4 Steps to Take for Remodeling Your Bathroom
Tired of looking at the same old vanity countertop? Ready to replace your ancient shower stall with a new one? If you’re getting ready to remodel your bathroom, you’ve got a big task ahead of you, but before you start tearing up the flooring and painting the walls, make sure you’re fully prepared for the job by following these four steps:
Take Your Time Selecting New Fixtures
Remodeling a bathroom is a time-consuming and potentially expensive process, which is why it’s worth it to take the time to find replacement fixtures that you are truly happy with rather than settling on whatever is available at the time. Keep in mind that most home supply stores carry a limited number of countertops, tiles, and other bathroom supplies on hand. If you don’t find what you’re looking for in the store, find out what else is available for special order or from other retailers before settling on something you won’t be happy with in the long run. By the same token, don’t make a purchase without checking to see if another vendor is selling it for less.
Have All the Supplies on Hand before You Start
Once someone has decided that they are going to remodel their bathroom, they usually want to get started as quickly as possible. This often leads to homeowners starting to tear apart their old bathroom as soon as they’ve ordered the replacement fixtures, rather than waiting for them to arrive to get started. Unfortunately, taking this approach often leaves the enterprising remodelers without a functioning bathroom in their home as they wait days or even weeks for their new countertop, floor tile, or other necessary items to arrive. As excited as you may be to get to work, wait until you have all the necessary replacement parts on hand so that you can avoid these kinds of inconvenient delays.
Don’t Be Afraid to Call the Professionals
One of the easiest ways to bring down the cost of a bathroom remodel is to do as much of it as you can yourself, rather than paying expensive contractor labor costs. If you are confident that you can do a part of your remodeling project yourself, there’s no reason not to save money by doing so. That said, deciding that you’re going to take on plumbing and installation duties that you aren’t fully equipped to handle is most likely going to lead to budget overruns, delays, and water damage. Even if your planned remodeling project is fairly simple and straightforward, it’s a good idea to consult with a plumber or a professional contractor so that they can give you a rundown of what to expect, a projected budget, and maybe even a few tips on the best way to proceed. If your remodeling involves making alterations to the plumbing or electrical systems, let a professional take care of it unless you are absolutely certain you have the knowledge and skills to handle it yourself.
Don’t Replace What You Don’t Have To
When planning a remodel, it’s easy to get caught up in the romance of replacing everything and starting from scratch. The truth, however, is that you likely don’t need to replace every fixture in your bathroom to get the appearance you want, and that doing so is likely to be cost prohibitive for most people. Instead, take the time to identify the things that really need replacing or that you aren’t happy with, and focus on finding ways to renew or repair the rest.
If you’re looking for the perfect shower stall to put in your bathroom, turn to American Bath Enterprises, Inc. We have a full selection of new and ADA-compliant shower stalls that are perfect for any home. Give us a call today at 888-228-4925.