Establishing a Bathroom Remodeling Budget

Designing and planning your bathroom remodel project is one of the most important steps of the bathroom remodeling process. Planning your bathroom remodel is not as easy as going to the local home improvement store, buying some tile, a new vanity, and some new fixtures, and going home to start tearing your bathroom apart. If you try this approach, you will quickly realize that it is not an effective or productive approach.

A very important component of the bathroom remodeling project is establishing your budget for your project.. To provide you with a starting point, I detailed the basic material costs for a bathroom remodel. Please realize that these costs are general estimates for a basic bathroom remodel to guide you when establishing your budget.

* Permits - I budget around 10% of the total construction costs for permits fees.

* Tile - $7 to $15 a square foot

- The cost for tile varies by the amount of tile needed and type of tile chosen

- For more information on tile, please refer to the previous articles that I recently wrote

- Along with the tile you will also need grout and tile sealer

- In-floor heat $14.00 a square foot.

* Bathtub - $500.00

- This is the average cost for a 60" long by 30" wide bathtub; 60" long bathtubs usually range in width from 30" to 36" and in height from 14" to 18"

- Soaker tubs start at $1,000

- Whirlpool tubs start at $1,500

* Vanity - a good estimate is $125 per linear foot for the vanity

- This amount is for a semi custom made vanity of Maple, Cherry, or Oak, with soft close drawers

* Vanity top

- Cultured marble - staring at $80 a square foot

- Granite - starting at $90 a square foot

- Cambria - staring at $90 a square foot

* Sink - A good starting estimate is $200

- Depending on the vanity top that you select, you may need to purchase a separate sink. Cultured marble vanity tops have the sink molded in the top as one unit.

* Bathtub and shower Faucet - $350

- The finish you select for your faucet will impact your cost; a chrome finish is generally less expensive while brushed nickel and oil rubbed bronze cost more.

* Vanity Faucet - $150

- The finish you select for your faucet will impact your cost; a chrome finish is generally less expensive while brushed nickel and oil rubbed bronze cost more.

* Mirror - $200

* Bathroom Accessories - $200

- Towel bars, toilet paper holder

- Again, the finish you select will impact the cost

* Lights - $200

- Be sure to have adequate lighting in your bathroom; the bathroom is where you begin and end each day.

- Use more than one light for the services of the bathroom such as vanity, mirror, and the shower space.

* Primer, paint, accessories - $125

- To help with lighting in the bathroom, I suggest using a subtle color for the walls to help reflect the light.

* Construction Materials - $10 a square foot, this is a good starting point.

- Construction materials include tile backer, thin set, screws, drywall, joint compound, and etc.

- If you have a 5 foot by 8 foot bathroom, you have 40 square feet. I would budget $400 for materials.

* Dumpster - $300

* Plumbing - $1,000

- Disconnect the sink, faucet, toilet, bathtub, and shower valve

- Install a new sink, faucet, shower valve, toilet, and bathtub

- Install new shut off valves for sink and toilet

* Electrical - $800

- Inspect bathroom for a dedicated circuit to comply with current electrical code

- Update electrical, install new outlets and lights

- Connect in-floor heat

- Install bath fan switch

- Remove and replace vanity light

It is important to stay within your overall budget. Once you have a budget established for the items that are needed, it is time to decide who is going to complete the work. Undertaking a bathroom remodel can be a time consuming and stressful situation if you decide to complete the remodel on your own. Some questions you need ask yourself before attempting a remodel on your own include:

* Do you have the time to complete the remodel?

A bathroom cannot be properly remodeled in one weekend. As a contractor, I suggest that you develop a remodeling timeline, and then add extra days. Some unforeseen problems will occur. To save yourself unneeded stress during the remodeling project, pad your timeline by a minimum of a few days.

* Do you have the necessary tools to complete the remodel?

Whether completing the remodel yourself or choosing to work with a contractor this information should be helpful in deciding what you would like to spend on your remodel and what you expect for your money.

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Turn to a Professional Remodeling Contractor and Plumber Team for Full-Service Bathroom Renovation

Anyone who has lived in a home with either an exceptionally nice or an exceptionally unpleasant bathroom will attest to the value that an aesthetically pleasing and functional bathroom space can provide! In order to achieve this marriage of form and function, it's important to make sure that you consider, plan for, and execute both an internal and external remodel of your bathroom space when you embark upon such a project. Getting your bathroom contractor to work in concert with your residential plumber will allow you to rest easy knowing that your whole bathroom will turn out the way you want it to.

When it comes to renovating your bathroom, you and your remodeling contractor can conceive of and design anything that you want. In reality, though, any changes to your bathroom's structure or layout will either have to fit in with your existing plumbing structure, or you'll have to change and adapt your plumbing to support the new design. Either way, it is in your best interest to coordinate with both your general contractors and your plumbing team to make sure that everything you have in your vision will work together. Unless you know both a great deal about plumbing in general, and about the specific plumbing situation in your home, trying to tackle this type of infrastructure-based planning and work is a task best left to the professionals.

Working with both your contractor and your plumber during a bathroom remodel not only allows you to make sure that all the changes you have in mind are possible and get executed correctly, but it also provides you with a great opportunity to make sure that your bathroom's plumbing is in the best shape it can possibly be. remodeling isn't just for the surface level. When you embark on a remodeling project in your bathroom, you also have a great opportunity to engage in a full scope of drain clog clearing and pipe repair as necessary. No matter how old or young your home is, or how well you take care of your plumbing system, it's likely that there's at least one part of it that could use a little TLC. Since you're in the middle of a renovation process, there's no reason not to get a comprehensive diagnosis of your plumbing situation and address any trouble spots before they get worse. Nipping any potential issues in the bud will make your life easier and will likely save you money in the long run. Plus, you'll be able to enjoy your new bathroom knowing that it's in tip-top shape inside and out.

Whether you're looking to spruce up the layout of what you already have, or you want to gut and revamp your whole bathroom space, it is worth your while to employ both a general contractor and a residential plumbing contractor to make those changes happen. Unless you have a lot of time, energy, and know-how, doing any bathroom renovation work, from installing waterproof tiling to conducting extensive drain cleaning, is best left to the professionals.

Simple Bathroom Remodeling Solutions For Contractors

Here's a list of problems that contractors run into when designing, planning, and remodeling bathrooms. These bathroom remodeling solutions listed below, often create problems for homeowners as well as contractors. Some of these problems have created contract disputes and could have been solved if the contractor or a homeowner was informed properly.

1. Problems with Old Galvanized Water Pipes: This is one of the biggest problems with older homes. Metal rusts and water running through these metal pipes will speed this process up, considerably. The problem arises when the galvanized water supply pipes cannot be taken apart or unthreaded, to add new plumbing fixtures or pipes, during the bathroom remodel.

Solution to the Problem: Experie nce contractors should inform their clients, about problems like this and what they propose to do, if they run into a situation where the galvanized water pipes are badly damaged. There will usually be extra work, which leads to extra money and this could create a problem between the contractor and a homeowner.

2. Problems with cast-iron drainpipes: these pipes often rust or become separated at the joints, creating water leaks and even areas for tree roots to enter the drainage system. These tree roots of course will cause the drainpipes to clog and eventually will have to be cleared in order for the drainage system to work properly.

Solution to the problem: informed the home owner of problems with cast-iron plumbing. If the contractor explains to the homeowner, any problems that could arise and a solution, you will find the process of bathroom remodeling a little less stressful. This stress can be eliminated or the contractor and a homeowner with a little preparation.

If you're a remodeling contractor, it wouldn't be a bad idea to make out a list of potential problems for the homeowner. List as many of the problems as you can think of, that you have ran into in the past or have heard other contractors and homeowners talking about. These lists can be given to your clients when you sign the contract.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors.

Factors That Will Affect Your Bathroom Remodeling Estimates

Many persons today are considering the option of remodeling their bathroom for a more luxurious feel. However, having an idea of how much this will cost can be extremely helpful in assisting persons to set a budget and plan how and when the remodeling will take place. One of the places that persons tend to go to get an idea of the cost is the internet and remodeling magazines. In most cases these will only give you the average cost which you may find to be different from the actual estimate. As a result, you need to at least have an idea of the various factors that can affect your estimate and how the average cost is calculated.

The average bathroom remodeling estimate found in magazines and on the internet is normally calculated in three groups namely, the average, upscale or custom and economy group.

• The Economy class refers to a remodeling that does not require installing or moving plumbing fixtures. Hence it is a reflection of the homeowner trying to achieve the remodeling of their bathroom at the lowest cost possible and hence this option also assumes the use of materials of a low quality.

• The Average refers to remodeling with the help of a contractor and use materials of standard quality. This figure will take into consideration buying new plumbing fixtures but not necessarily moving anything.

• The Upscale or Custom estimate takes into consideration the use of materials of a high quality, the purchasing of new plumbing fixtures and specialty items as well as a contractor.

Most times these categories of estimates are mentioned yearly in remodeling magazines, however there are factors which can cause the estimates you receive from contractors to be different such as

• The time of year that you plan to do your remodeling can affect your cost by as much as 15% during the slower periods of the year like around Thanksgiving.

• The amount of work that you plan to contribute to the project, like whether you plan to do the designs on your own or use the services of an architect or bathroom remodeling contractor, or whether you plan to do things like painting and so on. All these will mean that there is less for the contractor to do and hence can have a great impact of the price you pay to remodel.

• Where you are located can also affect the cost, as the cost of materials and labour varies from region to region, and can cause a difference of as much as 20%.

If you so desire you can use the average cost to get a basic idea of your remodeling project. However to get a more detailed and accurate estimate, it is best to take advantage of the many free estimates that are available on line. These estimates will take into consideration, your location, the amount of work you want don, the design you have in mind, the amount of work the contractor will have to do and the timeframe in which you would like this to be completed.

Bathroom Remodeling - Wheelchair Accessible

Being confined to a wheelchair doesn't mean the end of the world. While it may alter the way in which you interact, there are ways to adapt in order to ensure your daily tasks are easily accomplished. When it comes to bathroom access in the home, some layouts can prove rather tough to navigate. With smaller doors, a cluttered interior, and generally unwelcoming features, the bathroom can pose quite a few issues to those who are wheelchair bound. In this article, we will outline a few ideas to incorporate within a bathroom remodeling project to make life just a little less stressful.

Step 1 - To start, you will want to replace your door with one that meets the specifications outlined in the Americans With Disabilities Act. The space a wheelchair requires to enter a doorway is generally 36 inches wide. Additionally, you will want to install the door in a way so that it swings outward.

Step 2 - The bathroom should have a minimum of 60 inches of space in the center area to afford the occupant maneuverability. A structure remodel may be required in order to move the wall to the appropriate position. Get in touch with a home builder in order to determine the more efficient means of enlarging the area during the process.

Step 3 - A roll-through shower should be installed which provides the occupant the ability to move to a shower chair. These showers are found through plumbing supply stores. Another option includes building a custom shower, built to the specifications required.

Step 4 - For bathroom remodeling, the toilet height should be raise for easy access from the wheelchair. Bars must be installed on the sides of the toilet to enable swift and easy transfer with the arms. Otherwise, a lift can be installed beside the toilet, provided enough room is available.

Step 5 - Sinks should be mounted in a way in which they are easily accessible to wheelchair occupants. Mirrors should also be adjusted accordingly. Under sink storage space should be made accessible as well.

Be sure to find yourself a reputable professional to help with the bathroom remodeling process. Due to the extent of the conversion, the job may prove too much for the novice DIY handyman. Evaluate various contractors in your area and check for pricing, and various services. Finding someone who is experienced enough to complete the entire project can work to save you time and money, and is worth the effort to find.

Tips For Hiring Bathroom Remodeling Contractors

New bathroom restoration can be an emotional experience with positive results when done right. It is important to be familiar with the processes of hiring bathroom remodeling contractors. You will be allowing people you don't know into your home and spending a large amount.

Here are a few Tips That Will Help you through the process.

Bidding Process - Specify in writing the exact materials and request a schedule from each bidder for the job. Providing each potential bidder with an exact scope of the project will result in bid consistency. The more detailed the project the more accurate the pricing by the bathroom remodeling contractors. Without bid sheets pricing will be scattered based on the contractors perceptions of what you want. It's only natural for the contractor and home owner to see the project. from different perspectives. Clients usually expect more than what the contractor planned to provide. The employee or contractor wants to allow as little as possible and charge as much as possible. Extensive bid sheets enable all bidders to bid on the same project.

Contracts Must Be In Writing - Comprehensive contracts will limit interpretations of the scope of the project and materials used. Be sure to review how change orders will be handled. You can count on changes with every project. Find out how change orders will be handled before they arise. Most home owners assume that problems that arise should be anticipated the the professional including potential changes. It is typical for minor changes to arise but can quickly mount as the project continues.

Home Improvement License and Workers Comp Insurance - Review that proper licensing and coverage is in place before hiring. Also be certain to check their workers compensation insurance policy for adequate coverage. All contractors consider themselves safe companies even when they are not. Injuries occur in construction projects. Be careful to avoid being held accountable for another persons mistakes.

Criminal and Drug Background Tests - Have all employees who will be working in your home had background tests completed? Do you know who these folks are? contractors frequently appear nice and well intentioned, but do they have a questionable past? Question the company owner to find out if they do criminal background and drug testing

Schedule - Without a schedule your are at the mercy of your contractors ability to manage their time. It is advisable to establish a work schedule and get it in writing as part of the agreement. Failure to adhere to a schedule is a symptom of deficient planning and inefficiency. Poor time management usually leads to shoddy workmanship. No one can do a proficient job working part time with hapless planning.

Construction Materials - Specify brands and products to be used for your remodel. To avert this make sure to procure in writing at the beginning of the project an entire list detailing the brands to be used.

Guarantees - Labor and materials that will be covered under a warranty need to be specified in writing. What happens when a problem arises? How extensive are the warranties?

References - Have each bidding remodeling company provide you with references for their most recent projects by date. Beware of the references from friends or projects completed years ago. Find out from the remodeling contractors references what it was like working with them. You will learn realize interesting insights that will be helpful to both parties.

Bathroom Remodel Cost: Reduce The High Cost Of Remodeling.

If you're going to remodel your home I would suggest starting with the bathroom. The bathroom is one of the rooms that can be a great asset to redesign and you can be very imaginative in the process. If you don't research a local remodeling contractor you may find it can be a painfully pricey affair. This is because of how complex plumbing can be along with other costs. The top contractors of the industry can help quote your bathroom remodel cost very fast. I would suggest taking a look at their previous work so you can get a feel for their style and to see if it's what you're looking for.

Fortunately, any average homeowner can use several handy tips in order to save money as well as reduce the complete bathroom remodel cost which they may incur during the process of remodeling. There are a number of complexities involved in a bathroom remodel, and because of this, many homeowners do not recognize the few little tricks that can save them money. At the end of the day, knowing and using these tricks can help anyone obtain the lowest cost for a bathroom remodel.

Firstly, checking the prices of more than one plumber to fix the water flow in the bathroom can help you save money on what can be the most expensive part of your bathroom remodel cost. Many times, consumers fail to shop around for a plumber by getting recommendations from friends and family and they just call someone from the phone book with no prior information about them. Make sure when you do choose a plumber, they have the required certifications and that they are insured.

Another strategy which will help you reduce your bathroom remodel cost is to buy all of the fixtures you will need at the same time, due to the fact that you could save a noticeable amount of money. Most people are unaware that making large scale purchases such as bathroom fixtures could qualify customers to receive the wholesale price from certain retailers, if they spend a specific amount of money. Also, labor costs can be greatly reduced if all of the required fixtures are already purchased.

The bathroom remodel cost of the project can be reduced by using fixtures made of composite materials or alternatives. They provide the same feel and look for a lot less. A lot of people don't pay attention to the cost because they are just looking for the appearance. Consumers don't always notice they can save a lot of money.

The fourth step towards lowering your bathroom remodeling cost is to utilize the area judiciously by making changes accordingly. It is not always necessary to bring about exotic changes like moving your washroom fixtures just for refashioning, knocking out walls or bringing striking alterations. These not only add up to the cost of remodeling but also are time consuming. It is important to understand the need and room for alterations and act accordingly and not get carried away by latest trend or fashionable accessories.

Advice For Home Improvement - Bathroom Remodeling On A Budget

When you're remodeling your home on a budget - especially the bathroom - you don't have to settle for cheap hardware or even cheaper labor. You also don't need to ditch the general contractor for DIy work. All you need to remodel and do some home improvement on a budget is come at it from a creative edge and use some tried and true tricks to shave bucks from your budget.

One of the best ways to start any home improvement project - especially a bathroom renovation - is to plan ahead. There's no quicker way to blow your budget and waste money than to just start working without a plan. Plan and tackle your big problems or dislikes first, plan to save where you can and give yourself one big design splurge that you can enjoy. Check out how you can overcome some of the most common bathroom remodeling challenges while still saving your budget:

Home Improvement Design Challenge One - The Same Old Color Scheme

Updating the colors in your bathroom is easy, and there's really no cheaper way to go about giving your bathroom a new look during the home improvement process. Too many bathrooms are a drab white or come with contrasting "safe" colors that contractors use in the building process. The problem with stark white or contrasting blacks & whites is that they don't often match the personality of the homeowner. Use softer tones, earth-tones and other simple palette choices to quickly transform your bathroom into a room you'll find most comfortable.

Home Improvement Design Challenge Two - Reducing the Vanity

The vanity is the focal point for most bathrooms. It's not uncommon to have a lot of counter space in master bathrooms with plenty of storage. A small vanity is common in smaller bathrooms. If you can get away with it, don't replace this with another big cabinet system. Instead, purchase a pedestal sink and open up the floor plan. The style and extra space will definitely enhance the comfort of the room.

Home Improvement Design Challenge Three - A Floor that Screams Unique

Everyone wants to own their bathroom space and make it truly unique. There's something fun about having guests "ooh and aah" over your bathroom space. If you want to keep a clean look but do something different, look to your floor. Ditch the cheap vinyl or other flooring and try something unique like distinctive glass pebble flooring. You can even use natural smooth stones. A simple and level pebbled floor can give your bathroom a truly natural look. If your existing floor is low profile, you might even save time and money by laying your new floor right over the old tile or flooring.

Bringing Your Bathroom Remodel Together

If you're concerned with how budget remodeling will look in your bathroom, remember that decorating and some additional improvements can really accent the remodeling you do in the rest of the bathroom. Custom moulding isn't expensive, especially in a small bathroom space and it can really flesh out your color in the paint. Likewise, linen shower curtains can help the reach of your linen curtains. It doesn't take much to create a beautiful new bathroom and you can still get a custom, luxury look even on a budget.