A bathroom remodeling project can be stressful, but if doesn't have to be. With proper planning, expert advice, and the help of a bathroom remodeling company you can have the bathroom of your dreams - without the headaches. To help ensure a successful bathroom upgrade, we've compiled a simple step-by-step checklist to keep you focused on the most important details.
Discover Your Inspiration
Some experts think that the first step in any bathroom remodeling project should be to assess a realistic budget (see below). We don't necessarily disagree. However, we believe inspiration should rival financial concerns. To accurately assess your budget, after all, you need to assess your desires! The best way to get inspired is to spend some time looking at beautiful bathroom designs. The web is full of helpful websites with gorgeous pictures. We especially enjoy www.diynetwok.com and www.houzz.com. Make sure you bookmark you favorites!
Some ambitious homeowners even compile bathroom makeover scrapbooks from magazine and catalogue clippings. This sort of scrapbook can be especially helpful when meeting a contractor. Don't worry about collecting too many ideas. An intelligent professional can easily help you discover the unifying theme of your scrapbook.
2. Set Your Budget
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the average recent cost of a bathroom remodeling project is $16,000. As the NKBA notes, you should spend 5 to 10 percent of your home's value on a bathroom remodeling project.
For more information on different price points for different home values, read the NKBA's article, Real-World Budgeting for Bathroom Remodeling.
And if an initial rough estimate of 5 to 10 percent of your home's value seems too high for you, consider performing some of your own bathroom renovation work - D.I.Y style. Check out this handy checklist from MOEN, and mark the boxes under Do it yourself (DIY) or hire a pro.
3. DIY or Hire a Pro: An Important Question
Believe it or not, most of a remodeling project's cost is labor. You might think that this is a perfect reason to try the D.I.Y. route. Just remember, a professional bathroom remodeling company can perform outstanding work with efficiency.
So ask yourself two important questions. Is it worth your time to spend 20 hours on a project that you might otherwise pay a professional to perform in 5-10 hours?
And can you perform the same level of outstanding work as a professional?
Most private remodeling companies include installation costs in the remodeling project. You won't have to worry about product delivery, or all the other minor difficulties that may arise during your project.
4. Explore Materials & Fixtures
If you do hire a professional, keep in mind: labor might cost up to 60% of your budget, so subtracting 60% from your final number will give you a better idea of how much money you can spend on materials and fixtures. If you estimate a $10,000 budget, for example, plan on spending $6000 on labor and $4000 on materials and fixtures.
With $4000 in mind, begin to refine your idea bathroom design. Take a look at your current bathroom layout: what works and what doesn't work? Take a look at your bookmarks and scrapbook. What type of tiles do you see? Ceramic, laminate, tile, maybe even wood? How about the toilet and bath? And don't forget the little things like grab bars and soap and shower holders. And please remember, don't fret if you feel like your budget cannot purchase the bathroom makeover of your dreams. With today's options, you can replicate most bathroom designs without spending a fortune.
5. Find a Bathroom Remodeling Company
Some experts believe that finding a remodeling company should be first on your checklist. After all, a professional can help you quickly assess your inspiration, budget, and supply needs. While we can't disagree with this wisdom, at Enterprise Home Remodeling we also believe that a well-informed customer is the best customer.
Now, if you're looking for a well-respected bathroom remodeling company, I think you can guess who we'll suggest: Enterprise Home Remodeling! If you want to search elsewhere, just remember: a private remodeling company should never charge for an estimate.
Kitchen Remodeling
Master Kitchen & Bath Design has set the standard for kitchen remodeling in the Bucks County area for over thirty years. A rare find in the kitchen remodeling industry, MKBD excels in both in-house design and construction. We never use subcontractors, all of our team members, from our lead designer to lead carpenter, take ownership of each project.
Bathroom Remodeling
Master Kitchen and Bath Design designs beautiful bathrooms to complement both older and newly constructed homes. For over thirty years, MKBD has distinguished itself as the leading bathroom remodeling company in the Philadelphia area. When you work with MKBD, you partner with the most innovative and skilled talent in the bathroom remodeling industry.
Finished Basements
In many homes, the basement is a neglected space, a hideaway for moldering storage boxes, discarded furniture, and outdated supplies. A remodeling project can transform your basement into a functional living space. From recreational rooms to guest suites, Master Kitchen & Bath Design excels in the design and construction of finished basements.
