4 Tips for a Fool Proof Bathroom Renovation

Posted by on Monday, February 6th, 2017 at 10:23am.

How do you know it’s time to renovate your bathroom?   Apart from the curling linoleum on the floor, the chips in the sink, the leaky bathtub and rust stains, of course.

The number one reason by Airdrie homeowners decide to redo the bathroom is because it’s outdated.   All the other reasons that follow include creating  more room out of the current space and creating a more luxurious space.

Or the rest of the house has been modernized and the bathroom needs to be brought up to speed as well. The old adage that updated kitchens and bathrooms increase resale value is still absolutely true.

Before you rush to your nearest home improvement store in Airdrie or search online for local contractors, take these four tips into consideration.

Why Are You Renovating?

What’s the idea behind this renovation – what is it that you want to accomplish.  Do you need a larger bathroom?  Is the current layout too awkward and inefficient in ways that it’s not serving you and your family?  Do you need to make your bathroom accessible because of members with a physical disability or who need to age in place. Or do you like where everything is placed but need to simply update the fixtures and finishings?

The more information you have and the more confidence you have in your renovation goals for the bathroom, the better you can communicate them to contractors.  Good plans lead to better design and more efficient use of your renovation budget.

Can You Do Any of It Yourself?

You may not want to turn the entire project over to a contractor.  Can you do the painting or install hardware on the cabinets or install new light fixtures?  Most people can wield a paint brush but seriously consider whether you can paint WELL.  Sloppy painting with drip marks and brush hairs stuck in the paint will not earn you any brownie points when it comes time to sell your new home.

You may want to purchase the fixtures and tiles in consultation with your contractor to save a few dollars.  A few dollars saved today by attempting projects on your own, with little expertise apart from studying YouTube videos, may cost you more down the line.

Create a Renovation Budget

Determine how much you want to spent in redoing your bathroom and stick to your guns. It’s a good idea to create some wiggle room though to allow for the unexpected and for some good ideas that might come about during the process.  Extra cash in your budget will help you navigate unforeseen expenses and give you some flexibility.  You don’t have to tell your contractor that you’re willing to pay more if necessary.  Just build it into your budget.  The goal is not to overspend but to be prepared.

Take Your Time Hiring a Contractor

Your bathroom is likely the smallest room in your home but requires a small army of professionals.  A plumber, an electrician, a tile expert and sometimes a framer, taper and drywall expert.  A good contractor is well connected and should have several of these experts on speed dial.  Most will tell you they have a “buddy” who owes them a few favours, but seek out a contractor that has several connections.  If he only knows one plumber and that plumber is busy, that will delay your project.

It’s always advisable to get three estimates.  Check online reviews but don’t rely on them exclusively.  Get referrals from people you know and trust.  And of course, check to see that the contractor is licensed, bonded and carries insurance.  In Airdrie, you can check the Better Business Bureau and also check with the Canadian Home Builder’s Association – Calgary Region.

Just like you build room in your budget for the unexpected, build some time into your estimated construction time as well.  Whatever will go wrong, can go wrong.  Often, it’s unmet expectations that can ruin the renovation process for even the most prepared and organized homeowner. 

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