ConstructionDeal.com Update

Sure we all know the economy is down and a chunk of our 401Ks have vanished into thin air. Money is tight. But that nasty master bathroom from 1977 keeps calling your name...

What to do?

Typically the average cost to remodel a bath is over twelve thousand (and by over, I mean it can easily exceed 20K) but there are solutions to bring those costs down, to maybe even less than $5,000... it may involve giving up some weekends - can't say I didn't warn you.

Save On Your Bathroom Remodeling Project!
There are many paths to cutting expenses when you renovate your bathroom.

• Do some of the demolition work yourself. Remove the old flooring, cabinets, toilet, or nasty wallpaper and save a few dollars that a bathroom renovation contractor would charge
  
• Don't touch the plumbing or walls
• Don't buy the most expensive fixtures or appliances (do you really need that jacuzzi tub with all ten jet settings?) and using that money for new flooring or sleek countertops.
  
• If you're handy, you can even do some of the tiling, painting, and other detailed work yourself, which will really cut down on the labor expenses.
  

Don't Just Renovate - Decorate!
Yes, you can completely gut your bathroom and start from scratch. But if you really have no budget, consider just changing out a few inexpensive items. Painting the room is great start. Other simple changes include new window curtains, new towel racks and soft lighting to freshen the room.

Okay so I've convinced you its possible. Its even affordable. Now here are some hot ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Hot Trends in Bathroom Remodeling for 2009

• Wall-Hung Cabinets - especially with clear doors are in. Who doesn't love the increased storage or display space??

• Concrete Floors. I know, I know - sounds boring and strange but its actually cheap and will last through all the water exposure and you can paint it or stain it any color you want! Radiant floor heating can be added underneath to keep that concrete warm in the winter

• Bright Fiberglass or Clear Sinks. To be more exact, floating sinks, sinks that are above the counter, are all the rage. It can give the room an elegant and artsy feel.

• Combining Materials - such as glass or chrome or stone or wood - in the same room! Take this idea further and instead of the dated tile detailing, create a mosaic border of different materials (child broke your favorite china plate and haven't had the heart to throw it out - recycle!).

• CoLoRs - everyone is adding bolder splashes of color. Of course white will always be common and there is the good ol' standby of natural tones but it's fun to pick a color and design around it. Paint the walls, paint the cabinets or other fixtures or even bring in a bold patterned rug to spice up the room.
  

Hopefully these tips will help you save money and spice up that old, ugly bathroom you've been avoiding.

Talk to a local bathroom remodeling company in your area. They may have even more ideas and designs for you to try. We can even help you get 4 quotes from local bathroom contractors today - just submit your project idea and they'll call you. It's fast, easy and free to find service pros at ConstructionDeal.com.

We help you get your project done!

Labels: Bathroom Remodeling, bathroom trends, cheap bathroom remodeling tips

An interesting story from the Wall Street Journal on how now may be the perfect time for home renovation projects, "It's not the best time to be selling a house in much of the country. But increasingly, it's a good time to build or renovate one.

The housing slump has pushed down prices on everything from lumber and drywall to labor and design fees. Legions of carpenters, tile layers and landscapers are idle. Architects are taking on small renovation projects they once would have sniffed at and contractors are offering their services at a discount. Some people in the building trades are even posting fliers at construction sites to drum up business.

It's a striking contrast from the heady days of the real-estate boom, when builders and contractors could hardly keep pace with demand, prices of materials soared and a six-month wait to start a kitchen renovation was commonplace.

Now, some homeowners are moving forward on renovation or building projects they've put off for years. Others are exacting substantial price cuts from contractors desperate for work.

A few months ago, Mike Bowes remodeled the bathroom and guest bedroom of his $200,000 condo in Las Vegas. The job, which cost $14,000, included a walk-in shower, a new vanity, bamboo flooring in the guest room and re-textured plaster on the walls and ceilings. Last year, the same work would have cost nearly twice as much, he estimates, "and I would have had to beg someone to do it." Now, the 47-year-old commercial roofing sales manager is planning to upgrade his kitchen, living room and porch. While prices remain low "I'm going to keep going," he says.

...More homeowners will renovate their kitchens this year -- 7.57 million, up from 7.44 million in 2006 -- but they will spend a lot less, $96.2 billion compared with $127 billion, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Bathroom renovations this year are expected to rise by 5.3% to 10.9 million from 2006, while spending on them will grow 3.8% to $70.2 billion from 2006, the trade group projects.

One reason some renovations will cost less this year is the falling price of many key building materials. The price of oriented strand board, a plywood substitute used for walls and roof sheathing, dropped 40% from the third quarter of 2005 to the same quarter this year, according to the National Association of Home Builders. During the same period, framing-lumber prices fell 24%, says the association. And drywall prices -- which soared during the real estate run-up to a record -- dropped 35% from last year's third quarter, according to United States Gypsum Co., the largest manufacturer of drywall in North America.

'If you're going to do any kind of construction...now is the best time you're going to have to do that in the next five years,' says Bill Harrison of Harrison Design Associates, an Atlanta-based architecture firm that specializes in high-end homes."

Read more of the article at the Wall Street Journal.

If you're looking to take advantage of the low cost of construction and remodeling materials as well as finding contractors who may have an available schedule, start the process for free on ConstructionDeal.com. Just tell us about your project and we'll match you with businesses in your area - at no cost

Labels: Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation, Remodeling Trends

Need drywall repair? Need new drywall installed? You can either pick a company at random from the phone book... or you can get 4 free quotes from drywall pros - - in minutes.


At ConstructionDeal.com, we send out your drywall request - at no cost - to drywall contractors in your area. No need to call several drywall services and repeat your story over and over.

Simply fill out our short form and you'll get several bids at once - saving you time.

Getting multiple quotes means you'll get to choose the best prices - saving you money.

Types of Drywall Services
What can a drywall contractor do for you? Drywall companies work with various types of sheetrock inside your home. They install, repair and finish walls and ceilings in just about every room in your house.

• Drywall Installation - drywall contractors can install walls and ceilings in your main floor. They can help create walls where you need them. They can finish an attic or a basement and can even install sheetrock in your garage.
  
• Drywall Repair - drywall specialists can fix cracks and holes and water damaged sheetrock throughout your home.
  
• Drywall Finishing - are you a do-it-yourself homeowner and can easily install your own drywall? Well, you can leave the finishing work to the professionals for a small, even and perfect look to your walls and ceilings with no seams, corners or drywall screw holes visible anywhere!
  

Need a drywall contractor for your home improvement or repair project? We can help. Submit your request - at no cost - to ConstructionDeal.com and talk with drywall contractors today.

ConstructionDeal.com - Where Projects Get Done!™

Labels: Bathroom Remodeling, Drywall, Home Improvement

You're probably sick to death of hearing the term Baby Boomers. Believe it or not, the influence of most all Boomers is still strong... especially when it comes to home renovation. I'm not talking about the money they may have to remodel their kitchens and bath with the latest technology, trendiest appliances, exotic fixtures or granite counters.

This time, their renovation dollars are going toward updating their homes so they can live there long after they retire. It's a trend called "Aging in Place." Meaning, the homeowner wants to stay in their house as they move from their sixties, into their seventies, and on into their eighties.

However, their homes - no matter how big or small - may actually become an obstacle to them. Bedrooms on the second floor, toilets that are too low, bathtubs that are too high, and countertops and light switches that are out of reach. Many Boomers don't want to give up their dream homes to move to an assisted living facility as they get older. So, they're staying put.

Whether you're a Boomer or a younger homeowner, this desire to renovate a home to make it more "senior friendly" is a great way to improve the value of your property.

What you're looking to do is to update the house so that it has what's called universal design.

What is Universal Design?

It's the process of making a home easily to use. Making it more accessible. Making it safer for young and old to use all the options inside. And making it an easier and more convenient place to live.

What are Some Examples of Universal Design?

In the Bathroom:

• Adding a taller toilet or toilet accessories to allow someone with disabilities or limited mobility to easily go up and down
• Opening up or expanding a bathroom to allow space for a wheelchair or walker
• Removing the bathtub and replacing it with a shower that doesn't require a step up or down to enter. Adding seats inside the shower helps, too
• Adding grab bars around a toilet, tub, and shower area to give added stability
• Lowering counters and light switches to allow easier access

Throughout the Home:

• Widening of hallways to give greater wheelchair access
• Appliances, such as dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers can be raised up to prevent the homeowner from having to bend over too far
• For two story houses, dining rooms or family rooms can be converted to a bedroom to prevent the constant climbing of dangerous staircases
• Adjusting the height of all the home controls, like lighting and thermostats and alarm systems, can really help
• Adding wheelchair ramps can provide greater access

There are many ways to update a home to allow seniors to stay in their homes or if a family member is having a parent or aging relative move in. And it's not about turning a house into a nursing home. It's about making the features more convenient and safe.

How Does This Improve Home Values?

Because there are Baby Boomers across the spectrum when it comes to aging in place, there will be a need for houses with these types of accommodations for a long time. Not only do these modifications help seniors, they can help children. Families with pre-schoolers like houses that are kid-friendly and a lot of the same features that help older people can help children.

How Can I Update My Home?

The good news is that many remodeling companies and handymen can help you with just about any of these projects. The products and ideas that allow Boomers to age in place require changes to counters, electrical outlets, counters, flooring, fixtures and appliances. The same removal and installation procedures that these services professionals do on a daily basis.

However, there are home remodeling companies that specialize in helping to modify the house. They are being called CAPS, for short, which stands for Certified Aging in Place Specialists. It's a designation created by the AARP and the National Association of Home Builders.

These remodeling pros have been taught the things to look for in a home to make it easier for those 50 and older to stay in their homes.

What Should I Look for in a CAPS Remodeling Company?

• Look for the CAPS designation, if possible. You may pay more for their services, but you'll be able to get recommendations based on their expertise
• Look for proper license, insurance, and bonding requirements for your state and make sure you check all their documentation physically. Don't just take someone's word for it
• Look for prior work experience with aging-in-place renovations. A contractor or company with experience may charge more, but will do the job right with the right products
• Look for references. Talk to people who have had the company in to do the work in the last year or so
• If possible, get several bids on the work. You want to make sure you're paying what you should be paying. Don't always consider the lowest bid, however. Sometimes, a lower quality product will be used and/or corners will be cut in the process

If you need to find a CAPS remodeling service or even a regular renovation contractor to update your home, consider ConstructionDeal.com. Our service is free to all homeowners. There is no obligation to hire anyone. Simply tell us about your project and we'll send your request out to local companies.

Make sure to put down, in the project details, that you'd like to hire a CAPS company - if you so desire. It's a great way to make your home ready for kids or seniors. And a great way to improve home value!

Labels: Aging In Place, Baby Boomers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation

Most bathroom remodeling articles focus on the same things over and over again. A lot of it is common sense. I did manage to find an article on renovating the bathroom with some really unique tips that I wanted to share with you.

Here are ten tips from Style at Home.com, which is billed as Canada's decorating magazine:

1 Choose Elegant Fixtures.
A pedestal sink with graceful lines is more attractive than a blocky cabinet vanity. A classic claw-foot tub is like bathroom sculpture. Even enclosed in a deck, the simple lines of the lip have an inherent beauty that surpasses most acrylic versions.

2 Sit in a Bathtub before Buying it.
Bigger isn't always better. A 60-inch tub is fine for most people. It offers enough room to stretch out and provides a secure foothold, so you don't float into oblivion when the tub is full. Assess the angled back and lip for comfort and neck support -- a tub for two people slants at either end and has taps in the middle. If you only have enough space for a small tub, buy an extra-deep one.

3 Select Durable Flooring.
Ceramic, marble and stone tiles are all excellent durable and water-resistant choices for a bathroom. Subfloor heating coils will make these hard surfaces warm. Well-sealed hardwood floors offer natural warmth and act as a foil for the other hard, cold surfaces in a bathroom.

4 Hang a Stylish Mirror.
One beautifully framed mirror over a sink is more attractive than many surfaces covered with mirror. Supplement it with a wall-mounted adjustable makeup mirror, and consider installing a lighted, mirrored shaving niche in your shower stall.

5 Use Found Space.
Take advantage of space between wall studs by recessing a tall storage cabinet into the wall to maximize vertical storage while saving floor space. The cabinet should have an interior depth of at least three inches and a door flush with the wall.

6 Build a Shower Area.
Consider building an open-concept shower area that doesn't need a curtain or door and is less confining than a standard shower stall. In addition to well-designed drainage, a ceiling-mounted rain showerhead and/or a high wall-mounted showerhead that splashes less water will keep the area outside the shower drier.

7 Share Space for Added Function.
In homes with back-to-back bathrooms, a shared shower with access doors to each of the bathrooms maximizes limited space. Or turn a closet located next to a bathroom into a small ensuite with access to the neighboring bath.

8 Design Lighting that Works.
Good lighting is imperative. Combine halogen pot lights with wall sconces beside or over the mirror for lighting with no shadows. Always install dimmers.

9 Buy a Quality Toilet.
When buying a toilet, it's not necessary for you to spend big bucks, but you don't want to scrimp too much, either. You can get a good-quality one-piece toilet for about $400. Models with elongated bowls and seats are usually most comfortable.

10 Incorporate Luxury into Your Room.
If you're fortunate enough to have lots of space to work with, indulge yourself with an expanded spa-like bathroom that includes a dressing room -- a haven for privacy and relaxation. Outfit it with a television, fireplace, exercise equipment, makeup vanity and even a large comfortable occasional chair upholstered in thick white terry-cloth.

If you need to talk to a bathroom designer for ideas for your space, or you know what you'd like to do and want to find a bathroom remodeling service, consider using ConstructionDeal.com. We'll help you find local professionals who will call you, instead of spending time looking up companies only to call and leave messages or repeat yourself over and over.

Simply post your bathroom renovation project and you'll get multiple quotes from several companies. This saves you time and money. And... it's all free for you.

RELATED POSTS:
Bathroom Remodeling Options
More on Bathroom Remodeling
Interior Design Trends for 2007

Labels: Bath Renovation, Bathroom Designer, Bathroom Remodeling

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 ConstructionDeal.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

Improving a kitchen or bath in your home is still a great way to improve home value. But many want to improve their master bathroom because it is a sanctuary, a refuge from the daily grind.

You may be thinking about remodeling your bathroom but are worried about sticker shock. It can cost anywhere from ten to fifteen thousand dollars to completely re-do your bathroom... and that's a lot for what is probably the smallest room in your house.

If you're not ready to commit to hiring a bathroom remodeling company and doing the entire project all at once, you should consider doing it in stages.

Stages of Bathroom Renovation

To Design or Not to Design:
You have some options when it comes to a bathroom makeover. The first is taking care of your design or remodeling plans. If you already have all the colors and materials in mind, you should probably make a file with all your pictures, ideas, notes, and design plans. This way, if you renovate in stages, you won't go off the plan and your bathroom will come together when you're done.

If you're not sure what type of flooring or countertops you want, what colors you'll go with, or what materials and colors compliment each other -- you might consider bringing in a professional. You could hire a bathroom designer to review your room and draw up plans for you. The additional cost at the beginning could help make sure you don't make any expensive major mistakes in the room.

Start with the Walls:
Once you have your design in mind, start with the walls. It's the easiest change to make in your bathroom. You can paint the walls, add or remove wallpaper, add borders, crown molding, or add wainscoting.

To save money, you can paint the walls or add wallpaper yourself or you can hire a professional painting company. It's important to prime the walls first and use a durable paint that will stand up to the excessive moisture. A semi-gloss paint is best.

Remember that lighter colors will keep a smaller room more open and have it appear larger. Avoid a completely white ceiling if possible because that can also shrink the appearance of the room. White or gray walls may make your room look and feel cold and industrial. Soft pastels and light earth-tone colors are best in the room. Avoid reds in the room. Dark colors are only advisable when you have plenty of windows or light as well as lighter accents in the bathroom to contrast against.

Don't be afraid of wallpaper. Or a textured paint. Don't go for something trendy (that you'll have to remove in a few years) but instead look for a classic paper that will stand the test of time.

Coming up Next on the ConstructionDeal.com Update! Tips on:

• Countertops
• Bathroom Flooring
• Cabinets
• Bathroom Fixtures
• Tubs & Sinks

If you need to find a local bathroom remodeling company or a bathroom designer, submit your request with ConstructionDeal.com and we'll match you up for free. Get 4 quotes, sometimes in minutes. It's fast and easy to use. And you're 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

Believe it or not but many homeowners are choosing to replace their current bathtub/shower with only a shower. It could be called the latest trend in bathroom remodeling, but many people still want to have a good old fashioned bath tub installed in the room. Do you have pets or kids? It's hard to not have a tub in your house and many forget that when they switch to a shower-only home.

If you still look forward to soaking in a stress-relieving tub full of steaming hot water, you'll probably already have refurbishing or replacing the bathtub on your list of "must-haves" for the renovation project. Your next step will be to decide on a bath tub style.

The Comfort Factor
Many homes had simple drop-in tubs thrown in during new construction and the only requirement was that the tub fit in the room. When you're considering your next bathtub purchase, you need to make sure you not only fit in the tub or that it fits the room but you also need to make sure it's right for you. Some tubs have added padding inside to protect you from the typical hard surface while you soak.

The Style Factor
Your choice of tub styles is wide and varied, but you'll be somewhat constrained by the size of the room and the overall style after the renovation. If you're going for an antique or class or retro look in the room, with old world fixtures, you'll be better served by adding a claw foot or other free-standing tub. Putting a modern whirlpool or a sleek "over-flow" tub in a room with that older style will make it look out of place.

Some Choices Include:

• Tub & Shower
• Pedestal Tubs
• Whirlpool Spas
• Claw-foot or Solid Leg Tubs
• Corner Tubs
• Soaking Baths
• Over-flow Tubs
  
• Drop-in or Alcove Tubs

Your Choice of Materials and Colors
Your head will spin when you realize there are so many styles, colors, and bathtub materials to choose from. Style should help narrow your choices down.

Some Choices Include:

• Porcelain on Steel
• Cast Iron
• Acrylic
• Natural Stone (Marble)
• Fiberglass
• Wood (Teak)
• Solid Surface

Colors for these materials go way beyond the standard white that has been installed in nearly every bathroom for the past two centuries. White is still the most popular color choice, but tubs can come in tan, green, pink, blue, off-white, black, and just about any color you need to match your style and color choices in the rest of the room.

The Size Factor
Standard five foot long tubs, usually with a 15" to 17" depth, are also not your only choices. There are longer and deeper styles available. Consider whether your tub will be a one person, two person, handicapped or senior-accessible tub, and also whether larger or smaller people will be using it. Kids and pets can also effect what size tub you choose. There are special order tubs for smaller and larger sizes, of course, but most tubs are in the 5 to 6 foot range.

RELATED POSTS:
Budget Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
Updating Bathroom Fixtures

If you're looking to find a local bathtub or bath remodeling company, don't forget about ConstructionDeal.com. On our site, you can post your project in minutes and sit back to wait for bathroom renovators to call you. It saves you time. And, having multiple bids from several companies could save you money, too.

Give us a call if you have any questions! Toll Free: 866-663-4711

Labels: Bath Renovation, Bathroom Remodeling

The 2nd most popular remodeling project, after the kitchen, is an update of the bathroom. Of course, the cost can be prohibitive - with a national average cost of a complete bathroom renovation running over $10,000!

Many people feel that it's an all-or-nothing proposition. Either doing a complete update and transformation of their bathroom, with all the latest fixtures, or putting off the project and doing nothing.

The folks at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) had some great suggestions on how to save money when you're planning to remodel your bathroom. It could mean that you'll be able to re-do the room without breaking your bank:

• "Consider reglazing a tub instead of replacing it, especially if it is still in relatively good condition. This can save you more than half the cost of a tub replacement-and minimize the dust at the same time!
  


• Cultured marble sheets are a good choice for tub surrounds, instead of ceramic tile. You will save considerably on labor costs and the marble sheets are much easier to clean.
  


• Fiberglass surrounds are also less costly than tile.
  


• Examine how you are utilizing space. You may be able to steal some space from a neighboring room or closet. If your overall space is limited, purchase a jetted tub and shower combination or install a pedestal lavatory instead of a vanity cabinet with a sink. Understand that, while pedestal lavatories do eliminate the need for vanities and save space, some models may cost more than a separate vanity cabinet and sink. Look at all your options before making a decision.
  


• Cultured marble lavatories can be a great budget choice since it is an integrated sink bowl and countertop sold in one easily installed unit.
  


• Define what is truly needed in the bathroom. Sometimes an extra bath is planned when installing a double sink in an existing bath would meet the need.
  


• If you are going to add a large jetted tub to your project, consider adding a water heater dedicated to that tub. A large jetted tub can hold up to an average of 75 gallons or more, which can easily overextend your existing water heater and cause problems in the future.
  


• When revamping yesterday's bathroom to fit with today's homeowners' expectations for luxury, homeowners can familiarize themselves with the latest options in home spa advancements. One such indulgence is an electric warming system beneath your new stone or tile floor."

If you're planning a bathroom remodeling project in the next few months, you can use these tips as a guideline to help you save money. You can consider all of them, some of them, or maybe even just one idea. But any way you can help improve your bathroom on your budget is a good way.

And, if you need to find a local bathroom remodeling company to help answer your questions or give you some quotes on the work, you can use our main site - ConstructionDeal.com. It's a fast, free, and easy way to post your project and let bathroom renovators bid on your job. And this saves you time and money -- but make sure you get at least 4 different bids. The more bids you have, the better chance you will get the best price.

RELATED ARTICLES:
Travertine Tiles
Updating Bathroom Fixtures
Would You Buy a Wood Bathtub?

Labels: Bath Renovation, Bathroom Remodeling, Home Improvement, Improving Home Value

One of the best ways to breathe new life into your bathroom is to update your fixtures.

It's not a terribly complicated or expensive bathroom improvement. And if you're planning a complete bathroom renovation down the road, bringing in new fixtures is a great jumping off point for your redesign. Cabinets, vanities, lighting, and furniture in the bath area can be brought in accompany your new fixtures.

My first suggestion is not to skimp on the cost of new bathroom faucets and shower fixtures. These items can and should last a long time and are exposed to repeated use. Go with a decent brand and you'll be happier in the long run.

Consider going beyond just chrome. Chrome is still the most popular for the aesthetics and the durability. It can be cleaned easily, but remember that chrome always shows stains and fingerprints.

A new metal could be more unique, more stylish, and require less cleaning maintenance. A brushed nickel, stainless steel, or brushed bronze opens up new possibilities for your room. You can get matching metals and designs in your shower fixtures, towel racks, paper holders, and even your tank levers. Don't forget that it's a great idea to bring your cabinets into the design -- match your cabinet hardware to your new room fixtures.

I'm a big fan of both the Moen and Kohler fixtures. And there are so many styles to choose from - traditional, contemporary, and transitional. The type of faucet you want is important. Do you want a sink-mounted style? A wall-mounted version? Single or double handle?

As far as trend go, the classic/antique look is very big. New modern fixtures in the old styles from the 30's through the 50's are hot again. The Bamboo/Roman fixtures to give the Asian relaxation spa look and feel are big as well. Wall-mounted faucets with raised, bowl sinks are also very popular.

If you're looking for a bathroom designer, post your project with ConstructionDeal.com - at no cost - and you can receive 4 quotes from local designers to help you make the right choices for your lifestyle and to make the right match for your bathroom.

If you need a bathroom renovation contractors - we can help, too. Simply submit your project request and we'll connect you with bathroom renovators. All for free and with no obligation.

Labels: Bathroom Designer, Bathroom Remodeling

After seeing the teak designs from William Garvey Limited, in the UK, I think I might consider a wood bathtub. And sink. And shower.

The company focuses on designing and manufacturing furniture for bathrooms and wet areas.

How does it work? They use teak for most of their products. Natural oils and the unique interlocking joints do all of the work. Teak is perfect for wet areas because of it's durability and stability.

Teak wood is dense, oily, and slow grown to protect it from moisture erosion. It's the type of wood used in most marine applications (the wood accents on most boats.)

The design possibilities are what makes wood a great option for the bathroom. It goes beyond the standard white porcelain to allow you to entertain any number of design ideas - Asian, modern, country, and more. The
great thing about the William Garvey company is their commitment to environmentally sound practices that cause the least amount of impact to the planet.

Ready to remodel your bathroom? Submit a request to ConstructionDeal.com and we'll send you 4 quotes from local bathroom renovation pros.

It's fast, free and easy to use and there's no obligation to hire from our network of contractors.

Labels: Bathroom Remodeling, Wood Bathtubs

Where do you go, on average, eight times a day (2920 times a year!) and spend about 4 years of your life?

Your bathroom.

It's your place to unwind, to get ready for a night on the town, and just to brush your teeth. And, it's probably time for you to update your master bath. Make sure your bathroom remodel takes into account your needs and how you use the room.

Do you want modern, chic elegance or the practicality and roominess of two sinks so you can spread out? These days, the bathroom has become as important as the master bedroom or the kitchen. Everyone wants a bigger bathroom, so many are knocking out walls or adding on a whole new addition to the house. Personally, I'd love to have a bigger bathroom in my house, but it would mean knocking out a wall and losing a lot of closet space in the bedroom -- and that's not going to happen...

Whatever you decide to do to your bathroom, here are some fun new bathroom products available now:

Toto's new EcoPower Sensor Faucet has a max flow rate of a half gallon per minute (making it environmentally-friendly!) It employs an aeration system for efficient washing with an anti-scalding feature. To ensure that no water is wasted, EcoPower's sensor angles down into the lavatory bowl, and water will not be discharged until hands are placed directly in the sensor's path.

The Windward Bath Whirlpool from Kohler comes in 60" x 42" and 72" x 42" models. The features include: integral tile flange; ability to position the pump in multiple locations; individually controlled whirlpool jets; jets rotate 360 degrees and are 60 degree directionally adjustable; quiet pump/motor; with drop-in and integral apron configurations -- which means you can put it where your old bathtub is now!

Moving Color offers some really cool glass shower tiles that are waterproof and come in a variety of styles. They change color, moving through a color spectrum, when temperature is applied. They come in "Northern Lights," "Tye Dye", and "Watercolors" versions.

If you need to find a bathroom remodeling pro or maybe even a bathroom interior designer, consider ConstructionDeal.com.

We're your resource for a nationwide network of service professionals... and it's free to submit a project with us. Saves you time and money (no more searching through the phone book and picking someone at random! More bids means you'll be able to choose the lowest bid!)

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Labels: Bath Renovation, Bathroom Designer, Bathroom Remodeling