DIY Bathroom Remodel Ideas

Scale of Remodeling

There's no getting around the reality that remodeling a bathroom will require a substantial amount of funds. Depending on your budget and the extent of the bathroom renovations you are planning, you can anticipate spending anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000. A basic bathroom makeover done by a Contracting Service and consisting of surface alterations, such as installing new flooring, a new vanity, new fixtures and painting the walls would be at the lower $10,000 range. If you do this basic remodeling yourself, you are looking at a minimum of $5,000. Adding an exhaust fan, new lighting, and making some layout changes will cost you about $15,000 and up with a contractor. If you want to completely remodel and tear out the existing bathroom (the deluxe bathroom remodeling project) you can count on spending at least $20,000. This includes the cost of everything above, plus a new shower, new bath, new toilet, tile work, new plumbing and electrical changes that are up to code and any other amenities that you are willing to spend money on.

Labor Costs: You or a Contractor?

Hiring a reputable bathroom remodeling contractor or company will ensure that the job will be handled by experienced professionals who guarantee their work. Of course, that involves an additional expense. But if you can afford it, the time and aggravation saved by having a Professional Remodeling Service look after the bathroom renovations is well worth the cost. However, if you are in the enviable position of being able to do the work yourself, you will definitely save big on labor costs. Before deciding to do the job on your own, carefully consider whether you have the necessary skills to undertake a bathroom makeover. Are you able to install flooring, a shower, a tub, a toilet and various fixtures? What about redirecting electrical wiring, making plumbing changes and ensuring proper ventilation? Do you know how to obtain proper building, electrical and plumbing work permits? And finally, do you have the time to dedicate to this project? If you are unsure about those skills, and if you want the job to be done in a timely manner, you should hire a bathroom remodeling contractor or company. A third option is to hire professionals for some of the bigger jobs, and do some of the smaller ones (demolition and painting, for example) yourself. And you can also barter services or favors with skilled, experienced and trust-worthy friends or family members

Designing the Project

Make a list of the changes you want to see in your bathroom remodeling project and sketch out what you want the remodeled bathroom to look like. If you want to make layout changes, unless you are an architect, you should consult with an Architectural or Home Design Company. They are experienced and educated in making structural changes and will present design considerations and possibilities that you probably don't have the knowledge or background to think of yourself.

The bathroom décor is just as important as structural changes. Your choice of materials and color will determine the mood and style of the room. It is best to consult an Interior Design Company to assist you. You can also do your own research in magazines, books and online.

Make sure that you or your contractor file for the appropriate permits well before beginning the bathroom remodeling project with your municipality that will be needed for your design plans.

Materials

Your choice of fixtures and materials will have a significant impact on remodeling costs. Below is a list of specific things you might purchase, which will vary in price depending on the scale of your bathroom remodeling project and your bathroom décor tastes. Use this as a checklist when you shop around and compare different prices.

- Flooring (vinyl, ceramic tiles, hardwood, etc.)
- Bathtub
- Shower
- Shower enclosure
- Toilet
- Vanity
- Sink
- Windows
- Ventilation
- Lighting
- Drywall
- Insulation
- Countertops
- Cabinetry
- Shelves
- Mirrors
- Electrical materials
- Plumbing materials
- Work permits
- Fixtures (faucets, shower heads, towel racks, etc.)
- Wall coverings (paint, wallpaper, tile, etc.)
- Décor accessories (towels, rug, curtains, candles, pictures, etc)

The above items come in a variety of styles and price ranges. You can definitely find fixtures and materials that will fit any budget.

Unforeseen Costs

There is always the possibility that you will run into unanticipated problems that will require additional funds in your bathroom remodeling project budget. For example, you may discover faulty wiring, plumbing issues, water damage and mold. Plan on putting an extra 10% - 20% of your budget aside for these types of emergency expenditures. If you do run into problems, there will be no need to panic, as you have already put the money aside. And if you don't end up needing to spend it, what a bonus! You'll have money left over.

Final Thoughts

Take your time to decide exactly what you want your bathroom remodeling project to consist of. Decide if you will hire a Contracting Service, do it yourself , with friends, or incorporate a mix of these options together. Make a list of what you will need to purchase. Shop around and compare prices and quality of materials and fixtures before making purchases. Finally, make sure your guiding principle is to accomplish your bathroom makeover without cutting any corners. A quality job will never have to be redone. And when you invest a substantial amount of money into your home, you want to have pride in and be thoroughly satisfied with the final result.

Adding or changing bathroom colors is a simple and effective way to give the room a refreshing makeover. The bathroom colors you choose are important; they will say a lot about the style, ambiance and personality you want it to project, whether it be a kids' bathroom, an adults' bathroom, or one for both. It is important that you take your time in making this decision. Research a lot - read magazines, books and go online, and consult a Renovation or Design Service. They have professional expertise to match what you are looking for with the appropriate colors.

Read on to learn about the specific factors you need to consider when choosing bathroom colors that you will be the most satisfied with.

Bathroom Style/Theme

Think about what kind of style and theme you want in your bathroom. Once that is established, it will be much easier to pick out corresponding colors. In terms of style, you can go for traditional or contemporary. Tradition bathroom décor often consist of floral designs and wood trim, with a sink/cabinet vanity and often filled with pictures and other accessories. Contemporary bathroom color schemes tend to be uniform in color, have vanities that come in a variety of modern shapes and styles (such as a sink bowl sitting on top of a counter) and be minimal in terms of accessories. Bathrooms that have a theme are designed to create the feeling of being in another place, like at a spa or a beach.

Choosing a themed bathroom can be fun, especially if you have kids in mind. Brushing their teeth or taking a bath can become an adventure for kids in a bathroom designed to look like a beach, jungle, aquarium or superhero den. Imagine, no more struggle to get your children to get ready for bed and wash up!

There are also plenty of ideas to choose from if you would like to take a more adult themed approach. A popular modern trend is a Zen or spa theme, designed to make you feel totally relaxed and pampered. Neutral bathroom colors and minimal accessories are best if this is the case. Another approach is a romantic theme, designed to make you feel sensual and comfortable in an intimate place. White, black, pink and red colors help you achieve this romantic look. However, there are no absolute color rules! Go with whichever colors make you feel romantic.

Color and Mood

The effects of color on people's moods have been well studied and documented over the years. So it's important to deliberately choose bathroom colors that create a desired effect. After all, the bathroom is the one room that you and your guests are guaranteed to visit on a regular basis.

When choosing bathroom colors, consider the moods and feelings that they project. Bright primary colors (red, blue, red, etc.) are energizing. Browns and cream colors give an aura of sophistication and earthiness. Blue and green are soothing and relaxing; we often associate them with nature. Warm colors like peach, apricot, and yellow create a sense of comfort. Neutrals colors are safe and non-provocative; they don't evoke any particular mood, other than calmness. They are a great background for accent colors that accessories can provide.

Bathroom Size

Colors are a wonderful tool that can be used to intentionally affect how big or small a room feels. So, if you wish to create the illusion of more space in a small bathroom, or less space in a large bathroom, choose colors accordingly.

As a general rule, light and neutral bathroom colors help a room look larger, and bright ones help a room look smaller. If your bathroom is small, stay away from dark and bright colors that will emphasize the lack of space and make the room feel cramped and confining. And if you have a large bathroom that can fit many people, light colors will make it seem even more expansive, which creates the impression that house space has been wasted in the bathroom.

Light colors don't have to be boring. There is an exhaustive variety of light and neutral bathroom colors to choose from, with literally hundreds of shades of eggshell, white, off-white, beiges, etc. that will give your bathroom a sleek and modern look.
Think carefully before picking out darker or bolder colors for a large room. You don't want to choose something to flashy or drastic that you regret later on. However, going with darker colors give you more bathroom color scheme options to create a themed room, such as a tropical, beach or Mediterranean theme. And bright bathroom colors are ideal when designing a kids' bathroom.

Final Tips

Don't make any decisions on your own. When it comes to choosing the right bathroom colors, consult with an Interior Design Service. Professional color experts know how to use the color wheel and create color combinations that you may not think of on your own. Do your own research as well. Talk to friends, look in magazines, and surf the net.

If you decide to paint your bathroom, make sure you buy the right type of paint. You need something that is mildew resistant to the moisture that comes with the high level of humidity in a bathroom. Your paint should also have a strong enough finish (semi-gloss or higher) so that you can easily wipe down marks and dirt that tend to build up in a bathroom. Remember, you get what you pay for. Purchase quality paint that is specially made for bathrooms so that your bathroom colors will be damage-resistant and durable.

Congratulations on deciding to build bathroom shelves! These will go a long way in improving the functionality and décor of your bathroom. Shelving provided much needed storage and makes the items in your bathroom much more organized and accessible.
There are a variety of options available to you when it comes to deciding what kind of shelving you will be installing in your bathroom. You can buy ready-made bathroom shelves that simply require some assembly and installation or build do-it-yourself shelves from scratch.

Tools and Materials (will depend on which shelving option you choose)

* Stud finder
* Brackets
* Drill and drill bits
* Screw driver
* Cardboard
* Pencil
* Level
* Measuring tape
* Shelving kit
* Plywood
* Nails
* Hammer
* Saw
* Fine grade sandpaper

Step 1 - Determine Your Bathroom Shelving Needs

The first step is to consider what your bathroom shelving needs are. How many items do you require storage for? How much shelving space will this require? Will these shelves be used for storage, for decoration, or for both? This will impact on the size of and spacing between bathroom shelves. Take a good look at your bathroom and decide exactly where you want to install shelves. Take out your measuring tape and record the exact measurements for your desired bathroom shelves. This will be a lot easier if someone is helping you hold the measuring tape in place. Determine how many shelves you want and in what lengths and widths. You can even trace them out on cardboard and bring them with you when you purchase your material at your local home improvement store. Sketch out what your bathroom would look like with shelves installed. Essential items should be placed within easy reach, while decorative ones can be placed up higher were they can be seen but not necessarily accessed. Let this be your guide, but be flexible, as you may have to make compromises along the way.

Option #1 - Installing Pre-Made Shelves (Some assembly needed)

Step 2 - Purchase Bathroom Shelves or Kits

This is certainly the simplest option. Pre-made do-it-yourself shelves can be purchased as planks of wood for which you buy hinges brackets or hanging strips, or you can buy them as part of a kit that includes materials and requires minimal assembly.

Step 3 - Install Shelves

Installation will usually require that brackets be attached the wall. Assuming your walls are made of drywall (which is most often the case) use a stud finder to locate studs. Place the shelf against the wall in the desired location, and mark holes where the brackets will be installed. Make sure to put a level on top of the shelf before marking the holes to ensure that the shelf will be level. Drill a holes were pencil marks are, then attach bracket to wall with screws. The shelf itself will also be attached to the brackets. Each shelving unit or kit will be a little different. Be sure to read instructions accompanying your purchase for specific installation directions.

Option #2 - Build Your Own Shelves from Scratch

This option is for the more adventurous type. Unless you have previous experience working with wood, there will be a steep learning curve for you. Consider consulting or hiring a professional carpentry service to build custom shelves for you.

Step 2 - Purchase Material

Go to your local home improvement store and bring your measurements with you. Purchase the desired wood for your shelves (plywood is standard, but dependent on your tastes and budget, you may opt for something a little more high end, such as pine or redwood).

Step 3 - Build Bathroom Shelves

Cut the wood to fit your shelf measurements (some hardware stores will do this for you). Lightly sand the wood with fine grade sandpaper to ensure the surface is completely smooth.

The complexity of this building step depends on the shelving design you have in mind. It can be something as simple as a piece of wood that will be installed on brackets, or you can fit a back onto it, or a back and sides to give it a cubby-style in look. This will simply require you nailing pieces of wood together.

Step 4 - Finish Shelves

There is no shortage of finishes you can purchase for your bathroom shelves. Pick out a varnish that is specifically intended for indoor wood and is waterproof (it must resist the natural buildup of mildew and mold from steam and other forms of water damage). Choose a color that will match your bathroom décor. Visit your local home improvement store to see the variety of choices available to you. Bring in swatches of other colors from your bathroom and consult with a professional bathroom décor service representative to help you make the best choice for your bathroom.

Step 5 - Install Shelves

Once the wood finish is completely dry, you are ready to install the bathroom shelves. Attaching brackets to the wall is the easiest and most common method for installing shelves. See Step 3 in Option #1 above for more specific instructions. If, however, you have opted for a professional to make custom shelves, he or she will be able to do this installation for you. This will save you time and possible aggravation and ensure that the shelves are installed securely the first time around.

You can also use glass or laminate instead of wood for bathroom shelves. Glass can be purchased at specialized glass store, where they will cut the glass to you specified measurements, and laminate is found in most home improvement stores.

The importance of the bathroom exhaust fan cannot be overlooked and as it stands; a bathroom exhaust fan is perhaps the most underrated appliance in the home. It is thought of as the exhaust fan that dissipates bathroom odors and nothing else. However, exhaust fans keeps the bathroom dry and keep mold and mildew from taking up residence in your bathroom and they do much more than that. The bathroom exhaust fan keeps your bathroom free of moisture The bathroom has most of the water facilities that are used in the home therefore, the bathroom is constantly moist encouraging the mold and mildew spores to proliferate. The bathroom exhaust fan will also let you breathe better after a hot shower or bath. So, do not underestimate the necessity of having an exhaust fan in the bathroom. Choosing a good bathroom exhaust fan may be time consuming but it is not difficult.

Things you will need

* A ruler to measure the correct size of the bathroom; and
* A list of the number of appliances you have in the bathroom, i.e. shower and bathtub if separate, sink, toilet, bidet, steam cabinet, and any other appliance

Step 1 - Measuring the bathrooom

When you have determined the size of your bathroom and the number of appliances you have. then using not only the measured length and width of the room but add on how high the ceiling is and then determine what this number is in square feet; divide the square feet by seven point five. This bit of calculation will tell you what the exchange of air is in your bathroom in cubic feet so that you will know what size bathroom exhaust fan you will need to buy to properly ventilate the room..

Step Two - Finding sound pressure level

The exhaust fan you want for your bathroom should be quiet. as I am sure your bath or shower was intended to leisure and relaxing therefore, to you the sound pressure level is important. The sound pressure level of exhaust fans is listed on a tag or on the box when you buy the fan. If the bathroom exhaust fan you choose has a sound pressure level of four it will be as loud and your television and if the sound pressure level is less that five tenths it will be no louder than a leaf rustling in a tree.

Step 3- Choosing style and features

As long as you are going to add or replace the bathroom exhaust fan, while for one look at all of the features that are included in some of the exhaust fans. The features are always listed on the boxes the exhaust fans come in. You can find bathroom exhaust fans that have features such as additional lights for the bathroom, and some have a heating feature and timing devices and more. All bathroom exhaust fans do not just provide ventilation.

Step 4 - Determining style of bathroom

What kind of bathroom do you have? Is it ultra modern, old fashioned or traditional? You would not want to put an old fashioned bathroom exhaust fan into and ultra modern bathroom. At this point you want to make up your mind as to what kind of exhaust fan you want to have in your bathroom and what the budget will bear. The more features you choose the fan has and how decorative your exhaust fan will be will determine the cost of that fan.

Step 5 - Considering features

One other thing you may want to consider before you buy that bathroom exhaust fan. Are you the kind of person that forgets to turn off lights and other appliances when you are through using them, or when you leave a room? If so, you may want to choose an exhaust fan that will do that for you. Many of the exhaust fans on the market today are equipped with timing devices that will turn the fan off after a certain length of time. Most bathroom exhaust fans are turned off when the lights are turned off. The decision for having a timing device on your bathroom exhaust fan is entirely up to you. Keep in mind that if that timing device goes off before you are ready to leave the bathroom, it should have a way to let you turn it back on without flipping light switches.

Step 6 - Asking questions

The final step to choosing the right bathroom exhaust fan for your bathroom is to choose a home improvement store, department store, warehouse store, or online store, in which to by that exhaust fan. To get the best buy for the money you want to spend to by the fan, see what is available in all of the stores and online. Be sure to ask questions in the stores where you have face-to-face human contact and make notes. You now have information to compare with the offers made by online stores. With all of the notes that you have taken, and the comparisons that you have made, you should have enough information to assist you in making a knowledgeable decision on what kind of bathroom exhaust fan you want for your bathroom.

This may be the long way around to buy what appears to be a simple bathroom exhaust fan but in the end you will have an appliance that you will be pleased with, and one that will do what you want it to. Remember, the bathroom is where you take you leisurely relaxing bath and do all of the personal things that make you feel better so the bathroom environment should be one that is conducive to your comfort.

Step 7 - DIY or professional installation

Now you have made your decision and you have the exhaust fan in your possession, what to do with it? If you are a do-i-yourselfer, than follow the installation instructions that come with your bathroom exhaust fan and install it in the location you have chosen for it. If you are not handy enough to try such an installation than a professional installer should be your choice and I am sure you can find one through your local or favorite home improvement store.

Not everybody wants to spend a fortune on a bathroom remodel so below are some ways to dramatically change the look of your bathroom without breaking the bank.

Cabinets. I'm not talking about replacing all of your cabinetry because that could get expensive but if you have wood cabinets then you should be able to sand down the current paint on your cabinets and paint them a new color to dramatically change the look and feel of your bathroom.

Hardware. Along with your cabinets you can also change out the hardware on your cabinet doors and drawers. New hardware can go a long way in changing the look and feel of your bathroom.

Storage. A big complaint of a lot of home owners is that they don't have enough storage space in their bathrooms. Any empty wall space in your bathroom can be used for shelves which are pretty easily installed by an experienced do-it-yourselfer. You can also use woven baskets and place them on your shelves for a more appealing look and increased storage capacity.

A Fresh Coat of Paint. Painting your bathroom is perhaps the easiest way to change the look and feel of your bathroom.