Today's Life Solutions / Decorating / ARA Content
Things to Know Before You Renovate Your Bath
December 17, 2007
(ARA) - Despite the fact that it takes up such a small space in the average-sized home changes in a bathroom require the utmost attention to detail in the planning stages. While modern kitchens, with their open designs, can often accommodate changes in floor plan or design, the limited, enclosed space of a bathroom leaves far less “wiggle room” once the remodeling has begun.
Showers, toilets and vanities all have to fit in a finite space, and their position in the room is often dictated by the location of existing plumbing lines. Before you begin your bathroom renovation, consider the following:
1. De-clutter the bath to get a realistic picture of how it looks now. Remove the shower curtain, floor items, towels and anything that’s on the sink vanity and shelves.
2. How much can you afford? Like a kitchen remodel, a bathroom project can cost you over $25,000, so you need to assess your needs with your budget.
3. Does everything have to go? If your shower stall is in good shape and still cleans up well you might consider keeping it. The same goes for the toilet. Sometimes just a new seat and flush mechanism are all it needs. The sink may look fine and the vanity may just need to be painted.
4. What type of floor? Flooring in a bathroom is extremely important because water is always a pressing concern. In effect a bathroom is sealed like an aquarium tank, allowing no moisture to escape anywhere but the entry door and ceiling fan. Therefore a single-piece cushioned floor or good tile should be a prime consideration.
5. What color should you paint? In such a small space, paint color makes a big difference. A pastel blue or sea foam green emits an outdoor aura. Choose this color with great care.
6. What kind of lighting? Just like the paint job and flooring, proper light fixtures will also set your bathroom up to be a cool, relaxing spot with little cost. For under $50 you can have a remarkable ambience.
7. Don’t overlook ventilation. This is one area where it makes sense to spend a little more. Without a good fan, paint will bubble, doors may warp and not shut properly, and mold may begin to appear. In addition, a good fan does not wear out and bother you with the “grinding” noises that the cheap ones do.
If you are planning to renovate, expand or build a new bathroom in your basement, getting a good contractor will save you both time and money. Many homeowners try to take this job on themselves and run into problems after they have started. The heavy costs come in when they have to hire a contractor to come in and finish what they've already started. Sometimes whole walls have to come out and plumbing rerouted. So it is best to get a qualified opinion before beginning. You can learn more about the importance of doing the job right, and locate a contractor within your area at www.renovationexperts.com.
As in most renovations a homeowner should get a few estimates, certainly three or four. Not only will they get a variety of pricing, but each contractor sheds light on new possibilities that can be accomplished with the space. For up to four free estimates from qualified contractors within 48 hours go to www.renovationexperts.com.
Copyright © 2007, ARAnet, inc.
|
| |
|
 |
|
ARA Content’s mission is to provide the most cost-effective distribution of quality content to print and online sources worldwide while providing both quality products and excellent service to meet the changing desires of our customers. |
|
|
|
|
