ConstructionDeal.com Update

In my last post on bathroom remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling Options, I started a discussion about how it's possible to have your bathroom renovated in stages. Instead of shelling out $10,000 to $20,000 all at once, you could hire contractors or companies to come in and only do a portion of the project. It's not quite as satisfying as a complete makeover, but it could allow you to get the products and materials you want and pay for them over time.

Stages of Bathroom Renovation (continued)

Remodel Your Countertop:
After you've determined whether or not you want to go with a bathroom designer and you've renovated your walls, you should next start on your bathroom countertop.

Even if you don't replace or refinish your cabinetry, you could replace the countertop surface and make a huge impact. After painting or covering your walls, the counter area is the next major component in the room.

Whether you've got pink tiles from the 50's or the cheap laminate countertop that came with the house, installing a new counter should be your next step. The surface should be durable and a good color/material match to your new walls. If you've gone with a dark wall, consider a lighter countertop surface and vice versa to balance out the room brightness. For durability, beauty, and home value -- consider a natural stone.

Stone countertops will always be in fashion and keep your bathroom looking great for years. If the price is too steep for natural stone, you might try a cultured marble, cultured granite or similar product. You can get a cultured stone counter for half the cost of a natural stone option. You could also go with a more expensive option, like a solid surface material (Silestone, Corian, Avonite) or you could try a fairly inexpensive material like ceramic tiles. Some modern laminates might be a possibility. Check around to see that your choices are endless.

Remodeling Those Floors:
After dealing with walls and counters, your next big change should be your bathroom flooring. Depending on your choice of countertop material, you could use a matching material for your flooring, too. You could do marble, granite, or even travertine tiles on the floors (and those tiles may even be able to move up and go on your walls and shower, as well!) but that can be expensive.

Consider ceramic tiles or even a laminate flooring -- laminates could give you the look and feel of a wood floor without the maintenance hassles or even the look of ceramic tiles at a fraction of the cost.

By doing the bathroom in stages, it might give you the option to go for a more expensive material so that when you're done, your bathroom will be perfect for you...

Cabinet Time!
If you've replaced your countertop and sinks to accommodate twin sinks or a vessel bowl, you may have already had to buy a cabinet. If not, you can find a stock, semi-custom, or even have a custom cabinet made for your bathroom remodel. Your cabinetry could be your only source of storage if you have limited space, so consider that when buying a replacement.

There are numerous choices - from very inexpensive, where you simply paint existing cabinets and replace the hardware, to the the expensive, where you get a custom made cabinet in a luxurious solid wood.

Don't fall for the flashy trends when it comes to your bathroom cabinetry. It can also be a good idea to contrast light wood with a dark counter or a dark wood with a light counter.

Finally, Your Bathroom Fixtures and Appliances!
Now, we get down to the final stages of your bathroom remodeling project. These items are essential to every bathroom: your tubs, your shower, your toilet, your sink(s), and the fixtures that accompany them. I've saved this stage for last because it can be the most expensive part of your renovation project.

First, unless you want to up your budget big-time, try not to move any plumbing fixtures. Relocating a tub, shower, toilet or sink can really add to the costs. It may also be possible to simply refinish some of the appliances to avoid the cost of replacement.

It can also be cost-effective to replace the faucet and handles on a sink while leaving the existing one in place or having it refinished. Chrome, silver, and gold fixtures have fallen out of fashion and have been replaced by brushed nickel, brushed brass, and other matte finishes are popular.

If you have the money, you could consider converting your regular bathtub to a whirlpool tub. Many are opting to convert their bathtub & shower set for a walk-in shower. Multiple and rain shower heads are big right now, too.

Other Remodeling Options
You can upgrade your vanity mirror, towel racks, add a high quality exhaust fan, and so much more. Don't skimp on the lighting in your new bathroom. You can add recessed lighting or sconce wall lights. No money left in the budget? Consider adding a dimmer switch just to give you the ability to adjust the ambiance in your new at-home spa!

If you need to find a local bathroom remodeling company or a bathroom designer, post your request with Construction Deal.com and we'll match you up for free. It is easy to use. And you are under no obligation to hire any of our network of professionals!

Related Posts:
Budget Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
Travertine Tiles in the Bathroom
Updating Bathroom Fixtures

Labels: Bath Renovation, Bathroom Designer, Bathroom Remodeling