Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Bathroom Remodel - Don't Forget the Bathroom Mirror

When you are remodeling a bathroom, don’t forget to shop around for the perfect bathroom mirror to match your décor and need. No longer is the bathroom mirror just stark and sterile. There is a bathroom mirror out there to fit every style and taste. Check at your local home improvement stores, but don’t neglect the internet for ideas and price comparisons.

With a little shopping around you can find a bathroom mirror that will beautifully compliment your bathroom remodel.

Bathroom Remodel - Choosing Your Bathroom Faucet

A new bathroom faucet can make a vanity stand out, whether it be contemporary or traditional. The choices are tremendous for bathroom faucets. Think ahead and check with a professional before choosing that new bathroom faucet on what you need to know.

Here are just a few thoughts to consider when shopping for a bathroom faucet:

If you are replacing a faucet without a new countertop, you need to measure the existing distance between the holes before you shop to ensure your new faucet will fit.

If you have a special needs person in your home, a single handled bathroom faucet or one with lever handles is the best choice.

Consider what finish you want for the bathroom faucet. Many companies offer accessories to match the bathroom faucet.

Watch the warranties on the faucets. The length of the warranty is a good indicator of the quality of that bathroom faucet.

Stick with the name brands, you will be glad you did. Check with a professional supplier, they know the products and can tell you the ins and outs of a bathroom faucet.


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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Bathroom Remodel - Which Bathroom Sink is Right for You?

If you are going to be undertaking a bathroom remodel and will be replacing that old, chipped and stained bathroom sink, do you know what your choices are?

Do you have a small bathroom where space is at a premium, then perhaps a freestanding sink would be appropriate for your bathroom. This is a bathroom sink that mounts directly on the wall, thus freeing up legroom.

Don’t want to see the plumbing under your bathroom sink, then look at a vanity sink. This will hide the plumbing from view and give you valuable storage. There are numerous choices to fit your style, whether it be traditional or contemporary.

No matter what you end up choosing for a new bathroom sink, remember you do have to use it. Keep in mind your bathroom sink should be functional for your lifestyle. Are you concerned with how easy it is to clean or are you looking to make a bold statement in your bathroom with a glass vessel sink?


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Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Bathroom Remodel - Layout Change?



Does the existing layout of your bathroom work for you? Perhaps your remodel plans for the bathroom should include a change of layout. Do you have enough space for storage. Do you want/need double sinks, are you wanting to install a separate shower from the existing tub area? Would you have a more efficient use of space if you changed where the toilet and vanity were? These are just some of the prospects for a bathroom remodel project.

If you are going to be staying in your current home till your ‘golden years’ it could be a good time to think about making your bathroom remodel handicap accessible. How about shower/tub handrails or widen the doorway to allow for wheelchairs. There are many ways to remodel your bathroom to make it easily accessible for a special needs person.

Remember, any changes you make to your bathroom remodel with the physical layout could require additional construction, electrical or plumbing dollars in addition to time. Can you change the layout and still remain within your budget on your bathroom remodel?

Bathroom Remodel - How Long Will It Take?



Do you have a time frame laid out for this bathroom remodel? Do you have another bathroom to use in the meantime? Think about your personal schedule, after all you don’t want a bathroom undergoing a remodel over the holidays when your in-laws are coming for a visit. Or anytime close to your teenage girls overnight birthday party.

If your using a contractor, are they known for getting the job done on time? You don’t want to pick a contractor known for consistently taking an extra 4-6 weeks to complete a project, especially one as crucial to your daily life as a bathroom remodel.

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, how much time do you have to work on the bathroom to remodel it? Do you have primarily weekends, or are you taking time off work for this? Is there a spouse or buddy willing to lend you a hand with the bathroom or will the labor of the remodel all fall on your shoulders? Be honest with yourself. If this is your first big remodel, give yourself some extra leeway.

Bathroom Remodel - How Much Can You Spend?

One of the major factors in deciding on your bathroom remodel has to be a budget cap. Let’s face it, in today’s economy you don’t want to overdo a bathroom remodel project.

Once you have your bathroom remodel portfolio, figure up the cost of products and labor. Now decide what you can have. If you’re a DIYer, your labor cost should be low providing you don’t need help with electrical or plumbing changes made to the bathroom remodel. If you are hiring a contractor, make sure you get more than one bid! Give yourself a little cushion in your budget as well. Things are always more than what you think and the unexpected will happen.

If your budget isn’t very generous, perhaps you need to do the bathroom remodel in stages. If you can only afford to remodel the flooring and vanity in your bathroom, that’s ok. Wait on the rest of the bathroom remodel for another year or two. Better to stick to what you know you can afford than overextend your finances!

Watch the budget carefully and often. Don’t be afraid to tweak the plan if your bathroom remodel is heading over the top of the budget.


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Bathroom Remodel - What's Your Look?

What is to be the finished look of your bathroom remodel? If you are in the first stages of planning, here are some suggestions to make it easier. Look. Look. And look. After all, if your like most people you can’t do a bathroom remodel every 2-3 years. Make a remodel portfolio of your bathroom ideas.

Look through magazines. Every magazine from Good Housekeeping and Better Homes and Gardens has pictures of bathrooms. Take advantage of them. Look through trade magazines like Ask This Old House. Find something you like and cut it out or photocopy it for your bathroom remodel portfolio.

Visit the local home improvement stores and showrooms. This is a great way to discover the look and feel of all available products at one time. From traditional style to the sleek modern look, it will all be there for you to see.

Have you been in that friend or neighbor’s house and envy them their bathroom? It’s perfectly fine to take ideas from other’s bathrooms. Maybe you like the vanity in one house, but detest the flooring. Take notes and pictures (with their permission) to add to your remodel portfolio.

Don’t be afraid to go with what YOU like, instead of the norm. After all, it is your bathroom remodel project and you have to live with it.