Bathroom Renovation Tips : Ideas to Consider Before you Tear out the Toilet!

Bathroom remodels are still a great way to add value to your home. And today’s bathrooms don’t disappoint, either. Steam showers, dual-flush toilets, jetted bathtubs and heated towel racks are just a few of the goodies that many of today’s homeowners are considering for their bathrooms.

If you have decided that a bathroom remodel is a good home improvement project for your home, then the following tips will keep you on track during the process.

1. Begin by researching your options, and educate yourself on the cost of fixtures, toilets, tubs and sinks. After you have a rough idea of what you’ll need for your bathroom project, determine your budget and stick with it. Many homeowners find themselves knee-deep in a bathroom remodel, only to find out that all of those “extras” have put them way over budget. Although your budget certainly won’t be down the dollar, if you have a general idea of how much money you are going to spend on your toilet, however, then you’ll be less likely to make an impulse purchase on something that is far above your price range.

2. Consider the cost of hiring a professional versus doing it yourself. If you are handy, you may consider doing some of the work, such as tiling the floor and installing the fixtures, but you may want to pass off more complicated projects, such as a toilet installation or plumbing, to the professionals. As with any other project, get at least three quotes and check references, insurance and accreditations before hiring a professional to remodel your bathroom.
3. If your budget it tight, consider remodeling your bathroom in stages. Remodeling in steps, such as the toilet one month and the sink the next, is a great idea for those pressed for time or money. It is also a practical alternative to completely tearing your bathroom apart and being without the use of your bathroom for weeks on end.
4. Get plenty of ideas from catalogs, magazines and your local home improvement center, as they may be a source of inspiration. Think outside the box and consider adding features or touches that will add interest and flair to your bathroom. Exciting bathroom designs and concepts are everywhere, as are ideas. Take a walk though your local home improvement center and become inspired!
5. If selling your home is in your future, remodel for a wide variety of tastes. In other words, the hammered copper sink may be your style, but would the majority of potential home buyers feel the same way? Your best bet when remodeling for a quick sale is to stay neutral and use high-quality fixtures.
6. Consider form and function in your bathroom remodel. If your bathroom is heavily used in your home, high-end fixtures such as glass bowls may not be the best option. A glass-enclosed shower may become more of a hassle than originally thought when it comes time for cleaning, and a white tile floor may become visibly dirty much quicker than a darker one.