Bathroom Renovations

Bathroom renovations are the most common home improvement projects.

Today's bathroom is no longer simply a supporting player on the home stage. It has evolved into a mini haven, a recreated 'at home spa'.

Bathroom renovations come in all types and sizes from a simple update of the flooring, to enlarging the room and replacing all fixtures and finishes.

However, it is worth noting that the cost of a bathroom remodel will usually be fully recovered in a higher sale price when it's time to sell the property, provided the layout and plan have been carried out properly and the finished product is attractive.

Since remodeling a bathroom can increase the value of your home, consider it a good investment.

Even though you may have no intention of selling any time soon, call in a real estate agent. Most would be happy to offer suggestions and recommendations for your bathroom makeover. As a courtesy, just be sure to tell the agent up front that you have no intention of selling at this time.

Hiring a bathroom designer can also be a money saving option in the long run. Be sure to see the designers' portfolio of completed projects in order to verify their work and ensure that you like their style.

The costs of bathroom renovations can vary widely, so before you start, establish your maximum budget for the project. Then plan carefully in order to get the biggest bang for your buck within that budget.

Choose a design option that meets your existing and future needs. This may be a modest renovation to simply replace fixtures or a more complex project to change the layout, enlarge the bathroom or add an extra bathroom.

Let your creativity flow through your bathroom design and determine what results you wish to achieve. If the bathroom is too small, can you use an adjacent room to enlarge it? Is the present layout so bad that you can't even open a cupboard door without hitting the toilet?

Perhaps a few simple modifications to upgrade your bathroom is all that is required. Home renovations in the bathroom may take a while, so give it some serious thought before you start.

Bathroom Remodeling Checklist

It's critical that you have a good idea of any underlying problems that could cause unwelcome and costly surprises.

Consider the following questions as you plan your bathroom makeover:

1. Are the fixtures outdated?

Are the fixtures or seals damaged, cracked or leaky? Are fixtures water and energy efficient? Older and outdated fixtures usually mean higher energy and resource costs. A new toilet can save more than 70% of water per flush. Low-flow shower heads can save 60% on water usage.

2. Do you have plumbing problems now? Is there often condensation on the toilet tank? Are there any signs of leaks such as mold growth, soft drywall or rotting materials?

Plumbing leaks will continue to cause damage to the house structure.

3. Does your bathroom have moisture damage?

Excessive bathroom moisture may have deteriorated the bathroom surfaces causing paint to bubble, affected the indoor air quality or put the actual structure of your house in jeopardy.

4. Is the hot water supply inadequate?

5. Is the lighting inadequate? Are there enough electrical outlets?

6. Heating & Ventilation

Bathrooms are often cold because of poor insulation or poor heat delivery. Ventilation is often inadequate, non-existent or causing secondary problems that then need to be repaired.

Consider installing a whole house ventilation system, including a heat recovery ventilator. If the whole house system is not an option, install a quiet exhaust fan with an adequate airflow capacity to handle excess humidity. The fan must vent properly to the outside.

7. Is there a lack of storage and counter space?

8. Is the bathroom flooring worn and out dated?

9. Is the floor plan not functional?

10. Is the entire bathroom area too small?

11. Should you update electrical wiring and outlets?

If your home is 30-40 years old, the plumbing and electrical services may be outdated and need upgrading.

Houses built prior to 1950 often have lead piping that may pose a health hazard.

Popular Features in Todays Bathrooms

Once you have addressed the issues above, consider some of these popular features that might fit your budget and lifestyle:

• Do you need or want a new tiled shower stall and/or bathtub?
• Would a whirlpool bath or a soaking tub be appropriate?
• Will your bathtub be free standing or fit into an enclosed spot in your
• bathroom?
• A new water saving toilet might be a good improvement.
• Will a larger hot water tank be necessary?
• Add or improve ventilation in the bathroom renovations.
• Add better and more diverse lighting.
• Would a larger vanity or two basin vanity be better?
• Do you need additional storage spaces for linens and bath supplies?
• Would a larger medicine cabinet be advisable or would larger bathroom mirrors be more suitable?
• If bathroom flooring is required, what type of flooring is preferable? Have you considered using 'green' flooring options?
• Would under-floor heating grids be appropriate if applying a ceramic, marble, slate or other hard surface floor?
• Are towel warmers one of your dream features in your new bathroom renovation?
• A steam shower and/or a sauna might just be in your bathroom wish list.
• Have you considered temperature controlled faucets and shower heads?
• Would an entirely new bathroom floor plan work?
• Have you considered expanding the bath into available space?

Bathroom Renovations: Blueprints - Building Permits - Pro Contractors

Having blueprints drawn up for the proposed bathroom renovation is highly recommended. Essentially, the blueprints are bathroom floor plans that also include the plumbing, wiring and heating schematics for the room as well as the windows and doors.

Municipal building permits will likely be required before the remodeling/construction starts. The building department will want to see that all plumbing, heating and electrical work is planned and done according to your local building code and standards.

Because of the complexities of many bathroom renovation projects, you may want to acquire the services of a reliable, professional contractor in order to guarantee project success and protect your financial investment. Generally speaking, a Pro will save you money over the course of the project.

Professional contractors in your area are likely waiting to bid competitively on your bathroom renovation project.

Homeowner Skills And Sweat Equity In Bathroom Renovations

A homeowner who wants a diy bathroom renovation project could negotiate the cost of the project with a pro contractor by agreeing to do some of the work such as:

• removing old fixtures
• gutting or removing old non load bearing walls
• fixing the roof or leaky windows
• insulating and applying vapor barriers
• painting

When all is said and done, the quality of work, increased function, and the desired final design effect should be top priorities when it comes to turning your bathroom renovations into a new bathroom or 'at home spa'.