Getting Started Your Bathroom Remodeling Project

Any remodeling project can be scary. Especially when you are standing at the begging of the process, staring straight into the eyes of “where do I start?” Many people have hesitations on any remodel. Such questions as “will it improve the value of my home?” and “will I lose money?” immediately move to the front of your thoughts. Rest assured that kitchens and baths are the two safest places to make an investment through a remodel. In today’s market, homebuyers are looking for bathrooms that have been updated. The less work a homebuyer has to put into it, the more likely you are to get offers. Before you start, sit down with each member of the family that will use this bathroom. Discuss what everyone wants out of the space. Better to have these ideas addressed and discussed as a family before the construction begins. This is your conceptual phase, meaning you are creating the concept of the space. Will you need double vanities? How much storage will each inhabitant need for their personal items? Do you want a shower and water closet separate from the vanity area? These are the types of questions you need to address at this point in the process. You do not want to have an array of new ideas bouncing up throughout the construction phase. That adds time, money, and stress to the process.

To start this conversation, or meeting, with the family, it may be best to create a sketch up floor plan as it is today. Address each of the major concerns with the current layout and functionality. It is sometime a great idea to have a trusted family member or friend who has some basic construction knowledge. This can keep the possibilities in perspective. An individual with basic construction and design knowledge will let you know what is possible and budget friends in relation to moving plumbing items, electrical items, heating, etc.

After this plan, the “new” plan has been conceptualized determine if the supplies needed are already available. Does your new plan include new flooring? Will there be significant changes in plumbing and piping? Make a list of the things to be done. After demolition you will need to then work with plumbing, and electric. From there work on flooring and walls. Follow this with cabinets and counters, and finally finish off with the final touches. When this list is created, you should now be able to get a rough estimate of materials you will need during each stage of work. Discount home improvement stores are usually the first place people go for supplies. You can also get construction supplies at lumber yards, and a great place that will require some additional work, are homes that are up for demolition. You can also find great flooring and wall coverings at auctions where homes are up for demolition. At this point you are prepared to start seeking inspiration for these new ideas that you have down on paper.

• Bathroom Remodeling Planning
• Our Bathroom Remodeling Guide