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.

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Budget for the unexpected

Hidden water damage is one of the most common problems in bathrooms. It could be a leaky shower pan or running toilet that is wreaking havoc on your floor. If it feels spongy, it is a sign of serious water damage. Some other problems are truly hidden which could be a vent stack inside a wall you want to knock down.

Hide the toilet

A master bathroom that is both stylish and functional can also be very discreet. It is always nice to hide a toilet in a room within the bathroom, behind a half-wall or perhaps behind some sort of barrier or divider.

Choose appropriate surfaces,?h3>
The surfaces in your bathroom do a lot more than just contribute to aesthetics. They take a lot of abuse and for that, you need the right surfaces which can handle it. Porcelain is a favorite among designers, for use on the walls and floors alike. Some porcelain tiles are cheap at roughly R80 per square meter and resemble natural stone. If you want to ease the upkeep, you could use larger tiles to minimize grout lines.

Porcelain is also a popular choice for bathroom sinks but some tests have shown that they can chip when subjected to heavy impacts. Enamel-on-steel sinks are very durable and stain-resistant. Stainless steel sinks are also becoming more popular for use in the bathrooms as well. A solid-surface sink is another durable option and it allows you to integrate the sink with a vanity countertop.

When it comes to the countertop, granite and quarts have moved from the kitchen to the bathroom. It is very durable and visually pleasing. Laminated and solid surface sinks are still popular and cost-effective choices but it can scratch easy.

Spend on the shower

People have started to use bathtubs even less due to high water usage and efficiency. Nowadays people do not usually install baths in their homes and use the space to create bigger showers. This can be a big shower that has two showerheads, own storage areas and perhaps steam generators.

In order to create such a space, you roughly need a shower stall that is at least 1.2m (4 feet) by 1.8m (6 feet), larger than the standard 0.9m (3 feet) by 0.9m (3 feet) stall. If you can take the stall up to 1.5m (5 feet) by 2.1m (7 feet), you may even forget about installing a door because the showerheads can be directed in a way that the spray does not reach beyond the shower area. An L-shaped design is the best to use. This will eliminate a sizable expense, especially if you were planning on a frameless door. Just one thing to take note of: do NOT remove the bathtub if there are no more in the house.

Consider the water usage

Showerheads, toilets and faucets gave become more water-efficient in recent years due to water shortages and the price of water. Low-flow showerheads and faucets will save more water than the traditional fixtures. These water-efficient fixtures generally cost the same or are cheaper than the traditional fixtures. Some companies claim that their fixtures are 20% more water-efficient than the traditional ones.

As for toilets, the old fashioned one can use as much as 12 liters per flush, while new dual flush toilets use 6 liters for a full and 3 liters for a half. By using these dual flush toilets, you can save between 6 and 9 liters per flush, which ultimately reduces your utility bill. If you choose a faucet with an aerator, you can reduce the water flow in your bathroom sink by 30% or more.

Clear space on the vanity

Since grooming is the main task at the vanity, it is important to have plenty of surface are to put things down. Since a double sink has been popular in the past, it makes more sense to have a single sink with a lot of counter space. Not only does it take a lot less space, but a single vanity save you the expense of a second sink and faucet. By eliminating a set of plumbing, it expands the storage space inside the vanity as well.

Ensure adequate ventilation and light

Moisture does not only create mold and mildew, it can take a toll on finishes and painted surfaces. A bathroom fan or ventilation system is the best defense. A ducted system that is at least 50 cubic feet per minute is generally the international standard, but you might need twice as much ventilation if the space is larger than 10 square feet or if you have a steam shower. You can also consider installing a humidity-sensing unit that will automatically turn on and off, depending on the amount of moisture in the air.

As for lighting, the goal is to bring different layers of illumination into the bathroom. A ceiling fixture is suitable for general lighting, but it will cast shadows on your face when you are seated at the vanity or standing in front of the mirror. Wall scones or other vertical fixtures mounted on the sides of the vanity can eliminate the shadows. Some medicine cabinets are available with vertical light strips.

The shower, toilet or bathtub should also have a dedicated task light, such as a recessed canister light. LED bulbs are the best choice because they provide loads of light and they are more energy-efficient than ordinary bulbs. The only drawback is that these lights cost more than ordinary or energy-saving bulbs. Remember that you can put the fixtures on dimmer switches so that light levels can be adjusted according to the mood and task at hand.

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Updating or simply adding to your bathroom will save you a lot of money. It also boosts the value of your property. This means that you might get everything back you spent on upgrading your bathroom.

Determine how much you can afford to spend on the remodel to determine the extent of changes you can make. If your budget is at the low end (R10 000 or less), you might need to stick to the smaller things such as new fixtures, a six and new paint. If you have more to spend, you can focus or larger changes such as a bigger shower, better tiles or a window. It all depends on your budget.

Cheap bathroom remodeling ideas

1. Limit your tiling

Tiles are very expensive. This is especially true if you hire a contractor to lay it for you. In order to save money, you can limit the amount of tile and focus on high-impact areas such as the flour. The other option is to tile one horizontal strip along the wall and then paint the rest of your tiles to fit it.

2. Cut costs on counter tops

A popular trend is to spend a fortune or granite counter tops. Due to the size of the bathroom counter, it is considered to be a low investment than what you would spend on a kitchen counter.

There is a way to save on granite counter tops. Buy a slab containing imperfections. The more visible the imperfections, the lower the price. Note that your sink basin will take a lot of the surface area. So take a slab with the imperfection right on the spot where you will install the sink basin.

One of the biggest trends in bathrooms is also one that people on a budget can pull of with style. You only need to take an old dresser and use it as a sink pedestal. How? You simply put the top of the dresser to accommodate a sink insert. Then cut into or remove the interior drawers as necessary. Cut holes in the back for plumb and that is it. They sell for a lot of money at stores but you can make one yourself. All you need is a lot of patience and the right tools.

Paint

If you don’t have a lot to spend, repainting will be the cheapest. It can perhaps even be the most effective way to breathe some life into your bathroom.

A word of warning: it takes a long time. Why is that? Your bathroom might be the smallest area in the house but you need to paint while avoiding all the other plumbing and fixtures. This includes the shower, toilet, sink and bathtub. You need a lot of patients and probably a whole lot of painter’s tape to make sure you don’t accidentally paint everything.

A problem you need to watch out for, is mold and mildew. It develops easily in the bathroom. This is due to the humidity and temperature that changes very often. Invest in a high quality paint with a satin finish. You may also want to paint the ceiling with a special bathroom paint that helps to resist the growth of mold.

4.Update fixtures

The little details are what makes your bathroom stand out. You can update the light fixtures, sink faucets, towel racks and drawer pulls for a relatively small price. These items may seem like nonsense but they do impact the look and feel of your bathroom.

Keep in mind that you don’t always need to buy towel racks at a home improvement shop. You can improvise by using a variety of items for towel racks.

5. Clean caulk and grout

Grout and caulk seems like an unimportant detail but when it gets grimy, it becomes unsightly. Clean the grout and add straight, clean lines of caulk around the tub and sink. It will look very nice and only costs you a few rands.

6. Redo, don’t replace

Replacing a bath tub or shower will be very expensive. You can have it professionally relined, which is way cheaper.

One warning: do NOT try this with sink and shower fixtures. They are more expensive to reline as they are to replace. People usually reline old, vintage pieces and contractors who do this will usually charge a premium rate.

Let’s say you do have some vintage bathroom fixtures or an old tub that you still want. The good news is that you can do it yourself. Porcelain, cast iron, or fiberglass can be refurbished. It does however take some time and investment. A DIY refurbishing kit might be pretty penny but you will also need other equipment. There are also a lot of tutorials on the web for refurbishing your sanitary ware.

7. Buy used

You can save money on fixtures, event toilets and showers by purchasing used goods. Scours sites like eBay, Craigslist, JunkMail or Gumtree. Maybe there’s a second hand plumbing store near you.

8. Go green

When you are updating your bathroom, don’t forget about the environment. Low-flow toilets, sinks and shower heads will not only help you save water but you will also save money. Water-saving faucets and shower heads generally cost the same as the traditional one, so you won’t spend money to save money.

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Why bathroom decoration?

Some might argue that these items are not completely essential for your bathroom and it might be correct. You can live without some of these items but why would you? The bathroom is an often neglected area of the home but it can make a huge impact on your guests. A home that’s decorated to perfection will draw their attention but your bathroom might ruin their opinion of your otherwise, stylish home. The other benefit is that you’ll have a good-looking place where you can relax while getting ready for work or just soaking in the bath after a long day. The following is a list of the essentials when applying a bit of bathroom decoration:

1. Good lighting: You need to have sufficient lighting, without straining your eyes.
2. Good mirror: There’s nothing worse than a bad mirror. Make sure it’s large enough and that it looks good.
3. A matching set of towels: It gives your bathroom that harmonious look.
4. Durable bath mat: Keep it good looking but it must be able to withstand dirt and protect your clean feet..
5. Non-standard shower curtain: This will help you to avoid that dull, cheap look.
6. Good cleaning supplies: Make sure you have the right items to make your bathroom sparkle.
7. Good storage solutions: Use the least space to create the most storage.
8. Good window treatment: A bathroom window treatment has to look good and protect your privacy at all times.
9. Toothbrush holder: You never realise how important it is until your toothbrush lands on the floor or worse, the toilet.
10. Trash can: Don’t just get a plain one. Rather have something that compliments your bathroom.
11. Good smelling hand soap: It might not seem important but smelly soap is not impressive.
12. Hand towel for guests: Use a traditional towel or one that fits in with your bathroom.

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