Before you even begin planning, you should first create a reasonable budget. A contractor can help you estimate a feasible cost. If you don’t, you’ll spend a lot more than necessary. Consider replacing the vanity, cabinets, shower, tub, and the floor. Remember that a bathroom doesn’t have to cost a lot to look classy.
Once you have an amount in mind, start researching the look you want. Touches of vintage and modern mix well together. Don’t worry about pricing yet; you’re only looking at what you want. Remember to choose a color scheme that complements the other rooms in your home, especially if this is a master bathroom.
After you have a clear idea of how you want the bathroom to look, head to home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot to find the wallet-friendly versions of what you like. This will prove to be a big cost saver because you won’t be getting the expensive name brand that you saw in Country Living magazine. Shopping around is worth the extra effort where a budget is concerned.
If your budget allows for a bit of splurging, you might consider upgrading to a soaking tub. Richard Landon, owner of Richard Landon Design in Bellevue, Wash., believes most people enjoy the idea of a Jacuzzi but don’t want the loud jets (Christopher Solomon, "13 Top Bathroom Remodel Trends"). Soaking tubs solve this problem because there are no jets; it makes for a more serene and quiet experience. Also missing is the large amount of decking that surrounded the Jacuzzi, which inflated the cost. Soaking tubs are much more cost efficient and provide a very comfortable bath to its owner.
When remodeling, one of the most important parts of a bathroom is the shower. A large, airy shower is on the rise in recent years, according to Barb Friedman, president of Oswego Design & Remodeling in Lake Oswego, Ore. “People want luxury in their bathrooms. They want to feel like they’re getting into a spa” (Solomon). Hinged glass doors are also becoming more popular than the sliding glass.
Mirrors are a big deal in the bathroom. A large vanity mirror helps a small washroom seem bigger. A custom cut mirror may actually be cheaper than a framed mirror, and you decide how you want it to look. You’ll need to go to a glass company to get your mirror cut. Look at the yellow pages under glass, or search online for companies in your area.
Light (and lack of) is a crucial part of any bathroom. Do you prefer natural lighting or lamps? Would you like large windows, even a skylight? It might be a good idea to have a brighter atmosphere and a more sun-filled room with dark curtains to hide the light when you prefer it to be dimmer.
Bathroom floors can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs. A simple tile is best when remodeling. Instead of removing the old floor, you can lay the new tile on top of it. This will save money on the installation of the new tile and the demolition of the old.
Decorating with small accents completes the room. Maybe add a painting on the wall that ties your color scheme together? You don’t need to spend a fortune on these items either. Putting a few potted flowers on the windowsill gives a serene feel and helps you save money on expensive decor.
Whether your budget is big or small, remodeling your bathroom can look tasteful with a little research and a lot of planning.
Sources:
Solomon, Christopher. "13 Top Bathroom Remodel Trends." MSN Real Estate. Microsoft, 2012. Web. 7 Jan. 2012. .
Amber Oliver - Amber holds a B.A. in English and works as a freelance writer for various websites. She's smart, funny, single, and tweets like a beast.
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