For those who have never planned a bathroom renovation, your education starts here. Although you may think replacing your old bathroom with a shiny new one is likely to be pretty simple, you may be surprised with the amount of work involved. Read on for some great tips to help you make the most of your renovations.
The best place to start with any renovation project is the budget. Set boundaries for your design knowing what you can afford to spend. This will make it easier to decide what items you can afford to replace and where you need to use a little creativity. If you want to keep the cost down consider refinishing existing items such as the bath, shower, sink and tiles.
You need to be honest about your DIY skills. Assess which parts of the project you can complete yourself. Be careful not to be too ambitious. It will end up costing more if you have to rectify mistakes.
If possible try not to move the plumbing. This is the part of the job where the costs can start to rise. If you decide you need to move pipes you will need to employ a plumber. For the jobs that you really need to employ a contractor it is always a good idea to ask around friends and family. You are more likely to get a job you are happy with if the contractor has been recommended to you.
There are a few simple points to remember when renovating a bathroom. Never underestimate the importance of lighting in a bathroom. Dim lighting may be great for a relaxing bath, but bright lights are needed for shaving or applying make- up. Sconce lighting at the vanity unit is the ideal way to get lighting on your face. Adding more overall lighting can make a small bathroom seem larger.
Clever positioning of the mirror can also make a small bathroom look larger than it actually is. Use the wall space available. Planning shelving, cabinets and storage space can be tricky. They need to look good but also be functional. They need to be able to accommodate all the toiletries keeping everything in easy reach. Try and keep clutter on the floor to a minimum.
Remember always consider ventilation in a bathroom. Moisture can be the bathrooms worst enemy. Be sure to install a ventilator fan. There are various modern designs available now and they are quieter and more stylish than ever.