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If you have an outdated, tired or old looking bathroom then it may be time to undertake a bathroom remodel project. You know the one – the good old olive or avocado colored sink, toilet and matching bath. If so, they you really out to consider a bathroom remodeling project. The following is my top 10 things to consider before undertaking such a project.

#1 What is your reason for undertaking such a project? Are you planning on selling your home and want to get a good price or are you just bored with the look of the bathroom. If you are looking to get top dollar for your home, then many experts agree that renovating the bathroom is a worthwhile investment.

#2 You need to consider whether you need to hire a contractor or whether you, your friends or family are able to bathroom remodel competently. This will also depend on the extent to which you want to remodel. if it is a case of a lick of paint then this can be done quite easily. However, a renovation project involving plumbing and electrical work should be undertaken by a professional. Other simple jobs are replacing faucets, installing a shower curtain and even some tiling.

#3 Knowing what your bathroom remodeling budget is is an important aspect. Sometimes contractors can get better prices on items like bathtubs, toilets and sinks. also, if you have a very small budget you do not want to be too overambitious and would probably want to do the work yourself. You need to be careful as bathroom remodels can quickly get out of hand and become very expensive.

#4 Now is a good time to consider green issues, and I don’t mean the color of your walls! It is now possible to buy water efficient toilet systems and shower heads that reduce the consumption of water. Cork or bamboo flooring can be used instead of traditional tiles. The initial cost may be a little more but you can make considerable longer term savings.

#5 Your will need to know how long the project will take. Your bath, shower and maybe even toilet will be out of action for a period of time.

#6 When shopping for items and accessories be sensible. You may find lots of fantastic looking finishes and colors but they may not be effective or practical. I had a bathroom with wonderful black floor tiles once, but boy did they show up every speck of dust and fluff. Consider your lifestyle and family. Remember the resale value of your home. For this reason alone, neutral colors are often best. Be more creative with your accessories if you want to go with something unusual.

#7 If your bathroom remodel ideas involve structural changes then make sure you have both the time and the money to complete the project. There is is nothing worse than a half finished project that grinds to a halt because you have run out of money or come across a complicated, difficult to resolve problem.

#8 Consider the current style of your home and whether the bathroom remodel fits in with the overall look and theme. An ultra modern bathroom does not fit well in a classic, colonial style house unless the whole house inside is ultra-modern too.

#9 When planning a layout, consider traffic and allow any necessary clearance for doors, especially those that open into closets or linen cupboards.

#10 Plan, plan and plan. Adequate planning prevents making any expensive mistakes or leaving you with something you dislike and have to put up with for years.

These are just some of the useful tips to get your bathroom remodel plans up and off the grounds.

If you are undertaking a bathroom remodeling project then it is first important to do adequate planning and preparation. Of all the rooms in the house the bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house yet is also a very personal space. It is the perfect room to express your own personality by making changes in the design and style. It is also a room that requires a number of special skills as there is a combination of electricity and water which does not make a pleasant mix and can potentially be very dangerous.

Bathroom Remodeling

The first step is to initially find some bathroom remodel ideas to get an idea of the way you want the bathroom to look. I like to initially do some research by looking in magazines. They often show the latest designed bathrooms and all the contemporary fixtures and fittings although it is important to remember that usually magazines display top of the range, expensive items. Taking cuttings from the magazines and sticking them to a board is a good exercise to collect and display the features you like. Together with swatches of color and you’re well on your way to getting a good idea of what you like.

Attending show homes is a good way to get an idea of the latest bathroom fixturesin their setting. It gives you a chance to see what they look like in a well designed bathroom and gives you a chance to touch and feel the quality of them.

Another approach is to think about what sort of things you like. For example, if you like taking long walks in the woods or on the beach then try and incorporate these ideas into the design. Items such as pebbles, dried leaves and driftwood are excellent bathroom remodeling ideas. They are simple, cheap yet can produce stunning effects. Pieces of driftwood placed on a shelf or used to make a picture or mirror frame can look great. If you like modern or contemporary designs or art then there is an abundance of fixtures and fittings to find. Items such as stainless steel faucets and glass can go a long way to producing a contemporary look. You’ll find examples of these in the bathroom remodel pictures you collected earlier from magazines.

Once you have all your ideas collected, the next step is to start looking online. Many manufacturers, wholesalers and stores advertise online. It is a great way to find out about all the fixtures available, along with the prices. It is the perfect way to compare prices from the comfort of your own armchair. Many companies you find online will also ship to your house, again, saving a lot of time allowing you to get your remodeling project underway in no time at all.

An important fact to consider is whether you want to install a bathtub or dedicated walk in shower or indeed both. Adding a shower gives you more options and can increase the value of your home as many people nowadays prefer to take showers. For even more luxury, but expense, steam showers are a fantastic addition. Giving you somewhere to relax and unwind after a hard day at work.

After taking all these points into consideration you are now prepared for your bathroom remodeling project and to start the next stage…… building it.