Bathroom Remodeling Tips and Suggestions for Your Home

Remodeling the bathroom is a great way to add value to your home, as well increase your enjoyment of one of the most used rooms in your house. If you are like most homeowners, the thought of remodeling the bathroom can be a little overwhelming.
The first thing you must do when thinking about a bathroom remodel is to plan it out. It sounds simple but you would be surprised how many people do not do this important step first in their bathroom remodeling project. A little planning at the beginning can save a lot of headaches and money later on.
A lot of people get caught up in the cosmetic features of a bathroom remodel, forgetting the need to look at some potential underlying problems that may need to be addressed. When they get into the project they find out a few thousand additional dollars will need to be spent fixing something they could have caught in the beginning if they had just spent a little more time in the preparation stage.
Do a detailed inspection of your bathroom. Are the fixtures old and/or energy efficiency? Look at the room from every possible angle, keeping an eye out for leaks and water stains, deterioration and mold. Think about any moisture problems or air quality issues that may require attention.
As you begin the process of planning and thinking about the bathroom remodel, take the time to build a budget, time frame and think realistically about how much you are willing to spend. Bathroom renovations can become very complicated and add up quickly. If the bathroom remodel gets prolonged do to an oversight or unforeseen problem consider how a prolonged expensive disruption to your home.
Does the current bathroom layout work for you? Think about who uses the space and how that may change in the future. Do you have a growing or shrinking, family? How does the storage you have work for you? Do you need more storage or just a better system for what you currently have?
One aspect of bath remodeling that is often over looked is lighting. When choosing what type of lighting you will be using consider if you have a source of natural light in the bathroom. If you do choose lighting that will compliment the natural light as much as possible and still provide privacy. If you do not have a natural light source try to create one through the lighting you choose.
Finally choose what flooring you will be using in your bathroom remodel. If your budget allows for it natural stone or ceramic tile are two of the easiest surfaces to keep clean. They do cost more than other materials, but will last for the life of your bathroom.
Once you have plans on paper and a budget to guide you, you can begin to think about where you are willing to spend your money. Things such as plumbing and electrical work are typically a fixed price and there is not much you can do about it. Bathroom vanities, sinks, lighting, fixtures, and other items come in a wide range of styles and prices. However remember to look beyond the price tag as this is something you will be living with for years to come and you want to get the most enjoyment out of your new bathroom. For example a new toilet and showerhead can save up to 70 per cent on water usage. Choosing a low-flow unit may cost more now, but save you money for years to come.
Although it may seem extravagant, getting a new bathtub or shower may make sense when you have a plan and a budget that are working for you. A couple extra hundred dollars in one area may be the difference between a good bathroom renovation and a great one.