Keeping Costs Down in Bathroom Remodel
R
emodeling your bathroom is a great investment that adds considerable immediate resale value to your home while also being a refreshing update to your home. In order to get the most out of your bathroom remodel project, here are some bathroom remodeling tips that will give you the space and design you have always wanted without breaking the bank.
the most ‘bang for your buck.’ While doing your bathroom remodel research, there are a few factors to consider. These include: • Infastructure /Mechanicals: Although we rarely see them, they are the bones to any home and are most important to ensuring structural stability. Make sure your mechanicals are brought to code during your bathroom remodel. • Lighting: Make this a priority, lighting is truly everything. Priority lighting would be considered recessed lighting. Secondary lighting would be considered sconces or a light bar.
The first, and most important, step in a bathroom remodel or any type of basement, kitchen or bathroom remodeling project is planning. Come up with a realistic budget; in order to do this you may need to surf the web to see the costs of products that meet your style and the utility specifications. It is suggested that you start your planning process (3) months before any construction gets started. Don’t be rushed into decisions: take this time to make selections of vanities, plumbing fixtures, tile, granite, colors, and finishes. Do your research and find out what will give you
• Clean the Air: Ventilation is one of the most important things for any bathroom, not only to control the mold and humidity but also to maintain a healthy indoor air quality and protect the value of your home. Make sure your exhaust fan is sized appropriately and is controlled by a timer. • Windows: Most of us have windows in the shower area, and a lot of us have completed bathroom remodels and have found mold, rotten wood and other extensive damage to the outside wall of our home. If your bathroom remodel includes a window, make sure that the window is made of a composite or
vinyl material. Always remember that water rolls downhill; make sure your interior window sill is pitched towards the tub with tile or solid surface material and is tightly sealed. • Storage: Having enough storage is always a key factor to any efficient bathroom remodel floor plan. Remember to think vertically and in terms of moveable furnishings. In addition, there are a few things you can do yourself to make it a rock-bottom, thoroughly low cost bathroom remodel. These include: • Shop Online: There are a variety of research tools that you can use to get the best deals, including www.nkba.org/prosearch. The National Kitchen and Bathroom Association offers bathroom remodeling tips that will be extremely beneficial to your project and your budget. • Don’t relocate any plumbing fixtures. By keeping the rough plumbing in the same spot, you can significantly reduce construction costs. The more mechanicals you move, the more costly your project will become. • Less is More: If done correctly, this statement rings true. Whether it’s tile designs, vanities, plumbing fixtures or other materials, a good Design/Build company will be knowledgeable about product selections and help you keep your desired look without breaking the bank. • eBay It: More and more, you will see used items for sale on eBay or Craigslist. You
can become a part of the wave and make some money with your used fixtures, or donate them to Habitat for Humanity and receive a tax break at the end of the year. To learn more, visit www.habitat.org. In this industry, we’ve all heard the horror stories of the “change order.” If you’re dealing with a legitimate construction firm, there are only two reasons why change orders come into the picture: 1. 2.
Unforeseen problems Client changes
To keep the cost down, work closely with a Design/Build firm, create a solid floor plan, and take your time making selections. Shop on-line if you wish, sell your used products or donate them, and then stick to the plan. Once construction starts, remember that changing your mind can also increase your cost. Again, pre-planning is truly the key to any successful bathroom remodeling project. While we live in a era of DIY, remember that saving money is not having to re-do something or damaging your home due to faulty workmanship. No matter how big or small your bathroom remodel project is; it will substantially increase the value of your home. By doing your research, setting up a plan and sticking to that plan, you can be enjoying your new bathroom remodel in no time at all.