Master Bath Remodel

>Remodeling a bathroom is a project that is sure to add value to your home as well as make the room more functional and tailored to your needs. A few years ago I decided it was time to remodel my master bathroom and started putting a plan together.

Planning is the most important step because it is here that you learn about what can be done in a given space and how much money it will take to create your dream. I knew that I would be doing a majority of the work myself so I would be saving a significant amount of money by not hiring a contractor. With this savings I would purchase good quality custom materials and make the room have a higher end feel to it. Some things you want to consider when planning a bathroom remodel project:

-Budget
-Time frame
-Do the work yourself or hire a contractor
-Design of room
-Plumbing changes
-Electrical changes
-Materials
-Finish colors

The number 1 consideration for your project is going to be the budget. This is a big item and should be carefully considered as it is very easy to go over budget with items that you dont think about until they come up. It is a good idea to talk to other people that have taken on this type of project and listen to what they have to say in terms of budget, time frame, materials, and possible pitfalls to avoid. This is also a great time to do as much research as possible to learn about materials, fixtures, and amenities that will make your bathroom a special place to enjoy for years to come. The bathroom that I just completed cost approximately $5,300.00 and I did all the work myself. I still have about $300 worth of materials that need to be purchased to complete the project, so for $5,600.00 I have a completed bathroom.

A time frame is a very important thing to consider when planning a bathroom remodel. I never would have guessed that conception to completion would take 2 years! I was a bit of a slacker by not working in the winter months, but it is a lot of work and it is easy to get burned out. I worked mostly after work which becomes tiring quickly. If you are going to do the work yourself make sure that you plan on the project taking twice as long as anticipated unless you are able to work on the project on a full time basis. My advice is that if some work is not in your area of expertise, don’t be afraid to hire a contractor. Know where you can save money and loose time, that way you make an educated decision. In my project I hired a plumber to sweat pipes and help with plumbing that would be hidden behind walls. All other work was within my capabilities so I was able to save money but lost time.

The design of your room can make or break your project. You want to make sure that you create a room that is functional and inviting. It is easy to overlook simple things that will make your bathroom less functional, so spend extra time thinking of the design and don’t be afraid to consult with experts. Most home improvement stores offer customers valuable information about design and products to use in a remodel. Never be afraid to ask no matter how simple the question as its better to find out pre-construction than after the fact. If you decide to tear down walls, move plumbing, add electrical circuits, etc., the price of the project is going to go up. So make sure you consider your budget when designing your project.

I would be glad to offer advice or recommend contractors for your remodel projects so don’t hesitate to contact me with questions 530-448-9882 or david@westallrealestate.com