Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Everyone wants to find great bathroom remodeling ideas? But it can be confusing on where to start.

Remodeling a bathroom can be as simple as new paint and fixtures. However, most times it's not that simple. And that's where the confusion can begin.

For most people looking to remodel the bathroom, it probably means starting all over with gutting the old bathroom and re-building an entirely new bathroom.

You might even consider expanding the size. Increasing the size might mean going outside the boundaries of the existing house.

To start, you need to look at a few basics when attempting a bathroom project.

Do-It-Yourself Bathroom Remodeling

At this early stage of bathroom remodeling ideas, you'll need to consider how much work you can do on your own.

How much work can you do on your own, with your spouse, your adult children or friends?

If this is your first remodeling project, understand this. It is more difficult than you think. It will take more time than you think. And it will probably cost you more money than you think?

Keep in mind you will need a bathroom. Is this your only bathroom? If there is another bathroom, how many family members are there to get ready in the morning?

Make sure you don't get yourself into trouble with shutting down the one and only bathroom for the family because you couldn't anticipate the amount of time and money this bathroom would take.

If your bathroom needs new wiring, plumbing, or even tile, don't be afraid to ask for professional help. Just make sure you account for it in your budget.

Will You Be Selling Soon?

How long will you be using the newly renovated bathroom? If you're going to be selling your home in the next few years, consider how long you'll be using the bathroom?

This is a big consideration. If you're going to sell and remodeling is necessary, it's best to stay with simpler, conservative and cost-effective strategies. You don't want to build your dream bathroom here and then give it away.

However, a newly renovated bathroom adds value to a home and helps to sell it.

How Often Will This Bathroom Be Used?

You'll need to take into consideration how many people use the bathroom you're going to remodel.

How many people will be using the bathroom each day, or will it be occasionally used?

If a family shares one bathroom it may be a good idea to have separate areas within the bathroom. For instance,the mirror, vanity and toilet area gets separated from the shower so that someone can be showering while another person uses the mirror, vanity and toilet.

Determine the Condition

You'll need to determine the bathrooms' current condition.

What is the bathrooms' current condition of fixtures, tiles, walls and plumbing?

Cleaning grimy tile and tubs with bleach solution, or polishing the fixtures can add gleam if the fixtures are not out of date.

Adding brighter lights can put the sparkle back in your bathroom. This will certainly cost less than a renovation.

But if the bathroom is out-of-date or falling apart grander renovations will be needed.

Determine How Much Space You Have

Determine How Much Space You Have

How much space do you have?

Do you need to increase the size of the bathroom by stealing space from another room?

Do you need to bump outside of the house for more space. Does that mean a foundation?

If you can knock down walls, be sure to plan ahead. How will knocking down that wall affect the other room.

Pocket doors can save space. Adding a shower instead of a tub can save space as well. Before you even strip that old wallpaper down, evaluate what kind of space you have and how much bigger you'd like to see that bathroom.

What's It Going to Cost?

And how much money are you willing to spend on renovations?

How much do you have to spend? Is the money ear-marked for this renovation? Before you begin, know how much money you can realistically afford.

You don't want to run short on money in the middle of your remodeling project. I always encourage a 10% contigency allowance for the unforeseen. And there will be unforeseen. It's the nature of renovation. Getting pricing and bathroom remodeling ideas ahead of time is essential to a successful renovation outcome.

Visit your local hardware store and have a professional help you to determine what supplies you need and what they're going to cost. Use these numbers to start a preliminary budget.

It would also be prudent to have an experienced and credible renovation contractor give you his estimate on the cost of remodeling your bathroom. You can also discuss the scope of work required and the time the project will take.

Comparison shop and start looking for deals before you start your renovation project.

Wait for store sales to buy the tools and fixtures you need. Of course, that's if you have a place to store them.

Budget the entire project. Get to know what products cost and allow for a contingency in your budget.

Watch for hardware store deals. It's amazing what you find. The internet has allowed suppliers to drop prices and share that savings with the consumer. So scour the internet for products.

The internet has also allowed you to enjoy accessed to viewing unusual products. Things you find on the internet you'd never find in the regular hardware store.

And don't be afraid to ask for bathroom remodeling ideas. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

And if you've started out doing it yourself and find it overwhelming, then it's time to bring in the professionals so they can help you with bathroom remodeling ideas and costing.