If you are spending money on a bathroom remodel this coming year, think about making some of the important changes to increase the usability, functionality, and comfort of the bathroom. High-performance, low-water models are becoming more popular in homes everywhere, and you can easily see why. Hidden Tank toilets (also sometimes called low-flush toilet tanks) save space, conserve water, and help save water each time you flush, saving you money on your water bill.
Changing out your countertops can often be an easy way to add functionality to your bathroom remodel. You should look for fixtures that offer under-mount sink and vanity tops so that you have everything you need for a functional vanity area. You will also want to find high-quality, durable materials, such as Formica or porcelain. Look for quality products with a warranty, because a bathroom remodels project can be costly. A good rule of thumb is to go with a top-of-the-line product that you can be sure won’t crack, break, or chip in five years.
Another quick and easy change you can make to your bathroom remodel is to change your shower head, or rather, the accessories that you use with your shower. Today’s fixtures include both handheld and wall-mounted showerheads, giving you many options when it comes to how you take baths. Do you like the traditional style, or are you more modern? Many people these days are opting for the modern look, so it might be a good idea to get a modern shower head and fixtures.
Another bathroom remodel option is to change out the bathroom’s powder rooms. In the old days, most people took baths in the morning, after work, or whenever they felt like it. Powder rooms were larger than shower rooms, often with separate tubs and showers, in addition to being bigger than the typical bathroom. Today’s powder rooms are much smaller and are only used for bathing.
Changing out your fixtures and faucets is another bathroom remodel option. The old “toy” vanity units that were made from metal and plastic in the Fifties and Sixties have been replaced by contemporary “touch” vanity units made of acrylic and fiberglass. You’ll want to choose your new fixtures based on your personal preference and style. If you want to keep your old bathroom furniture, you may be able to find discount deals at estate sales, garage sales, and flea markets. Another option would be to purchase a few “older” pieces, especially if you are restoring an older home.
One of the biggest changes you can make to a bathroom remodel is to replace your toilets and plumbing. Today’s toilets are much more high-tech than they used to be, including fully self-contained, water-saving, automated toilet systems. If you haven’t remodeled your bathroom before, you may not be aware of the many different kinds of toilet units available on the market today. Toilets come in round, rectangular, oval, and even “tubs” with drop handles and overflow holes. If you’ve always wanted a “tub” but can’t find one that fits your room, there are two options: you can get an electric or gas-powered toilet. Also, you can have your old toilet replaced with a special double toilet that has two flushing buttons: a “once-off” button that will run once for each flush, or a “continuous” button that will run forever until someone puts the toilet seat down.
One element of any bathroom remodel that many homeowners don’t consider is hiring a licensed contractor. While a good contractor can work with you to get the best price and design for your project, a poor contractor can waste time and money by making mistakes or not meeting deadlines. Make sure that you have a written contract with a schedule for payment, as well as a schedule for when the work will be done. Of course, Bathroom Remodeling will provide accurate updates throughout the process, so be sure to ask what kind of updates you can expect.
Finally, one of the most important aspects of a bathroom remodel is the cost of labor. Yes, you do want to save money on everything, but in this case, it’s especially important. You need to find a good contractor who won’t charge you outrageous prices for labor, yet will still provide quality work and a timely manner of completion. With all the elements involved, including price, labor costs, schedule, and contractor, finding a reliable source of labor shouldn’t be too difficult.