Bathroom Remodeling 101

Bathroom remodeling can be a major headache for homeowners if not properly thought out and planned correctly. A few questions need to be answered before the design and contruction can begin to give you that bathroom you've always dreamed of. We'll start with a few critical questions regarding every bathroom remodeling project.

Will the size and footprint of my existing bathroom change? Does all the drywall need to be replaced? Do I want to get rid of my tub and install a walk in shower? What permits do I need before construction can begin?

Next will be aeshtetic questions. What size tile should I use? What color paint should I select? What finish should I choose for my plumbing fixtures. We recomend you work with one of our designers as they can help walk you through all of these tough decsions. If you're taking this one on yourself, make sure and answer all of these questions before hand to save yourself time and money.

Once you have answered all of the questions above, the fun part begins, the design. Make sure your design is consistent with the rest of your home. You dont want to put a modern bathroom in a traditional house or traditional bathroom in a modern house etc, etc. Once you have nailed down your floor plan(usually takes a few revisions to the original) then you can begin to make a "scope of work" list that clearly states all the materials and labor needed to complete the job based on your final design. When the list is complete you can define a budget for your project.

Now that you have your design and scope of work list complete you can begin the construction process. The most important part of any remodeling project is to make sure you have all the neccesarry permits to complete your project. Failure to do so can make for a very stressful and drawn out process. Also, if you decide to hire independent contractors to complete parts of the project make sure they are licensed and insured. Also make sure you have someone with an eye for detail on hand daily to inspect the materials and quality of installation. Always allow for extra time and budget overages in case they occur. There are alot of moving parts when it comes to bathroom remodeling so dont get frustrated if things don't go exactly as planned. Always remember that a bathroom remodel is a long term commitment so plan ahead and a beutiful bathroom will be your reward.