Avoiding mistakes during a 2-day bath-remodeling project this summer begins well before the first nail is hammered. Just because a bathroom is usually small, if not tiny, doesn’t mean that the steps that go into any remodel can be overlooked. Indeed, because the bathroom is a wet room with sometimes complex plumbing pipes and ventilation, renovating it may require even more attention than, say, a bedroom. Here are some mistakes to avoid.
Making It a DIY Job
Renovating a bathroom is really not a do-it-yourself job, even if you’re thinking of redoing your closet-sized powder room. The best idea is to hire a professional licensed and insured contractor for the renovation. Depend on recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors who are satisfied with their contractor’s work. Also, check your local Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau for bathroom remodelers.
Ignoring the Budget
Even before you choose a contractor, you should draw up a budget. Create a list of exactly what you want to happen with your remodel and what it would cost to achieve it. Don’t overlook inexpensive items such as tools, screws, nails, and other fasteners. If you’re going to replace or add tile to the walls or floors, make sure you accurately measure the square footage. A scattershot budget can be the difference between a beautifully renovated bathroom and a renovation that remains unfinished because you ran out of money. Also, it’s hard to put the job out for bid if you don’t have a budget.
Not Choosing the Best Materials You Can Afford
Trying to save money by buying substandard materials is also unwise. Eventually, you’ll have to replace or repair the material far earlier than you anticipated. This costs money, perhaps even more money than you would have spent on quality materials. Substandard materials that break down prematurely can also make your bathroom unsightly, inefficient, or even hazardous to use until they’re fixed.
Replacing Everything in the Bathroom
It may be nice to be able to replace every single thing in your bathroom, from the sink faucet to the bath/shower combination to the old tile, but that runs into money even in a small space. A more affordable way to renovate a bathroom is to refurbish or repurpose what is salvageable. For example, you can paint the frame of a mirror to make it complement the new color scheme, or place new hardware in an old vanity.
Ignoring Storage Space
Many bathrooms simply don’t have enough storage space, and a renovation project is the best way to increase it. Make sure that your budget and blueprints can accommodate more storage.
Remodeling your bathroom is exciting and fun. Avoiding remodeling mistakes not only saves money but makes your bathroom as beautiful and welcoming as any other room in your home. If you live in Charleston, SC or a surrounding area and need 2 day bath services, make your first call to Charleston Bath Experts.
