These bathroom remodeling mistakes can be avoided and if you do, they will save you thousands of rands. This is very helpful if you are planning an upscale remodel. You might enhance the comfort, style and efficiency of the finished project.
Rushing the process
Now that you are committed to the idea of remodeling your bathroom, you probably want it done ASAP. Poor planning is the leading cause of cost overruns on these projects. It is expensive to do it once but doing the same work gain, can ruin your budget. You can take a few weeks or months to plan your project, depend on its size. Keep a notebook for writing down ideas and save similar images on a portable device so that you can review it.
As you go on planning, try to come up with a design that keeps the major plumbing lines in place. Moving a toilet from one wall to another will mean that you have to relocate the dream line and that can cost thousands. If you keep your fixtures where they are, you will most likely save significantly.
Do not forget the skilled labor
The DIY approach can be an effective way to cut down on costs, but some things are best left to professionals. Ripping out a tub or even laying some grout is nothing. You just need to leave the complicated installations to the professionals, but verify their skill level before you appoint them. Take the following example: a good tile setter can make your cheap tiles look very expensive, while a bad tile setter can make expensive tiles look very cheap.
If you look at how many trades are involved in a typical bathroom remodel, it could help to find a general contractor to manage operations. Meet with a few contractors, preferable those you find through word of mouth. Make sure they have a valid, up-to-date license and insurance, and worker’s compensation. The contract should also list every single product, down to the model number and finish. Make sure that you do not automatically go for the lowest bid.
Do not cut down on key material
Another common and costly mistake is to cut down on those items that get the most use. Lifetime warranties that cover leaks and stains have become more common on all but the cheapest of faucets. PVD finishes are also good for protecting fixtures again stains, except for drain cleaners.
Tile is another material that you use each and every day. While you can find quality options for R50 per square meter, super cut-rate tiles have slight size inconsistencies. These will make your bathroom look very cheap and unprofessional.
So where do you save? Light fixtures tend to perform the same across most prices but it is the high design that costs you more. You may also find that choosing a basic finish on faucets and fixtures can save you thousands without compromising on quality. You also do not need to blow your budget on a luxury toilet that may cost R60 000 or more. You might get cool features but a toilet that costs as little as R3500 flushes better.
Never stop thinking about the future
You may be healthy and full of energy today but none of us can predict the future. What you can do is ensure that your bathroom will serve you and your family regardless of your abilities.
You do not need to have an institutional look in the bathroom . Many universal design features are now part of mainstream, bathroom design. If you look at the larger shower, they are easily accessible, it features a zero-threshold and built-in seating platform. The bench not only helps the elderly but it make is more comfortable to shave in the shower. Toilets that are the so-called comfort-height models are easier to get on and off. These are as common and standard-height models and they are roughly the same price. Grab bars have also change a lot over the years. Their designs now match towel bas and other accessories. These are not only used by the elderly but by pregnant women and even children.
Even if you do not incorporate very single element of universal design immediately into your bathroom, it is worth putting in the structural framework. Install the components in the wall and ask your contractor for a drawing, so that you know where it is when the time comes to use them.
Never forget to factor in water use
Bathroom fixture have become more water-efficient especially if you can get your hands on some of them. If you use a large shower with two showerheads or showers with a lot of nozzles, you need to upgrade your existing drain and plumbing lines. Getting these upgrades will add thousands to your projects.
Fixtures that use a lot of water may force you to upgrade your geyser, from 150L to 200L or perhaps even larger but these are the most popular sizes. A geyser can typically cost you between R6000 and R8000 or more. You could also buy a solar heater that uses the sun to heat your water or you could an “instant” water heater which comes in 75L at the biggest. These will typically cost around R2000. Claims are made that these water heaters are just over 90% energy efficient.
Do not buy products online without viewing them in person
Going online is a great method to research products, design ideas and compare prices out of the comfort of your own home. The materials and finishes are not always as they appear on the computer screen. A blue-quarts vanity top might be more blue than grey in real life or light fixtures your ordered could overwhelm your entire space. Rather visit a showroom or design center before you buy. While you are there, you can even barter with the store a little so that they meet or beat the online price. Some stores also have specials that they do not have online, which could be a huge help in saving money.
Keep storage in mind
Running from the shower to grab a towel from the linen closet in the hallway can be embarrassing and cold. A closet inside the bathroom is ideal, but you can have a shelved cabinet, armoire or a simple chest that can handle the essentials. A medicine cabinet is also a good place for storing various health-care and first-aid essentials.
