How to Do It Yourself Bathroom Remodeling

The bathroom is probably the most used, as well as the most personal room in the house. Your bathroom is the first place you visit in the morning as you get ready for the day. It’s also your last stop at the end of the day before bed.

It can be difficult to design a bathroom that is functional and can accommodate entire families. This is what makes use of space so important, since the bathroom is often the smallest room in the house.

Very few people will tell you that their bathroom is as large as they want it. This is why you must utilize all space available. You often need to limit your bathroom size, even when designing a new home. Even in that small space, though, there is usually wasted space that can be better used.

Often, medicine cabinets and shelves can be moved higher or to a different location, if the size of the users allows it. This will open up some counter space for performing daily hygiene activities. Some medicine cabinets extend into the user’s space, instead of being set into the wall.

Many areas are crowded due to shelves being placed at chest or chin level. Moving them higher will open up that space and allow a better work area. Smaller members of the household can access these shelves by using a collapsible step stool.

Cost is always a limiting factor, but there are two ways to maximize your dollars.

First, you can invest more up front by purchasing high quality materials to start with. Over time, this will save you the money you would have used to replace materials of a lesser quality.

If your budget will not allow this, use lower quality materials that are easily and inexpensively replaced every couple of years. If your mirror’s moulding will tarnish and need replaced, use screws into L-shaped hooks. Instead of using glue to lay linoleum, use colored, invisible nails. It will then be much quicker and easier when the time comes to replace it.

When it comes to smaller, more important features, don’t be tempted to go cheap. Things such as fans and light fixtures will become a major inconvenience if they are of poor quality or installed incorrectly.

One area you definitely do not want to scrimp on is shower and sink components. Poor quality shower heads, knobs and valves will develop leaks over time and will need replaced more often. A small leak behind the wall can lead to all kinds of problems, such as insects and inconvenience, not to mention the hundreds of dollars spent on repairs.

Another thing to consider is heating. For a small space, like a bathroom, electrical heating is actually more cost effective than gas. This is a recent trend, but it’s likely to continue this way for quite some time. If floor tile replacement is in your plans, you should also consider adding radiant under-floor heating as long as you will already have the floor torn up.

There are a variety of options available. Some hook directly into the house electricity, and are simply rolled out on the floor. The tile is then placed over it. This creates a safe and affordable way to heat not only the floor, but the entire bathroom.

If your budget does not allow for your entire bathroom to be done at once, you can break it into pieces to be done when your funds are available. Do the floor one month, the showers and toilets the next, and so on. With some careful planning you can maximize your space and make it attractive as well.

         

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