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Checklist For
Bathroom Remodeling
Careful planning is the key to a
successful bathroom-remodeling project. Before you
begin any work in the bathroom, create a budget, a
floor plan, a list of supplies, a timetable, and
important legal considerations. Let's break it down
by subject.
First, create a budget. Determine how much money you
can comfortably spend, and save about 20 percent for
emergencies. Get estimates for the work that needs
professionals, and always include electrical,
plumbing, heating and cooling, and drywall
installation costs in your budget.
Second, design a floor plan. Ask yourself, will you
be working with the existing space or will you be
adding on or knocking down walls? Check to make sure
you will not disturb the electrical wiring,
plumbing, or zoning regulations. Next, measure the
amount of space you have and draw a floor plan. In
drawing the plan, first put in all the items that
are fixed. For example, if the toilet must be in one
place because of plumbing, it is a fixed item.
Experiment with how you like your floor plan, using
different arrangements, with different types of
cabinetry, shelves, or even walls. You might try
pocket doors to save space, and corner sinks,
floating sinks, or pedestal sinks to save even more
space. L-shaped vanities and alcoves also save
space. In addition, corner showers conserve space,
and clear glass in showers creates the illusion of
even more space. You may want to add windows or
mirrors to let in light.
Third, make a list of the supplies you'll need and
make sure they are available when you need them.
Some typical supplies include sinks, flooring, wall
tile, countertops, lighting, medicine cabinets,
showers, bath tubs, cabinets and cabinet handles,
toilets, extra storage, faucets, toilet paper
holders, paint or wallpaper, chairs, accessories
(like storage containers and/or artwork), as well as
tools you have or can buy.
Fourth, create a timetable. Talk to experts or
people at home improvement stores to plan how much
time you'll need. If you're hiring contractors, work
with them to design a timetable you all can follow.
Plan projects according to the time you have
available. Put in a new toilet and sink one weekend,
for example, and paint another. You don't have to do
it all at once, so plan sensibly. Don't paint the
walls or install woodwork until the hardware is
taken care of -- you don't want to damage work
you've already done. Above all, be flexible and
allow time for the unexpected or even emergencies to
happen.
Fifth, keep in mind legal considerations. Get and
post a building permit, pay any necessary fees, make
sure you, your contractor, and any workers have
insurance coverage, and keep children and animals
away from the construction area.
By following these checklists, your bathroom
remodeling plans will be a snap.
Author: Bathroom Remodeling
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