Bathroom Reno Budget Planning, Step by Step

Careful planning is the key to a successful bathroom remodel. Before you begin any work in the bathroom, create a budget, a floor plan, a list of supplies & a timetable. Let's break it down by subject.


First, create a budget. 
Understand before anything, that a complete bathroom reno will cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 if done properly (depending upon fixture & hardware choices). If you plan to re-locate the bathroom, this will add 20 to 30% to the overall finished cost and will increase in direct proportion to the distance you are moving it. Also bear in mind that once the original bathroom is removed, that area will need to be repaired as well.

Determine how much money you can comfortably spend, subtract 20% for emergencies and this will be your budget. Get written estimates for any budget item over $300 as well as for any work that will be done by the professionals, and always include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and drywall installation costs in your budget.

Your budget will be your guide in the choices of fixtures & accessories you will be able to choose for your project. If your budget is on the low end, you will probably be unable to fit a custom ceramic multi-head shower into it.

Second, design a floor plan. 
Ask yourself, will you be working with the existing space or will you be adding or knocking down walls? If so, check to make sure you will not disturb the electrical wiring or plumbing. 

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 needs to be in a certain spot because of plumbing or space limitations, it is a fixed item. Fixed items can be moved if necessary, however there will be a direct effect on the budget.

Experiment with how you like your floor plan, using different arrangements, with different types of cabinetry, fixtures, or even wall locations. You might try pocket doors to save space, corner sinks, floating sinks, pedestal sinks, L-shaped vanities and alcoves also save space. In addition, corner showers conserve space, and clear glass in showers or large mirrors create the illusion of even more space. Also, you may want to add a window or skylight to let in light.

Third, make a list. 
Make a list of all the building materials you'll need and make sure they will be available when you need them. Check on the availability of sinks, flooring, wall tile, countertops, lighting, medicine cabinets, showers, bath tubs, cabinets and cabinet handles, toilets, extra storage, taps, toilet paper holders, paint or wallpaper, chairs, as well as tools you may need buy.

Once you have all the items from step 2 included in your list, add all the materials and tools you'll need to install them (lumber, drywall, tiles, etc.). Once you have your list complete, start adding prices for each item, remembering to get written estimates for ALL items over $300. 

Fourth, create a timetable. 
Talk to experts or salespeople at home improvement stores to help plan how much time you'll need for each item on your list. If you're hiring a contractor, such as Lakeside, work with them/us to design a timetable you all can follow.

Add the time required to your list, and you'll be able to plot the time on a calendar along with delivery times required and the funds needed for each delivery. 

Plan your project according to the time you will 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. Above all, be flexible and allow time for unexpected emergencies.

Hopefully, all will proceed as planned and your project will finish on time & on budget with your contingency fund of 20% being left over when you finish......it could happen!
When planning any home renovation project, especially in an older home, always remember Murphy's Law rules! If something can go wrong during the project.....it usually will, plan accordingly!

Lakeside Interiors specializes in renovating existing bathrooms as well as kitchens and basements so, if you aren't looking for a "full contact" DIY experience, get together with us and we'll make your dream bathroom a reality for you!

We are now available on facebook as well as on linkedin. Like us on facebook and follow us on linkedin!

While you're on the site, feel free to download the FREE E-book there to help you with your bathroom renovation plan, more books are in the planning stages, but I started with bathrooms.

Get all the latest tips and articles delivered right to your inbox by signing up for our free newsletter. 

If you have any questions you'd like answered or you would like to see an article on a particular subject, feel free to ask in a comment window or contact us directly.

If you would like advice concerning your summer project or you would like a cost estimate for a project you are considering, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Lakeside Interiors dedicates a portion of its profits to the community we work in by using our skills to assist the elderly or disabled free of charge. If you know of someone in your area who could use our assistance, please let us know. 

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor & Barrie Ontario

705-881-4456 in Barrie or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

226-946-9651 in Windsor or,

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

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Insert your email address at the

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Bathroom Renovation Makeovers, the Project of Choice in Windsor & Barrie

Whether your motivation is to enhance your usage experience or to enhance your home's resale value,  a bathroom remodel project is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. In terms of maximizing the benefits, few can argue that renovating your bathroom will offer the most bang for the buck in terms of payback when it comes time to sell while allowing you the extra comfort and enjoyment while you are still in your home.

Much like a kitchen, the bathroom tends to be one area where potential home buyers have strong emotions. A functional and stylish bathroom can literally make or break the deal when you put your home on the market. But resale potential is not the primary reason to consider your bathroom renovation. Sure we all would like as much money as we can get, but why not enjoy your home to the fullest while you are still in it? Plus, with the economy in a down trend, more and more people are choosing to spruce up their existing homes instead of moving to a new home. You can save a lot of money by remaining in your home and simply improving it instead of moving. For the long-term, that decision makes a lot of sense financially.

Your renovation project can be as simple or elaborate as you desire. It is amazing what a new mirror and a new coat of paint can do for a bathroom. If your budget and energy allows, you can get really ambitious and knock out walls, install a new tub or shower, add new cabinets, and a number of other things. The only limit to your project will be budget and imagination.

Before you begin any project, you need to plan carefully. the last thing you want to do is begin a bathroom renovation that renders it useless for weeks because you didn't realize the impact of changes you made or because you ran out of funds before you finished. The best way to avoid these types of planning mistakes is to use the services of a professional contractor. A professional will know the process, know the right subcontractors, and be able to steer you towards a successful completion. If your project is relatively small, then you can probably do it yourself without any help. But when pipes need to be moved or electrical outlets need to be moved, unless you really know what you are doing, do not attempt these types of tasks by yourself. Always leave these types of jobs to the professionals.

A bathroom renovation can make a big difference in your enjoyment of your home while adding potential resale value. If you don't have the bathroom of your dreams already, look into an upgrade. Whether you want a major facelift or just new counters and lights, you will be happy you did. And the older and more worn your current bathroom is, the more you will probably enjoy your new one. The best part is that there are many options available regardless of your budget, just get creative and enjoy the experience.

Lakeside Interiors specializes in renovating existing bathrooms as well as kitchens and basements so, if you aren't looking for a "full contact" DIY experience, get together with us and we'll make your dream bathroom a reality for you!


We are now available on facebook as well as on linkedin. Like us on facebook and follow us on linkedin!

While you're on the site, feel free to download the FREE E-book there to help you with your bathroom renovation plan, more books are in the planning stages, but I started with bathrooms.

Get all the latest tips and articles delivered right to your inbox by signing up for our free newsletter. 

If you have any questions you'd like answered or you would like to see an article on a particular subject, feel free to ask in a comment window or contact us directly.


If you would like advice concerning your summer project or you would like a cost estimate for a project you are considering, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Lakeside Interiors dedicates a portion of its profits to the community we work in by using our skills to assist the elderly or underpriviledged free of charge. If you know of someone in your area who could use our assistance, please let us know. 

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor & Barrie Ontario

705-881-4456 in Barrie or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

226-946-9651 in Windsor or,

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

To receive this blog in your inbox,

Insert your email address at the

top of this page.

To receive our FREE newsletter click here.

Bathroom Design Ideas to Reflect Your Personal Style in Windsor

Today, people want different things from a bathroom. While a number of bathroom design ideas can inspire functional and stylish spaces, finding ideas for a bathroom that suits an individual's specific lifestyle is more challenging. One person may simply want to update a functional bathroom with a new look. Another may want to create a luxurious home spa. When it comes to creating the perfect bathroom, it's all about personal preferences. 

Designed for Speed

Many people long for a bathroom makeover that will help them get up in the morning and get them out the door on time. A bathroom design that makes the room operate more efficiently isn't just about speed, however, but about creating an invigorating atmosphere as well. A bare-bones space that lacks any decorative style can leave spirits deflated. When designing a highly functional bathroom, the right combination of color, materials and lines will add a sense of energy to the room. 
lines lend a feeling of energizing movement to the space. Chrome finishes 
Colors on the cool side can make the room feel more expansive. Sleek not only add sparkle, but catch the eye, creating dynamic visual interest. Among all the bathroom design ideas for a bathroom designed for speed, however, nothing adds more energy than a fixture on the cutting edge of technology. Technology is intrinsically linked with an active, modern lifestyle. Whether it's a shower with multi-faucets, a wall-mounted toilet or a sink faucet with a motion detector, a single high-tech amenity invigorates a bathroom's style.

Designed for Pampering

For many people, an ideal bathroom is one that provides a relaxing escape from the stress of everyday life. Ensuring physical and emotional comfort is the key to creating a bathroom that helps the owner unwind at the end of a busy day. It's as important to provide proper light, temperature and ventilation as it is to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. When a person's idea of an indulgent spa experience is a soothing steam shower, an efficient ventilation system becomes all the more important. When the bathroom design includes a luxury bathtub, amenities like heated flooring and ambient lighting coax bathers to linger and relax. 

A warm, minimal color palette and organic materials like wood, stone and bamboo help create an inviting environment. Natural colors, textures, materials and finishes enrich the look of a bathroom designed for relaxation without add too much visual clutter. The right proportion is important, too. Large, square bathroom tiles are visually less distracting than smaller tile work. Perhaps surprisingly, an asymmetrical design is generally more soothing. Too much symmetry can feel rigid or commercial.

While function is the main priority for some people and style the priority for others, setting clear design goals is always essential for a satisfactory result. The best interior designers always address the preferences of those that will inhabit the space. No matter what the personal preference, an abundance of bathroom design ideas ensures the right design for each person that uses this utilitarian room.

We are now available on facebook as well as on linkedin. Like us on facebook and follow us on linkedin!

While you're on the site, feel free to download the FREE E-book there to help you with your bathroom renovation plan, more books are in the planning stages, but I started with bathrooms.

Get all the latest tips and articles delivered right to your inbox by signing up for our free newsletter. 

If you have any questions you'd like answered or you would like to see an article on a particular subject, there are comment windows for you as well as a form for you to fill out to send a message directly to my personal inbox.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback you may have, especially any ideas you may have concerning future articles you would like to see.

If you would like advice concerning your summer project or you would like a cost estimate for a project you are considering, please dont hesitate to contact us.

Lakeside Interiors dedicates a portion of its profits to the community we work in by using our skills to assist the elderly or underpriviledged free of charge. If you know of someone in your area who could use our assistance, please let us know. 
 

This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-946-9651 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

Should Your Windsor Bathtub Be Replaced?

Figuring out exactly at which point a bathtub needs to be replaced is the million-dollar question. Here, we’ll break down the basics of how frequently bathtubs should be replaced.
These days, while many people prefer to use stand-alone showers, they still want to keep the bathtubs in their houses. When it comes to the lifespan of bathtubs, unfortunately, there is no scientific or sure-fire way to know when it is absolutely time to replace a tub, and when you could get away with using it for a couple more months or years.
General Thinking
Usually, how much you use a tub will have a lot to do with how long you can keep it looking good. If, for example, you have a bathtub in a guest bathroom that’s seldom used, then that tub could theoretically last forever. But at the same time, if you have a bathtub that you use daily, then I would say you could probably expect to get about 10 to 12 years of use out of it. Unfortunately there is no exact answer as to when a bathtub should be replaced, generally speaking, it should be done once the paint and finish starts wearing thin. By the time a bathtub's finish has started wearing thin, and when it gets to the point where you can see that it is worn through the paint in certain areas, it is probably past time for you to replace it with a new tub.
Signs of Deterioration
You should also look for any sign of deterioration to determine whether your bathtub needs work. Anything like cracks or that sort of thing is a sign that you need to call in an expert for help.
Cost Comparison
Just because the paint is wearing down on a tub or it is starting to show signs of age does not necessarily mean you need to replace it entirely.
Many people out there specialize in bathtub repair and refinishing. With a lot of these refinishing techniques, they can actually make the tub look like new.
Additionally, you could even have the tile around your bathtub refinished by a professional rather than replace it. If you do decide to go this route, take into account that you will get nowhere near the life out of the job that you would with a replacement tub and/or tiles.
Whether you have a basic tub or hot tub, the above tips are suitable for use with all.
As always, if you have any problems or concerns that I may be able to help you with, please don't hesitate to contact us.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-787-5835 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
lakesidekitchener@gmail.com