Bathroom Design Basics
Like the kitchen, the bathroom space is an opportunity for home owners to increase the value of their property with a fabulous renovation. However as much as a bathroom renovation is desired it also brings with it stress, cost, and usually more time than expected.
As you are dealing with an interior space that handles a lot of water, it is important to have a solid plan in place which includes following strict guidelines. There are also many other things to consider with regards to Bathroom design in order to make your new space work for you.
Our mission at TheSexyBathroom.com is to keep you well informed so that you are properly equipped with the right information required to make educated decisions and ultimately save you time and money!
Build a Foundation
During the design process the most important question you can ask yourself is; "Why do I want a new Bathroom?" Is it because you are looking for more storage space? Is your space not being maximized? Is it oled and out-dated? Does your cabinetry or vanity need to be replaced? Are your faucets in need of change as well? Is your Bathroom too dark? Is your space too small or too big? Too Boring? Or simply, too much??!
By asking yourself these important questions you will have a much better idea of what you need to get out of your Bathroom. This information will become the foundation for your Bathroom design plan.
Make a wish list
Once you have your foundation in place it is important to ask yourself a few more questions. Now that I know what I need, what is it I want? What you would like to have in your Bathroom? Give this a lot of thought because design today can incorporate special storage and space savers into your vanities,cabinets and shelving units! Be sure to write a list of everything you couldn't live without. This list will also become a very important guideline for you, your contractor, or designer to follow.
Here are a few questions to paint an example for you:
Do you want dual faucets and sinks? Granite countertops? Tiled flooring? Heated floors? A stand up shower? Jacuzzi tub? Water saving toilet? What will your color palette be? What kind of vanity or cabinetry will you use? What can I not live without? Think along these lines to make sure that during your research, you can achieve exactly what you want for your bathroom.
Do not forget! What about heated flooring? Wet rooms Hot Floors is a leading supplier of underfloor heating in the UK. Find detailed information including an introduction to wet rooms at hot-floors.com
Budget
How much can you afford to spend on your Bathroom? This is a big question that can affect the entire project. Bathroom design projects are rarely inexpensive so you must get out and do some pricing on items that are necessary for you to fulfill your foundation and wish list. Beware that if you plan on replacing your plumbing and tub it can account for more than half of your budget as plumbers don't come cheap!!
When building your Bathroom design budget you also want to include the cost of all labor (electricians, carpenters, plumbers, contractors etc.) and then consider the possibility of hiring a designer.
You must stay within your budget when planning a new bathroom. Account for as much as possible and add on another 20% or more just incase. Unexpected costs arise all the time in bathroom renovations, think water damage or mould, and the best way to overcome it is to create a great budget. Dreaming big is one thing, but placing importance on price and affordability will ensure that you get what you are expecting and save some money for unexpected emergencies.
Time Frame
It is also very important to know when your project needs to be completed. Bathroom renovation projects are notorious for being drawn out. Set realistic goals. The remodeling and new construction industry is booming and this can have a direct affect on your project. Many crews are working on several projects at a time so be sure to communicate your completion date with your contractor and demand a realistic response. Labor is not cheap so the shorter the time frame the higher the cost. It is also helpful to plan for you and your family to prepare an alternate location for your bathing needs into your budget. Remember that being inconvenienced at home can also cost you more money at the end of the day.
Hiring a Contractor
If you speak to anyone who has ever participated in a bathroom renovation project or any other home renovation project they will most likely tell you that your contractor holds the key to guaranteed success. A contractor will make or break the renovation process and although the end result may look the same, what lies underneath may tell a much different story!
This is an industry that can harbor many scam artists that go after your money with no care for your welfare! There are very few laws out there to protect the homeowner so it is up to you! You need to do as much research as possible to ensure a successful renovation.
Make sure you use a professional or certified contractor. There are lots of contractors out there who will undercut prices and offer you promises that are not realistic. Ask to see some portfolio work or for references. Make sure that your contractor is using accredited plumbers and electricians. Be wary of anyone willing to start immediately or who asks for cash up front? Do not proceed with any payments unless you have an agreement with your contractor and make sure they detail all work on labor and materials. You do not want a poorly installed Bathroom and any subsequent repairs will far outweigh the cost of using a professional.
If you are located in the U.S.A., visit: www.unitedhomeimprovement.com This company specializes in finding the right contractor for the job in your area! Use this service and get peace of mind from knowing that someone is looking out for your well being!
If you are in Canada visit: www.homestars.ca This is a very new company to the renovation scene in Canada that allows the consumer to rate the performance of their chosen contractor. Their mission is to unveil the potentially dangerous and deceitful contractors in existence today while also offering an opportunity for praise of those who demonstrate excellence! Although they do not provide professional recommendations this is a fantastic research tool for the consumer.
Do your homework! Learn everything you can about the project you are about to undertake as well as the process. Research on-line testimonials of personal renovation stories where costly mistakes were made so that you can learn from those and be better prepared.
Finally, be on site as much as possible! Be aware that your presence can also be a detriment to the renovation process but all the same be sure to see what is being done. Ask questions and get your contractor to show you exactly what has been done at the end of each day.
It is so important to note that if you are suspicious of something at any point during the renovation process stop the job immediately! This is your space and it is your right to stop the job and consult an inspector. It might be your only chance to rectify the situation so take action immediately!!
Interior Designers
Hiring a designer can really help you get onto the right path sooner. These professional consultants can take care of every aspect of the design process like choosing the appropriate layout for you and your home. Coordinating color & lighting that is appropriate. Making sure all your trades and contractors are working in unison and of course ensuring that your dream bathroom becomes a reality. Designers will sit with you and go through a detailed interview process to get the best idea of what you are looking for. Their objective is to design a plan and develop a bathroom that works best for you. Your designer will combine your foundation and wish lists and weigh the pros and cons to balance them against your needs, space limitations and budget. Your designer will put together all the planning, logistical needs and contractors for your project. They can be expensive but many kitchen and bath showrooms will have in house designers working for them. You can set up an appointment or walk in and speak with someone almost immediately. This service helps the supplier get your business and they will do everything for you, from measuring your space to arranging packages for you that suit any budget.
Designers are usually well worth it, but do your research and find a design consultant with a portfolio that really connects with your own personal style.
You can also use your contractor to help you in planning out your workspace or even use interior design software to personally plan out your space if you think you have what it takes!
Choosing Bathroom Colors
Now we get to bathroom colors and palettes. It is very important for you when you are in the design process to have a strong grasp of what color palette you are looking for. Colors can dramatically affect the overall look of your project. There are a few guidelines regarding color that might help get you on the right track!
Small Bathroom - Try using cool colors. These colors will actually make your space look larger where warm colors will make your space seem smaller! Make your ceiling seem taller by painting it a cooler color than the walls!
Large Bathroom - Any color could work however really intense colors can look amazing in a large space with appropriate contrasting colors. Warm colors will also help the space feel closer together.
Glossy - These colors and surfaces will reflect light making the color more intense.
Matte - These colors and surfaces will absorb light making the color seem flat or pale.
