there will always be subtle price differences. When planning your budget, it’s a good idea to add at least 10-15% more on each item for unseen cost changes. Unless you’ve already bought these items beforehand, always factor in a buffer zone.
This will help you to manage the costs of a remodel if your contractor has found a design snag that requires special modifications. This will be evident when it comes to electrical and plumbing issues.
Great lighting starts with planning
Your bathroom is the one room where lighting is going to be essential, but the right kind of lighting is going to require planning. The issue starts with moisture and lighting fixtures that are the wrong kind that can fill with water vapor and steam. This is often the reason why lights in the bathroom can burn out sooner than others. It’s also better to avoid incandescent bulbs, so you want to stick with LED lighting.
These kinds of lights last longer and come in a variety of styles that are flush mounts or fixtures. The LED fixtures also resist moisture a lot better since the light is constructed using a semiconductor instead of a filament.
Don’t overstep with elaborate tubs
It’s every homeowner’s dream to have that fancy tub with ornate legs or is made from cast iron. The problem with these types of tubs is the amount of cleaning and upkeep they will need. Another problem with tubs with claw feet and be a safety issue if you accidentally slam your foot into the tub’s leg. Search out different types of tubs. You will want to choose a tub that has comfort with the least amount of upkeep.
This is another good reason to trust the advice of your contractor since they might have a good solution. They might also be able to find a practical tub design that fits closer to your dream tub.
Outlets, storages, and towel hangers
When upgrading your bathroom you probably want to upgrade your shelves, storages, and electrical outlets. This also should include towel hangers and bars so you can place your towels on the walls. When considering electrical outlets, these should be upgraded with new wiring is needed. Certainly, the outer outlet needs to have built-in fuse resets for items such as hairdryers and curling irons.
If you have a power surge you won’t have your main circuit blowing if other appliances are running at the same time. This way you simply press the reset button. Inset storages are also better if you want space for bathroom supplies and folded towels.
Tile work do’s and don’ts
Some tiles just make sense to have in your bathroom but for sure you should include three standard types. The first is porcelain, natural stone, and even glass. These are easy to clean and simple cleaners will remove soap scum and buildup from water vapor and steam. You should also be sure to choose a grout that can be easily cleaned since grout does tend to darken over time.
Whatever colors you choose the tile and grout need to complement each other color-wise. Work with the colors that your contractor has to offer, but don’t be afraid to find light and bright colors rather than darker shades
Leave a Reply