Design from another source
Design from another source
Just like any other construction project, a bathroom remodel
or new construction takes a great deal of planning, thought
and leg work. You need to decide what you like by looking
at designs on line, in showrooms and at friend's homes.
Once you decide which style is right for you, you need to
decide what your budget is and start to look at materials.
The materials will determine the price of the labor to
create the bathroom.
Yes, I know this is hard to believe but the basic construction
materials will be determined by the materials chosen for the
project. For example, you can not install large European, modern
tiles over green board. They must be installed over cement or
wonder board. Why, because green board is not strong enough to
take the weight of these tiles.
Things to consider when designing the bathroom space are:
1. Should I keep a bathtub or change to a shower? This may effect
resale and according to building code, you must have one bathtub in a
home. Of course, apartments are different. They usually only contain
a shower.
Do you want a large soaking tub, jetted tub, air tub, tub with
lights or television? Will the tub sit in a platform or on the floor?
If you want a shower, what kind of shower? There are fully enclosed
steam showers, showers with lights, television, radio
and sound system. Will the shower be a pre-formed unit or custom built
on site out of tile with a shower pan built with mosaic tile.
2. What is my budget? Be prepared to go 25% over for surprises.
3. How do I calculate square footage of tile? You calculate square
footage by multiplying the length and wide of each wall in inches and
dividing by 144. Then you add 10% for waste or 20% for waste if the
tile is placed on the diagonal.
4. How will the tile be edged? Should I buy bullnose?
5. What material will be used on the walls and floor to set the tile?
Is my contractor laying wonder board or green board?
6. What type of ventilation do I need? Ventilation is key to avoid mold
in a bathroom. There are many types now that are very quiet. Your local
home center or plumbing supply house can guide you. The volume of the
system is measured in sones. The lower the sones the better.
It will be more quiet.
7. How elaborate do you want the tile design to be? Decorative borders
add quite a bit of cost. Should the tile go to the ceiling, stop at half
the wall or only on the floor and in the tub/shower area?
All are good options. It will depend on your finances and the over all
look you desire.
8. Do I want just a toilet or a bidet as well? There is special plumbing
to consider for the installation of a bidet.
9. How will I heat the water for the bathroom? Most Americans have
large water heaters for the home. They heat all the time and are not
very energy efficient. It is becoming more and more popular to use
'on demand' systems that only heat the water you need as you need it.
You can buy either gas or electric. However, the gas tend to be more
cost effective to run. Another option is a solar water heater.
10. Should I work with a designer or architect to create plans? It is
usually a good idea to work with someone. The idea of redoing a bathroom
can be really overwhelming. Just going to a tile store can be a tiring
and confusing experience. There are so many choices. Then you need to
choose the fixtures, faucetry, etc. It is better to work with someone
to make the experience less stressful and time consuming.
11. How elaborate do I want my bathroom to be? From sunken tubs to
speakers,mood lighting, spa touches and digital controls for a steam
shower, bathrooms are big business. You need to know what your budget
is so that you don't blow it with so many 'bells and whistles' that you
have created a space you hate because it was too expensive.
12. Then you need to choose the right vanity. Do you want it to look like
furniture, be wall mounted and free floating or do you want traditional
American cabinetry that sits on the floor?
13. Your final choices will be faucetry, lighting, windows, sinks,
paint, and accents
14. Make sure you work with a reputable contractor. Always check
references, see their work, and make sure you understand the costs up front.
How is payingfor what. Read the contract carefully, so you don't have
problems later. Be on site and check the work!
Hope all of this helps you to think ahead and stay on budget. The right
bathroom can be the best addition to any home!
