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Chicago's Bathroom Remodeling Pros

Home Design - Bathroom Remodeling


Author: H John Johnsen

Bathroom remodeling involves several processes including: design, plumbing, tile work, drywall work, electrical work, roofing, permits, inspections, flooring, wallpaper, and painting. Statistics show that renovating a bathroom adds more value to your home than the cost of performing the renovation.

Bathroom remodeling ideas for an average sized bathroom include such things as putting in new fixtures for your lighting, sink, or bathtub. Sometimes those small changes can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your bathroom. Remodeling ideas can be used to transform the room into a comfortable, attractive, spa-like and functional space. Remodeling a bathroom can help create a space for grooming and even for relaxing and indulging in after a long and tiring day.

Shower doors need not always swing but many can be fitted with a slider and thus conserve space. To keep the shower door glass clean you may want to install a shower curtain and rod. The curtain will keep the glass clean and it will be visible from outside the shower. So; be sure to use a curtain that looks nice and fits your décor. If space allows, consider adding a separate shower to your bath area. Keep the tub for a spa-like retreat, but install a shower, too, with body sprays.

Replacing a tub or shower usually means tearing out any existing tile-work or other wall coverings in order to remove the tub. You can easily get into the thousands of dollars; so be sure to set aside a budget for doing the work. And figure you may need a little more...just in case. Replacing a toilet can be a simple thing if you avoid the most common mistakes made by many homeowners.

Remodeling comes with the unexpected, and with that comes unexpected costs and delays. To avoid unnecessary delays you should stay in constant touch with the contractor and be sure everything is in writing before starting the project. Remodeling remains one of the best ways to set your home ahead of the competition. Upgrades to outdoor areas that expand the living space and add curb appeal can help sell your home faster and for a better price.

Floor tiles look great and provide a hardwearing, waterproof surface for your bathroom. Tiling a bathroom floor is the most hygienic thing you can do. Flooring, lighting, cabinets, and much more must be decided in order to prepare an accurate budget.

Flooring tiles are available in many shapes, as well as sizes. Sizes can range from 1 inch to 24 inches, and are available in octagons, hexagons, rectangles, and diamonds. The size of the tiles is an important consideration. Of course; there are many colors and types of tiles (stone, porcelain, etc)so be sure to have a color scheme and idea of what you are looking for before going to the stores.

And keep that budget in mind when shopping. The easiest thing to do when remodeling is to go spend over budget and that is when you get into trouble. So; you will want to set a budget and keep close watch when spending.

About the Author:
H. John Johnsen is a Designer and Writer for Home Design Sense.com and other web sites. You can find more information on Bathrooms at the Home Design Sense website.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/home-design-bathroom-remodeling-653864.html



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Bathroom Remodeling


Bathroom Remodeling Contractors

How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Bathroom?


By Illia Kornea

How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?

I am asked this question at least ten times a day, answer, what do you want? What materials do you want to use? Most people do not know what is available and what the options are; therefore they don't know what they want so I can not give them an answer. Are you looking for a permanent solution? Or a quick fix? All the problems in the bathroom are caused by water, if you cannot control the water you cannot control the problems, you control the water, you control the problems. When it comes to remodeling a bathroom most homeowners think that there are a million ways you can do, there are only a 5 ways you can remodel a bathroom. The first question you must answer is how long do you want it to last? Remember, you get what you pay for

The Most expensive Bathroom is the one you have to do over and over again!!!!!!

5 Ways to Remodel a Bathroom

1. The first option is to re-glaze, painting over, usually done for tubs; I have seen it on tiles as well. The tub cost $400-$600, walls are about the same.Most companies will give a 3- 5year warranty, but if you leave anything that is wet, like a shampoo bottle or wet towel, it will crack, chip and peel sooner, it can last from 3 months to 3 years. New tubs are baked after painting, this cannot be done in the house.

2. Wall system only, vinyl walls from the home center, cost $400-$800, if you do it yourself it will cost you nothing, if you hire a contractor it will be double the cost. It is adhered with liquid nail. Liquid nail dry's after a period of time, it cracks, pull away from the wall. It can last 1-3 years. Hiring a contractor will cost $800-$1,200.00

3. Fiberglass costs to purchase from $1,200- $2,000, 1 piece tub and wall, this is still a porous material, it has a jell-coat on it, it will wear away in about 3-5years. Ounce it wears away it will expose the nooks and crannies in the fiberglass, and when that dirt gets inside, it will become difficult to clean. It cannot be installed in most homes due to existing framing; generally they are installed in new homes before the walls are framed. First remove existing tiles, tub. To install a fiberglass unit you must remove everything including sheet rock, this unit installs into the wall studs. You need a plumber to install drain and valve, after installation the walls need to be repaired. The total time to install is 3-4 days, the warranty on the fiberglass is 1year, from the contractor none. Total cost with a contractor approximately $4,500.00. This will last approximately 5-7 years.

4. Total Remodel in Tile, this is the traditional way of remodeling. Update an existing 9-by-6-foot bathroom. Replace all fixtures to include 30-by-60-inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4x4-inch ceramic tile surround; new single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced shower control; standard white toilet; solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink; recessed medicine cabinet with light; ceramic tile floor; vinyl wallpaper. Tile is a good material, the problem is not the tile it is the grout. The grout is sand and cement, it is porous, water will penetrate it sooner or later. This will take up to 2 weeks, According to Remodel Magazine Mid-Range in 2007 cost is $16,830.00. Now the most important question after spending all that money, what is the warranty? lifetime? I don't think so.

Ask your tile contractor how long is the warranty? If he is a good contractor he will give you about 1- year, for labor, no warranty on tile, that's it!

5. Luxury Bath acrylic tub, this is the only material that is non-porous, the wall and tub system comes with a lifetime warranty, you will never do it again. The Acrylic system will cost less than the total remodeling, from 1/3 to 1/2 of the traditional remodeling. Price will depends how much work needs to be done before we can put up the system, colors and styles you choose from. The estimate is free of charge, we will measure, and you pick and choose, then we will give you a quote. Visit our website http://www.luxurybathremodeling.com

Illia Kornea http://www.luxurybathremodeling.com

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Bathroom Improvements


Home Construction Contractors

High Tech Bathrooms - Seeing is Believing


Author: Ray Dobson

A bathroom is no longer just a place to wash up. It's also a place to watch television, get caught up on work, sing in the shower, get a relaxing water jet massage, and meditate. It's like the bathroom has become a multifunctional space that seeks to cater for a huge range of our lifestyle needs. Here are just a few ways modern technology is transforming our bathrooms.

High-tech toilets. Picture a toilet that cleans itself, automatically flushes and deodorizes, checks your blood pressure, and has heated seats. Toilets with all of these features and more can be found on the market.

Ultra-luxury showers. Today's high-tech showers include aromatherapy jets, steam jets, waterproof surround-sound speakers, and more.

Not your typical vanity mirror. Vanity mirrors can just show you your face-or they can also show you the news, sports scores, the weather, and even stock updates.

Regulated temperatures. A digital home monitoring system can be set to regulate the room temperature, floor temperature, and even water temperature in your bathroom. Supercharged toothbrush holders. You can buy a toothbrush holder that fries germs automatically under a beam of ultraviolet light.

Smart medicine cabinets. Scientists are developing a medicine cabinet that knows when your prescriptions are running low-and tells you when to buy more.

While many of the most cutting-edge bathroom technologies are out of the typical consumer's price range, it's not unlikely that today's rare, expensive technological wonders will be commonplace in most bathrooms in the next century.

Ok that's it for now. Hope you enjoyed the article. If you have any ideas or suggestions for content you'd like us to present on this topic please feel free to contact us via email or via the website listed below.

R Dobson is M.D of the online bathrooms and showers shop WD Bathooms. For more information on bathrooms and shower enclosures visit http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk/acatalog/Shower_Cubicles.html

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http://EzineArticles.com/?High-Tech-Bathrooms---Seeing-is-Believing&id=2114716



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Luxury Bathrooms


Home Improvement Contractors

Current Trends in Bathroom Remodeling


By Chet Baker

Like fashion or furniture, remodeling bathroom follows trends. Functionality and innovation in style sweep the nation. Trends keep changing within weeks or months rather than a year or two as they used to. This hardly gives trend conscious homeowners who are planning to start a bathroom remodeling project, the time to catch their breath. So what's new now? What's in, and what's out?

Homeowners prefer a more comfortable and personalized home. They would rather remodel their house than shift to a new one. In earlier days, remodeling was done only to improve the resale value. Now, people remodel their home for their comfort rather than thinking what a potential buyer would like. Main reason for bathroom remodeling project these days, is to increase value of the house and desire to make the home more modern.

Market trends

Compared to the last decade, average bathroom has tripled in size. Current trends in remodeling bathroom include cabinet holding sinks, which are taking on the look of furniture. Radius cabinets are increasing by the day. They add a subtle finish to the room. Wall hung cabinets are common. Shallow drawers are more useful for storage.

Key remodeling trends

Bathroom sinks have become brighter in the currents trends in remodeling bathroom. Bright colors are believed to brighten up a dull room in the house. One other popular method these days are the addition of acrylic or fiberglass sinks. Tub coverings also help in improving the bathroomís appearance. These are small tips to make the bathroom look good without investing a huge sum in a full bathroom remodel.

Wall papers or paints matching the color scheme of the bathroom are very popular these days. Current trends in remodeling bathroom include vinyl or concrete flooring instead of tile flooring. The concrete can be colored to suit the color scheme of the bathroom. This is particularly good as the there are lot of water exposure in floors and concrete flooring will last longer.

New Fixtures Can Make Fashion Statement

Changing fixtures is one of the current trends in remodeling bathrooms. Changing fixtures with gold and chrome are quite simple and popular these days. Clear plastic and resin handles which were very popular few years ago are out of trend.

Jacuzzi has replaced the regular tubs. Some also go in for a steam shower these days. It makes them feel refreshed and great right in the convenience of their home. Current trends in remodeling bathrooms have created a lot of innovation these days and are getting to be more affordable to a larger segment of homeowners. Many of them also install these items while constructing their house. There is lot more current trends in remodeling bathrooms which are optional and appreciated by few homeowners.

Not all current trends in bathroom remodeling suit everyoneís budget or taste. People who are keen in increasing the home value can consider implementing current trends in bathroom remodeling to increase the value.

If you're looking for more information about bathroom renovation or are looking for bathroom remodeling ideas come visit me at my bathroom remodeling blog

You will find lots of information about bathroom tile design, shower and tub installation, bathroom remodeling tools, bathroom renovation ideas, bathroom remodeling pictures and even specific information about the topic of this article: bathroom remodeling trends

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Current-Trends-in-Bathroom-Remodeling&id=1836284



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Bathroom Remodeler


Chicago's Construction Contractors

Bathroom Design Ideas to Maximize Small Bathroom Layouts


By R. Madison

When you are planning to remodel or renovate your bathroom and maximize its feel and over-all look, here are some suggestions in maximizing your whole bathroom layout.

Install frameless shower doors if your budget includes a new shower. A pivot hinge will minimize the shower door swing, which also eliminates the need for a larger clearance.

  1. Think about putting in a pocket door. This will do away with the call for any door clearance, which is usually a thirty degree wide arc.
  2. Get rid of linen closets if those are not useful. You can substitute the shelf space with hanging wall cabinets.
  3. Get rid of the partition walls. These partition walls are commonly seen in much older homes, and they are just space eating items that originated from a design era where the partition were used to separate rooms and create smaller areas.
  4. The recessed lights should be positioned next to the vanity mirror in order to illuminate the room brightly.
  5. Get rid of all the clutter. Uncluttered rooms make a space appear more open and larger.
  6. Go for cool paint palette, like the neutrals, pastels or variants of whites to provide the delusion of open space; put in more color by adding accessories, like the fixtures and towels. Make sure they go with the color scheme of the bathroom.
  7. Add mirrors, it can make the room seems bigger.
  8. Prefer wall mounted vanities than custom made cabinets since the latter will cost more. Plus, wall mounted sinks or corner vanity cabinets are space savers but very stylish as well.

For more great information on bathroom makeovers stop by http://www.SmallBathroomMakeovers.com

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Bathroom Contracting

Bathroom Remodeling - Bathroom Renovation Benefits


By Wilson Uche Ukah

The main benefit of bathroom is that it adds value any property. Another home renovation advantage is its long term energy and water savings. Hotels, homeowners, apartments and realtors who are deciding whether to spend their money on bathroom remodeling or not, are re-assured that a bathtub remodeling job that is done correctly and with the right plan can help them recoup their investment. Irrespective of the sluggish housing market, kitchen and bathroom remodeling have consistently offered the highest percentage return on investment (80-100%).

Home improvement that includes bathroom renovation as part of the overall project increases the resale value of homes and gives a delightful ambiance for a private affair. According to Remodeling magazine, the average bathroom remodeling project costs $15,800 and results in an increase in home value of about $12,400. Source: November 2007, Remodeling Magazine, Cost versus Value Report.

Bathroom remodeling is expensive

The price for renovating a bathroom can go from $12, 000 to $16,000 just for a basic and functional bathroom . Even though the bathroom in many homes, is the smallest room, when it comes to renovation, it can be pretty expensive. Home improvement involves a lot of sub-contractions and bathroom remodel is no exception. Here are just some your sub-contractors:

  • Plumbers
  • Electricians
  • Tile contractors
  • Sheet rock contractor etc.

Remodeling ideas

Home improvement ideas vary from person to person. Some people may already have an idea of their remodel, while others are inspired from other sources.

Like from seeing how the neighbor's bathroom looks and looking forward to your looking just like that or even better. Others get their ideas from friends and magazines. Depending on the scope of work, some would need the services of an architect.

After the design idea is settled on, it is time to see the areas that need the renovation. In a bathroom remodel, like in any other renovation work, the structures have to be considered highly. Anything that would undermine the integrity of the structures should be pointed out to an an architect.

Flooring or vanities may need to be refinished and not replaced to achieve a bathroom remodeling dream.

Bathtub refinishing and bathroom renovation

Bathtub refinishing saves the expense of replacing a bathtub. It may costs about $300 to buy a new bathtub, but it may cost between $2500 to $3000 to replace an old bathtub. The reasons are obvious.

Home improvement tear outs account for about 47% of the junk that ends up in the landfills. Tearing makes a lot of mess and involves, walls, tiles, plumbers and their respective sub-contractors. All the tear out adds up to quite some money when compared to refinishing, re-using and recycling.

Bathtub refinishing costs between $450 -$650 compared to about $2500 to replace a bathtub. The savings is over 80% the cost of replacement. That is why many hotels, homeowners, apartments, retirement homes, and government agencies are choosing bathtub refinishing as a big part of their green bathroom remodeling.

When bathtub refinishing is incorporated as a big part of the bathroom remodeling process, less waste goes to the landfills. This is an environmental benefit to the environment. Additionally, when old but sturdy wood cabinets in your bathroom are refinished, instead of being replaced, trees are saved, that benefit us in so many ways. Bathtub refinishing, combined with green bathroom remodeling benefits are savings in money, time and environment.

Do your bathroom remodeling yourself or hire a contractor?

With the popularity of HGTV and other remodeling shows, a lot of people think that they can be the weekend warrior. Take a hard and careful look at your bathroom remodeling project. If all you are doing is cosmetics, you may be able to do the renovation yourself. Remember that all tasks are not created equal. It may be easy to install a new toilet, but installing new bathtub or tiled shower is for the professionals.

Wilson Ukah, owns Refinishing Stars, a bathtub refinishing company serving homeowners in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville. Refinishing Stars, refinishes bathtubs, sinks, and countertops for hotels and motels nationwide. Wilson can be reached at http://www.refinishingstars.com or sales@refinishingstars.com

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Bathroom-Remodeling---Bathroom-Renovation-Benefits&id=1794662



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Custom Bath Contractors

Bathroom Remodeling Made Easy


By Steve Frick

Ok, you have made the decision: Your bathroom is in need of a face lift! The next question is "Where Do I Start"? This very simple question creates the basis for your project.

This article provides a "road map" to help you make sure your bathroom remodel is a success. By careful planning, you will save money, time and (more importantly) grief and frustration. The following issues should be determined before hiring a contractor. This way (if you are getting multiple estimates) you will have "apples for apples" estimates as each contractor will know exactly what they are bidding on.

There are numerous decisions to be made when remodeling your bathroom. These decisions will not only determine the cost of the project, but will have direct a impact on the success (or failure) of the final product. It is crucial that you spend sufficient time addressing theses issues prior to commencing work. As with any home renovation, the key is in the planning.

One of the best ways to begin planning is to draw up a simple floor plan of the bathroom space, including the size of each wall. From here, you can begin to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

Here are some basic questions you need to ask yourself:

  • What is your proposed budget? If you can answer this question first, the material selection process will be much easier. Case in point: Tile (material only) is priced anywhere from $1.50 to $30.00 per square foot! Considering an average tub enclosure is around 80 sq.ft., just the price difference in tile selection can change the cost of the project by thousands of dollars.
  • Are you keeping the same configuration of the bathroom as the existing layout? When moving walls or changing the layout requires framing, electrical, plumbing and drywall work. Replacing existing components (without relocation) is the most cost effective way to remodel your bathroom.
  • Tub or Shower: Are you replacing the tub? Or are you converting the tub into a shower? When converting a tub into a shower, additional costs incurred will be in re-locating the plumbing drain, shower valve, building and sealing the shower pan among other things.
  • Shower or Tub Enclosure: Do you want a tile or fiberglass enclosure? If it is a shower; do you want a fiberglass shower pan or tile. Prefab fiberglass units are (of course) more cost effective than tile however tile is much more aesthetically appealing.
  • Tile Selection: Stone, tile (ceramic or porcelain), marble? Same tile for floor and enclosure? Any decorative tile additions? Shampoo nooks? Shower seat? Material and color choices are almost as infinite as the price points.
  • Floor Covering: Using same material as tub/shower enclosure? Wood or tile base board? Wood base is more cost effective, however tile has a much classier look.
  • Wall Covering: Paint, wallpaper, tile or a combination?
  • Vanity Cabinet: Type of wood? Painted or stained? Low profile (31 1/2" height) or regular (34 1/2" height)? Master baths usually have the 34 1/2" height while hallway or secondary bathrooms typically use the low profile cabinets.
  • Vanity Top: Granite, tile, prefab unit?
  • Sink: Surface mount or undermount?
  • Toilet: Round or elongated? White or special color? Prices change dramatically for "designer" toilets and even the color choice can change the cost for the fixture.
  • Lighting: Wall mount or recessed lighting? Re-locating lighting (requiring electrical and drywall work)? Installing or replacing exhaust fan? Keeping fixtures in the same location will (of course) save you money.
  • Shower or Tub Door: Same configuration as existing (sliding or hinged)? Again, choices of doors "run the gamut" with regard to pricing.
  • Replacing a Window? Retrofit or standard replacement (standard window replacement involves stucco/siding and drywall repair)?
  • Bathroom Door: Replacing the existing bathroom door? Same style? Paint or stained? Hollow core or solid core? Pre-hung or replace door use existing door jamb?
  • Hardware: Style and finishes for shower door, vanity cabinet knobs, sink faucet, towel bars? Pricing for fixtures changes dramatically when it comes to design and material choices.


Below are some basic space guidelines provided by the National Kitchen and Bath Association:

Lavatory

  • 15" (38 cm) or more of clearance space from the centerline of lavatory bowl to a wall or similar obstruction.
  • 30" (76 cm) or more of clearance space between the centerlines of double-bowl lavatories.
  • At least 30" x 48" (76 cm x 122 cm) of clear floor space in front of the lavatory.

Toilet / Bidet

  • 16" (41 cm) from the centerline of a water closet or bidet to a wall or similar obstruction, or fixture adjacent to it.
  • At least 48" x 48" (122 cm x 122 cm) of clear floor space in front of the water closet or bidet.

Bathtub / Shower

  • Shower size large enough to comfortably use, at least 34" x 34" (86.36 cm x 86.36 cm).
  • Tub size large enough to comfortably use.
  • At least 60" x 30" (152 cm x 76 cm) of clear floor space in front of shower/tub.

General Information

  • The bathroom entrance door swings so that it does not interfere with people in front of fixtures.
  • Fixtures located so that more than two people can use the space comfortably.
  • Water closet and bidet in separate compartments or shielded from entrance view.

Safety Requirements

  • Non-slip flooring used throughout the space.
  • Ground-fault circuit interrupter electrical receptacles used.
  • Electrical switches placed away from tub or shower.
  • Grab-bars at shower/tub entrance and inside enclosure.
  • Tub and/or shower easy to enter and exit.
  • No steps at the tub or shower.
  • Safety glazing on glass used for shower doors.
  • Shower door swings into bathroom, not into shower enclosure.
  • Bench/seat included in shower enclosure.
  • Pressure balanced water control valves used in shower.
  • Temperature regulating water control valves used in shower.

Storage Requirements

  • Adequate counter or shelf space around lavatory.
  • Adequate storage for grooming equipment, toiletries, linens, etc., 15" - 48" (38 cm - 122 cm) above the floor.
  • Towel bars /rings located within reach of fixtures.
  • Bathroom linen and paper product storage space provided.
  • Storage space for shampoo and such in the shower/tub area, between 15" to 48" (38 cm - 122 cm) above the floor.

Mechanical System Requirements

  • An efficient ventilation system is part of the plan.
  • Bathroom heating system will keep the space comfortably warm.
  • Task lighting provided at every functional area.

In closing, remodeling your bathroom is an exciting endeavor and one (with proper planning) which can provide you and your family with years of enjoyment; not to mention improving the value and re-sale potential of your home.

Steve Frick - Paul Davis Restoration, San Diego, CA

If this article has been helpful and you would like more information on our kitchen remodeling services, please visit our website at http://www.pdremodelingsandiego.com

For a free estimate, simply send us an e-mail at sfrick@pdr-sd.com and we will be happy to give you a free consultation. We service all of San Diego county

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Bath Remodeling Contractors

Planning Your Bathroom Remodel Budget - Home Improvement Ideas


By Greg Vandenberge

As a bathroom remodeling contractor, I get calls from people, that have no idea what they want or how much anything is going to cost. Here's some simple tips that can be very helpful when planning a bathroom remodel budget.

Bathroom Remodeling Investment

In 2008, the average mid-range bathroom cost around $16,000 and you could recoup around $12,000 of your original investment upon the sale of your home. According to a popular remodeling magazine, larger bathrooms using expensive fixtures, tile, bathtubs, woodworking, toilets and showers had an average of $52,000. Upon the sale of a home, you could recoup around $36,000 of your original investment.

Finding out How Much Things Cost

My first suggestion, would be to visit your local home improvement center, lumber yard or plumbing supply warehouse. Larger stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, seemed to provide you with value pricing but don't have a large selection. While doing some research on the Internet I noticed that some of their pricing is outrageously, outrageous. Some plumbing supply warehouses can provide value but beware others won't.

Create a List of Bathroom Remodeling Parts

You can get a good idea of your bathroom remodel costs for your budget by making a list of bathroom parts with pricing and then adding them up for a grand total. If you're a total bathroom remodel budget is $15,000 and you have a $6,000 bathtub with $4000 worth of tile, you could have a budget problem.

Figuring out the Labor

You will have to contact a contractor to get an actual cost for the labor. Sometimes you can double the cost of your bathroom remodeling parts to get a rough idea. If you have a list or a couple of lists and a few pictures of some sample bathrooms, this will make the contractor's job easier and often they can give you a labor price within a few days.

Give Yourself a Cushion

I would suggest leaving yourself a small financial cushion for any additional remodeling items. For example, you could see a different toilet, or instead of painting the walls, you now choose to wallpaper, you could incur additional expenses that you haven't planned for. If you know exactly what you want and stick to the original bathroom remodeling plan, you shouldn't need the cushion.

Financial problems often transfer into construction problems, so spend some time figuring out, how much money you want to spend on the bathroom remodel and try not to go overboard on the budget. I hate to see homeowners struggling with home improvement loan payments. Try to create a bathroom remodeling budget that is realistic and will not create a financial burden upon you or your family.

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. He has just finished a home buyers guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more bathroom remodeling or home building ideas.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Planning-Your-Bathroom-Remodel-Budget---Home-Improvement-Ideas&id=2009131



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Bathroom Renovations


Renovation Contractors

Making Sure Your Basement Bathroom Remodel Goes Smoothly


By Thomas Johnsen

A basement bathroom remodel is one of the best ways to add value and convenience to your home. Many homes have only one bathroom - something that can be a real pain if you have a family who all need to get ready at the same time, or if you're likely to have guests over. No one likes to wait in line.

In addition, homes with only one bathroom do less well on the housing market, even in the best of times. These are two big reasons that anyone would want to add another bathroom to their home, and the basement is the place that'll be the easiest and least expensive. However, if you want to avoid some of the major pitfalls that come with this kind of renovation and make sure your experience is a smooth and pleasant one, you'll need to pay attention to a few things.

Bathroom plumbing is work that takes a fair amount of experience, skill, care and knowledge. It's even trickier below the level of the drains, which many basements are. That's why people who are just learning plumbing are advised not to take on a basement bathroom remodel as their first big project. You may want to talk to a plumbing contractor if you're not extremely experienced with doing plumbing work. That doesn't mean you can't do a lot of your remodeling on your own, but it's a smart idea to know when you should call a pro. In basements where excavation needs to be done, you'll want someone who's done it before dealing with the situation.

In basements that are above the level of the drains (you'll know by looking at where the drain exits your home), you can install piping just like an ordinary bathroom. However, if your basement is below the drains, you'll need to have something else done. Sewage ejector pumps are a popular choice - they lift waste water from the toilet and shower up to the level of the drains using a pump. Another type is less invasive but more expensive, and chops all solid materials before sending waste water through smaller pressurized lines. Look carefully at your situation before you choose the method you're going to work with. That'll help you avoid problems later on.

You'll also want to pay attention to the size of fixtures and the amount of room you'll need in the bathroom to move around. Make sure you offer the maximum amount of space - a half bathroom might only have to be about three feet by six feet, but that little space will feel very cramped. A larger bathroom will be a lot more pleasant and comfortable - something you want to remember when planning your basement bathroom remodel.

A basement bathroom remodel is an excellent choice for anyone homeowner who wants to add to their home's functionality and value. Don't spend time being frustrated and waiting for the bathroom to be free. Install a bathroom in your basement and expand the space you have available in your home. You'll be surprised at the difference it can make in the value and convenience of your living space.

Thomas Johnsen is the Author and Leading Expert on Basement Bathroom Remodeling and the creator of the publication Basement Bathroom Remodel. Visit the site now to find the easy-to-understand step-by-step guides on basement bathroom construction available online today.

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Chicago's North Shore Bath Remodeling Contractors

Bathroom Remodeling Helps You Increase the Value of Your Home


By Terry Lamb

If you want to update your house, and increase what it is worth, then it is easy to do a bathroom remodel. There are various ways you can approach this project and make your bathroom look more modern. You can repaint, pick out new decorations and bathroom fixtures. It is your choice if you want to just do a few things to improve the way your bathroom looks or you want go all out and do a complete makeover, a home improvement will usually still increase the value of your house.

The first thing to look at when planning your project is to build a budget for the project.

Remember that there are incidental costs, sometimes referred to as the 'little things' that add up and quickly escalate costs beyond your initial budget. Take into consideration such things as whether or not you might need a plumber, or city or county permits, or a handy man to help you with the process. All of these little things, that are often hidden costs, can quickly add up and create problems if you don't think about them from the start.

Once you have a budget in hand and know how much of a change you are willing to make, you can choose a theme. When choosing a theme for a bathroom it is important to update your bathroom without disrupting the continuity with the rest of your house since that will take away from any potential added value. Use a color palate that enhances your home, particularly in rooms near the bathroom.

One of the hardest, most challenging parts of this enterprise is the selection of a color for the bathroom. There are two basic opinions on this subject: the first is that you ought to pick a neutral shade, the second is that you should go with a hue that truly reflects your personality. The most effective decision will be made by thinking about the reason for your renovation.

Bathroom remodeling when you plan to sell can be tricky; you should probably stay neutral. Keep the colors light, and choose a tone that will compliment many decors. Choose fixtures that will appeal to a majority of the people who will look at your house. Accessorize to make your bathroom feel like it's luxurious and plush; this will appeal to your potential buyers.

If your bathroom remodeling is for yourself, and you have no plans to sell your home, you have much more freedom to customize your bathroom to fit your needs and wants. You can choose bold colors that fit your personal style, and choose fixtures that appeal specifically to you.

Bathroom remodeling is a very cost-effective means of adding value to a home and making that home feel more personalized to one's unique style. Whether you're doing a total bathroom overhaul or more subtle changes, this kind of home improvement is frequently a great asset to one's home.

When remodeling your bathroom, you should consider your budget. Consider hidden costs such as plumbers, permits, or handymen. The next step is choosing a theme. It should fit in with the whole house or you'll decrease its value. Choose complementary colors and styles that enhance the decor of all the rooms in your house. If you're planning on selling; you might want to remain neutral. Choose light colors and tones that will complement many decors. If you don't plan on selling, you'll have more freedom to personalize the bathroom. Bathroom remodeling is a cost-effective way to increase your home's value. This kind of home improvement is a great asset.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Lamb
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