Your Bathroom Remodel

Archive for the ‘Remodel Tips’ Category

Here are some basic tips and ideas on how to finish your bathroom remodel with flair and style.

Bathroom decor should put you at ease, be useful, and look aesthetically pleasing. When remodeling your home, you can’t afford to overlook the bathroom, considering how much time you and your family spend in it.

After a professional contractor has completed your bathroom remodeling, you can add the distinctive touches. You could put a shelf on one wall, for example, to display photographs or figurines. You could fill antique bowls or mugs with soaps or bath salts. If your bathroom is large enough, you could add a woven chair or table. Accent lighting such as a low-voltage strip of lights could be installed along the top edge of the wall for a relaxing effect.

You can draw attention to the ceiling with wood beams, or install cabinets with mirrors along one wall. Mirrors will make the room look bigger and more open. Try a colored stain instead of paint to revitalize wood cabinets. You could use a light-colored stain on the background and a brighter color on the drawers. Bright silk flowers or live flowering plants can add a hint of grace.

Unusual vessels such as a wall vase, an antique watering can, or a window box can add interest. A beveled mirror can be attached to the wall over the sink and framed with tiles. You can try selecting some mix-and-match or colorful tiles.

Your next step is to remove the old caulk from the joints and corners that has cracked or faded because of water. Before you start re-caulking your bathroom, make sure that the room is dry and that the area you will be working is also dry. Removing the caulk is not as difficult as it may sound or appear. To help there are several products on the market called “Caulk-Be-Gone” and “Adhesive & Caulk Remover.” I’ve used both products and they work wonderful. They are specially formulated to soften caulk and make it easy for you to remove with a scrapper or putty knife. However, it usually takes several hours for these products to work. Once you have removed the old caulk, you then want to clean the joints, and corners with paint thinner, followed by wiping the area thoroughly dry with a clean cloth.

The reason why it is so important to clear the joints of mildew and dirt before re-caulking is because the dark mildew stains we see are not on the caulk, but beneath it. You can purchase cleaning solutions that are formulated to remove mildew at most hardware and grocery stores.

When you caulk, you want to squeeze a dead of caulk, or silicone caulk into the joint and corner, then run a wet finger along the wet caulk to form a smooth line of caulk. You can purchase caulk tools that are used instead of your finger, however I have found these to be more of a hindrance than help. Once the caulk has dried you then want to buff the tiles with a dry cloth.

If you have wallpaper in your bathroom, which requires repairs, or replacing I will like to state my opinion at this time. Whomever the first home interior designer was that come up with the suggestion of hanging wallpaper in a bathroom, which contains a shower or bathtub, was an idiot. Wallpaper that is hung in a half-bath, which is a bathroom that only contains a sink and toilet, is fine. However, wallpaper is fragile, and easily damaged when exposed to steam, heat, and moisture. Which, if I’m not mistaken are the three things that occur whenever a person takes a nice long and hot bath.

To repair wallpaper, you first have to completely remove the damaged panel. There are several chemical solutions you can purchase at home supply stores that will help remove the wallpaper, but they still require the paper be scrapped from the wall. The old wallpaper glue then has to be removed, often by sanding. Your next step is to match the pattern in the paper and cut then hang the replacement panel.

NOTE: If you are repairing your wallpaper with a recently purchased roll of the same patter as what you have on the wall, the color of the paper may not match due to different dye lots. For this reason when purchasing wallpaper it is always best to purchase an extra roll so that you will have the same dye lot, in case of needed repairs.

If this sounds too complicated, or if you feel that it is too much work for you to do, you are not alone. Countless homeowners veer aware from home improvement or repair projects because they have been frightened by contractors with horror stories and visions of their home crumbling around them if they attempt to make even the simplest repair. These scare tactics are so that the homeowner will pay high dollar amounts for simple repairs or remodeling jobs.

Granted there are times that you have to hire a contractor. In these instances, you want to acquire several bids and interview the contractor. Verify all of his/her references and you may even want to contact your insurance company to see if they have any contractors they can refer. After all, insurance companies hire contractors to do home repairs in the event of a storm, or fire damage. For electricians and plumbers you want to make sure they are Master electricians and plumbers.

When we take pride in our homes by repairing and making improvements, it is an awarding experience, which also conveys to the world the type of person we are. Thus, when we spend the time, and effort to take care of our homes we are announcing to the world that we care about ourselves and where we live.

The bathroom has played a large role in homes, yet this room is possible the one that receives the least amount of attention.

Often we view the bathroom as something needed, instead of something we appreciate. This is especially true when you consider that a bathroom is a room for bathing or releasing natural urges, and is composed of excessive amounts of plumbing, fixtures, and in many instances glass.

However we have various types of bathrooms including family, master, individual, half, guest, three-quarter, full baths, and disabled bathrooms which should be considered when you want to make any improvements to increase the equity to your home. It has been proven that making upgrades to a bathroom will help increase the equity in the home.

Before you begin remodeling, your bathroom check with your local government for any permits you will require. Several states have building laws and codes that require building permits. Once you have completed your remodeling project, you may be required to have a master electrician and/or plumber to inspect your work to guarantee that your work meets code.

However, before you begin remodeling your bathroom, you want to clean your work area first. It is important that you have a clean area in which you will work. This includes removing all dust and the tools you will be using for the repair or improvement. Once you have a clean area, look around, and set up a methodical plan, of what you intend to do to improve the area and write it down on paper. Analyze your bathroom and make notes about want you like and dislike about it. You also want to make notes about the amount of storage space you want in your bathroom the layout of your shower/bathtub, electrical layouts and any improvements you want to make including upgrading faucets, fixtures, counters, flooring, ventilation and so forth.

To make your bathroom more appealing you may want to consider replacing your cabinetry with the inspirational look of woods such as oak, maple, and beech. Wood cabinets can enhance the atmosphere of your bathroom by adding warm earthy tones. If on the other hand, you merely want to freshen your bathroom, then a fresh coat of paint may be all you need.

If you want to change the complete style of your bathroom, then you have to choose the right style for you. Often the bathroom is painted with neutral wall paint, has medium or dark wood cabinets that present a generic look, which reinforces our need to redesign or decorate the bathroom. When we consider redesigning the bathroom, there are several different styles we can choose from including the European style, modern style, Mediterranean style, Victorian style, the Oriental style bathroom, and the rain forest style.

The rain forest style bathroom brings the feel of the outdoors inside and is often less expensive than other styles of bathrooms. This style can be achieved by adding houseplants, accessories, and wallpaper that convey the feel of a rain forest. You can complete the effect by tiling the floor with a natural stone tile or stone look ceramic tile.

An easy way to change the style of your bathrooms is often accomplished by changing your accessories, including towel hangers, toothbrush and soap dishes, and other accessories. However, be warned that too many accessories can make a bathroom look cluttered and cramped. Thus, when considering adding accessories look at the basics.

When installing your towel holders, and other accessories, many require only a level, and screwdriver, whereas other may require a few other tools or materials. Installing your accessories is simple if you gather the proper tools first and follow the installation instructions.

Whichever style you choose, remodeling your home can increase the value of your home’s equity. Therefore, when you make the decision to do any home improvement it is vital that you evaluate the situation carefully. This includes making notes, creating a budget, and setting up steps for your improvement. If your bathroom is small you may want to add mirrors and choose lighter paint colors instead of darker colors that can make the bathroom seem smaller and more confined.

Many homes have tile walls and flooring that require replacing or repairing because the tiles have loosened or have deteriorated over the years because of use, moisture, and the occasional accidental bumping. It is easier to repair old tiles instead of replacing them, simple because you do not have to worry about removing all the tiles, and old mortar. Simply remove any loose tiles, then carefully chip away the old mortar behind the tile as well as any grout with the use of a grout saw, if there is any old caulking that will have to be removed as well. Before reattaching the removed tiles, use a tile and grout cleaner and stain remover, clean the remaining tiles and grout thoroughly and allow them to dry according to the manufactures instructions on the grout cleaner. Once you have reattached all the tiles, and grouted around them, let the grout dry according to the manufactures time before sealing the gout with a penetrating sealer. This will prevent mold growth and staining.

Many times the cost of remodeling involves labor on your part and the money needed to purchase the materials needed for the improvement tasks.

Often when homeowners decide to do any home improvements they consider the financial expenses that are involved. Many times the improvements can be done with little expense, while other times they must be budgeted for, especially if it a major remodeling job. Many individuals relay on friends who work either with wood or with other construction materials to help with any home repairs or improvement projects for little or no cost at all.

Rarely do homeowners make any allowances for home improvements. Most will simply apply for a home improvement loan or take out another mortgage on the home. This is superfluous, unless however, you have major repairs or damage to your home and money to make such repairs is simply unavailable. It is always wiser to save money to make improvements on your own and then budget accordingly before starting any home improvement task.

For the most part the materials purchased for home improvement projects come with complete installation instructions and owners manuals. These would include such items as heated towel racks, sinks, fixtures, lighting, most cabinetry, and most power tools. It is vital that you read and follow these instructions and retain your owner’s manual to ensure that any warranties will not be voided due to improper maintenance or installation. Reading and follow the installation instructions will also help prevent any damages, injury, and malfunctions.

No matter what type of home repair job or remodeling job you have, always budget for any and all materials, and tools required to do the job. For example, if your remodeling job includes tiling the bathroom walls and floors, then you will need: mortar, grout, tiles, backer board, under layment to level any low areas, trowel, grout float, and either the purchase or rental of a tile saw. On the other hand to properly paint a room you will require: canvas or heavy plastic drop clothes, tape, plastic to protect windows and doors, paint, plaster to repair any damage, sandpaper, paintbrushes, rollers, paint trays, openers, stirrers, and screwdrivers to remove any fixtures before you begin painting. As you can see, depending on the type of remodeling you will require different tools and materials, which you will have to budget for these costs.

Therefore depending on the size of your project and the materials that you will require the cost could be relatively inexpensive or cost you several thousands of dollars. If you do your remodeling yourself, providing you have the know-how, you can save hundreds of dollars in labor cost. However, if you lack the knowledge, then it may be best to hire a contractor in order to save you from making costly mistakes.

Many times the cost of remodeling involves labor on your part and the money needed to purchase the materials needed for the improvement tasks. Don’t let a few repairs frighten you into going into debt. Many times major home centers host do-it-yourself clinics to help you with your projects. If you do have to hire a contractor, take the time and check his or her references, and obtain several bids to ensure that you are getting the best price and quality work.

If your bathroom requires tons of work to make it nice follow some of these easy to use tips for bathroom renovation.

One of the easiest ways to add value to your home is with a bathroom-remodeling project. However, you don’t have to worry that you will have to completely gut your old bathroom to freshen, and create a more inviting bathroom. One of the easiest and lest expensive things you can do to freshen up your bathroom is to repaint. A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference to any bathroom and may be the only step you’ll have to make to give your bathroom an inviting look.

However, if your bathroom requires some major work, we’ve listed some of the top tips for you to consider before starting any major bathroom-remodeling project:

Know your budget and stick to it. By taking the time and drawing up an honest budget, you will avoid add financial stress.

If your project will require a contractor, make sure that the contractor you hire is:

* Reliable and capable of doing the job. Check his or her references.
* Make sure that the contractor has experience with both plumbing and remodeling bathrooms. If the contractor has to sub-contractor your plumbing this could create an unexpected increase in price.

Have a detailed inspection done of your bathroom before you being. By hiring a plumber to inspect your bathroom prior to beginning your project, he or she can point out any problems that you may be unaware of which need to be addressed.

Once you’ve had your bathroom inspected and know what must be repaired, your next step is using graph paper draw a proposed bathroom design. In other words, create your wish list. If you want to replace your tube with a larger bathtub, whirlpool tub you have to make sure you draw it in so that you know if you have enough space. You can find some fantastic software that allows you to input your design including fixtures, furniture, flooring and more. When designing your new bathroom make sure you remodel so that you add more cabinet and storage space. Many times storage space is at a premium with modern bathrooms.

Now is also the time to think about conserving more energy. You can save money in the long run by installing such energy efficient fixtures as low flow toilets, water saving showerheads and facets.

Shop around. I cannot stress this more. The prices on the same fixtures can and do vary quite a bit between stores. This also includes ceramic and stone tiles. To give you an example, I had fallen in love with a pedestal sink I saw at a major home center. To “special order,” the sink would cost $1,500. This was completely out of budget. Two weeks later, we went to a tile outlet to select the stone tiles we wanted. There in a display was the same pedestal sink, same color, same model number that I wanted. When I asked the price, I was informed that it was on sale for $500. Getting the sink for $1000 less for some reason made it even more appealing. By shopping around you can save a lot of money. This includes shopping online. Many times major home centers, and plumbing stores will have Internet specials.

Lastly, stay organized. Proper organization is the key to ensure any successful remodeling project.

To help you gain ideas as to how you want to remodel your bathroom, take a few weekends and looking at the bathrooms in display homes, which usually have the latest trends. Often times you will see something that will aid in how you want to place fixtures, or arrange cupboards and storage areas.