You go there every single day. Everyone in your family goes there every single day. Even guests will go there relatively frequently. So why are you okay with having such an ugly bathroom?

Let’s face it. That multi-colored mint green and blush pink bathroom just isn’t cute anymore.

Thankfully, there are a lot of other non-mint green/blush pink tiled options out there. And, fortunately, people are beginning to realize that the value of their home actually increases considerably when bathrooms are modernized and updated; you actually have a legitimate reason to fix up the bathroom. So say goodbye to that not-so-cute bathroom your grandma picked out in 1964 and let’s talk remodeling.

You Can’t Do it Alone. No, Really.

First, let’s take a few deep breaths; remodeling makes most people panic. You’re not alone. But what sets you apart from the rest of the bathroom-remodeling folks out there is that you’re not remodeling the bathroom yourself.

You’ve seen too many pipes broken, walls destroyed, and money-pits happen to try to do something like a remodel yourself. Let me go ahead and tell you now, reader, that if you’re still even thinking about doing a home remodel by yourself, don’t. Just say no. I know you’re handy, sir, and I know that you’ve got a killer eye for design, ma’am, but trust me. Home remodeling rarely goes smoothly.

In fact, people end up paying more money for remodels when they do it themselves than when they work with contractors; accidents happen and unforeseen plumbing issues abound in the bathroom. Repeat it with me. Just. Say. No.

So now that we’ve got that out of your system, you need to decide what design you want for your new bathroom. The options are basically endless. Yes, this is that point in the article where you’ll open up a new browser window and start looking up online décor magazines and pull out your catalogs for some inspiration. I know, I know. Take five (or an hour and twenty-five) and we’ll regroup.

So now that you’ve looked online at all of the different options you know exactly what it is you want, right? Yeah, I didn’t think so. I know, I should’ve told you that would make it worse. Sorry. You would’ve done it anyway.

Where to Start?

Okay, let’s get back to your “where to go next” tutorial. You’ve already decided that your bathroom needs to be remodeled. Hallelujah. So, there are a few things we need to address so that you can get into full bathroom-remodeling mode.

1. Make sure that you’ve got a budget set. This is, without a doubt, the most important part of your remodel. Tell your contractor (because you hired one, right? No? Well then stop here, call a contractor, and then you may proceed) exactly what the budget is, and tell them that that amount also includes the emergency fund. I can almost guarantee you that an unexpected expense will come up – make sure the budget is set.
2. Be flexible. Like I just said, there are sure to be some unanticipated costs when remodeling a bathroom – be sure to have more than one design plan. If the problems cost more money than you’d anticipated, you’ll have a back-up plan that you yourself picked out.
3. Make sure your home is prepared for the remodel. Be sure to clear the area of power lines, pipes, water lines, etc. Make sure you know exactly what’s behind every wall and shower before you (your contractor) starts tearing things out.
4. Do your research. Certain designs and building materials will cost more than others.. Find out if it works for your budget. If something doesn’t work, there are a lot of other options out there. A lot of imitation materials are just as beautiful, even more durable, and half the cost of what you originally wanted.
5. Stick to your plan(s). This goes along with budgeting. You know how things that you suddenly need just pop up – a different vanity, a different toilet, different faucets, etc. It adds up. Don’t let something sway you. You made your two plans (one for your dream bathroom, the other in case you need to lower the cost), so stick to it.
6. Be sure to plan your bathroom thoroughly. Pick how many pieces you want, decide the layout (check with your contractor first to make sure it’s feasible), and then plan, plan, plan. Unplanned details can often result in more expenses.
7. Make sure the people doing the remodel are reliable and know what they’re doing. Ask around for reliable workers. Don’t settle for someone. Make sure your work is done right. And be sure to document the bathroom before and after the remodel to make sure everything was taken care of correctly – and as contracted.

With any luck, that nasty tiled bathroom of yours will be on its way to sleek sophistication in no time. Just remember, don’t try to do it alone! You’ve got people out there who can help you, so take advantage of their services. Just say no to working solo.

Author Bio

Ginger Price writes semi-informational home improvement and home maintenance articles and works closely with companies who provide bathroom remodeling in Shreveport to bring awareness to the awesomeness of bathroom remodels.