One of the best ways to breathe new life into a home is through remodeling a bathroom. The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in one’s home, but changing circumstances and tastes may dictate the need to redo the decor. Perhaps the children have grown up and moved away, allowing the once-beleaguered parents to change their bathroom from a practical place to one of almost decadent luxury. Getting older may also necessitate a redesign of the bathroom to accommodate lesser mobility, or the homeowner may wish to swap out outdated furnishings and replace them with modern, more efficient models. However, the bathroom remodeling project can be fraught with peril, so All About Bathrooms wishes to offer some tips to avoid some of the common bathroom remodeling pitfalls.

One of the absolute biggest pitfalls associated with a bathroom remodeling project is not to have a comprehensive plan in place from the very beginning. Experts such as All About Bathrooms always stress that a detailed plan on everything that the homeowner wishes to be done needs to be completed before any work begins. A fully realized plan allows the contractors to know exactly what needs to be done, and such a plan also ensures that there is an utter lack of confusion on what is to be expected from the bathroom renovation. Not having a plan in place can lead to second-guessing and expensive changes during the remodeling process.

Another major pitfall associated with bathroom remodeling is dealing with a dishonest contractor. The homeowner should do their due diligence and research the reputation of any remodeling contractor that they think about hiring. Don’t be afraid to ask for references, testimonials, and before-and-after images of completed projects. The homeowner should verify with their local and state agencies that the contractor is fully licensed and insured. Another useful line of inquiry is to check out their reviews on various websites, as well as the Better Business Bureau. Finally, the contractor should give you a reasonable estimate for the bathroom remodeling project. If they submit an estimate that is extremely low, that should serve as a red flag as they are likely to do substandard work or perhaps come up with “unexpected” charges during the project.

One common bathroom remodeling pitfall is not having an established budget for the project. Remodeling experts, such as All About Bathrooms, will point out the budgetary costs of the entire project, but they will also add an amount to cover unforeseen expenses, such as finding out that the plumbing has to be totally redone as it is no longer up to code. Many homeowners try to start a bathroom remodeling project on the cheap, and this usually leads to unsatisfactory results. Why cut corners on a project that will not fulfill the desires of the homeowner or necessitate the need for more remodeling a few years down the road? It’s always best to ensure that one has a sufficient budget in place to see the remodeling project through properly. This budget also goes hand-in-hand with the need for a comprehensive plan as discussed above.

One problem that arises for homeowners during a bathroom remodeling project is that they often fall prey to beauty over function. Everybody wants an elegant and visually pleasing bathroom, and there are literally thousands of options available for every facet of the bathroom: vanities, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, etc. The problem is that many homeowners select items that may negatively impact the experience of using the bathroom by just focusing on its aesthetic appeal. A beautiful vanity may look tremendous in the showroom or in the brochure, but there may be a distinct lack of space to put one’s toiletries or no room for towels. A huge sink and faucet with all the bells and whistles may end up dominating the limited counter space where it would have been better to have hers and his sinks instead. While visually updating the bathroom is a major component of the remodeling process, it should not come at the expense of the core function of the bathroom itself. All About Bathrooms can ensure that your design wishes merge with full functional practicality.

The final pitfall that many homeowners fall into during a bathroom remodeling project is to overlook the small things. Effort should be made to ensure that the plumbing, wiring, and structural supports can handle any changes being made and are up to code as well. A thorough check on all vents should be made to ensure that they’re working properly. Making sure that windows are fully sealed to prevent moisture from getting in is another item to pay attention to. It can be hard to focus on the little things when major changes are underway during a bathroom remodeling project, but those little changes, if not taken care of, can lead to big problems down the road.

As one can see, there are a number of major pitfalls that can come up during a bathroom remodeling project that the homeowner should keep an eye out for. These pitfalls can be addressed with working with experienced remodeling contractors, such as All About Bathrooms, and proper preparation. Having a comprehensive plan, a suitable budget, a design that balances function and visual appeal, and a trusted contractor can negate these pitfalls and lead to a smoother remodeling project. The Boy Scout motto of “be prepared” is one that homeowners should engrave on their hearts when contemplating a bathroom remodel.

When embarking on a bathroom remodeling project, there are a lot of things to consider, such as the scale of the project and what you wish the final results to be. Yet the most important item on the agenda will be choosing the contractor. A good contractor can help you realize the bathroom of your dreams, an oasis of calm amidst the turbulent maelstrom of the world. A bad contractor can turn even the simplest bathroom remodeling project into a total nightmare. In an effort to provide some guidance and help, All About Bathrooms wishes to offer some warning signs that you’re not dealing with an honest contractor.

The first warning sign that you’re dealing with a dishonest contractor is that they are not licensed or insured. State and local laws mandate that any extensive remodeling projects done on one’s home have to be carried out by licensed individuals. Without a valid license, the proper permits cannot be pulled for any remodeling work that needs to be done. This can greatly affect you if you decide to sell your home as any such unlicensed work will need to be corrected, usually at considerable expense. Another item to look for is that the contractor is also insured. This helps protect them and you from any accidents that may occur during the bathroom remodeling project. If the contractor is not insured, then any damages incurred may come out of your pocket. Honest remodeling contractors, such as All About Bathrooms, will gladly provide licensing and insurance documentation before any work is begun.

One method that a dishonest contractor uses to get business is to provide extremely cheap estimates to the homeowner. A number of factors are used to compile an accurate estimate, including labor, material costs, and a small percentage to cover problems that may arise. A good rule of thumb is that one can expect to pay from five to ten percent of a home’s value on a bathroom remodeling project. If an estimate is incredibly low when compared to others (as well as the five to ten percent rule), then you can expect that the contractor will cut corners, such as using inferior materials or unskilled labor. The results can be disastrous, causing the homeowner to have to hire another contractor to fix the mess left by the dishonest one. Remember what your parents always told you: if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is.

Another issue concerning estimates is if the bathroom remodeling contractor does not offer you a written estimate. This should immediately begin setting off red alert sirens in your mind if it happens. If you accept a verbal estimate, then be prepared for some”unexpected” and “unforeseen” expenses to arise, all of which will come out of your pocket. All About Bathrooms always provides a detailed written estimate and is always happy to go over each item in it to ensure that the homeowner fully understands what needs to be done and the cost of doing them. One last factor of getting an estimate is that

it should also include the time period that the bathroom remodeling contractor expects to get the job done. If the contractor is vague on the estimated time period, then chances are that they will be looking to milk you for as much money as possible by drawing out the completion of the project. A lack of referrals is another sign that you’re dealing with a dishonest contractor. An honest contractor will provide multiple referrals to showcase the quality of their work through written testimonials. If such referrals are not forthcoming, then you should immediately cease dealing with that contractor. If you do get referrals, then you should verify them to make sure that they’re legitimate. Make sure that the referrals are for the same company that you’re thinking of hiring. It would also be prudent to check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged against the contractor. Another thing to look for when considering a bathroom remodeling contractor are before-and- after photos of previous projects. All ethical contractors have such photos as it shows the quality of the work that they have done and the types of bathroom remodeling projects that they have tackled in the past. A wise action is to make sure that the before-and- after photos match with the referrals that have been offered. We at All

About Bathrooms are always happy to offer referrals from our satisfied customers and show photos of the sterling work that we have done for them. There is one more criteria to look for when discerning a dishonest contractor: professionalism. The contractor should inform you exactly who will be in your home remodeling your bathroom. They should show up on time, be clean and presentable, have the tools necessary to do the job, clean up when they’re done, and do the work that you’re paying them to do while they are on-site. Dishonest contractors will look for ways to pad their expenses, such as by working slowly to beef up their hours. Remember that these contractors will be in your home, perhaps even when you are not there.

As you can see, there are a number of warning signs to look out for that shows that you’re not dealing with an honest contractor. These red flags include: not be willing to provide a written estimate, not being licensed and insured, offering an estimate this is incredibly low for the work that needs to be done, not acting in a professional manner, and not offering to show you referrals and before-and- after photos of previous projects that they have worked on. Such signs definitely point to future chaos and a waste of money. It’s always wise to do your homework on any potential contractor that you’re wishing to hire for a bathroom remodeling project. Finding the right contractor can make everything go smoothly while a bad one can turn the entire endeavor into a wretched experience.

Your bathroom design reflects not only your personal taste and style, but also the requirements of your household.  With a working couple, you have a busy master bathroom, especially in the mornings. Your bath requirements may be designed differently than a guest bath that will be used infrequently.  A bathroom intended for a house with small children could have different design requirements than one in a house with no children.  A bathroom renovation is the perfect time to update your style, but also to transform the effectiveness of your bathroom based on the changing needs of your household.

A trend today is to create a more accessible bathroom style. There are many considerations. Do you plan on staying in your home well into your golden years? If so, you might discuss accessibility for any household member who might have mobility issues. 

Is there enough space?

Consider installing a full bathroom on the lower level of your home, giving you access to a full bath without having to go up the stairs.  Multiple levels can present issues to those with mobility issues.

If you need to accommodate a wheelchair, or are thinking about space for someone using a walker or cane, a larger bathroom with more allowance for space around the toilet or sink can make it much easier to maneuver.  Vanity and sink height, as well as the distance to the faucet, can also make a difference in how easy it is to access these areas on a daily basis. All these considerations can be discussed with our experts at All About Bathrooms. 

Bathing Options

With the many bathtub styles, like a freestanding tub are very attractive, tubs can be very difficult to get in and out of when your mobility is reduced.  Some tub styles are more accessible, but best yet is to install a tub that will allow the easiest access..  A shower with an extra-large opening that will even accommodate a wheelchair, will ensure you can easily access your shower. If you are walking in independently, using a cane, or sitting in a wheelchair, these showers have no threshold meaning you will not risk tripping when entering.

For more about the future planning of your bathroom, depend on the experts at All About Bathrooms.

Simply call (720) 524-7546 and speak to one of our designers. They will be able to assist you with your questions and concerns.

Home improvement shows on networks like HGTV and DIY Network provide a false impression of the home remodel process for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas of our homes. These shows hide the reality of extended timelines, hidden surprises, extra costs, and big messes. We want you to be prepared for the reality of your bathroom remodel with All About Bathrooms, so please read on to know what to expect.

Financing & Budget

Complete bathroom remodels by an experienced contractor are not inexpensive. Be prepared to discuss your budget and how you will be financing the project. Be aware that banks have become less willing to approve home equity loans, so find out ahead of time if you have financing options. Make sure to understand total costs, the payment schedule, and what costs may not be included such as permits, personal choice items, and contingency funds for change orders.

Availability & Timeline

All bathroom remodels will require that the homeowner be involved and available weekly for planning & progress meetings and daily to let crews in and out of the house during the construction (if not using a lockbox). Our bathroom remodels run an average of 6 weeks from demo to completion, and things like permitting/inspections can add to the timeline, especially if your home is older and inspectors require updating to meet current code.

Age of Home

The age of your home is critical to the remodeling process, as homes built before 1978 require testing and abatement for lead and asbestos prior to beginning a bathroom remodel. The homeowners are responsible for these costs and coordinating the work. Also as noted in the previous paragraph, older homes may present additional challenges and costs due to required code updates or outdated infrastructure.

Be Prepared for Disruption

We want you to be prepared for the disruption that a bathroom remodel will cause. Clearly, you will be unable to use the bathroom until it’s done, so hopefully there is another in the home you can use during construction. Homeowners will need to remove personal items from the room and place them in storage. In addition, there will be dust, debris, fumes, and other potential irritants and allergens from the construction process.

Surprise Costs

Nobody wants to hear about extra costs, but, inevitably, surprises or change orders happen! When we are opening up walls and floors, there is potential for unexpected expenses to arise, so please be prepared. Some contractors recommend reserving up to 30% of the remodel budget for these surprise costs.

Thanks for reading our tips for understanding the reality of a bathroom remodel. With the proper outlook, we can successfully remodel your bathroom from a boring, outdated space to a fresh, clean retreat!