How to Remodel Your Bathroom on a Budget

The bathroom is the one room in your home where you can be alone with your thoughts and life contemplations.  Research suggests that many of us use the bathroom to think and solve complexities in life.

Therefore, it is only befitting that this sanctuary should be furnished with the most comfortable and soothing elements sprinkled with a splash of luxurious pampering.

Renovating or remodeling your bathroom can be overwhelming and time consuming not to mention costly.

It should be about having a functional day-to-day space, creating an inviting atmosphere within your home with the emphasis on wellbeing and comfort.

Bathroom remodeling and renovations are on the rise today and homeowners are opting for style and luxury.

By remodeling or renovating your bathroom, you will automatically increase the value of your home.

So whichever choice you make on upgrading your bathroom, here are some important tips to help you accomplish your project.

How Far Do You Want To Go? 

This is a very important decision to make before you start planning. Do you want to do a complete tear down and remodel your bathroom or are you leaning on doing renovations?

Knowing the scope of the work and time required are the basis for your project that will lead to achieving your desired bathroom.

Look for and use free in home consultation services such as a designers and contractors who are willing to take you through the process  and ease your mind that your dream bathroom could be a success with the right decision and planning.

Finance Your Bathroom

It is crucial to determine your financial capabilities before you start planning your project and how many more years you plan on staying in your home.

Setting the budget for your remodeling or renovating bathroom budget is dependent on how many big items you are replacing or adding and who will do the work.  It will also challenge your creativity.

When you work on the budget with your designer or contractor, request a breakdown so you know what amounts are allotted for different steps of the project.

You must include a 10-15% cushion, for unexpected expenses like hidden water damage, which is a common problem in bathrooms or hidden issues like the vent stack inside the wall.

Go ahead and dream up your wish list then revise into reality with pricing.

Here are some tips to help keep the cost down whether you are remodeling or renovating your bathroom

• Buy fixtures like the bathtub and vanity yourself- look for deals at your local hardware store
• Consider not relocating any fixtures
• Perform the demolition yourself
• Do the painting yourself 

Changing The Layout of Your Bathroom 

The initial layout design for your bathroom should really focus on utilizing and making the best use of available space.  All fixtures require space around them, keeping this in mind should help you have a well thought out layout design for your bathroom.

Consider the following tips as you plan your design:

• Which utilities would need rerouting
• Are you planning on changing the floor
• Consider the lighting plan
• Are you tiling the walls
• Updating heating and ventilation
• Review bathroom regulations regarding electrical and waste-pipe  installation
• Size of bathroom
• Who will be using the bathroom –when and how
• Remember to place items such as the mirrors and cabinets to suit the height of all users
• Provide space for a waste basket in your plan

Word of caution, do not start ripping out the old bathroom until your new utilities like your tub, countertop and all your materials have arrived. 

Remodel Yourself or Hire a Contractor

A bathroom is a highly labor intensive area to renovate. It is a compact space that presents a challenge even in a luxurious large bath space.

There are many different types of expertise that are required to make the project a success: plumbing, electrical, tile, countertop, cabinetry and extras like installing a heated floor.

While there are certain parts of the project you maybe able to tackle on your own, the majority requires a professional to get the job done.

Most experts agree that this is one project you would want a professional licensed contractor to do.

A professional will ensure you get the best value for your dollar while meeting the bathroom standard requirements.

That being said, it is advisable that you don’t just hire anyone to remodel or renovate your bathroom.  It is a good idea to get a couple contractors to look at the project and provide their input and pricing. Then do your research so that you hire a seasoned pro with proper credentials, a solid reputation with an attractive portfolio of finished projects and references.

The best choice is a contractor who possess the right licensing and insurance and bring lots of ideas and resources to the table to help you plan and design your bathroom to meet your style while accommodating the comfort of you and your family.

Shower and Tub Repair- Refinishing or Replacement 

Bathtubs and showers are much more than meeting functionality needs. They could make a strong design statement also.

However, the question may arise as to whether you want to refinish or replace your shower and tub.

If you are planning on doing a full-scale remodel, then replacing the shower and tub make sense and provides options for you to choose  from:

• Your preference – free stand alone shower or tub and shower combination
• Decide on the style and colour – there are many options available
• Soaker tub, whirlpool or Jacuzzi

If you are not planning a full-scale remodeling, then there are options

available for you to consider, that would  give your existing tub a new

• Tub Liner
• Tub refinishing

They both add years to your existing tub at a fraction of the cost.

The shower could be refinished by replacing and upgrading the faucet

and shower head and the tiles could be repaired, float in a new grout and refinish tiles in your choice of color.