Bathroom Remodeling

Is your bathroom beginning to look a little dated? Are you still walking on shag carpet and staring at ugly, outdated tile? Don't worry! We have a directory of reliable professionals ready to help take care of any bathroom disaster. Take your outdated tub, tile, lighting, and carpeting and transform the outdated into a relaxing oasis. Your bathroom is where you begin and end your day; shouldn't you let your bathroom set the tone for a productive day ahead, and toast a good night's sleep?

How Much Should I Budget?

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the national average cost for remodeling a bathroom was approximately $16,000 in 2011. This number is heavily impacted by the style and design choices that you make in your project, and the level of professional help you choose to hire. Sometimes leaving some of the existing design in place, and complimenting it with strategic updates is a great way to control cost. Sitting down with a contractor and going over different options with a clear budget in mind is the best way to get started. You may also be able to do some of the work yourself, although we always recommend hiring a professional for the more complex tasks in order to minimize costly mistakes.

Return on Investment

While $16,000 isn't a trivial amount, it's actually one of the less expensive ways to increase the market value of your home. You can usually expect to recoup approximately 70%-80% of the cost of a bathroom remodel when it comes time to sell. Although you won't necessarily be making money in the long run, you'll definitely be improving the quality of life during your stay in the home. We always recommend going with a neutral style so that your remodel will be appealing to any prospective buyer when it comes time to sell. Of course, your local market heavily impacts all of this data. Be sure to consult a realtor who's familiar with your area in order to discern the true benefits of remodeling your bathroom. This will help you initially choose a budget for the project with a clear understanding of what your return on investment will look like.

What Professionals Do I Need to Hire?

You'll need to consider hiring a few different professionals depending on the scope of your remodel. We always recommend initially sitting down with a few different contractors in order to get a range of realistic quotes to build your dream bathroom. Once you've settled on an initial contractor for your project, you'll need to work with your contractor to decide if outside sub-contractors are required in order to complete any of the more technical work associated with your bathroom remodel.

These can include plumbers, electricians, and architects to draw up detailed designs and plans. Most bathroom remodels will not require an architect, but if you're looking at an entire tear down and rebuild, architects can provide valuable insight throughout the planning phase; by balancing your design preferences with functional considerations, you'll get the best of both worlds. A professional with a strong background in interior plumbing will be critical when upgrading your shower, bath, toilets, and sink. Electricians can wire the bathroom in a way that will protect you from any electrical hazards associated with humid bathroom environments, while making sure any new technology you install is properly configured for your electrical system.

Do I Need A Permit?

Every state and locality has different rules when it comes to permit requirements. If you are performing an entire overhaul of your bathroom, chances are you will need a permit. However, if you're simply making changes to the finishes, and laying new tile, you might be able to get away without one. Just realize that when it comes time to sell your home, most home inspectors will want to see proof of permits for any recent alterations to your home. This is to ensure the safety of the work done for future occupants of your home. This is why, in most cases, we recommend speaking with your local construction office to find out what permit requirements effect your project. The process of getting a permit will be made significantly easier by hiring a trained professional familiar with your local building codes.

Where Should I Purchase My Replacement Materials and Fixtures?

The good news is if you're hiring a professional contractor to complete your bathroom remodel, you'll be able to purchase the required materials through his or her suppliers. Most professional contractors purchase building materials and supplies at wholesale prices from a wide range of vendors in order to minimize overall cost. You'll be able to take advantage of his or her connections and purchase almost everything you'll need at a significantly discounted rate.

If you're going to work on your remodel by yourself, then it's time to start looking at local and national sales on the various materials required for your remodel. Take a close look at "internet only pricing" available from multiple national chains for significant savings. Additionally, depending on the size of your project, you may want to consider joining a buyer's club which will allow you to pay a fee up front in return for sometimes significant discounts on materials required for your bathroom remodel. As always, review offers from all sources in order to decide which one is perfect for you. Or, you could always hire a professional to take the guesswork out of this part of the project while you enjoy your new bathroom that much faster!

Ready To Get Started?

Sit down and make a quick draft of what you'd like your new bathroom to look like. Then, pick up the phone and call one of the professionals listed in our directory. Take the time to look at customer reviews, feedback, and qualifications in order to make a shortlist of candidates. Then, schedule consultations and collect written quotes for your project. After selecting your professional contractor, sit back and relax as your bathroom is transformed into the perfect oasis to end the day!