Friday, 23 December 2011

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.

Monday, 12 December 2011

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.

Wednesday, 30 November 2011

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.

Wednesday, 16 November 2011

Bathroom Remodeling Salt Lake And Budget Friendly Bathroom

If you are looking for bathroom remodeling ideas, then there are so many options available in the market. Updating your bathroom flooring and decorating them with the most modern equipments in the market will keep them clean, tidy and attractive. You can approach a bath remodeling company to get an idea of the contemporary bathrooms. You can talk with the bathroom remodeling contractors in salt lake city and they will give some ingenious small bathroom ideas to make your bathroom user friendly and unique. There are so many bathroom remodeling products in the market that you will be thoroughly confused when you are out searching for yourself. If you don’t have much money to spend on a bathroom, then you can ask your contractor to build a budget friendly bathroom.

Meanwhile, you will have your own ideas on how to create and remodel a bathroom. You have been watching the advertisements on HGTV, design ideas and bathroom vanities, but you don’t how to put them into practical usage. You need a contractor who listens to your ideas and incorporates them into his work. There should be a perfect harmony and balance between your ideas and his ideas because you don’t want any kind of frustrations to get in the way because that will leave a spoiled relationship between you and the contractor. There are so many new things in the market that are mold resistant and environment friendly particularly when it comes to installing tile, tub and custom cabinetry. Searching for a bathroom decoration decor shower will open a whole avenue because there are so many models and varieties. It goes well with a small bathroom design too.

If you are going to design a new bathroom for the kids there are themed bathroom designs that will really bowl your kids over. The lighting fixtures will complement the themes you select. You can talk with your kids too and if they have a good bathroom design idea, incorporating that will thrill them. You can use cultured marble vanity tops for their bathroom because they are resistant and will not crack under pressure. They are not natural, but made by man and very beautiful to look at. You can complete the bathroom makeover décor by placing a huge mirror above the sink, it will make the room look large, roomy and lighted.


This article would pose several bath remodeling questions regarding your bathroom design idea and a reliable contractor who specializes in bathrooms could easily answer them. You can now easily give vent to your ideas bathroom.


When it comes to renovating your bathroom, you will have a lot of decor ideas. See that it matches your contractor's and have a blast.


There are specially qualified contractors who will not laugh at your makeover decor ideas because they are educated enough to realize what you want.

Bathroom makeovers often exhaust your resources, but if you want to save money in the process then you can use some ingenious methods and create a beautiful and appealing bathroom.


Involving your kids when choosing the bathroom decoration décor will make them appreciate it and thus they will take proper care of their room and bathroom.


Discuss your bathroom design ideas with your contractor and create a unique bathroom that will win loads of approval from your guests.


Looking for a contractor in SLC to decorate your rooms, kitchen and bathrooms is not a tough job if you know what you are looking for. They work hard, know of the latest design idea and will know where to get durable bathroom tile. Share your remodeling ideas with them and they will use it in their project. You can create a lovely looking bathroom complete with the shower.


Remodeling is not a tough job anymore because you can now do a bathroom remodel using some innovative bathroom ideas. Let your imagination run wild with the latest bathroom designs.

Wednesday, 26 October 2011

Using Walk In Baths In Bathroom Remodel

the day. Additionally, the flow of water, soaking in the suds and feeling fresh not only calms you but helps clean the body. However, there are numerous individuals suffering from physical disabilities, injury or even age that cannot get into a standard bathtub easily.

If you are planning on a
bathroom renovation, it might be a good idea to get a walk-in bath installed instead of a regular bathtub because remodelling is not something that you do everyday and while you are at it, plan for the future. As a person grows old the chances of slipping in the bathroom especially while climbing over the tub ledge is a common. To lower the chances of accidents, a walk in bath provides the same bathing experience while eliminating the risks. If you are wondering how it can prevent accidents, the answer is simple.

Walk in baths look like regular bath tubs but have a door that can swing inside or outside, depending on the model you choose. Thus, there is no need to climb over the ledge! Just open the door and walk in to the tub. With leak proof doors, there is no chance that water will spill over creating a puddle for you to slip on later.


Another advantage of having a walk in bath is that it does not require more space, contrary to popular belief but fits even a small bathroom. Surprisingly, they take less room than a normal bathtub. These are generally placed on a pedestal while the bottom of the bathtub goes all the way to the floor for permanent fixing. It gives you a feel of entering a Jacuzzi with the ease of opening the door to enter or exit.

So if you are planning a
bathroom remodel, getting a walk in bath can actually help you and your elderly family members enjoy a bath with ease and without fear of falling.

Sunday, 2 October 2011

Hiring A Contractor For Your Seattle Bathroom Remodel

If you’re planning to hire a contractor to remodel your bathroom, it’s important that you ask a few questions to ensure hiring the right contractor for the job. This article looks at the most important questions to ask, so you’re sure you not only hire the right contractor, but you also get the bathroom of your dreams and a project well done.

Are You Licensed?


You should only hire a contractor that is fully licensed. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can not only bring your project to a halt if authorities discover this during an inspection, but it could also cost you a lot of money on top of possibly having to pay for shoddy work. Don’t be afraid you’ll offend a potential contractor by asking them to verify they are licensed. Any a licensed contractor will be more than happy to provide you with the information you need. Avoid any contractors that refuse to provide you with their licensing information or try to change the subject when it comes up in conversation.


What Is Your Past Bathroom Remodeling Experience?


While hiring a licensed contractor is important, you also want to make sure the contractor you choose has experience with bathroom remodeling. Although bathrooms are the smallest room in a home, they do require special expertise to ensure a job done right. A contractor that specializes in drywall, hardwood flooring, and garage conversions may not have the skills or experience necessary for completing a successful bathroom remodel. You definitely want a contractor with the experience to handle any situations that arise and that can make an instant decision without having to consult others when needed.

What Kind Of Insurance Do You Have?


While everyone hopes for a bathroom remodel where no problems arise, it’s inevitable that sometimes things just happen that you can’t prevent. This is when you want to make sure your contractor is insured, not only for the remodeling job or for damage done to your home during the remodel, but also for the contractor’s employees who may get injured during the job.


What Is Your Timeline To Completion?


When consulting with a contractor about your bathroom remodel, make sure you not only ask for a timeline to completion, but you also get it in writing as a part of your contract. This is especially important if you only have one bathroom in your home since you’ll have to make other arrangements during the remodel. You should also ask for a timeline of exactly when projects will be completed since this involves having people inside your home. Projects may include demolition, plumbing, electrical, framing, drywall, flooring, painting, etc.


How Much Will The Remodel Cost?


Another thing to get in writing is the estimated cost of your bathroom remodel. This should include an estimate not only for materials, but also for the cost of labor. Don’t be afraid to ask how you can cut costs when necessary. In addition, ask for a payment schedule. Most contractors will ask for a deposit when you sign your Seattle
bathroom remodel contract. You can schedule future payments either in one lump sum at the completion of the entire job, or at specific milestones along the way.

Wednesday, 31 August 2011

Bathroom Remodel Contractor: Worth The Expense

Even if you have the knowledge and motivation to do the job yourself, sometimes it is just better to hire a bathroom remodel contractors. They have the experience and tools, and will be much quicker and more efficient when it comes to completing your new bathroom in a satisfactory manner.

Some tips for remodeling and while hiring bathroom remodel contractor, are as follows. Always remember that these are not true for everyone and some do-it-yourselfers are quite pro at it, but many toimes it happens that the job turns out to be more than you can handle.

First, there are building codes to consider when it comes to plumbing and electricity. If you're moving or adding major fixtures that will require new pipes or wiring, you need to have a professional. They know what to do and how to do it without getting hurt. Their work will also pass inspections and most importantly, you'll avoid any hazards that could occur later on if not done correctly.


Also, the professionals possess the best tools and equipment for properly finishing jobs such as the installation of drywall, the modification of electrical and plumbing fixtures, or the laying of new tile. The latter, especially, can look terrible if done by an amateur as the tile will not line up. Laying tile around corners and curves, such as around a toilet, and cutting the tile perfectly for those corners and curves can be very difficult.


Contractors are also experienced so they can perform the jobs more quickly and with less wasted effort. There are instant renovation answers available from numerous resources online. However, the instruction contained therein are not always as easy to accomplish as it might seem at first glance. Sure, doing it yourself can save money. But doing it yourself improperly can waste even more money. Therefore, you may well find it is worth the apparent additional expense to simply hire a professional instead.


Having the right tools are important when you need to do a job efficiently. When you are constantly renting tools or purchasing them per project, the expensive will be greater when it comes to making profit. Professionals in the industry always have the proper tools and will use them correctly. This is one of the important reasons when it comes to hiring a professional verses doing it yourself.


It can be a terrific idea to remodel your
bathroom, if that is what you are considering. Having a full bathroom instead of a half bath, or a new and modern facility rather than one that is old and outdated, will not only look great but lead to an increase in resale value. Just don't try to do too much yourself. If you decide to hire a bathroom remodel contractor this will save you time and frustration, and you will have a great looking new bath or shower that you can enjoy in practically no time.

Thursday, 11 August 2011

Bathroom Remodeling - Top 10 Tips For a Successful Bathroom Remodel

1.) Choose the Right contractor:

Selecting the right contractor for a bathroom remodelingproject in Dayton, Ohio is the crucial first step and can make the difference between a successful enjoyable process and a never ending nightmare of regret. Make sure the bathroom contractor you select is qualified and capable. Apples to Apples estimates often differ since outstanding quality and customer service costs more to provide you then low attention to detail and no customer service.

Remember often times in life you get what you pay for. Be sure to compare more then just Scope of Work when comparing estimates and investigate and verify their Better Business record.


2.) Proper Prior Planning:


Sound familiar from college? Well it applies to everything including bathroom remodeling. There is a lot of coordinating to be done in typically small spaces when
bathroom remodeling. Sure a good contractor will do most if not all the coordinating for you but it is a good idea to go over the steps yourself prior to construction.

Planning the process yourself will not only allow you to be more educated about it, but also make you more informed and better capable of making good decisions with regards to your bathroom remodeling project.


3.) Functional Work Triangles:


Work triangles typically apply to kitchen remodeling but also have value when bathroom remodeling. "Work triangles" refer to the distance between the functional amenities of your bathroom such as toilet, lavatory sink, showers and tubs, and storage. Creating the right amount of space between these items can make your
bathroom functional and comfortable as well as create a feeling of openness and space.

4.) Choose the Right Materials:


With the increased popularity of the big box stores came a gambit of new choices, consequently making selecting materials a nerve racking experience for some remodeling novices. A good contractor will help you select the right stuff for the right spot keeping esthetic appeal, texture, durability and cost in mind.


By properly installing the right materials, they should last the lifetime of your home. The right materials can make all the difference in the world and its painfully obvious when you select the wrong ones.


5.) Waterproofing and Concrete.


By properly waterproofing the concrete board it will create a durable long lasting medium for the tile setting. Reputable contractors only
remodel bathrooms using moisture resistant drywall for dry painted surfaces, and concrete board for any areas to be tiled or exposed to wet conditions. However hanging cement board alone is not enough.

The joints and corners need to be taped and finished with ASTM approved mortar in a similar fashion as one finishes drywall. Doing this waterproofs the system allowing your walls to not rely solely on the finished tile for water proofing characteristics and, creates a second moisture barrier.


This simple, low cost step will add decades of time to your bathrooms life span. Ask your proposed contractors how they intend to waterproof the cement board. If they leave this step out of the answer, or say, "the tile is the waterproof system." move onto the next guy.


6.) Get Great Lighting:

Proper lighting is essential for bathrooms. The right lighting can dramatically improve the appearance and function of your newly remodeled bathrooms. Utilizing a diverse selection of lighting such as 6 inch can lights, 4 inch cans lights, flush mounted lighting, wall sconces, under cabinet lighting, and vanity lights truly livens the space and adds a sense of elegance only great lighting can. The more lights and type of lights you use the more dramatic the aesthetic appeal.

7.) Select the Right Trim:


A bathrooms trim is very important. Types of bathroom trim include; baseboard, casing, chair rail, wainscoting, crown molding, and around mirror trim. The correct combination of trim separates good bathrooms from great
bathrooms. There is a fallacy that all of a home's trim must match. It just isn't true. Upgrading a bathroom's trim package can provide huge design dividends while remodeling a bath room and separate it as the most elegant room in the house, which it should be.

8.) Hardware and Fixture Fluency:


Not many things can destroy a
bathroom remodellike mismatched hardware and fixtures. There are several finishes to choose from when considering which one is best for your project such as, chrome, brass, brass and chrome, nickel, brushed nickel, stainless steel, brushed stainless steel, antiqued bronze, brushed bronze, and oil rubbed bronze. It is imperative that all items in your bathroom have similar finishes. Disregarding this will confuse the eye, create an un-unified look and take away from your bathrooms appeal.

9.) Remember the Small Stuff:


The small stuff is commonly overlooked then thrown together in the end. One of the largest consumer complaints with regards to
bathroom remodeling is that the contractors did not include, or forgot to hang the towel bars, robe hooks, toilet paper dispenser, and soap dishes. Excluding these items results in them being thrown together in an often times dysfunctional manner.

Including the small stuff in the initial prior planning process allows you to select and order the proper pieces for your project with matching finishes to you hardware and fixtures. Keep in mind brushed nickel from Moen does not always match the brushed nickel finish from Kohler and other manufacturers. Ordering all your stuff from the same brand at the same time in the beginning shortens total time for your
remodel, assures finish matching, and adds value to your home's bathroom.

10.) Don't over Due It:

Bathrooms are typically limited by space regardless of their size. Cramming too many things into to your bathroom will not increase its beauty or function. Instead concentrate on selecting high quality products, proper design, and excellent installation. Quality over quantity is mode of best approach. There are thousands of great products available for bathrooms, try not to fit them all into your bathroom at once.


Also avoid too many accents in tile work. Often time's people are taken away by the beauty of a mosaic pattern or tile trim detail and throw it up everywhere resulting in a busy almost dizzying effect. Focus on material cohesiveness and minimalist design and you'll be amazed what you can come up with, without breaking the bank.

Wednesday, 27 July 2011

Small Bathroom Remodeling And The Do-It-All Renovations Contractor

Managing a small bathroom remodeling project

Remodeling your small bathroom, or any sized bathroom for that matter, can be a very rewarding and satisfying project. It can also be the source of much stress and many sleepless nights when things go wrong and believe me they can go wrong. Managing home improvement projects isn't as easy as it might seem and a
bathroom remodel can be one of the most difficult tasks you can undertake in your home.

How to minimise the stress of you
r small bathroom renovation project

The most important thing to do before starting your bathroom makeover project is planning. You must decide not only what you are going to do in your small bathroom but you must also decide how you are going to do it. So what are your options?

Do it all yourself
Do part of it yourself and hire a project manager to hire a contract team.
Hire a project manager to control the whole bathroom remodel
Project manage your small bathroom makeover and hire a team of contractors yourself.
Find a multi skilled contractor to complete your whole bathroom-remodeling project.

I knew that I didn't have the time to manage a team of bathroom contractors and I would hold them up if tried to do any of the work myself. I only had the one bathroom so I couldn't afford to have the job take any longer than necessary. So that left me with the options of hiring a team of bathroom contractors and a project manager or finding someone that would do the whole job by themselves.

Preparing your
bathroom remodeling plan of action

Before I took the plunge and remodeled my own little bathroom I took the time to talk to people who had some personal remodeling experience of their own. I talked to friends and their friends and I talked to the staff in bathroom showrooms. This is the best way to help you decide how you are going to get your bathroom makeover done. It's also a very good way of finding contacts for suitable contractors.


While I was doing all this talking, that went on for several months, it became clear to me that the people who had the least amount of problems and stress with their small bathroom remodels where the people who had involved the least number of contractors to do the work. They also seemed to get their remodeling project completed much faster.

Hiring a multi skilled contractor to remodel your small bathroom


I decided then that I would look for a
bathroom-remodeling contractor who would be capable and prepared to take on my small bathroom renovation from start to finish. I was convinced by what I had found that they do exist but I knew that they would be in high demand. In the end I was very pleased with the result and encourage you to consider this route to your dream bathroom.

I was right about the rarity of the one-stop
bathroom-remodeling contractor. Lets face it, there are a lot of skills required and it's hard to see how one person can be a master of them all. On the other hand none of it is rocket science and anyone determined enough to put their mind to it can do a very reasonable job of it all.

After a lot of searching for names and referrals I chose 3 possible contractors and asked them to quote. I found the pin boards in many bathroom showrooms to be a valuable resource in finding contractors, as many of them will leave a card there for you to pick up.


I asked them all for references so that I could go and see some of their work and talk to their clients. This is an important and very reassuring step that can help to ensure that you don't end up with a rogue who runs off with your money.

Be prepared to wait for your small bathroom remodel


The guy that I chose to
remodel my small bathroom was booked up for 6 months in advance but I felt that the wait would be well worth it. So we set a time and went with it. I was not disappointed with the result.

Saturday, 16 July 2011

A Top-Notch Bathroom Remodel Requires a Plumbing Contractor

Bathroom remodels can be one of the most rewarding home activities in terms of increasing your property value and the beauty of your home. However, bathroom remodels can also be one of the trickiest to pull off when doing the task yourself. Unlike in other rooms, mistakes can result in costly damages if they are not performed correctly. That is why those seeking top-notch, quality work should consider plumbing contractors when remodeling their bathroom.

The first obstacle that DIY homeowners face is water. That's right, the same liquid which keeps us alive and clean is arguably the most destructive force on earth. This is especially true in the home, given the ability of water to rot wood, rust metal, and disintegrate sheet rock.


A
bathroom remodel performed by a plumbing contractor is much safer from two points of view. First, plumbing contractors have the training necessary to keep water in the pipes and out of your crawlspaces. Second, reputable plumbing contractors are licensed, bonded and insured, and their work must carry a warranty in most locales. If something is done incorrectly by a non-professional, you are left to foot the bill.

Another obstacle to DIY homeowners is the sewer. Because sewers are interconnections of pipes among many rural or urban dwellers, they are owned by the city or utility company. As such, not just every non-professional is privy to hook up and dump waste. Sewer contracts may be necessary between your household and the owning entity.


Unless you have experience in the field, you may be getting into a real headache. Plumbers and
contractors should be able to accomplish this task according to the building codes of your location, and if they don't, they are liable for any damages caused to your home or the city and/or utility company.

Here is one more reason for hiring a plumbing contractor to perform your bathroom remodels
redo. You don't have to do it yourself. While it may be obvious, what is not always obvious is the difficulty of the remodeling task. Toilets, tubs, sinks, cabinetry and counter tops can be very heavy and cumbersome to lift. Installing pipe and fittings requires contortions in tight spaces and is not a task for those with aches or claustrophobia.

In addition to these problems, installing fixtures such as toilets requires a process which, if not followed to the letter, may cause the DIY homeowner to remove the fixture and try again. This takes time, money and labor which you may not want to put into the
remodel effort. Finally, all the old fixtures must be removed from the property and disposed of according to law.

Plumbing
contractors will likely have preconceived systems for removing waste fixtures which may even result in recycling or donation. So, do yourself a favor, think about having real plumbers do your plumbing. While it may have added costs, having professional work completed in your home will have lasting benefit in home beauty, property value and functionality.

Tuesday, 5 July 2011

Hiring a Contractor For Your Bathroom Remodel

The process of hiring a professional contractor to tackle your bathroom renovations can make your head spin pretty quick.

First, there are many bath renovation companies out there. Look under 'General contractors' or '
bathroom remodeling' in the phone book and you will see what we mean...there are hundreds of bathroom remodelers and general contractors in each area. On top of that, there are hundreds of other great contractors that remodel bathrooms but are not in the phone book.

Second, it is pretty easy to go around calling yourself a professional bathroom remodeling pro. People don't necessarily need an office or a lot of fancy equipment or tools to start a business. Therefore, individuals that have done some repairs on a few houses or rooms can try to trick you into believing they are a highly skilled and experienced bathroom remodeling professional. If they have a truck, a tool belt, and a business card they could fool a lot of people!

Finally, there are many different types of contractors that remodel
bathrooms. There are handymen, general contractors, builders, construction companies, and companies that specialize in only bathroom renovations.

So what do you do when looking for a contractor to remodel your bathroom?


We recommend:


o Asking your friends and neighbors to see if they have had good or bad experiences with local contractors. Simply knowing that another person has had a good experience with a contractor prior to calling them lessens your chance of hiring a problem.


o Call 3 or 4 companies to bid on your remodeling project. This will help you determine fair market price for your job. This does not mean you should always go with the lowest price. You should go with the company you feel most comfortable with and who you feel will do the best job. If an individual is offering a real low price you should ask yourself, "why?".


o Decide exactly what you want to do to remodel your
bathroom. At a minimum you should have a few general ideas before calling a contractor. They can help you make some final decisions, but you need to be able to explain your basic needs before letting them talk you into things.

o Try to decide if your work can be accomplished by a handyman, or if it is more involved. If you are simply laying some tile, painting, and changing some fixtures you should feel confident that a quality handyman could handle this work. If you are talking about tearing things up and changing the entire bathroom around, then your best chance of success is by hiring an experienced general contractor.


o Make sure the company has insurance. There is a chance for injury and for destruction of your house when remodeling a bathroom. As mentioned above there are many fly-by-night contractors that may not be insured. Ask them for their insurance company's phone number and call them to prove they are insured. If you skip this part you could be held liable for an uninsured worker's injury while working on your house. You could also be left with the bill for tons of repairs if an uninsured contractor leaves you with a destroyed bathroom or house!

o Ask if the bath remodel contractor will be able to handle all of the work you require themselves, or if they will have to sub some of the work out to other companies (such as a plumber). If they are subbing jobs out, make sure that their contract states that they are still directly responsible for all work. In other words, you will not have a situation where a plumber installed your new toilet incorrectly and the contractor is telling you that it is not his problem. What happens if you can't get in touch with the plumber they hired after the job is complete? You want one person to be held responsible.


o If your bathroom remodel requires a general contractor, or you simply decide to hire a company that states that they are general contractors, make sure they have a valid General contractors License


o Always get a statement of work performed in writing. Keep this filed away. Make sure the statements clearly state what work is to be performed.


o Ask if the
bathroom remodeling comes with guarantees. These are factors to weigh when looking at the total cost estimates left by different contractors.

o Some contractors require an upfront payment. Agree to a payment schedule (which is a written document that clearly states how much and when payments are due). Make sure your payment schedule is discussed and documented on your contract prior to beginning work. Stick to this schedule even if the contractor asks for early payment. You do not want to get into a situation where you have paid for the majority of the bathroom remodeling work, but the majority of the remodeling in your bathroom is not completed!!...these situations often end in unfinished or poorly finished jobs.

o Check in on your
bathrooming progress regularly- try to catch potential problems or misunderstandings before it is too late.

Wednesday, 29 June 2011

How to Hire Bathroom Remodeling Contractors

Getting your bathroom remodeled can be quite challenging if you don't know how to find the right bathroom remodeling contractors. It only makes sense to get the best contractors to deal with your bathroom remodeling because you are spending a hefty amount of money to make sure you can get the desired result without much hassles.

You need experienced team of contractors to deal with your
bathroom remodeling project because remodeling takes more time compared to building a new structure. They will have to tear out the wall and anything objects within the area affected. contractors with remodeling experience will be able to handle the project efficiently.

This is the time when you should start asking around for your family members and friends' opinion before making the decision on hiring any local
bathroom remodeling contractors. They might have done some home improvement for their home too and the contractors might be able to help you with your bathroom remodeling needs.

You can also visit a few established contractor referral sites for any reviews and recommendation about any contractors that you can hire for your improvement project. Check out for their rating and if there is any comment about them available for you to check.


You should contact several
bathroom remodeling contractors at a time and request for a quotation for your bathroom remodeling needs. It is important for you to provide them with the same requirements in order to you can get the bid for the same work. You can avoid misunderstanding by writing down your requirements so that it will be easier for both parties to refer back to it if any misunderstanding occurred anytime when your home improvement project is being completed.

You can expect to get a professionally written proposal from by professional
bathroom remodeling contractors. Everything should be explained clearly and you will be provided with the details about what types of material are being used and the timeframe for the whole project to be completed. It is important for you to ensure that all requirements are met in the specifics mentioned in the contract.

Do not focus on the price factor because everything will be inter-related. Most of the time, cheapest might not be the best option. Try to put the experience level and quality of product factor into consideration and you can make a better decision for the money that you will spend for your home improvement project later on.

Saturday, 18 June 2011

Bathroom Remodel Contractors - How to Get a Reasonable Bathroom Remodeling Estimate

Bathroom remodel contractors giving reasonable bathroom remodeling estimate for free in a area near you. The key to getting a reasonable estimate is to picture an image of what you would like your bathroom to look like. Local Insured licensed bathroom remodeling contractors within miles of your residence are willing to give you the best price possible for the work you want to be done to your bathroom. Its up to you to make the decision about what you think is best for you.

These contractors are so eager to gain your business The possibilities are endless when it comes to bathroom renovation. The color of you bathroom can have a great impact on your moods & relaxation. Most people like there
bathroom to feel like a spa going the distance by adding luxurious heated tile or stone floors for cold early mornings. The heated floor systems can range anywhere from $300-800 including labor depending on the contractor. We consider showers to be the total opposite of a bath, the shower is a sure quicker way to get cleaned up.

There is nothing like having multiple jet stream shower heads creating a water fall of a spa treatment enclosed in a glass barricade. The bath tub provides a relaxational soak after a long hard day. Some tubs can also come equipped with jet streams to massage key pressure points in our bodies. These two necessities can be very affordable or a little expensive but well worth the time effort to find the best once you have it installed. New sinks & faucet fixtures can give your
bathroom a more modern stylish feel also. Your bathroom can tell a lot about your personality & how you like to relax during you leisure time. With that in mind it is very important that you get a bathroom remodeling estimate to know what you can & cant get done at a reasonable price

Tuesday, 14 June 2011

Green Bathroom Remodel Contractor Quotes

Today, with the growing awareness to the condition of our plant, many people are looking to go green at home. The most effective way to do this is when planning your next home remodeling project.

Qualified green contractors can help you make your remodeling much more effective and save you money in the process.


Your
Green Bathroom Remodel

First, make a quick assessment of your budget. This will help you get free price estimates that you can work with, see what you can and cannot afford and maximize your remodel's effectiveness.


Many green contractors will be happy to give you free price quotes, including ideas on how to make a better and
green bathroom.

Double Flash Toilet - The double flash toilet is becoming popular even at homes that are currently not looking to become eco friendly and that is because of the huge water savings. When people have control over how much water to use when they flush (an economic flush uses ONLY HALF of the amount of water that a regular flush does), they usually do use it. This savings are instantly reflected in your water bill.


Low Flow Faucets - Consult a professional and ask for recommendations on what low flow faucet models to install.


Greywater system - There are many kinds of systems that recycle water so you can re-use them for different purposes. Be sure to consult a professional regarding your specific needs, since some systems are much more expensive than others and may not be useful for your home's needs. This is the case, for instant, with a purifying system that is designed to save on garden irrigation expenses. If you do not have a garden, some systems will not return the investment made.


Non Toxic Adhesives/Sealants - Eco friendly contractors will usually be able to recommend top of the line sealants that are made with eco friendly, often recyclable materials.


Be sure to ask for several different price quotes and gather ideas from different professionals. Remember: the better your plan is, the greener and more eco friendly the result.

Wednesday, 8 June 2011

Hiring A Bathroom Remodeling Contractor

Busy, busy, busy, that is how you have to describe the people of the new millennium. People seem to have less time for things around the house. The work week never seems to be over, people are tired and just want to spend time with their family. The average work week has increased from 38 to 44 hours. Traffic and distance makes commuting to work last much longer. There is actually less time for yourself and your family. When it comes to remodeling a room in the house, it just seems like too much time and effort. So when the bathroom needs to be remodeled, who do people call?

The first choice for busy people is to call
bathroom remodeling contractors. There are a lot of contractors and it can be confusing at first. The people have to choose one and that is sometimes the hardest part of all of the remodeling. There is the Yellow Pages but if you call all the contractors in the yellow pages you are likely to get many messages saying the number is disconnected. What about flyers at your door? Bad Idea, These guys are usually people laid off from some other kind of work not necessarily contracting work. What about TV ads? These people are usually reliable but costly. They charge anywhere from half again to twice what a smaller reputable firm would charge. So what is the best way to find a contractor? The best way to choose bathroom remodeling contractor is to ask family and friends if they have had work done and how they liked their contractor. The price he gives you will probably not be the lowest price you can get. A person that is in a lasting business can not afford to give work away long before going under. Going under means owing a lot of people a lot of money. Going for the lowest price often can mean you are shopping for trouble.

Word of mouth means more than almost anything. People can also go to most home warehouse centers and ask for a list of recommended contractors. This gives people a good place to start but do yourself a favor and ask friends and co-workers first.


Next, call all of the contractors on the list and show them what needs to be done. It is perfectly acceptable to ask for references if the contractor in not a referral. Check with some of the references and find out what they liked and didn't like. bathroom remodeling contractors get work by their previous work. If they aren't good, they won't have very much work to do.


Paying bathroom remodeling contractors


Once the people have decided on the right contractor and the right price, the terms of payment will soon surface. In most cases, people don't want to pay the contractor before the work is started. If payment is made before any work has started, the incentive to finish the project will have been lost.


They may ask for a portion up front for materials and the amount is something that the people and the contractor will have to talk about. We have found that a minimal down payment is all that is needed. Just a few hundred dollars or less. Then 30% when we start and 30% after all the rough in work is done then another 30% when the drywall is completed leaving 10% for the final. That way everyone is even money wise most the way along. There are special circumstances such as plans and permits the city wants up front. Special purchases such as special order tubs and tile that needs to be paid up front. Keep in mind that there is a 3 day rescission law. That means the job is officially under way at 3 business days. If you cancel the job after this time you still owe the contractor. Talking about these things opens the doors for more questions. Talking to bathroom remodeling contractors is a good thing. If the people see something that they don't like, the contractor will appreciate being told immediately. This saves materials and time.

Time is money and most people have a budget that they are following. When the work is finished, the final payment will be expected. Remember that the contractor needs the money and if the work was performed in a satisfactory matter, then people should pay the difference right away.

Monday, 6 June 2011

Effective Strategies For Hiring Bathroom Remodeling Contractors

It's hard to find good help these days and I've heard that my whole life. I wonder if there will actually be a day where we can find good help and we won't ever need to use that phrase ever again. I would like to offer my help as an experienced bathroom remodeling contractor to homeowners and give you a few tips and strategies for hiring good bathroom remodeling contractors.

1. Don't ever higher the cheapest bathroom remodeling contractor. You should always get at least three bids for any remodeling project and that's a must. If someone recommends a friend or another contractor to you, you should still get a couple more bids to make sure that you're not going to be overcharged.


2. Compare each estimate and make sure that each
remodeling contractors has enough information in their contracts so that you can actually compare each contract effectively. If there isn't enough information in one contract, explain your situation to the contractor so that they can provide you with more information. This is going to be very important, especially if you're planning on making a good decision on which contractor to hire.

3. Check to make sure that your
bathroom remodel contractor is actually licensed if your state requires one. This is where you could get into big trouble, hiring a friend or someone else that isn't licensed or doesn't know what they're doing. Be careful hiring unlicensed contractors, especially bathroom remodeling contractors.

4. Make sure that you get along with your bathroom remodeling contractor. If they rub you the wrong way or can't answer some of your questions, you should think twice before hiring them. I can't stress this enough and this is one of the most important things to me. If I can't get along with someone, I can't do business with them either.


5. Is your bathroom remodeling contractors and their workers qualified to remodel your bathroom? This seems to be a problem that's getting bigger and bigger. Just because you're contractor has 40 years of experience, doesn't mean that his workers will also. These are simple questions that can save you a lot of money and I suggest that you take advantage of them.

Sunday, 5 June 2011

What You Need To Know About Bathroom Remodelling Contractors

One of the easiest rooms to remodel in the home is your bathroom and today more than ever, more and more people are having their bathroom remodelled to make them more luxurious and suited for today's living conditions. They are the smallest room in the home and as time goes by, more and more design ideas and decor and coming to light. In addition, the market is filled with so many different furniture fittings and items that anyone can be creative and come up with a decor of their own. As a result of these possibilities bathroom remodelling contractors are always on the go.

Should You Use the Services of a remodelling contractor for Your bathroom?


In remodelling your bathroom you don't necessarily have to use the services of a contractor as there are aspects of the exercise that you can do by yourself. However, having a professional complete the job would make it appear so much better and neater; almost like you took it out of a magazine. In using these professionals, all you would have to do is let them know your requirements and they would be able to get it done. If you don't have a decor in mind you can still call them, as many have brochures with a wide range of decor options that you could choose from.


The process of remodelling or renovating many times involves technical activities like the plumbing and electrical work. The average home owner may not be able to do those properly and so it is always best to call in the professionals at this stage. The money they charge you will be a worthwhile investment preventing you from spending more in the long run.


What Jobs are The contractors Able to Do?


You will find that contractors are also able to assist you in areas involving bathroom repairing, bathroom fittings, bathroom fixture installation, bathroom maintenance, bathroom refinishing services, bathroom renovation, bathroom decor and bathroom installation both for commercial and residential customers.

What You Need to Know About contractors


If you were to use the services of a remodelling company you would find that they have a large pool of technicians to choose from. In most cases all the workers have the necessary qualifications and are required to work on each clients request until the job is done to the client's satisfaction. In most cases you will also find that many are willing to give you a free bathroom remodelling estimates so as help you get the work started. Your budget will be one of the main factors in deciding which contractor to choose and so this is important. Ensure that you are able to find contractors who can produce you with high quality work for a price you can afford. As a result it is important that you do some research, check with references and conduct an extensive search before choosing any specific contractor.

Use Reviews and Forums to Help You


Reviews and forums are great tools that you can use to help you in finding the right contractor for you. These will help to make you knowledgeable about the different contractors available to you and what they have to offer. Customer reviews will give you valuable insight into what to expect from a contractor and can really be great in helping you to make a decision.

Bathroom Remodel Contractors - Bathroom Remodeling Estimate

It would be nice to have bathroom remodel contractors from a real bathroom remodeling company come out to your home & give you a bathroom remodel estimate right there on the spot. There are no surprise charges you get the rundown about how much you would have to spend if you choose to go with that renovation company. These types of services are not hard to find if you know how to find them. Of course, there are many things to think about & consider before you begin to choose a contractor. If you want the best quality for the best prices, I suggest that the homeowner do a little research on the contractor to see what type of reputation the company maintains.

It would also be a great idea to find a specialist that deals with nothing but bathrooms. There are local directories that help you find a remodeling company that suite your needs with proven records of accomplishment. Keep in mind that the beauty of compromise yields great results so do not be afraid to ask questions pertaining to bathroom renovation cost. Get multiple remodeling estimates from local contractors, free! Filter out you options & you budget before you buy. Mostly all local contractors are motivated to earn your business & loyalty. The best thing about getting your bathroom remodeled is that you qualify for a tax credit up to $1500. So if you need a remodel estimate & you don't want to pay just to get a estimate go online & Search for bathroom remodel contractors & find local bathroom remodel contractors that are best for you.

Monday, 30 May 2011

Five Things To "Do" When Selecting a Bathroom Remodel Contractor

Here are the five most important considerations when selecting a contractor for a bathroom remodel:

1. DO your homework

Before bringing in contractors and collecting estimates spend some time researching your dream bathroom remodel. Then make some decisions that you will not waver on to help narrow down and mainstream your project. This will also guard against contractor bids that are overpriced or not in keeping with your requirements.

Know how much you want to spend - one of the biggest pitfalls is having your remodel price escalate out of control leaving you with an unfinished nightmare or compromised hasty decisions.

Decide on the important features that are essential to you - a resurfaced tub costs less than a new tiled shower. You might want to skimp on the high-end toilet bowl and utilize that money towards a granite vanity top.
Know your style preference - it is easy to get swept away in design books and concepts. If you are more of a country girl at heart, a modern sleek bathroom with stainless steel accents maybe too harsh for you and contrast sharply from the style of your home.

2. DO ask for referrals


Speak with family and friends to find out which contractors they have had good experiences with and just as importantly contractors they would never hire again. Find out what made it a positive experience, how the contractor handled problems and if the job was finished within budget and time frame. If possible look at the work a contractor has completed. It will give you the best idea of what their work is like.

Search engines have advanced methods of ranking websites. If using Google or Bing to find a contractor in your area start by typing your area bathroom remodelingcompany and read the websites of the construction companies that represent the style and workmanship you are looking for. Be sure to read reviews by former clients, as it will give you a feel for the company.

3. DO interview potential
contractors

Set up meetings with a minimum of three
contractors maximum of five. It can become overwhelming and confusing to interview more than five so try and narrow down the search to the top contenders. Estimates should be free. Regardless of whether you use the contractor interviewed it is possible for you to come away with many good ideas to implement during your bathroom remodel.
Other points to consider during this meeting are:
Make sure the contractor holds all the required licenses from the state and local municipalities
Look for credentials - designations from professional associations such as the National Association of the remodeling Industry, certifications of tests completed etc. Be aware that not all certifications are created equal.
Check for proof of workers compensation insurance
Ask for references of jobs completed
If they are unwilling to give any of the above information it is a possible red flag.

Something to consider is that a
remodeling job is different to construction. A remodel takes construction to the next level and requires a great deal of routing and working with existing infrastructure. Be sure to question the contractor specifically on if he or she has lots of experience in remodeling.

4. DO conduct a background check


Once you have narrowed the search be sure to follow up on references given to you. This contractor and his crew will be coming in and out of your home not to mention be responsible for the execution of a large sum of your money.

Call the contractors' former customers and ask about the job execution. Were they on time and on budget? Were the customers pleased with the outcome? Was there anything that could have been done differently? How did the contractor handle setbacks? How flexible were they if plans changed during the course of the project? What was the crew like? Did they clean up after themselves? Were they respectful of your property?
Check with the local Better Business Bureau website to see if the company is BBB accredited and if there are any complaints against them.

As tempting as it is to choose the
contractor on the basis of price, take care to look at the details of the bid presented. Take care to note the work to be done and the materials to be used.

5. DO have a written agreement

Once you have selected the contractor be sure to scrutinize the contract that is given to you. Make sure the legal agreement includes the following items:

Bid price and a payment schedule

Detailed description of the scope of work to take place
A schedule of tasks including a detailed timetable - A bathroom remodel can completely disrupt your daily life so it is vital to have a timetable. This will cause you and your family the least amount of stress.
A change-order clause - make sure that the contract stipulates that you must approve, in writing, all additional work that is done beyond the original scope of the remodel.
Clause about dispute resolution and any warranty information

When the job is finished do not hand over the final payment until the work has been inspected and approved. A
bathroom remodelcan return 80-90% of your investment at resale and provide years of enjoyment. While it takes time to follow through the initial stages of this process, the time spent is well worth the end result.

Friday, 27 May 2011

Choosing The Right Bathroom Remodeling Contractor

Choosing the right bathroom remodeling contractorswill make all the difference in the outcome. Even if you have thought out everything necessary, if your contractor doesn't do the job right, it will look off somewhat.

There are certain specifications when it comes to picking a contractor. The most important thing that you can do is interview several of them. You have to have a list of questions to ask them, ensuring that you take note of each answer they give you.

A great way to find a top bathroom remodeling contractor is through word-of-mouth. Referrals are a wonderful way to ensure that you are dealing with a professional. Even through friends' referrals, however, you should ask a series of questions.

Your friends should be able to answer whether the contractor was professional, courteous, if he was able to complete the work on time, if he is certified, and such. Remember that you will get what you pay for. Of course, contractors also have peak seasons. This is when they will be the most costly. If you can at all hold off on your renovations, do so until it's quiet season. You could save quite a bit of money doing so.

When interviewing your bathroom contractors, ensure that he is familiar with the materials you plan on using. Some are not qualified or they lack a certain level of expertise when it comes to certain materials. Before hiring him, make sure that he can handle the job.

Before you begin your interviews, you should have some kind of plans as to what you are aiming for in your new bathroom. If at all possible, do your best to have plans drawn up either by yourself or by a professional designer. This will avoid any misunderstandings between the two parties and you'll be able to make an educated decision as to which contractor you should choose.

Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Ask Your Bathroom Remodeling Contractor the Right Questions

Usually when I go to someone's home to give them a bathroom remodeling estimate, I provide them with most of the questions and answers, that they're ever going to need. This is how I do business, but some contractors don't do business this way. Therefore, it's up to you, the homeowner to ask your bathroom remodeling contractor the right questions.

1. How long is the job going to take, before it's completed?


2. Is my job going to be a priority for your Construction Company or are you doing more work right now than you can handle?


3. Are you going to be here every day and if not, who will be overseeing the job? Make sure that you meet and get along with the person who's going to be in charge and working on your home every day, until the projects completed.


4. Do you have a payment plan and does your bathroom remodeling estimate have every item in it, so that I can compare it to the other contractor's estimates?


5. Do you guarantee your work and if so for how many years? Make sure that you understand what your contractor is and isn't guaranteeing. I don't guarantee any products or building materials, simply because I don't make them. As a
bathroom remodeling contractor, it's my job to assemble these products, not to guarantee them.

6. How do we handle any problems while the work is in progress or after the project is completed?


7. Will you be working on my project every day until it's completed? This can become a big problem for
contractors who are taking on more work than they can handle.

8. Can you provide me with a copy of your liability insurance? And workers compensation insurance, if they have employees?


There are plenty of other questions you can ask your
bathroom remodeling contractor about your project. Make sure that you create a list of questions and concerns and go over them with your bathroom remodeling contractor. If you're serious about hiring a good contractor and you really don't want to have a lot of problems while working on your project, you should solve as many of the problems as you can, before the job starts.