Your Simple Bathroom Remodeling Guide
Bathroom Remodeling Made Simple

Have you thought about doing a bathroom remodeling project? Tired of the way that bathroom looks? Maybe you hate the old colors in the bathroom or you have problems with the fixtures. There are many reasons to consider remodeling your bathroom. After all, the bathroom gets used many times through the day, so it needs to be a functional room. Still, you want a bathroom that looks great and provides you with comfort and convenience as well.

Signs You Need to Remodel

Not sure if it is time to remodel? Here are a few of the signs that will let you know it is time to consider bathroom remodeling.

- You need another sink in the bathroom

- Safety in the bathroom has become a concern

- Better function is needed

- You need some more space

- You want to add some privacy for when there are two people in the bathroom together

- You want to add in a new shower

- You want some change

- You plan to add in a whirlpool tub

- The bathroom needs to be easily accessible to those who have disabilities

- You need more storage space in your bathroom

- You plan on selling your home in the near future

Reasons to Remodel

There are many wonderful reasons to remodel your bathroom as well. Before you start remodeling your bathroom, it's a good idea to figure out what your reason for bathroom remodeling really is. The reason you want to remodel is going to have a lot to do with the changes that you want to make in your bathroom. The budget you have also is going to factor in to the changes you are able to make. As you are remodeling though, there are several other things to keep in mind as you come up with your plans.

- Do you plan to grow old in this home? If this is the case, then you may want to incorporate safety features in the bathroom that will be helpful as you age. You may want a step-in bathtub, higher toilets, or simply some grab bars in the bathroom.

- Consider whether a person with a disability will be using your bathroom. If someone in the home has a disability, you may need to have enough room for a wheelchair, the vanity may need to be lower, and certain fixtures may need to be installed to make it easy for them to move around the bathroom.

- Do you want to add in a bit of luxury? Maybe you want to add in luxury additions that will allow you to basically have your own spa.

- Many new homes today have larger bathrooms in the master suite. If you want to sell your home anytime soon, you may want to keep this in mind when you remodel your bathroom.

Design and Materials

Of course, if you are going to do any bathroom remodeling, you definitely need to consider the design and materials that are going to be used. Do some research to find out what is popular in bathrooms today. You'll quickly find that retro is a popular design option. Pedestal sinks, free standing tubs, and retro fixtures are very popular.

If you are going for a spa feel in your bathroom, you may want to add in plenty of mirrors, especially options that are fog free. Consider using mirrors as doors to cabinets within the bathroom as well. You may want a whirlpool tub, a shower that has many shower heads that are adjustable for a massage over your entire body. A sunken or raised tub can be a great choice too.

When choosing materials for your bathroom remodeling project, you need to consider the look that you want in the bathroom. Many people are going with ceramic tile today, since you can find many designs and colors. Heating elements can be installed underneath the tile as well to give you heated floors - another touch of luxury. Many metals are used for sinks, or you can go with fiberglass or porcelain sinks. Paint or wallpaper can be used on walls to further your design in the bathroom. There are definitely many options to choose from as you are choosing the design and materials for your bathroom remodel.

Do-it-Yourself vs. A Contractor

After you have chosen the materials for your remodel and you have the design all planned out, you need to figure out whether this will be a do-it-yourself project, or if you are going to hire a contractor to take care of the remodeling project. In some cases, you may want to go with a combination of the two, choosing to do the things you can for the remodel, but leaving other work to the contractors. Work that definitely should be left to an experienced contractor should be plumbing work and electrical work that needs done. Less complex tasks, such as wallpapering, painting, or installing cabinets or mirrors, can usually be done on your own.

In the end, bathroom remodeling can end up being an exciting project, and there are many benefits to remodeling as well. While you will invest initially in the remodeling project, in the end you will add value to your home, which really can pay off if you plan on selling within the next five years or so. Not only will you recoup your investment in home value, but when you remodel your bathroom, you can a functional and comfortable place that you can enjoy. If you are ready to remodel, keep these tips and ideas in mind as you make important remodeling decisions. This way you go about your bathroom remodel the right way.

by Pat Dee -

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