Ideas for Remodeling Your Bathroom

Time Commitment

Whether you decide to do a full remodel with new fixtures and floors or a cosmetic remodel with fresh paint and a few replacements, the process is likely to be labor intensive. Performing the remodeling yourself is fairly simple, but it will surely take longer than the entire process would if you hired a crew; however, taking a direct role in the remodeling allows you to express your creativity and enjoy the results fully.

Design and Layout

When remodeling, you want to keep the idea of functionality at the forefront, especially if you're working with a limited space. While a Jacuzzi tub may be appealing, it's not smart to put it in a bathroom wherein it will occupy 80 percent of the total floor space.

Quick Fixes

If you're looking to do a basic and budget-friendly remodel to give your bathroom a face-lift, consider a few simple cosmetic changes. Re-paint the bathroom to give it a fresh, clean look. Consider using a different color to change its feel altogether. Replace the light fixtures and accessories like curtains and faucets. These simple changes will make your bathroom look and feel different.

Major Overhaul

If you are considering a more substantial remodel that you can complete easily yourself, focus on your floor and shower walls. For tiled floors, take up the old tile and replace it with new tile. This process is simple, but ensure that you have the proper tools for the job. Lowe's, the home improvement store, recommends the following tools if you are re-tiling a floor :

• Level
• Goggles
• Glass cutter
• Carpenter's square
• Sponge
• Clean Rags
• Grout float, or rubber
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Hammer
• Notched trowel or spreader

These tools are readily available at home improvement and hardware stores. Choose tile that is different than your current tile. Try solid colors like black and white for a classic look. Laying tile takes time and patience; rushing the task will be apparent in the quality of the work.

You can also replace the tile around your shower, if your shower has a tile lining. Choose colorful tile for a fresh new look, but make sure that the colors you choose complement your overall color and design scheme. Especially in the shower you'll want to use a quality sealer because of the high level of ambient moisture.

Fixtures

Replacing bathroom fixtures like sinks and toilets is not very difficult, but it does require a basic understanding of plumbing. If your remodeling will include replacing these fixtures, ensure that you take the time to understand how they work. Replace simpler fixtures like medicine cabinets and mirrors to complement other remodels. A dingy mirror or towel chest can detract from an otherwise beautiful bathroom.

Budgeting

If you are considering a more substantial remodel, or are considering hiring a crew to perform the work, prepare to pay about 1/3 of your total costs on labor alone. When budgeting, always leave a bit of a cushion in place for unintended expenses, like mold in your walls or a burst pipe. Set aside about ten percent of the anticipated labor costs for incidental expenses.

Whether you decide to do some simple cosmetic changes yourself or hire a crew to do a full remodeling job, you will love having an updated bathroom.