Below are a few tips on what NOT to do when remodeling your bathroom. Use these tips to avoid common mistakes and ensure that the look you intend for your bathroom is actually what turns out.

Bathroom Remodeling Tip #1: Don’t Wing It

Some people think that remodeling a bathroom is a piece of cake and simply involves swapping out an old sink or vanity with a new one; however, because the bathroom involves plumbing, you need to carefully plan out your remodel. You need to make sure the new fixtures you select fit the space and the plumbing of your bathroom, or at least understand that rearranging the layout of your bathroom may involve rerouting some pipes (which is an arduous task). So, before you even think about the new vanity or sink you want to buy, establish the basic layout of your new bathroom. If the layout is staying the same, take note of the plumbing layout and keep that in mind when you’re shopping for a new sink, toilet, or vanity. If you’re rearranging a few items, draw out how you want your bathroom to look, measure everything to make sure your vision is realistic, and then see if you need to reroute any plumbing. In some cases, you won’t know if your new bathroom layout will call for new plumbing to be installed, so call a plumber and get his/her professional opinion. After you’ve mapped everything out and established the basic layout of your new bathroom design, then you can start shopping for your new lavish bathroom furnishings.

Bathroom Remodeling Tip #2: Don’t Buy the First Thing You See

The key to successfully remodeling your bathroom is to shop around. You never want to buy the first thing you find. If you’re not already set on a specific vanity or sink design, go online and check out the latest bathroom furnishings. This way, you’ll get a better idea of the number of different styles available without having to leave your home. Shopping around will also give you the opportunity to comparison shop. Today, modern bathroom furnishings are more available and affordable than ever before. Thanks to wholesalers who purchase bathroom furnishings in bulk, you can get that elegant vessel sink you’ve always wanted at a price that won’t bust your remodeling budget. Before you buy, you better shop around.

Bathroom Remodeling Tip #3: If Don’t Know, Don’t Install It Yourself

Getting a new toilet is a different experience from getting a new bed. With a bed, you pay the extra to get it delivered and put in your home. However, with a toilet, getting it delivered and put in your home is only the beginning. Bathroom remodeling almost always involves plumbing work. Even if you aren’t rerouting pipes or drainage systems, installing new bathroom fixtures (such as a toilet, sink, and faucet) takes a little plumbing know-how. However, not all of us are as “handy” as we would like to be. And when you’re dealing with running water, it’s important to know how to properly uninstall and install bathroom fixtures. So, if you’re a novice at plumbing, call a professional. Many bathroom remodeling shops offer installation with the purchase of their products (for an added fee) or know of plumbers in your area who can install your new bathroom fixtures for you. Either way, if you’ve never installed a toilet, sink, or faucet, or had a bad previous experience with plumbing, it’s worth the money to have your new bathroom furnishings installed right.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, it’s very important to plan out your new layout, shop around, and install your new bathroom furnishings properly. Failing to do so could cost you more money in the long run and result in a less-than-perfect remodel.

Many choices are involved in deciding which tub is right for remodeling a small bathroom. Bath tubs are available in many sizes, shapes, colors and styles. You are sure to find the style and color you want in the material you want that will be perfect in your small bathroom. Our goal in this article is to help you understand the decisions you will need to make when you shop for and choose the tub that is right for your remodeled small bathroom.

You have certainly seen huge bathrooms in model homes and in pictures in magazines. Huge bathrooms are in fashion, but they are not actually necessary. As surprising as it might seem, you can actually have just about any spa or luxury features you want in a small bathroom. You just need to find the smaller sized models that will fit your style and design.

With a little insight into the factors that make various bathtub models different, you can be an informed shopper when you start looking for the perfect tub. You will want to know about materials, installation, water conservation and available features.

Tubs are installed in a bathroom in one of three ways:
1. Freestanding installation positions a self-contained tub, probably on a pedestal or on feet, where it needs to be to connect to pipes. Where you place the pipes is a design decision.
2. Alcove or recessed installation places the tub against three walls. This is a very common installation in small bathrooms. A 5 foot or 5-1/2 foot tub will probably be a perfect fit.
3. Drop in installation “drops” the tub into a space in a platform or a finished surround. This style of installation will probably require more space than you have in a small bathroom.

There is great variety in bathtub materials. For the most part you will be choosing between five groups of options.
1. Fiberglass is very popular. Most builders use fiberglass in new construction. It is lightweight and inexpensive. It can be molded into almost any shape you need. The drawback of fiberglass is that is can scratch and show other wear and tear.
2. High-quality acrylics are growing rapidly in popularity. They are also lightweight and they can be molded into any shape. One reason for the rise in popularity is that the acrylic can mimic other materials very easily. It is also more durable than fiberglass. Most of the companies that advertise a tub or shower makeover in a day use acrylics. If you choose this route, look for treatment that prevents mold and mildew and for the thickness of the acrylic. The thicker the better.
3. Porcelain or enamel over cast iron. This type of tub has been around for a very long time. It is almost indestructible. But it is very heavy and the weight can be a problem in some new homes. This is the reason it is less popular today.
4. Porcelain or enamel over steel is another option. It is lighter, and can be easier to use, but the coating can rust or chip.
5. Less common and more expensive options. If you are remodeling a small guest bathroom, you might want to consider stainless steel (think about the water spots in your kitchen sink), copper (think big cost), concrete (think about the weight), stone (weight) and teak (cost). Some of these materials can result in a stunning room.

The tub styles most commonly recommended for small bathrooms are the corner or alcove models that combine tub and shower. But there are still other things to consider before you make a decision.

Cost: A tub/shower combination can cost only about 0. The larger tubs, spa features, colors and other options will increase the cost up to ,000 or more. When choosing your tub, the best advice is to buy the best you can afford. It is also not a bad idea to do trendy colors because the “in” colors change every two to five years.

Weight can be a very important consideration when you choose your tub. First, you have to get it into the bathroom you are remodeling. Second, if the builder used lightweight materials and you plan to replace them with a heavier tub, you might need to reinforce the tub support structure or the floor. If the added weight is significant, you might also need to add support to the structure of the house. When calculating the weight, you also need to add the weight of the water that will fill the tub, especially if you choose a deep soaking tub.

Size is obviously important in a small bathroom. Many small bathrooms are less than six feet wide. Large whirlpool tubs can be as big as five by seven feet.  When you think about the size of the tub, you also need to think about how you will get it into the bathroom.

Safety and comfort are also important considerations. Comfort is especially important if you are considering either a whirlpool tub or a soaking tub. Safety should also be a consideration. You will want to be certain that everyone who will use the tub can get in and out of it safely. If someone falls getting out of the tub in a small bathroom, there is a much greater risk of hitting your head on something. Stepping over the side of the tub can be difficult for older adults and for children.

Care for the environment will probably be another consideration in deciding which tub is right for remodeling your small bathroom. You will probably want to choose low-flow faucets. But there are other things you can do to conserve water and energy when using your new tub. Choose a tub with an in-line heater, which will reheat and re-circulate the water so you don’t have to keep draining and replacing. You can also install a rainwater collection system and use it in the tub (rainwater is softer and better for the skin). You could also install another water heater that is solar powered for your bathroom. You might even be able to provide electricity to the bathroom from the same solar system.

Features for bathtubs are plentiful. You can choose an extra-deep soaking tub, an “overflowing” style or a whirlpool style tub. You can also add a chromotherapy option for a soothing bathing experience. You might choose a walk-in tub design. Although these are most commonly promoted for the elderly, these tubs are deeper and smaller (perfect for a small bathroom), and they are often equipped with all the spa features you want.

With all of these options to choose from, you should have no trouble finding the right tub for your small bathroom remodel. Then place the television where you can see it from the tub or place a CD player nearby, and you can have a personal spa in a very small space.

Copyright 2009 by Dan Fritschen

When it comes to bathroom remodeling small bathrooms can be a nightmare. However it is not as hard as it used to be to make a small bathroom as impressive as large bathrooms. I have been in the bathroom remodeling business for over 25 years, here are a couple ideas to making your small bathroom remodeling project a successes.
Make an accurate to scale drawing of your bathroom. Draw several different layouts with different fixtures. Shopping online is great for bathroom remodeling projects because you can see a wide variety of bathroom fixtures you couldn’t find at your local home improvement store.
Master bathrooms don’t have to be large they just have to be spacious. Bathroom fixtures take up a lot of room so coming up with creative ways to save space is quite the challenge. One way to save space and add functionality to your master bathroom would be installing a combination steam shower and Jacuzzi bathtub. These units are free standing and can be purchased in the same dimensions as a standard tub and shower size. These units come with an assortment of features including chromo therapy lighting, Ozone sterilization, and fm radio and sound system to mention a few. These units not only add functionality to your bathroom but value to your home. To take it a step further these units can be recessed into a wall creating needed space for cramped bathrooms.
Corner bathroom vanities can also save needed space. When planning your small bathroom remodeling think outside the box. Using neo angle showers and bathroom fixtures will create an open floor plan in your bathroom which is much more desirable than a cramped bathroom.
There are also easy ways to add luxury to your bathroom without hurting your wallet. New matching bathroom fixtures make a world of difference. There are a variety of new modern and contemporary looking styles to match the theme of any bathroom. Heated towel warmers are a nice luxury item that is readily available online. Small items like heated towel warmers can make a world of difference when it comes to selling your home.
Updating out of date bathrooms is the single easiest way to ensure you receive top dollar when you sell your home. By doing the majority of the work yourself you have save thousands in labor not to mention you always learn a little bit in the process. Small bathroom design isn’t a problem if you approach it with an open mind. You may have to make some sacrifices however the benefits will far out weigh the negatives.

Many homeowners are faced with the problem of having to change the look of a small bathroom. Here are some tips on how to make the most of small bath spaces from bathroom remodeling expert James Chapman:

“One of the most popular solutions for small bathroom remodeling is to simply knock off one side. This will allow you to expand in one direction and get more space. The problem though is that this solution is not cheap. Aside from spending a lot to reconstruct a new wall, you would also have to consider paying for extensive changes in plumbing and wiring.

There are other options if you do not wish to push back your walls of your small baths. One of them is to simply replace previously large fixtures and features with smaller ones. There are small baths tubs, sinks, small toilets and cabinets that can be installed in place of old ones. You have to make sure though that the largest member of your family can comfortably use these smaller fixtures. Hanging Some Objects are other excellent ideas for small bathrooms design. Large, wooden storage cabinets can take a lot of space.

Create more space by knocking down these cabinets instead of the walls. You can opt to install free floating cabinets or metal bar shelves. You can also hang small hampers on hooks on your wall. Aside from cabinets, you can also leave some other bathroom fixtures hanging. A baseless sink and a vanity with a hanging glass ledge are examples.

Small bathroom remodeling will not be complete without a new coat of paint. One technique is to avoid dark colors. Choose lighter ones and pair that with equally light colored tiles and fixtures. The light color will not just be soothing. It can also help create the impression that you really have more space. If you want to paint some designs, choose those that aren’t too large. Moreover, you can use artificial or natural light to create the impression of expansiveness. It is always great if you can simply cut out a large top window. If this puts you in danger of being seen from outside, you can use bright lighting instead. Have a dimmer installed so you can create softer light when your mood calls for it.”

Small bathroom remodeling can actually be a lot of fun. The real key is to simply change viewer perspective and utilize every available space you have. The key to a successful project is to talk with an experienced professional who can take your ideas, and theirs, and make them a reality.

As you may already know designing a small bathroom is one of the toughest challenges facing interior designers and home owners alike. Trying to find fixtures that will fit within the space available and make the bathroom aesthetically pleasing can seem overwhelming and impossible. Fortunately Royal SSWW one of the leading brand names of steam showers in North America and Canada has made two units that will surely fit into any small bathroom. These steam showers not only fulfill the requirement of a standard shower but also have additional features not offered before in a shower enclosures. This is why these showers are perfect for small bathroom design.
The Royal 106 is a traditional looking steam shower enclosure with a plethora of features. The showers neo angle shape helps to save floor space while the sliding glass doors keep this shower from interfering with other bathroom fixtures. The Royal 106 steam shower enclosure features hydro therapy back massage jets, a FM radio and optional auxiliary sound hook up. This unit also comes with an ozone sterilization system meaning you shower will be automatically sterilized after every use. The unit also comes with a powerful 3kw steam generator which is able to produce steam in just over a minute and warm the shower to a comfortable operating temperature in about 5 minutes.
The Royal 601 shower stall has similar space saving design as the royal 106. However its ultra modern appearance and tempered glass construction makes it a favorite among interior designers. This unit is also full loaded with all the accessories as the 106 but also has the addition of chroma therapy lighting and a hands free telephone. It also has the addition of a teak wood floor. This unit is truly one of a kind and an inexpensive way to add value to your home and luxury to your bathroom.
Small steam shower enclosures are a great addition to any small bathroom. They add a spa like atmosphere to your home and a wide range of health benefits from their use. The also can add value to your home in a similar manor a hot tub or spa would. They are a great way to stage your home to sell. Having a steam shower in your small bathroom will drastically set your home apart from similar home on the market.

If you are looking to remodel your old bathroom and create a whole new space, you might be trying to make your dollar stretch further than usual. And no wonder in this economy! Though we are all waiting for things to turn around for the better, for the moment we have to make do with what is. For many homeowners, this means making the most of their older homes rather than move to a newer one, and if this is the case then a little remodeling might be in order. Many people like to give their old bathrooms a makeover first, because this is an area that we all spend daily time in and want to be as nice and clean as possible. If you want to make your bathroom new again but need to watch your budget, here are a couple tips for you to get the best deal from a bathroom furniture store.

When you walk into a home improvement store and find a bathroom vanity or linen cabinet you really like, you may look at the price and think it’s time to walk away and find something a little less costly. Here’s the thing though…at larger home improvement stores you may not have a lot of wiggle room with the price, but if you go to a smaller, privately owned business to look at bathroom furnishings you’ll be able to negotiate more. If you go to a private business, you can ask to speak with the manager or owner and ask for a discount, which they will be likely to give you to make the sale. So choose the private vendor over the large chain store, and you can get a discount sink vanity that you might not have thought possible. The key is that you have to ask for them, and do it at a place where you can get them.

Another option for saving money on new bathroom vanities is to look online. You’d be surprised what a wide selection of reputable stores sell great quality vanities and bathroom furniture online, and at a discount price. Online stores know that they have to compete with “in-person” retailers somehow, because it’s easier to sell if a person can experience an object with all their senses. So good online bathroom furniture retailers will give you an amazing price that your local stores may not be able to match, and there are your biggest savings! You have to give up seeing the vanity in person until you buy it and it’s shipped to you, but as long as you taken accurate measurements to ensure it will fit and seen high quality images of your purchase, you should be in great shape. Just make sure that your online bathroom vanity retailer has a good reputation and a customer satisfaction policy.

So whether you choose a retailer online or a privately owned local business, make sure to ask for your discounts, because this economy has made bathroom furniture retailers more willing to negotiate down on their prices.

Remodeling and upgrading the bathrooms in your home are an excellent way to add value to your home. A bathroom makeover will improve the salability of your home more than any other home improvement project. Add attractive bathroom tile design elements and you will definitely have a winner.

One of the most popular means of home improvement upgrades is by adding tile. Replacing the once popular linoleum, tile offers longevity and easy maintenance as well as the ability to create a look that is unique. Bathroom tile design is essential when remodeling a small bathroom and can make the most of your finished results.

Small bathrooms appear uninviting and overcrowded. Many homeowners struggle as they attempt to turn a small guest bathroom into an attractive and inviting space. You can make a small bathroom appear much bigger and not so small while using the proper design and decorating techniques.

It is essential to consider two basic bathroom tile design elements while planning a small bathroom makeover. First the tile you choose for your bathroom should be a light color. Dark colors used for the walls, floor, or fixtures will make the room appear small and cramped. Choose tile colors that are as close to white as you can. Slight hints of color are fine if they are pale, pink, or tan, but the basic background color of the tile should be white.

Although, many homeowners doing a small bathroom makeover may think they can only use small one inch tiles in their bathroom, this is not always true. Using a bathroom tile design that is based around one inch tiles will make the room appear smaller, particularly if the design includes colored or dark tiles.

It may seem tempting to use a bathroom tile design of old fashioned black and white. But it is the wrong choice. Rather you should consider using a medium to large size of tiles in a small bathroom. You want to keep the tile design uncomplicated and simple.

This should be the goal in the entire bathroom makeover project. Keeping a small bathroom light in color and simple in design and d?r will make the room appear more spacious. Adding lighting fixtures that are limited in size but that produce plenty of light will reflect off a white tile floor and improve the looks of the area. You can add the feeling of outdoor lighting to your small bathroom with no window by replacing the old light bulbs with new energy efficient natural light bulbs.

The bathroom tile design that you choose for your bathroom will have a bigger impact on the room than you might imagine. Take your time to consider the space, the lighting, the walls, and cabinet options and bring it all together with a well chosen tile for the floor.

Adding a bathroom vanity unit is not only an easy project that can be completed in a day or two, but it is also a lot cheaper than completely overhauling the whole room. And bathroom remodeling projects will pay back much more value into the home than they cost. By simply replacing the bathroom vanity unit, bathroom sink and faucets, one can easily modernize an outdated bathroom. Many of the homes built 10, 20 or 30 years ago have very outdated bathroom vanity units made of low-quality materials like particle board, which date the home.

Modern bathroom vanities come in all varieties; they can even be made to look as if they’re antique. Many of the modern bathroom vanity units have very sleek lines and minimal decorations, where as the antique-looking versions are grander and more intricately decorated. Bathroom sink designs have been raised to the level of art, as well. It is wise to spend some time researching what will look best in the bathroom for years to come, since bathroom sinks, vanities, facets and mirrors will have to compliment each other. Any individual pieces of the bathroom vanity unit will be a better investment if it can be switched out without completely upsetting the design.

Some bathroom vanity units are designed to hold a contemporary bathroom sink, which come in glass and above-counter options, for example. Other bathroom vanity units are designed to hold a more traditional under-mounted bathroom sink. Before beginning any bathroom remodeling project, homeowners should be sure that the bathroom vanity unit will accommodate the bathroom sink they have chosen. The right hardware and bathroom sink faucets are also necessary to enhance the look a homeowner is trying to achieve.

Perhaps the most important bathroom accessories are the vanity mirrors. A quick update in this department can dramatically change the look of the bathroom. Mirrors create an affect in the room to make it appear larger, brighter and more inviting. This is one of the easiest ways to remodel the bathroom during a weekend project without a lot of money or effort. Vanity mirrors can make it appear as if the room has had additional space added, windows put in and new lighting installed without going through all the trouble.

A new bathroom vanity unit adds a whole new focal point to the room, update an old look, and add value to the home in a simple weekend project. The bathroom may just be the most often-used room in the house, so it’s a good place to start for anyone who wants to update their home.

For more resources about double sink bathroom vanities or even about marble top vanity and especially about discount bathroom vanity please review this website.

Going into a small bathroom remodeling project usually means a lot of work and a lot of money. And, if you’re like most folks, you want your bathroom remodeling ideas and efforts to produce some sort of “wow” response. A complete small bathroom makeover may be out of the question right now, but the room needs something! Maybe if you replaced that vanity, or turned the linen closet into a shower or added a few feet by knocking out the exterior wall.

Instead of replace and add, maybe the idea should be relax and lighten up. Simple is actually harder to do than complex. In other words, remodeling a small bathroom, especially a guest bath, for the illusion of more space could be much less of a project than what you may now have in mind… and, “less” could be about both money and work!

There are three things that pretty much have to stay where they are, unless you’re planning to spend lots of money. The sink/vanity, tub/shower and toilet, in that order of importance. That means when someone walks into the bathroom, they usually look at the sink/vanity first, then the tub and/or shower (especially if there’s some nice design element(s) or tile work) and finally the toilet, which is probably the reason for them walking in there in the first place!

So, let’s start with the toilet. Does it need replacing? Remember; its dead last in the popularity contest and most people can’t tell the difference between a 0 and a 0 toilet. The criteria for replacing it should be function, then. Is it an old twentieth century thing with a 3-plus gallon flush? If it is, and not working properly or leaks, you may want to replace it. But  the good news is toilets are relatively easy to take out and put in. Search “replace toilet.” If its a newer, white, standard unit, though, hold off on replacing it until after you’ve explored other areas to remodel.

The tub is the most difficult to replace of the three and, like the toilet, if its white, works okay and is in good overall condition hold off on any thoughts of replacing it, as well. The three walls around the tub, however, is a different matter. You can buy pre-made polystyrene “tub surrounds” at the big boxes, plumbing supply stores and at some hardware retailers for around a hundred dollars and up. Tile—a beautiful way to surround your bathtub—comes in a wide, wide assortment of styles, colors and sizes, and tile work is fun. White to match the tub or light colors will bring the bathtub into the twentieth century and visually expand the room.

If you’re thinking about redoing the floor, consider using the same tile for both it and the tub surround. Maybe use matching smaller tiles for the floor molding or, if you’re using 12″ tiles, cut some in half and have a 6″ tile molding. The simplicity here will add visual space. Add an even lighter colored rug and the space will seem bigger and softer. Shower door or curtain? Either way, make sure the colors are light, translucent or… even clear, if you’ve done a great tile job. A simple larger-than-you-probably-first-thought-of mirror will add light and reflect all the great work you’ve done, as well!

The sink/vanity is the easiest and, by far the most used and noticed item in there. Here is where your remodeling budget should be open to ideas. To add floor space, get a pedestal sink. For even more space, a wall mounted sink. If you need the storage, a small white or soft, light colored vanity. If your vanity is okay, perhaps paint and a really wild vessel sink or some other unusual sink/countertop combination. This is where friends and guests will spend time, so maybe you should spend some money there. Wander around a few plumbing fixture retailers and big box home improvement stores.

Paint is always the first thing you should consider, though. Keep the “60-30-10 Rule” in mind when you buy paint, fabrics or accessories. This means 60% dominant color (white or light in this instance), 30% secondary color (earth colors, pastels, etc.) and 10% accent color (something wild). This includes shower curtains, rugs and towels. Check the big boxes for discounted gallons that people returned. Sometimes, one person’s “too much” is another person’s “just right!” One wall—behind the mirror, for instance—will do.

Now is the time, if you’re just starting to plan, to take a fact-finding trip or two to the home improvement stores, plumbing retailers and the paint stores. Also, search online for “vessel sinks”, “cool vanities” or “bathroom mirror” for ideas. New products are being introduced all the time and many items are not only new and cool, but Earth-friendly, too! For more ideas and tips on remodeling inexpensively, go to RemodelQuickTips.com and click on SMALL BATHS, GREEN BATH TIPS, BATH TILE IDEAS or BATHROOM BASICS in the navigator column.

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Today’s bathroom is more than a functional, utilitarian space-it is also a sanctuary and private retreat. The bathroom receives more remodeling dollars than any other room in the house (except the kitchen). Today’s bathroom is a center for both physical and mental relaxation, and IdeaWise: Bathrooms will show you how to get the most personal satisfaction from this all-important room. There are also good economic reasons for remodeling or adding a bathroom-a major bathroom project returns virtual