Remodeling a bathroom can be overwhelming. You have to decide how much you can spend, select the right products, and determine if you’re going to change the layout.
And that’s often before you call a contractor.
To ensure that your bathroom remodeling projects runs smoothly, here’s a checklist to keep your project on track. Remember: A successful renovation is all about smart timing!
6 Months Out
-Get inspired. To figure out what you want your new bathroom to look like, tear pages out of magazines and catalogues, and make a scrapbook or inspiration board. Designer Holly Rickert tells clients to use Post-Its to note why they like each bathroom. Later, she recommends flipping through the photos to find commonalities, and select similar tiles and fixtures.
-Ask around for contractor recommendations. While it’s not necessary to talk to a contractor yet, it’s a good time to start poking around for recommendations from local hardware stores, friends, and professional business associations. Then, when you’re ready to make the call, you’ll have a ready list of names.
-Start sketching. It’s essential to consider layout early on. Spend time thinking about what works about your bathroom’s layout—and what doesn’t. Consider storage needs: Could a closet be turned into a custom cabinet offering lots of stash spots?
Lastly, would you like to move the toilet, sink, or bathtub, and if so, what is feasible plumbing-wise? Are you going to expand the size of the bathroom or simply improve its aesthetic?
Keep in mind that the most expensive thing to move in a bathroom is the toilet. Also, if you plan to install multiple body sprays in the shower, it’s likely that your bathroom will require more rough plumbing work, so the cost will be higher.
3 Months Out
-Finalize your budget. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association , the average person will spend about $11,000 renovating a bathroom. Once you’ve figured out what you can spend, you should count on spending about two-thirds of your budget on labor. Then you’ll have a clearer sense of what you can spend on tile, fixtures, and extras, like a glass shower door.
If the remaining amount seems low, don’t fret: Thanks to a wide range of tile and fittings options, you can often replicate a high-end luxury look for less. For example, a tile that costs $10 per square foot can substitute for $100-per-square foot tile.
-Hire a contractor. With a few months to go before demolition, it’s a good time to bring in a licensed contractor. Ask a few to look at your drawings and make sure your plan—adding two shower heads, installing a Jacuzzi tub, etc.—is possible. Review estimates, check references thoroughly, and sign contracts. At this point, the contractor should commit to a start date, create a timeline of when he needs materials, and estimate when the project will be complete. Most bathroom renovations take about six weeks from start to finish. Don’t let any work begin without a signed contract.
Be sure to talk up front about the pay schedule: Often, you’ll pay a third up front, a third at the halfway point, and a third when the project is complete to your satisfaction.
Find out exactly how many days you’ll be without a shower, especially if you’re renovating your home’s only full bath. Make alternate plans in advance.
Two Months Out:
-Purchase tile and fixtures. While some tile orders can be fulfilled in two to three days, handmade or hand-painted tiles could take 12 weeks. Play it safe and make sure your tile orders are placed at least eight weeks before your demo date.
Fixtures should also be purchased early. Even big-name manufacturers can take three to four weeks to deliver products. High-end products often take as long as six to eight weeks to arrive.
If you’re ordering custom-built vanity or cabinets, check with the manufacturer to make sure that they’ll be there when the contractor needs them. Light fixtures can also take several weeks to arrive, so give yourself plenty of leeway when ordering.
One Month Out:
-Prep for contractor’s arrival. Clear out medicine cabinets and bathroom closets, and set up a temporary grooming space where you can get ready out of sight of contractors.
-Shop for accessories. With most of the hard planning over, have fun shopping for towel bars, towel hooks, a toilet paper holder, and the perfect soap dish. If you have a new color scheme, pick out your new shower curtain or towels.
-Select a paint color. Once the tile is up and the flooring is down, you’ll be able to get a sense of what color to paint the walls. It’s difficult to pick anything before that.
-Check in with your contractor often. Every day, when the contractor arrives, ask what will be done that day and mention any project hiccups and concerns you might have. Keep the lines of communication open. Make sure he knows where to store materials and how to get into the house if you’re not there. Keep pets and children away from the work site.
Final Days:
-Be flexible. If a project runs a few days over, try not to get frustrated. If that’s the biggest problem you’ve had, you got off easy.
-Inspect the contractor’s work. Chances are you’ll do this every day, but if anything seems amiss, try to address it before the job is completed.
-Celebrate. Throw down your new bath mats, unpack your toiletries, and sip a glass of Champagne.
This article originally appeared on ELLEDECOR.com.
If you’re a regular visitor to our website and an avid reader of our blog, you’ll notice one aspect we like to highlight here at Columbus Bath Design of Columbus, OH is our showroom. This area is the pride and joy of our business. It’s here that we get to show you, our loyal customers and our potential customers, exactly what we have to offer to meet your bathroom remodeling needs.
Think about it – if you’re in the market for a new car, do you watch a commercial or check out a picture in a magazine and immediately place an order? Of course not! You head into the showroom, take a look at the cars, kick the tires, take a seat and go for a test drive. Why should the place where you spend every morning or evening be any different? You want to test-drive our products and our showroom is the place. So, without further ado…it’s showtime!
What’s in Store?
Right from the start, you’ll notice a vast array of options for your bathroom remodel. We know that remodeling can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you’ve never done it before. That’s why we have a team of experts on-site to answer any questions you might have. They’re here to spend any amount of time you need in order to make sure you get the right products at the right price. You see, with all of these options for materials, colors, styles, and accessories, we can help design your bathroom to fit your budget. You might even discover something you never thought possible. With our expansive showroom, your imagination can be fueled by what’s around the next corner.
We also know that making these decisions will take some time. That’s why we want you to be comfortable while you’re here. Relax and enjoy your stay. We have beverages available and we even have a play area for your kids, so be sure to bring them along. Hey, it’s their new bathroom too!
Products to Meet Every Need
You can read up on our complete line of acrylic and Onyx products, but it’s so much better when you can see and feel them up close. Only then can you tell which approach is best for your remodeling project. You’ll also get a chance to preview our entire array of products. Vanities, floors, commodes, cabinets, accessories, showers, shower-to-tub conversions, walk-in tubs, whirlpool tubs, soaker tubs…they’re all here. And time would fail us if we discussed the variety of colors and patterns available. You simply have to see it all believe it all.
Planning Your Visit
Of course, while you’re reading this online, you can take a quick virtual tour right here on our website and you can even watch a quick video that features some of our products. But it’s one thing to see a two-dimensional image…and it’s quite another to immerse yourself in a world of remodeling options. You’ll want to feel the textures, see the colors and patterns, walk into a walk-in tub, step into a shower, sit on a shower bench…test drive what we have to offer.
That’s why we recommend you take a little time and visit us in person. Our showroom is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Stop by and let us take you on a tour so you can discover your beautiful brand new bathroom.
As a homeowner, you’re faced with decisions on a frequent basis. One of those decisions could be whether or not to remodel. If you choose to give your home an updated look, the next question is, “Where should I start?” Here at Columbus Bath Design of Columbus, OH, we naturally suggest you start with the room where you get each and every day off to a great start – your bathroom. Before you begin the bathroom remodel, however, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
See the Big Picture
First, determine how the bathroom is being used. If this is a space where you’ll taking a nice, long soak after a tough day at work, you’ll probably want to increase the usable area to accommodate a spacious tub. If the primary use is to grab a quick shower, brush those pearly whites and hit the road in the morning, then a tub-to-shower conversion might do the trick. Will you and your significant other be sharing the space at the same time? You might consider dropping from a double sink to a single and maximize the counter space. Since we handle everything from floor to ceiling including cabinets, floor tile and commodes, be sure to check out our showroom. Our design team can even help you come up with a few ideas.
Count the Cost
Once you have an idea of what you want, it’s time to work up a budget. You can work on the project in phases, but you might be surprised at how affordable an entire bathroom remodel can be. At Columbus Bath Design, we can work with your budget to ensure you’re getting the most for your money. We have a wide variety of fixtures, accessories and materials…and, we even offer a “90 days same as cash” program.
One other note on budgeting – be sure to factor in some of the unexpected costs such as hidden water damage to walls and the floor. Again, our team can help you in spotting those ahead of time.
Finding the Perfect Fit
It’s one thing to see a picture of a stunning bathroom in a magazine and it’s quite another to use that bathroom on a daily basis. For example, a shower bench that looks amazing in print, might not be the most comfortable seat for you. That’s why you’ll want to get a feel for all of the elements that will be placed in your remodeled bathroom. Walk through our showroom, have a seat, stand at the sink, take hold of the grab bars. It’s your room…customize it to your needs.
As with any remodeling project, you want to see the big picture. At Columbus Bath Design of Columbus, Ohio, we can help you bring that picture into focus.
You’re always looking for the best value. Whether it’s a refusal to pay the sticker price on a new car…or watching your grocery bill go down by clipping coupons, you never want to pay more than should. Why should your home be any different? It doesn’t matter if you’re flipping the house, planning to sell in the near future or hoping to live out your golden years in it, making your home more valuable is always a good idea. At Columbus Bath Design of Columbus, OH, we’ve got a few ideas on how you can do just that.
Is a Bathroom Remodel Worth the Cost?
If the cost of a full remodel (average or upscale) is a bit more than you can afford right now, there are always some low-cost ways of giving your bathroom a fresh, updated look. Give us a call and our team can give you some answers to match your budget.
Do Your Homework
With the number of houses we’re seeing on the market today, you want to make sure yours stands out from the rest. Talk to a real estate agent to see what buyers are looking for in a bathroom. Go online to check out some houses that have sold recently. How many full or half-baths do they have? That kind of information can prove to be invaluable if you’re considering putting your house on the market.
It’s also a good idea to look through a few magazines, or better yet…stop by our showroom, to discover what type of neutral color schemes are available for your bathroom remodel. Going with timeless colors that are easy to match with the accessories of potential buyers can really set your bathroom apart.
In the end, only you can answer the question of whether or not a bathroom remodel will result in the best value for you and your family. But our team at Columbus Bath Design of Columbus, OH is here to help you answer that question. Invest a small amount of time with us today…and we’ll help you with an investment that can last in the years to come.
As the old song goes, what a difference a day makes. We’ve been in the business of bathroom remodeling in Columbus, Ohio since 1995, so we know a thing or two about getting the job done right…and quickly. Face it, bathroom use is a crucial part of your daily activities and you don’t want that access interrupted any longer than is needed. With our one-day bathroom remodel, there’s no need to be concerned.
Getting Started
Preparation is key to accomplishing a one-day bathroom remodel. Our production manager starts this preparation with a free in-house estimate. All of the measurements are taken, problem areas assessed and your needs as a customer are noted. After a tour of our showroom, you can choose from a wide variety of products and accessories, including the choice to upgrade your bathtub from over 650 custom acrylic molds dating back to the early 1900’s! Our acrylic is the most durable chemical resistant acrylic available and features the anti-microbial protection of Microban. You can even choose to go with a whirlpool bath or convert your bathtub to a shower. An extensive array of cabinets and accessories will enhance the beauty of your dream space.
Building Your Bathroom
There’s no need to remove your old bathtub. We’ll fit the new acrylic liner over your old tub. Our acrylic liners are mold-proof, clean up is a breeze and the results are stunning! Keep in mind, we cut every Columbus Bath Design system on site to ensure a perfect custom fit. This is where our experience becomes a major factor in the one-day remodel. At Columbus Bath Design, we don’t use subcontractors. Our team is comprised of Columbus Bath Design employees who have developed a stellar working relationship over the years. Our professionals specialize in bathroom remodeling. We don’t do kitchens, we don’t do living rooms. Just bathrooms. That expertise allows us to work efficiently, quickly and correctly.
And we work neatly! We take special care to limit the amount of mess made during the project and our pros make sure to clean up after themselves when the job is done. That’s one less thing for you to think about…and it ensures you will be able to enjoy your new bathroom worry-free!
If you’re thinking of remodeling your bathroom, schedule a free in-house estimate with us today. Or stop by our bathroom showroom and see what we have to offer. Give us a day…we’ll amaze you.
Life is full of choices. Some really have no major impact on your life (Paper or plastic? Regular or premium?) Other choices can be life-changing (Get married or stay single?) And somewhere in the middle lie the choices you make as a homeowner. Choosing to remodel your bathroom can be a big undertaking both in terms of cost and time spent. So you don’t want to make this decision lightly. Selecting the right remodeler will go a long way in making your bathroom remodel a successful one. Here are a few reasons why you should make the choice to go with our team at Columbus Bath Design of Columbus, OH.
Are You Experienced?
We are! Columbus Bath Design of Columbus, OH was established in 1995. Just think – since the dawn of the World Wide Web, we’ve been active here in the Buckeye State making our customers’ dream bathrooms become realities! And we plan to be around for a long time, so you can count on us to be here when you need us.
No job is too big for our team of professionals. From planning to design, from floor installation to wall installation, from counter top expansion to tub-to-shower conversion…we handle it all. There’s no need to deal with multiple contractors. And because our business is exclusively bathroom remodeling, you can be sure we know each and every method of getting you the best value for your budget.
Plus, we’ve been remodeling bathrooms for so long, we can often finish the job in as little as one day. That means you’ll be enjoying your brand-new bathroom almost no time at all!
Our Price is Right!
Speaking of budget, that’s something you’ll never have to worry about with Columbus Bath Design. We can start off with a free in-home estimate (yes, we make house calls!) to assess your needs and start the planning process. Once you take a walk through our expansive showroom, you’ll see the wide variety of affordable accessories and materials available. We’ll put our prices up against anyone’s and you’ll find that we are extremely competitive when it comes to working within your budget and achieving your goals.
Designed With You in Mind
From the first visit, our production manager is thinking about what your bathroom will say about you. What statement do you want to make…and how can we help you make it? Once the design is in place (again, no charge!), we go into action. By going with Columbus Bath Design, you’re getting some of the most specialized materials in the business. Our tub liners are made out of high molecular acrylic for durability, style and ease of maintenance. Our acrylic is the most scientifically advanced in the industry. And talk about a perfect fit! Each Columbus Bath Design system is custom cut on site to work specifically for your space.
Bathroom remodeling is our specialty. Simply put, this is what we do. This is who we are. We remodel bathrooms better than our competitors. If you want the best, put us to the test. We’ll pass with flying colors. And you’ll be confident that you’ve made the right choice by choosing Columbus Bath Design of Columbus, OH.
Contact Columbus Bath Design today to start designing your dream bathroom. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.
