In most average-sized homes bathroom remodeling takes as much time effort and money as redoing rooms much larger. Being one of the smallest rooms in the home, and usually box-shaped, there is not a lot of extra space to go around and so every inch has to be scrutinized.
This is because showers, toilets, fixtures and faucets and bathroom vanities usually have to fit into a finite space and there comes a point where the fixtures cannot be downsized anymore. Conversely, a modern kitchen, with its open concept, is more able to accept changes in both floor and design.
So if you want to make the bathroom bigger there are certain questions you have to ask yourself:
- Do I cut a piece out of the bedroom, living room, closet, etc?
- Do I make the vanity or shower/tub space smaller?
or:
- Do I make changes that will enhance the space without a major upgrade?
Here are some hints to remake your bathroom without needing to replace the integral parts.
De-Clutter
You can't get a good grasp of the space unless you can see it properly. Take out the shower curtains, window coverings, floor items, garbage basket, towels and items on the vanity and on the cabinet shelves. Now you have a clean slate in order to see what you can do.
What is your Bottom-Line Budget?
A bathroom, like a kitchen, can get blown way over budget so find out exactly how much you can afford. It doesn't matter how little the amount it will be a good marker to start the project.
Can You Save Anything?
If your toilet works and the color is not offensive to your new color scheme why not keep it? Sometimes just a new seat and flush mechanism is all it needs. The sink may also look fine and the vanity cabinet may just need to be painted or have new door fronts put on. And maybe the shower stall or tub is in good shape and could be spruced up with rich, new shower curtains.
Bathroom Flooring
Flooring in a bathroom is extremely important because of water considerations on the surface and the damp air. Bathrooms are built somewhat like large aquarium tanks, designed to seal out water and moisture to prevent the floors and lower walls from getting waterlogged, which is where the rot begins. A good quality linoleum or tile should be considered. First, though, check the floor thoroughly for signs of rot. If you are doing a complete bathroom remodel then spending a few dollars more to replace the floor (and lower walls) with a waterproof gypsum wall board or cement board is a good investment plan. This is a good example of “an ounce of prevention.â€
Paint
One of the easiest ways to spruce up your bathroom is by painting it a new color. Even if you stick with the same color just putting on new sheen of paint will make the place new. Because it is a small area, choose a light, airy shade and think of some new wall adornments that might tie in for a new motif. A two-tone design might also make the room look bigger.
Bathroom Lighting
Lighting is another way you can set up your bathroom up to be a cool, relaxing spot with little cost. Quite simply, a different array of light will make it a new room. Spend some time snooping in the lighting departments of several stores but remember your budget.
Hardware
Just like in a kitchen, the right hardware can present a new look in your bathroom without breaking the bank. By replacing the sink, taps, towel and toilet roll racks and vanity pulls you can set up a bold new look.
Bathroom Ventilation
If you've sealed up your bathroom with a new floor one of the areas where you should spend a few dollars more is on a proper ceiling fan. Without a good-quality fan with a proper draw-rate to ventilate the room moisture may eventually get under the paint, doors may warp and not shut properly. As well, mold may begin to appear.
Here is a formula to pick out the right fan:
- Find the volume of the bathroom. Volume = length x width x height
- Example: Volume = 8 x 7 x 8 = 448
- Now, calculate the CFM (cubic feet per minute)
- Volume divided by 7.5 = 448/7.5 = 60
- So you would get a fan with a CFM greater than 60
Also, spending money on a good fan means it will last a long time without bothering you with the “grinding†noises that the cheap ones can do. The audible factor of fans measured by sones. For example, a radio playing in a car is 4.0 sones and normal street noises are 3.0 A bathroom fan should come in at around 1.0 sone which is the noise of a new refrigerator.
The last thing to think about is the switching. Do you want it wired to the light or separate?
Major Bathroom Renovations and Additions
If you are planning to renovate, expand or build a large bathroom, or build a new one in your basement, getting a good contractor will save you both time and money. A professional bathroom remodel contractor can take the guesswork out of choosing the right appointments. In addition a bathroom contractor will provide the proper permits for plumbing, electrical and other construction requirements.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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