The 5 Step Bathroom Remodel Guide Presented by Simply Bathtubs

Bathroom Remodel Step One: Find a Contractor

The first step in a bathroom remodel is the most important; finding a contractor. There are many ways to find a contractor, however some of them produce better results than others. Finding the right contractor for your job is integral to the project running smoothly, staying on budget, and producing satisfying results. The general contractor is not only in charge in your proposal; he is in charge of the entire project from start to finish. He assigns work to subcontractors such as electrical, plumbing, drywall, and painting. The general contractor is in charge of transforming your dream bathroom, from design work to bathtub installation, into a reality. He is the main contact between all people and organizations involved in the process. Be sure to research your general contractor thoroughly before signing a contract with anyone.

The easiest and most effective way to research a potential general contractor is by word of mouth, or referral. This can be done by asking friends, family, and/or associates who have recently hired a local contractor. This is not only the best resource for you, but also the most beneficial resource for contractors to receive work. Even if this search fails to produce your contractor, it is also the best way to check a contractor you may find through other resources. Any legitimate contractor will provide a list of referral customers who can vouch for his work upon request. If they do not want to provide this information, proceed with caution.

Another great resource in the search for the perfect contractor is as simple as taking a trip down to your local lumber yard. These professionals are an excellent resource for finding a contractor for your bathroom remodel because they work with a multitude of different contractors with various specialties. They are more than willing to help you. By helping you in your search they not only help one of their customers find work, but they also have a chance at selling you the materials for the job. While you are there, take the opportunity to research products and gather proper literature so that you may be prepared for the many important decisions you will have to make further down the process.

Although I do not recommend searching the Internet as the main resource for researching a general contractor, I do suggest using it in combination of other resources. The Internet is a quick and easy way to get a foundation of contacts to explore possible contractors, but it is only a primary resource. It is imperative that you proceed with caution. Do not agree to a contract until you have some competitive bids, verify the contractor’s credibility, and follow up with referral contacts.

When you have lined up some candidates for the job, make sure you find out their particular specialty. For a bathroom remodel some contractors are going to have more experience than others. You wouldn't hire a general contractor who usually builds commercial projects to remodel your residential bathroom. Ask to see some pictures of similar projects. You will get to know their work and perhaps even get some ideas for your project. If they don't have any pictures, ask them if they can set up an appointment with one of their previous customers to take a quick tour of a previous project.

Beware the lowest price. Remember that you get what you pay for. If someone is substantially cheaper, red flags should be flying. Estimating a proposal is not an exact science. Ensure that everything is included in the package and that the products quoted are comparable. On the other side of the coin, the contractor with the highest price will not necessarily be the best fit or might have bid it high to protect the budget. Typically , you can find a great contractor in the middle of the price range. If you want to avoid problems, do not make your decision solely based on price. It should be a balance of specialty,experience , referral, chemistry, and price.

Bathroom Remodel Step Two: From Dream to Design

If you have the money to spend, the best option is to get a professional designer involved. They are the most knowledgeable when it comes to the principles of design. The same principles from choosing a contractor apply when deciding on a designer. Their proposal will be well-thought out and impressively presented. Some designers even include a three-dimensional model of the proposed design. The drawback of hiring a designer is the cost. Not only is the cost of a designer quite shocking, but the products that they select are usually top tier items with hefty price tags.

The most efficient way to design your bathroom remodel project is to work with the local lumber yards. There are many benefits to this process of design. The most important advantage is the cost for the project. The products that the lumberyards are selling, range in price and many of the lesser expensive items still have the preferred options in a lower price category. Most lumberyards can not afford to hire degree-accredited designers, but many of them do employ a kitchen and bath specialist. These specialists have the industry experience, the product knowledge, and the design basics that a designer may have and the design fee is a small fraction of what a designer charges. Some lumber yards go so far as to waive the design fee if the products are purchased through their store.

Unless you know the elements of design, have a design idea from an established design, or are aesthetically gifted; I would suggest against designing your bathroom remodel yourself. It is too inexpensive to get a kitchen and bath specialist involved to risk spending the money on a bathroom that doesn’t flow. Function and fluidity can make a bathroom grand or make it a headache. There are too many things that can be overlooked by an amateur.

A whirlwind of questions develop in the design phase. Where to place light switches? How to get the most from your functional space? Does your room need a window? Does the window need to be tempered glass? Many of these questions will get answered along the way by designers, building inspectors, contractors, and salespeople, but it is best to get as many of these answered early. It will save everyone involved a lot of time and money, including you; the consumer. Many of these oversights do not seem like a major problem at the time, but a poor design can cause a multitude of headache-inducing problems. In many cases it can cause a contractor’s price to be inaccurate, which leads to bothersome budget issues. It also has a tendency to force quick decisions which usually lead to a less than satisfactory finished product. Another concern is that it can delay the deadline for the completion of the project, which is especially bad when it involves a bathroom being out of commission. Make all of your decisions prior to the start of the project for the most pleasant consumer experience.

Picking a proper style of design is tricky and involves a handful of different variables. The first thing you must consider is the current design theme of the existing home. If your home is designed in a country craftsman style, it would look out of place to have a modern style bathroom. A home should carry a consistent design throughout or your expensive, new bathroom may look out of place.

The most difficult design to incorporate into a home is modern. Many people are dazzled by the stainless steel, the sleek product design, and the shiny surfaces; but there are not many people who live in these types of homes. Many of the homes I have worked on were: Traditional, Craftsman, and Victorian. The most affordable options are in the Traditional style. This is an economical style that is easily incorporated into most designs. Most heavily produced homes are in this style as they are the most affordable styles to build for construction companies. Most product manufacturers offer a contractor specific lines of product that are inexpensive and mass producible. The problem is that what is saved in cost is lost in originality. Craftsman designs can be affordable as well. The design aspects of Craftsman style homes are simple and sometimes rustic. Some people have saved a lot of money by utilizing building material recycling centers and local artisans for products. This style can flow with a variety of designs, but not as easily as Traditional. Victorian homes offer a rich and luxurious style for design. Products like claw foot bathtubs and unique antiques offer a large range of creativity. With some time to bargain hunt, you can save money and have some fun shopping.

Bathroom Remodel Step Three: The Perfect Bathtub

It may seem a little extreme to place such an emphasis on bathtub selection, but it is a critical decision in terms of satisfaction, design, and aesthetics. A bathtub can be an escape for one person, a place to read for another, and simply a washing station for another. Each of these people have a different set of criteria for selecting their new bathtub. Your bathtub is the focal point of your bathroom remodel. Take the time to assess your value judgments. Function, design, price, and weight are the four essential variables in selecting the right bathtub for your project. Bathtubs can be quite expensive, so making an informed decision early in the project will help you assess (or reassess) your budget. Additionally, some bathtubs may need to be be special ordered from a manufacturer, which could require extended lead times of a few weeks.

The first thing to consider is space. Is there room to get the size of bathtub that you want with the allotted space that you have? If a room is only eight by ten, then you shouldn’t be considering that four-person whirlpool bathtub. With lack of space, you will probably need a standard bathtub/ shower combination. With especially small spaces, you may only be able to figure in a corner shower. If your new bathroom is the size of a standard bedroom, then your options for potential bathtubs is quite abundant.

Another variable in selecting a bathtub is in aesthetics. Remember to stay consistent with your current home’s design. The best fit for a Victorian style home is an antique claw foot bathtub or a soaking bathtub with an old fashioned shower. Antique cast iron bathtubs can be found easily and can be affordable. The biggest concern is their bulky weight. This could be a problem depending on the deflection rating of your floor system and the struggle of moving the bathtub. A modern style bathtub or a whirlpool bathtub will more than likely look out of place in a Victorian style home, but if the aesthetics are less important than you having a whirlpool bathtub; then proceed with design caution in the wind. It is, after all, your home.

Acrylic bathtubs are typically easy to incorporate into most design styles but are a little on the expensive side due to the material. They are typically mass-produced and are conservative in design. Many times you won’t need to special order your bathtub or go hunting in classifieds or antique shops but you will still get the classic look of a traditional bathtub without the cost or weight of a cast iron bathtub.

Most bathrooms are a bathtub/ shower combination. They have a large range of size availability, so finding the right fit is simple. If you have a small usable space, you may be able to fit a small combination bathtub rather than just a shower unit. The average household prefers the option of taking a quick shower or relaxing in the bathtub. We want our cake and eat it too. They are the best option for a tight budget as there are a variety of styles and sizes, and you won’t break the bank to purchase one. In the case that you have a tiny bathroom, installation-ready showers are available for pennies on the dollar. If space is not the issue, work with your designer and contractor in designing a shower. Walk-in tiled showers offer a wide range of options, but be warned that all that tile work, custom shower doors, and fixtures add up very quickly. If money is an issue, take care not to over design your shower.

Bathroom Remodel Step Four: Keep the Project on Task

The design work is done, the decisions are made, the products are on site, and the contractors are working; but it is not time to fall into cruise control. There are a number of things you can do to make sure the project is running smoothly and satisfactory. Stay organized and polite and your project will remain on task and pleasant.

Keep a handle on ordered items. Above all else, make sure everything is ordered. Sometimes a sales associate is waiting from a final decision form you, your general contractor, or designer on a certain product. Ensure that all products are ordered. Double check the order paperwork to guarantee that what was ordered is what you and your designer have selected or comparable. If anything seems incorrect, call your general contractor or designer immediately. Make sure the finishes on plumbing and electrical fixtures matches the style throughout. A little time spent on checking the accuracy and lead times of orders will help all parties involved and insure yourself against problems later in the project.

In rare cases, some items on an order can be “back ordered” which is code word for extended lead time. Whether it was damaged during transport or loading, inventory counts were incorrect, or they simply ran out of stock; this is bad news for your deadline. If an item is back ordered, find out when the expected ship date is. Nothing is more frustrating than having a back ordered item, and a sales associate shrugging their shoulders at that question. Keep calm. If this situation arises, check some competitive suppliers. Most suppliers have access to similar products and you may have some luck. If you find one while the back ordered item is in limbo, call up the shoulder-shrugging sales person and politely cancel the order. Make sure to explain that you found one at a more reasonable convenience.

Stay involved, but be careful not to become a nuisance. It is too easy to distract the trade contractors with constant questions, changes, and small talk. In the case of a bathroom remodel, you may be home during a portion of the work. Don't hang around the project all day like a makeshift foreman. That type of involvement is distracting and tends to cast an uncomfortable cloud over the workers, like a warden over prisoners. The best tactic is to arrange a schedule with your general contractor to inspect work, discuss any unexpected issues, implement changes, and assess the progress. By scheduling this time daily you are keeping the project moving and keeping the contractor honest.

Limit your contact with the subcontractors. It is the general contractor’s duty to coordinate the work force. If you are involving the subcontractors, the chain of command gets disassembled and discrepancies emerge between the contractor’s plans and the subcontractors’ plans. Your explanation of what you want may be interpreted differently to the subcontractor than what the general contractor has proposed. You do not need to avoid the subcontractors all together, but proceed cautiously with what you discuss with them. They are not working for you, they are working for the general contractor.

In the case that a problem arises with a subcontractor, (for example constant swearing, smoking in the remodel site, or other forms inexcusable behavior) fight the urge to confront them directly. It is not worth blowing up on them immediately. Contact the general contractor immediately, voice your concerns directly to him, and let him handle the situation professionally. Many times general contractors have familiar subcontractors that they work with exclusively. The general contractor has much more leverage over a subcontractor than you do, use that leverage to your advantage. The general contractor is your guard dog, do not be afraid to use him.

Bathroom Remodel Step Five: The Final Walk Through

The work on your bathroom is completed, or is it? The contractors may be done with their work, but this is your last chance before signing that check to make sure everything is satisfactory, as you and your contractor agreed upon. Check to see that no minor or major repairs need to be made.

The first thing you should do is to get a roll of blue painter’s masking tape. It sticks to surfaces without residue, is bold and noticeable, and is very inexpensive. As you examine all the details of the work, mark any problems or questions with a small piece of the tape and keep track of the marked areas in a brief to-do list. Include a brief explanation as to why you marked the area.

I suggest starting from the floor and working up. The method for which you check is preference, but make sure you are thorough. Carefully examine the floor surface for any nicks, gouges, or damage. If there is tile work, check that the grout is consistent in color and depth. Also make sure the tiles are spaced properly and level. You don't need to get a millimeter ruler out here. A simple visual confirmation will be more than sufficient. If linoleum was installed check the surface by lightly rubbing the palm of your hand along the surface. Is there any adhesive bubbles? Is there any creases or tears?

Work up to the baseboard trim work. If it is painted, make sure that the nail holes are filled and painted. Make sure the painter didn't miss any areas or leave any paint “runs”. If the trim is stained, make sure the stain coat and polyurethane are consistent in color and coat. Next check the cabinets, and product surfaces for damages. The cabinets should operate smoothly. Pull out all drawers and make sure that you can remove them from the track. Look over the cabinet sides and fronts for any cracks, splintering, or imperfections.

Check the light switches, outlets. Turn all the lights on and off. Make sure they are working properly. If there are dimmers, ensure they are working. Grab an electric razor or other lightweight bathroom appliance. Go to every outlet and check them for power. Mark any outlet that isn't operating. It is very important that you confirm that the bathroom outlets are Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI). These outlets have a reset button and a test button. If your outlets do not look different from your standard room outlets, be sure to find out if the electrician installed a Ground Fault Breaker in your circuit breaker. If neither the outlet nor the breaker have this feature your outlets are dangerous. The Ground Fault Interrupter works to disengage the power in the case of water-related problems. In other words, it protects you and your family from electrocution.

Check the plumbing everywhere you can. Open the cabinet underneath the sink, check behind the toilet, and (if possible) your bathtub plumbing; should all be checked. Ensure that all the soldering is tight. Check for any leaks and report them immediately. Water damage wreaks havoc on homes if ignored. With plumbing there are two main types of problems. There are problems you can see, and problems that you can't see. A majority of plumbing is buried in the wall and floor. You can only check for problems that you can see. If you are working with a good contractor, you shouldn't worry about the latter because there probably aren't any hidden problems. If there are problems that occur, having a reliable referral-based contractor will ensure that the issues are addressed quickly and adequately.

Move on to the walls and ceiling, checking for inconsistent painting or dents in the drywall. Check that the paint is consistent in coat and color. If the walls were texture sprayed, make sure that they are consistent. Mark any areas that have accumulated excess spray or paint “runs”. Pay close attention to where the wall meets the ceiling. A great painter will have a nice straight line where the wall color meets the ceiling color. If there are brush,arks on the ceiling or a unsatisfactory color edge, mark it and list it.

Take a look at the surface of the doors and windows for any imperfections. Check painted areas for nail filler and proper painting. Ensure that the stained wood areas are consistent with no cracks, dents, or damages that needs to be addressed. Check the window glass for stress cracks, or steam between the glass panes. If there is condensation on the outer layers of the glass, there is no problem. That is simply water trying to escape or enter your house at the easiest access point. On the other hand, if there is condensation in the middle of the two panes of glass; you have a problem. This is known as a seal failure. It occurs when the material sealing the glass together for efficiency is damaged or punctured. All window companies have a warranty of some type that covers seal failures.

When you are finished marking off the problem areas, arrange a meeting with your contractor to discuss what needs to be repaired before payment is made. Under no circumstances should the contractor be paid in full until the bathroom is one hundred percent complete. Once they are paid in full, there is no guarantee that you can get the problems repaired quickly, or at all. Explain what needs to be fixed. Be prepared to compromise a little. Some things that you have marked off may be within tolerance of satisfactory work.

It is the responsibility of the contractor and the subcontractors to clean up after their work. For the finished product, the general contractor should provide the final clean up. He can either subcontract it out or do the clean up work himself, but either way it should be his responsibility unless otherwise agreed upon. When all work is truly completed, the final check has been signed, and the clean up is immaculate; it is time to enjoy your new bathroom.