Showing posts with label Bathroom Remodel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bathroom Remodel. Show all posts

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, 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.

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.

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

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

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.