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How to Budget for a Bathroom Remodel
Bathroom Remodel Milwaukee is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value and curb appeal. It can also be an incredibly rewarding project.
Choose a contractor wisely. You’ll want a seasoned pro with the right credentials and an appealing portfolio of finished projects. Look for licensing, insurance, and good references.
A bathroom remodel is an excellent investment that can boost the value of your home. However, it’s important to budget for the costs of a remodel before starting work. A renovation project can quickly become expensive, and you may need to spend more money than planned.
The most significant expenses for a bathroom remodel include plumbing and labor. These costs can be difficult to estimate, and it is best to hire a general contractor for these tasks. Typically, contractors will have subcontractors who specialize in plumbing and electrical work. The cost of materials will vary depending on the type and quality of items chosen for your remodel. The type of flooring and fixtures will also impact the overall cost of your remodel.
In addition to the costs of materials, you will need to budget for labor and miscellaneous expenses. The amount of labor required for a bathroom remodel depends on the size and complexity of the work, so be sure to factor this into your budget. Labor is usually based on an hourly rate, but it can vary from region to region.
Some miscellaneous expenses that are often overlooked are demolition and disposal fees, as well as permit costs. It is important to budget for these costs to avoid surprises and prevent budget overruns.
When determining your budget, it is also helpful to consider what you can do on your own. For example, painting can be one of the least expensive aspects of a bathroom remodel, but it will significantly improve the look of your space. On the other hand, plumbing tasks should only be performed by qualified professionals to avoid costly mistakes.
If you are considering financing the cost of your bathroom remodel, it is important to find a loan with a reasonable interest rate. Some credit cards offer 0% interest for up to 18 months, making them an attractive option for remodeling your bathroom. However, it is crucial to pay off the balance before the introductory period ends or you will be paying high interest rates. In addition, you should develop a plan to ensure that you can afford the monthly payments after the introductory period.
Your bathroom’s layout will dictate the type of fixtures, materials, and flooring you choose, so this is a crucial part of planning your remodel. Consider your daily routine, and how many people will be using the bathroom at one time, before choosing a layout. House Beautiful notes that “poor planning is the biggest cause of remodeling budget overruns,” so spend some time mapping out a design, and consult with a professional to ensure you’re taking advantage of every square foot.
You can also add luxurious touches to a functional bathroom layout by adding a new vanity, or upgrading the lighting with decorative sconces and recessed downlights. Using natural and artificial light is essential for creating the right ambiance, whether you’re getting ready to go out on a dark winter morning or relaxing during an evening soak.
Then there’s the floor, which you can make a huge impact with through the choice of tile or even simply by painting the walls. For example, a bold paint color can brighten up an old bathroom and really make it pop. Alternatively, you can use a neutral shade to create a more serene environment.
If you plan on changing the layout of your bathroom, you should talk to a plumbing expert first. Removing and reinstalling sinks, toilets, and tubs is expensive, and you’ll need to work around existing hookups and drains. If possible, try to stay with the original layout of your bathroom unless it’s too cramped or doesn’t meet your family’s needs.
For this small primary bathroom, designer Katie Davis bucked the layout to let light pour in through an enlarged window. She also borrowed space from the adjacent closet to enlarge the sink area and make the room feel bigger.
It’s important to think about what you’re willing to compromise on and what’s non-negotiable. For example, if you absolutely must have an ultramodern faucet or showerhead with a particular feature, you may need to look for ways to rework the layout or reduce your overall budget. Creating a checklist and budgeting for each item will help you stay on track during your remodel.
A successful bathroom remodel depends on the quality and durability of the materials used. There are a wide range of products on the market, but not all are created equal. For example, wood cabinets can swell or warp in a damp environment. Low-quality laminate countertops may also swell or crack, and can be difficult to clean. On the other hand, porcelain and marble walls and showers will look like new for a lifetime or more, and are a good choice for bathrooms that get wet often.
When it comes to the floors, vinyl tile is an affordable option that can withstand water and is easy to keep clean. Sheet vinyl can also be a good choice for the floor, and it is available in a variety of colors and patterns to match your existing décor. However, if you decide to use natural wood or stone tiles for the flooring, be sure to install a vent fan that vents to the outside to prevent the buildup of moisture that can lead to mold and mildew.
Lastly, you will need to decide what type of toilet, sink, bathtub and surrounds, and other fixtures you want to include in the remodel. If you are planning on a handicap accessible renovation, be sure to plan ahead for permanent features like grab bars that are secured to blocking between wall studs and placed 33 to 36 inches above the floor, as well as a larger doorway and lower sink height.
Once you’ve chosen the materials for your bathroom, be sure to order them early. Be aware of shipping times and allow enough time for your contractor to receive the items before beginning work. Also, make a list of the tools you will need for the remodel and purchase them before you begin. Be sure to also have a wet-dry shop vacuum on hand for cleanup and spills. If you’re doing the remodel yourself, make a schedule to avoid overlapping projects that could cause unnecessary delays. For example, don’t paint before caulking, and don’t start installing the shower until you have a functioning drain.
If you’re considering hiring a professional to help with the bathroom remodel, it’s important to find the right one. Look for a seasoned pro with the right credentials, a solid reputation, and an appealing portfolio of finished projects. You should also check out their licensing and insurance to make sure they’re legitimate.
While the bathroom may be a small space, it’s a room that should still be designed with your family’s needs in mind. It’s a good idea to sit down and plan out how you’d like to use the room before starting. It will help keep the project on track and prevent costly mistakes along the way.
It’s also a good idea to consider your budget before settling on a design for the room. Be sure to include a budget for all the materials you’ll need, as well as any upgrades you might want to make (like a new vanity or shower). Once you have an idea of what you want the final product to look like, it’s time to start planning out the details.
Before you start your remodel, be sure to research the different tile options available and choose a color scheme that fits your vision. You’ll also want to think through other aesthetic features, such as a window treatment, light fixture, mirrors, and other hardware. Be sure to include storage spaces in your design, as well. This will help you stay organized and minimize the chance of clutter and mold or mildew building up in the future.
When it comes to remodeling your bathroom, you have many different choices and the possibilities are endless. Choosing the best layout, material options, and accessories can be overwhelming at first. However, if you follow the tips above, you can ensure that your bathroom is both functional and beautiful.
For example, this out-of-date bathroom is drab and boring thanks to the dark cabinets and mismatched tile. To make this bathroom feel fresh, designer Katie Davis bucked the original floorplan to let natural light flood in and added open shelving for towels and decor. She also opted for a freestanding tub and modern fixtures to elevate the overall look.
House Painters’ Mistakes
Painter is important when you are remodeling or building a new house. They are able to help you create the look you want by applying new paints or repairing a scuffed-up ceiling. However, there are many mistakes that painters make when painting your home.
House painters typically use oil-based paint for their projects. This type of paint provides a hard finish and has excellent moisture resistance. Oil-based paint is perfect for exterior trim, cabinetry, and door casings. It also provides a higher sheen than most water-based paints.
Although some paints are still made with oil-based components, the federal government has tightened regulations on VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, in architectural paints. These volatile organic compounds are harmful to the environment and can cause headaches, nausea, and other adverse health effects.
As a result of these regulations, many professional painters have switched to water-based paints. Water-based paints are more durable and easier to work with. However, they may not dry completely, and do not provide the glossy, smooth finish of an oil-based product.
Another disadvantage of oil-based paint is that it must be treated as hazardous waste. It requires a solvent for cleanup, and it emits a strong odor.
Because of their high VOC content, oil-based paints require ventilation, so it is a good idea to keep windows open during application. Some oil-based products are not available in states with less stringent regulations.
While oil-based paint has been used for years, it is becoming harder to find. Oil-based paint is often referred to as alkyd or solvent-based paint. The paint is made from natural or synthetic oils and binders. Many paints are composed of linseed oil, which is a rust-inhibiting material.
When applying oil-based paint, you need to apply a primer first. Unlike latex-based paint, oil-based paint has a resin-based binder that is hard to scrub and clean. Therefore, you should use a different brush and cleaner to remove the old paint.
There are other advantages to using oil-based paints, including their ability to provide a heavy-duty coating that resists stains and scratches. Oil-based paints also have better resistance to low temperatures and the degenerative effects of water. They are also better at covering small imperfections.
One-coat coverage is another benefit of using oil-based paint. However, it is important to note that this type of paint is prone to cracking and yellowing.
Latex paint is one of the most popular choices for house painters. It can be used for a wide variety of surfaces, including wallpaper, ceilings, walls, trim, and even exterior siding. Aside from being easy to apply, latex paint is also easier to clean up after.
Compared to oil-based paint, it has a shorter drying time, a lower odor, and is less toxic. Moreover, it’s less likely to crack or flake.
While latex paint has its advantages, it’s not the best choice for painting rough or uneven surfaces. Also, it does not adhere well to glossy surfaces. On the other hand, it is very durable and resistant to fading and chalking.
The water-based nature of latex paint is also a plus. Because it is less harmful to the environment, it’s often preferred by homeowners. Plus, it’s safe for pets and children. If you don’t want to use latex paint, oil-based paint is a better option.
Oil-based paint is often more durable. It can withstand the wear and tear of high-traffic areas. However, it can be difficult to mix with latex. Therefore, it’s better to stick to one type of paint rather than use both.
In addition to being easier to use, latex paint is also cheaper. When you buy a can of latex, it’s recyclable. And it’s a lot more affordable than acrylic. Whether you’re doing a large project or simply redecorating your interior, good quality latex paint will last for a long time.
Both types of paint can be applied over previous latex coatings, but you need to make sure the surface is completely dry before applying any coats. You should also sand between coats if necessary. Using a paint extender can help you get a smooth brushmark-free finish.
Latex paint is also much cheaper than its oil-based cousins. It can be recycled and can be easily cleaned. But it does have its downsides, such as its tendency to chip. Moreover, it isn’t as water-resistant as other types of paint.