What steps to take when remodeling a bathroom.

By Kevin Boyer Licensed General Contractor in the State of Florida.

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Deciding to take the big plunge? Finally tried ready of looking at that out dated bath? I can help. I can walk you through the process. First, have a plan of action, have a general idea or hire someone to get you a game plan. Layout is one of the most important processes of the remodeling plan. If you decide on leaving the interior walls the same and just changing out the fixtures, tub/shower and vanities then just take measurements. These measurements will decide what your sizes will be on your vanities and tubs etc.

1. Make a layout of your bathroom: showing walls, removal of walls, New areas IE: location of new fixtures, showers, movement of plumbing electrical. And any additional ideas you may have.
2. Professional drawings are a must. Drawings are money well spent. Using a CAD based drawing software by a professional is key. These drawings will give you a layout, design of cabinets, electrical locations, plumbing fixtures.
3. Next is getting a qualified contractor. This step is by far the most important. I have seen bids that have come in Thousands of dollars less than ours. Some customers feel they are receiving a huge discount. But in return this should be a warning sign. This in return could mean the contractor is missing key elements. A Bathroom holds many variables, and all the contractor has to do is miss a few of them. This changes the price of the bid dramatically. You the consumer now has a false sense about an unrealistic price you where quoted. Meaning the contractor is some how going to retrieve these missing variables, by contract changes. Now a job you have budgeted for $23,000.00 has now turned into a $33,000.00 job. And the original bids you received where at $28,000.00. The deal you thought you where receiving has now turned into a remodeling nightmare. They relationship between you and the contractor is strained, you feel he or she has not been honest. That is why I tell customers what to expect, right up front. Remember this slogan " Cheap work is not good" "Good work is not cheap".
4. Now I hope I have not scared you off. Next I would like to touch base on the actual construction of your new bath. It is always a good idea to have in the price is the removal of all the drywall. Why? because we get to see if there is any water damage (leaks,water intrusion, etc). This will give us a clean palate to design on. Also, with block walls we can change out any furring strips, or wood walls replace any damaged wood studs. And by removing drywall on the ceiling, this allows us to raise the ceiling lid to a higher elevation ( if there is room). This also lets our electrician and plumber come in and redirect lines or change outlets or move them ( In Florida per code, ever Four feet has to have a GFI outlet). Always when contracting to a bathroom remodel, have your contractor pull the proper permits for the job. If he says no, than hire a another one. Because this means he is not licensed or his workmanship is shotty. A permit is really to the homeowners advantage. This allows a neutral party (the local building inspector) to let you know if your project is up to local and State building Codes.

Next week I will have the importants of fixtures and accents to make your bath pop!

Fixtures