Bathroom remodeling can be a costly endeavor. In the past, homeowners were forced to put up with amateur bathroom designs and painful, unnecessary repairs because they could not afford a design professional. Now, however, more designers and bathroom professionals are designing and creating state-of-the-art bathroom concepts that are available at affordable prices and on budget. If you want a bathroom remodel but cannot afford a design professional, you can have one designed for you. Learn how you can have your dream bathroom without breaking the bank.
Generally, the cost of general contractor bathroom remodeling is approximately $14,500. Bathroom remodels will range widely, from simple makeovers to lavish master bathroom reworks. The factors that influence your bathroom remodeling price are the finishes you pick (marble tiles may cost 20 times more than standard subway tiles) and the size of your project, including whether it is an individual project or a renovation that includes remodeling the whole bathroom. Also, you can save money by doing some of the work yourself, such as picking out tile colors and/or re-arranging bathtub and shower stalls. You may also save money if you decide to do some of the work yourself.
If you have decided to take on the responsibility of bathroom remodeling yourself, you should first learn what you should not do. Although most people hire a general contractor for the job, these professionals usually charge more than doing it yourself because of their specialized knowledge and experience. If you want to do a simple bathroom renovation, such as painting the shower, toilet and vanity, you should not spend more than one hundred dollars. Remember: a bathroom remodeling project done improperly can be very expensive.
If you decided to hire a professional contractor, one of your most important decisions will be choosing the right bathroom contractor for the job. Make sure that he is licensed and insured. Some states require bonding or registration with the department of building regulation, while other states do not. When choosing a bathroom remodeling contractor, talk to your friends and family who have done similar jobs. A good referral is a great way to find the best contractor for your project. If you are looking to save some money, consider doing the majority of the bathroom renovation yourself.
If you decide to do the majority of your bathroom remodeling yourself, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, if you are replacing the bathtub, remember that you will need to buy new plumbing, including pipes and the tub itself. Some older bathtubs are not suitable for new PVC pipe; check with the manufacturer or distributor. Make sure that you are ready to commit to the amount of time that it takes you to complete a bathroom renovation, because remodeling can be very time consuming. A general rule of thumb is that about two-thirds of the total area of the room must be covered, including all of the floor space.
When considering which bathroom item will make up this room, you should also consider which one will look best in the space. Bathtubs, showers, walk-in showers, toilet, vanity, shower curtains and flooring should all coordinate with the general design of your home. Even within the same family, there can be big differences in style, so when considering a particular item, try to choose something that is in keeping with the style of the rest of the house. If you plan on doing most of your bathroom remodeling yourself, you might consider getting a little bit of help from a home improvement book or magazine.