Whether you are doing a DIY project or hiring a professional, home renovation projects have become the great Canadian pastime. Outside of the kitchen, one of the most important and popular home renovation projects done today is remodelling the bathroom.
Before you start any type of bathroom renovation there are some major points to consider, from planning the design, to picking out your fixtures and even how to select a good contractor. The following 7 tips will help you get started:
#1 - PLANNING A BATHROOM RENOVATION DESIGN An effective bathroom renovation design should address all your needs, from fixtures to flooring. So before you begin your design start by gathering as many ideas as you can. Some great places to look for ideas can be found in home renovation magazines, design books, home renovation trade shows and yes even from the hundreds of home renovation television programs on TV today.
Here are a few steps that may help you when it comes to planning your bathroom design:
Start with your bathroom remodelling design with a wish list
Decide which items are essential and cross off ones that are non-essential
Start pricing items and develop a realistic budget that you can stick to
Think about the space you are working with, can cabinets be recessed in the walls
Moving existing plumbing can increase the cost of your project, so try to plan around it
To save costs decide what you can do yourself and what work will be contracted out
Bathroom renovations require a lot of planning and thought before deciding on a final plan, so if you need to, enlist the help of a professional contractor to help with your final design ideas. They are the professionals after all, and they may have some ideas and suggestions that you never thought of.
#2 CHOOSING FIXTURES Changing the fixtures in your bathroom is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to give your bathroom a new look. New fixtures can run from the low end around $20 to the high end at $2000+. You don’t have to go for the high-end stuff, but remember that if you are already spending a good chunk of money you will want this renovation to last for many years. Higher quality fixtures will help with that goal.
#3 SINKS & TOILETS There are many types of sinks available, but one of the most classic and attractive models is the pedestal type sink. Of course function will also determine your ultimate choice when it comes to a sink. You will want to pair the sink and toilet together, especially if your bathroom renovation is for a guest bathroom. When it comes to picking out a toilet you don’t have to spend a lot of money, but you don't want to go cheap either. A good quality toilet runs for about $400 and models with elongated bowls and seats are usually the most comfortable. If one of your goals with your bathroom design is to save money on your monthly bills, investing in a low flow toilet, one with a dual flush, will help you save money on your water bill.
#4 TUBS & SHOWERS When it comes to tubs and showers you first have to decide if you are going to get a combination tub and shower, go with a free standing shower and tub or just stick with one or the other. If you have the room it is always better to go with the free standing shower and a separate tub. There are many options for both, but ultimately it is the size of your bathroom that will determine the size of your tub and shower. If space determines you have to go with a small tub, it is best to buy an extra-deep one. The best way to choose a tub is to actually take it for a test run, lay down in it and see if you feel comfortable. Can you stretch out? Does the edge hurt your neck? These are some of the things to consider when selecting a tub. When it comes to the shower, choosing a design and materials that are easy to maintain and clean is always the best way to go about it.
#5 MIRRORS & LIGHTING No matter how good your bathroom renovation design is, if the lighting is not sufficient the bathroom will look terrible. Mirrors should also be properly incorporated into your lighting design. If you are going with a shower in your bathroom plans consider installing a lighted, mirrored shaving niche in your shower stall. Not only will it save time on the morning routine, but also no more stubble in the sink!
#6 FLOORING When it comes to flooring you want something that is going to be waterproof and easy to clean. Tile is one of the best options and ceramic, marble and stone tiles are all durable and water-resistant. If you are worried about cold feet, sub-floor heating coils can even be installed to make these surfaces warm.
#7 HIRING A PROFESSIONAL You can do your bathroom renovation the DIY way or you can hire a professional. With the amount of work and potential building codes involved in a bathroom renovation, it is recommended to hire a professional. There are some steps you will need to make in order to ensure that your are hiring a good contractor. The following things should be taken into consideration:
Is the contractor a bathroom specialist or are they a general home renovations company? If the contractor does all types home renovations, it is a good idea to see how many bathrooms they have renovated in the last couple of years.
Does the contractor’s quote clearly specify what is being done in the bathroom? You don’t want to end up spending thousands of dollars over and above the quoted rate, so make sure the quote is accurate and concise.
Does the contractor offer references? You should ask the contractor for at least three to five references of their work, and take the time to contact each one.
A professional home improvement contractor can turn your bathroom renovation ideas into reality. They can help you with your design and develop a budget that is within your means. With a bathroom renovations specialist you can expect much higher quality when it comes to your project and they will not only save you time and resources but most importantly money.
Corey Rozon and David Leonhardt are freelance ghostwriters in Canada.
This article was written for Service Blocks Inc., an Ottawa home renovations company that can help you out with your bathroom improvement in Orleans.
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