Bathroom Remodeling
Lake Oswego Oregon
Need a Bathroom Makeover?
When done correctly, bathroom remodeling provides you with a small slice of tranquility where you can ignore the world and exhale. You get some of the benefits you would get from a day spa getaway or a relaxing retreat, but in the comfort of your home, on demand and at no added cost. Having said that, the proper planning and preparation are needed if you want your remodeling project in Lake Oswego to be a success.
Style or Function?
With regards to bathrooms, a lot is going on in a relatively little space. As such, it is of the utmost importance to focus on both function and style. You should consider the amount of traffic this specific bathroom gets and how the amenities tend to be used. Obviously the master bathroom will be used differently from a bathroom predominately used by guests, or a shared kids’ bathroom. If the bathroom you are renovating is mainly used brushing your teeth and rinsing off, then your design choices will be different from a bathroom where you light candles and relax for hours listening to music.
Any plans to move?
It is also vitally important to consider your future plans, such as whether you plan on staying in your current home for many years to come. If this is the case, you will need to give some thought to how your needs will evolve as you get older. Thankfully there are innovative ways to create a universal design that looks trendy now while including features you may require in the future.
What’s your budget?
While the kitchen is the primary room in house in regards to renovation, the bathroom comes in a close second. This means you probably have guidelines to your budget as well as expectations for a good return, and this is why planning for your remodeling project is so vital. Space planning and setting the budget are crucial first steps for successful bathroom remodeling.
Once you have established a acceptable budget you can quickly get rid of any ideas that fall outside of it, which will permit you to focus on changes and features that actually make sense. Ventilation, layout and fixtures choices are all part of the preparation process for your project.
Do you know what type of investment you are making?
An important part of the initial planning process is to lock down your budget so you know exactly how much you can comfortably spend. It is also important to consider how many more years you will spend in your home. Generally speaking, if you are going to stay in the home for less than five years, then the remodeling should be viewed as a financial investment. Alternatively, if you have no intention of moving any time soon, the remodeling should be considered an investment in your family’s comfort.
Determine what your priorities are
It is also important to budget for labor for your bathroom remodeling, as generally ends up taking about a third of the total project expense. To stay within budget you will need to prioritize each item as a want or a need, obviously the needs must take precedent. Extra luxuries like steam showers and towel warmers are wonderful, but they are not necessarily essential to the space’s function so if you run into budgetary concerns they should be the first things to remove.
Lake Oswego Bathroom Remodeling
Always leave a little wiggle room
No matter how well you plan, unanticipated surprises are bound to pop up, when they do you need to have some money tucked away to deal with them. A safe guideline is to keep 10 percent of the labor cost separate from your operating budget to make sure you are covered in case a problem comes up. The good news is that if the financial cushion is not tapped into, you will have some money left over at the project’s end for those extra features you might have had to eliminate.
Your home deserves expert attention
Truth be told, bathroom remodeling can be pricey, but even with a modest budget, you can still get a considerable amount of work completed. Often times people don’t want to hire professionals because they think they will cost too much. In reality hiring less skilled workers will actually you more in the long run because of problems that will arise from work that is below industry standards. Professional bathroom remodelers and contractors will in reality help you get the most value out of your budget.
If you’re planning to attempt a home renovation or bathroom remodeling project in your Lake Oswego home, we at Steve’s Home Improvement would be grateful to be of service. We can help you bring your vision to life, while helping you set realistic goals for your remodeling project. For more information or free estimate give us a call today at (503) 342-8234
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