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

Friday, 12 October 2012

Establishing a Bathroom Remodeling Budget


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

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

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

* Tile - $7 to $15 a square foot
- The cost for tile varies by the amount of tile needed and type of tile chosen
- For more information on tile, please refer to the previous articles that I recently wrote
- Along with the tile you will also need grout and tile sealer
- In-floor heat $14.00 a square foot.

* Bathtub - $500.00
- This is the average cost for a 60" long by 30" wide bathtub; 60" long bathtubs usually range in width from 30" to 36" and in height from 14" to 18"
- Soaker tubs start at $1,000
- Whirlpool tubs start at $1,500

* Vanity - a good estimate is $125 per linear foot for the vanity
- This amount is for a semi custom made vanity of Maple, Cherry, or Oak, with soft close drawers

* Vanity top
- Cultured marble - staring at $80 a square foot
- Granite - starting at $90 a square foot
- Cambria - staring at $90 a square foot

* Sink - A good starting estimate is $200
- Depending on the vanity top that you select, you may need to purchase a separate sink. Cultured marble vanity tops have the sink molded in the top as one unit.

* Bathtub and shower Faucet - $350
- The finish you select for your faucet will impact your cost; a chrome finish is generally less expensive while brushed nickel and oil rubbed bronze cost more.

* Vanity Faucet - $150
- The finish you select for your faucet will impact your cost; a chrome finish is generally less expensive while brushed nickel and oil rubbed bronze cost more.

* Mirror - $200

* Bathroom Accessories - $200
- Towel bars, toilet paper holder
- Again, the finish you select will impact the cost

* Lights - $200
- Be sure to have adequate lighting in your bathroom; the bathroom is where you begin and end each day.
- Use more than one light for the services of the bathroom such as vanity, mirror, and the shower space.

* Primer, paint, accessories - $125
- To help with lighting in the bathroom, I suggest using a subtle color for the walls to help reflect the light.

* Construction Materials - $10 a square foot, this is a good starting point.
- Construction materials include tile backer, thin set, screws, drywall, joint compound, and etc.
- If you have a 5 foot by 8 foot bathroom, you have 40 square feet. I would budget $400 for materials.

* Dumpster - $300

* Plumbing - $1,000
- Disconnect the sink, faucet, toilet, bathtub, and shower valve
- Install a new sink, faucet, shower valve, toilet, and bathtub
- Install new shut off valves for sink and toilet

* Electrical - $800
- Inspect bathroom for a dedicated circuit to comply with current electrical code
- Update electrical, install new outlets and lights
- Connect in-floor heat
- Install bath fan switch
- Remove and replace vanity light

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

* Do you have the time to complete the remodel?

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

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

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

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As the Minneapolis & surrounding area's premier remodeling contractor, we design and custom build bathroom remodels to your exact specifications. Modernize and refinish your bathroom with a creative new remodeling project through Excel Builders! Expect creativity, resourcefulness, and professionalism from us throughout every step of your bathroom design and remodeling project!

Thursday, 29 March 2012

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

Simple Bathroom Remodeling Solutions For Contractors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, 5 January 2012

Bathroom Remodeling - Wheelchair Accessible

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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.