From RisMedia's HouseCall Blog
Five
Key Tips to a Smooth Bathroom Remodel
Posted on Jan 26 2015 - 11:42am by Andrea Davis
Bathroom remodeling is
an extensive process involving many parts. If you miss a piece, there’s a good
chance your project is going to head south, requiring you to spend more money
than you’d intended on parts and repairs. It’s important to consult with a bathroom remodeling
contractor before you begin your project to make sure you’re
covering all the bases and avoiding these common mistakes:
Budget
Budgeting for the cost of a bathroom
remodel is imperative to a successfully finished product. If
you budget for small improvements and then invest in expensive materials or major
renovations, there’s a good chance you’ll go over budget and find yourself
cutting corners mid-project to make up for the added expenses. It’s best to
shop around for materials and ideas ahead of time. This allows you to save
money for the materials you really want. It’s also smart to leave some cushion
in your budget for any unforeseen complications.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Bathroom renovations
provide a great opportunity to go green. While some green renovations are a bit
more expensive on the front end -- dual-flush toilets, double-pane windows and
bamboo flooring, for example -- they can also save you money over the long
term. Some smaller-scale, less expensive improvements can also provide
long-term financial and environmental benefits. Consider LED lighting, low-flow
showerheads and automatic shut-off faucets.
Ventilation
Replacing the ceiling
fan in your bathroom will help keep mold and mildew at bay. Airflow keeps
moisture from building up humidity in small areas, which can rust metal and
encourage mold growth on flooring and cabinets. You might need to hire an HVAC contractor to
do the installation; they can recommend the best ceiling fan for your climate
and bathroom size.
Fixture Choices
Bathroom fixtures aren’t
something you’ll want to skimp on. It’s best to buy quality, durable materials
to avoid short-term repairs and replacements. This applies to flooring,
lighting and appliances. Speaking with a bathroom designer will ensure that you
get the best product for your budget -- especially when it comes to your
bathtub and shower. Cheap plumbing components can break down easily, causing
leaks and other issues.
Storage
Strive to create enough
space for the essentials without cluttering your bathroom with cabinets and
shelves. You will probably need space for your linens -- towels, washrags, hand
towels, etc., along with your toiletries and other essentials. You’ll also want
to make space for cleaning products, so that it will be easy to keep your new
bathroom looking its best. Shelving is ideal for toiletries and such; cabinets
are optimal for everything else.
This blog was contributed by Home Advisor.
Photo courtesy of DesignMine.