A bathroom remodel can be one of the bigger projects in the home. You’ll want to make sure that you spend your time and money wisely. A good plan is key to a good remodeling experience. Here’s what you need to know: 
Your first step is to measure the space and sketch out a rough floor plan. Remember to note where plumbing fixtures and electrical outlets are. These can be moved, but it will increase the remodel’s time and expense.
While we’re at it, don’t just assume that everything is square. Verify with your tape measure. If you have an oddly shaped space, you may need to budget for custom built cabinets or a custom cut vanity.
If you want a big item like a jacuzzi bathtub, measure if it will fit through the doorway. Otherwise, your renovation may require creating a new doorway.
Now is a good time to pick out paint chips, tile samples, and the like. Hold the paint chips up to the wall in the bathroom. The colors you picked may look different in the light there instead of under the store’s unforgiving fluorescent bulbs.
Need inspiration? You can browse online galleries, visit showrooms, and search on social media. Share the images you like with your bath design service. They can help bring your vision to life.
Unexpected expenses can strike during any remodel. However, starting out with a budget can help keep things on the rails. You’ll want to consider both time and money expenses during this project.
Do some research or get quotes for common remodel expenses like:
Be sure to factor in ‘hidden’ expenses. These include sales taxes, delivery fees, and costs for a home inspection if required in your area.
One final trick is to take your budget and add ten percent. This gives you a nice cushion toward any unexpected expenses that may pop up.
Next, get an idea of your time budget for this remodel. These projects can take anywhere from one day to several weeks. The exact timeline depends on the scale of the project, the condition of the house, and the experience levels of the people you hire.
Keep in mind that if you do a full bathroom remodel, you or your contractor needs to coordinate the schedules of many different professionals. For instance, the electrician can only come in after the old walls are torn down, but before new walls get put up. You’ll need to factor this into your timeline.
Installation isn’t the only significant item in your time plan. If you’re having an exotic stone countertop cut to a custom size, this takes time to be crafted and transported. The same holds true for items like radiant floors and custom cabinetry.
You may also need to budget a few days before the bathroom’s fully usable. For instance, it can take a while during colder months for paint and sealants to fully dry.
There are a number of ways for a creative homeowner to trim their budget and stretch their dollars.
First, think about what needs to be replaced in the bathroom and what can stay if it’s refreshed. If your cabinetry’s in good condition, just getting a new vanity top put in can transport the look of the room. Meanwhile, shabby or out-of-fashion cabinets can get new life when you repaint them, replace the hardware, or put in new doors.
Depending on your personal style, you may be able to buy some unique and budget-friendly pieces in estate sales, antique stores, and so on. Extended families who are decluttering might pass on functional staples like shelving that tucks into the corner. Also, keep a sharp eye out for sales at local furniture or building supply stores.
If you’re planning a bigger job, get several quotes. If one number is significantly higher or lower than anyone else’s, there may be a good reason why. Investigate now to save down the line.
You’ve got a floor plan and a budget. Now it’s time to put those pieces together.
What’s your contingency plan while the bathroom’s out of operation?
Will you stay somewhere else during the renovations?
Are you going to remodel another room at the same time? For instance, do you want the bedroom re-done to coordinate with the bathroom?
When’s the right time for this remodel to happen?
Consider the weather and season. Remember that paint may dry slower when it’s cold. Big jobs may not be possible at all during the winter. If you’re short on time, see if your remodeling service offers accelerated or one-day schedules.
Columbus Bath Design takes the guesswork out of bathroom remodels. Our friendly and professional staff have over 20 years’ experience with projects of any size. Give us a call or fill out our website form for a free estimate.
A remodeling project is exciting, but it can quickly become expensive without proper planning. Having a budget is essential to keeping the costs of a remodel under control. Here are some simple tips for creating an itemized budget for a bathroom remodel project:
Overestimating is better than underestimating. Avoid overestimating the costs for materials. Take the time to compare prices on the items that you want to include in the remodel, such as a new vanity, tub, fixtures, etc. You may not be able to price out the exact items you’ll end up with, but do your research to get the best possible idea of what the items you want will actually end up costing. By overestimating, you won’t end up blowing your budget, and you may be pleasantly surprised if you come in under budget.
Go over it again and again. A thorough budget takes time to create. Go over everything that you need to have done in the bathroom, and jot down each item to be replaced or purchased. Then, consider the costs of the associated labor. It’s important to talk with your contractor and get a pretty good idea of what things will cost. A quality contractor will be honest and upfront about expenses, and they should be willing to give you an estimate before starting any work.
Details matter. When it comes to an itemized budget, the details are what matters. Costs can add up quickly on a remodel, especially as you change your mind or find items you want to include. Be specific when pricing out the items you’ll ultimately end up purchasing and installing in the bathroom.
Keep these bathroom tips in mind because they are the best way to keep costs down and ensure that you don’t overspend. Be sure to work with your contractor to make an itemized budget that includes everything to be done, including the costs of materials and labor.
Refreshing your bathroom with a remodel project is a great way to add value and update your home. However, the costs can seem too high, and may hold you back from tackling such a project. Here are some bathroom remodeling tips if you’re working with a tight budget:
Use tile strategically. Tile can quickly become expensive, so one of the best ways to save while still achieving a beautiful look is by using it strategically in your design. Stick with a simple white subway tile and then choose a more colorful tile for an accent. You can make a row or two with the pricier tiles, and keep costs down by working with existing tile, or using a basic option.
Focus on colors and fixtures. Sometimes just a few simple tweaks can entirely change the look and feel of an outdated or dull bathroom. Give the space a fresh coat of paint, and then change out the decor, the shower curtain, and fixtures. A new light fixture, new faucets, and new drawer pulls are simple touches that can breathe new life into the room for a very affordable price. Start by choosing a paint color for the walls, and then base the rest of the room’s design off of that.
Refinish or replace the vanity. Changing out the vanity doesn’t have to cost too much. If you are creative, you can even attempt a DIY project and simply refinish the existing vanity. Give it a fresh coat of paint, add new drawer handles, and change out an old sink bowl for a sleek new one. You can also spend the bulk of your budget on a new vanity to replace the old one, and then make decor changes to complement it.
A bathroom remodeling project can quickly become expensive. Stick to a tight budget by working with what you have and making simple changes, and making little improvements to those features that won’t break the bank.
Most property owners are happy to find that completing a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project is possible without going into debt or overspending. If you are planning such renovations, the following tips will help ensure that you enjoy satisfactory results:
Create an Itemized Budget. Begin your project by determining the exact amount you can comfortably spend on each room you plan to remodel. However, make sure you allow a little “wiggle room” for unexpected expenses.
Use Existing Plumbing. Some homeowners think that remodeling a kitchen or bathroom means that the room’s plumbing must be replaced as well, but this is not true. Very often, existing plumbing does not need to be touched, and refraining from replacing pipes that still function properly is a great way to save money.
Large Fixtures. Shopping around when purchasing major fixtures, which are also the most noticeable, is a great way to avoid overspending.
Accessories and Small Fixtures. To ensure you stay within your budget, replace only small fixtures and accessories that are noticeably worn or no longer properly function. Other people can rarely tell which fixtures are refurbished and which are brand-new.
Paint. Painting is a great way to save money on a bathroom or kitchen remodeling project. It is a more cost-effective way to breathe life into a drab room than purchasing expensive panels or tiles.
Lighting and Mirrors. Because lighting and mirrors are both functional and decorative, they are an important part of renovating a bathroom or kitchen. Fortunately, these are also items that can be purchased used and if in good condition, will offer virtually identical benefits to their newer counterparts.
Flooring. When installing bathroom or kitchen floors, consider linoleum or cork. Such materials are much cheaper than ceramic or wood tiles and in most cases, just as attractive. However, this option will depend on the condition of the floor’s underlying foundation, so check with your contractor to find out if this option is wise. Renovating a kitchen or bathroom is a great way to add both beauty and value to your dwelling and following the helpful tips mentioned above will almost certainly help make your remodel project a success.
Contact Columbus Bath Design today to start designing your dream bathroom. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.
