Luxuriating Bathroom Design on a Budget - Part 1: The Crucial Steps

Original Bathroom Mecc

Bathrooms often are among the smallest rooms in a home. Along with kitchens, they also tend to be the most expensive to renovate from the ground up.

Limited budgets will likely not permit financing a complete remodel. Nor will they generally allow for the repositioning of fixtures or the knocking down of walls to expand the footprint.

So is it possible to make drastic improvements and changes without excessive expense? Absolutely!

Be Honest

First things first: be honest with yourself regarding your budget. And share your budget with any design or contracting professionals you call upon for help.

Many homeowners hesitate for fear of being taken advantage of. But being honest will allow for the best use of the true available funds.

If you enjoy getting involved and doing some of the work yourself, you'll be able to stretch your budget further due to reduced labour costs.

Be Realistic

Based on your budget, be realistic in your wants and desires. Remember, unlike on TV, trades people do not work for free in real life. Do not ignore labour costs.

Unless you are doing most of the work yourself, devoting only 10% of your budget for labour will not get the job done in a satisfactory manner, if at all.

Labour fees vary greatly based both on the type of work being performed and by individual contractor. However, working with a 60/40 split for materials and labour, respectively, is a good starting point.

The plus side of budgeting in this manner is that you may be in for a pleasant surprise. The labour may cost less than 40% in your particular situation, leaving more money in your pocket!

Prioritize

Which do you prefer? Love. Or like.

You already have created your budget and the plan is to stick to it. So make a list of the changes you want. Then review the list and number the changes in order of personal importance.

It is better to invest in one or two quality improvements you will love than to complete the project in a fashion that results in mediocre changes you think you can live with "for now."

Keep in mind that certain tasks require multiple steps. For example, you cannot add built-in body sprays or a steamer unit to your shower without visiting the existing plumbing layout behind the wall, re-building or repairing the walls that have been exposed, and buying new tiles to resurface the walls.

Shop Around

Alternatives exist for virtually everything. Do your research and shop around, either online or in person. This applies not only to actual products and materials, but to ideas, too.

If your budget cannot accommodate potentially complicated plumbing, wall repairs, and new tiles, but you really want body sprays now, do not despair. There are always options.

In the above case, look for retrofit plumbing options. At this year's K|BIS (Kitchen|Bath Industry Show) in Chicago, many manufacturers were promoting sleek new models that help create a custom look and feel.

Visualize

If you are not sure where to begin, particularly if you are designing the room on your own, decide how you want the room to feel. Write down the first two or three words that come to mind: Zen spa; dramatic and spicy; classic, clean, and glamourous.

Having a vision of how your new space will look can make all the difference in the world, especially when you are in the middle of the remodeling process. It will all be worth it in the end!

One Last Consideration

It is a worthy investment to hire a decorator or designer for his/her expertise to guide you in this process. Most provide a flat fee consultation, which may be exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for your project.

Clip

Article Author

MeCC Interiors is an award winning full service design studio specializing in residential design, commercial redesign, and project management. Have your spaces custom designed from the ground up or simply dressed and accessorized – no job is too big or too small.

Other articles from this pro:

Article

hafele-smart-cab

Smart Kitchen Storage Solutions

May 17, 2012 by MeCC Interiors

Here are a couple of storage ideas that were included in multiple “Best of K|BIS” lists. If you’re in need of additional storage in your kitchen, they’re definitely worth a look!

Clip Details

Article

franke-centinox

Integrated Kitchen Sinks Expand Counter Space

May 17, 2012 by MeCC Interiors

In some cases where it is not possible to enlarge the footprint of the kitchen, not much can be directly done about the counter space. There are, however, options that make the sink a more functional component that helps extend the available workspace.

Clip Details

Article

vessel-2-handle

Vessel Sink Faucets for Non-Modern Spaces

May 17, 2012 by MeCC Interiors

Though I love cleaner, more contemporary lines, many of my clients prefer something more transitional or traditional. In the past, I’ve had difficulty finding non-contemporary faucets for vessel sinks, both in single and 8″ centre spread options, at reasonable price points. This year’s K|BIS provided multiple options.

Clip Details

Article

ashley-norton

Highend Hardware to Finish the Job

May 17, 2012 by MeCC Interiors

The introduction of jewels into the bathroom happened long ago. Many manufacturers now offer faucets that feature crystals and/or gems. And hardware has long been a way to dress up and customize cabinetry.

Clip Details

Article

delta-9158-sw-dst_rp50781ss_water

Delta’s Showstopping Fuse

May 17, 2012 by MeCC Interiors

Delta’s Fuse™ series of kitchen faucets introduces a burst of colour in an unexpected place. The split-finish pull-down faucet comes in cracked pepper (black), snowflake white, or chilli pepper (red).

Clip Details

Article

custom

Stunning Metal Solutions for the Kitchen and Bath from Oios

May 17, 2012 by MeCC Interiors

The industrial look of stainless steel has been in kitchens for quite some time. But the look is rather consistent, showcasing the standard silver tones of the steel. Oios Metals has introduced a much wider palette for use throughout the home, relying on recycled steel to create unique – and sustainable – applications made entirely within the US.

Clip Details

Article

luminist-picture-262-500x522

Universal Design Calls for Functional Illumination

May 17, 2012 by MeCC Interiors

Universal Design (UD) is definitely something I’ve explored before on multiple occasions. Despite that, I think its important to begin by noting that UD is not just about accessibility and using ADA-approved products. Rather UD is about creating environments that can be used by as many people as possible.

Clip Details

Article

aip-elevance-rwb-kohler1

The Elevance Revolutionizes Universal Tub Design

May 17, 2012 by MeCC Interiors

The Elevance rising wall tub is a fabulous alternative to the plethora of walk-in tubs currently on the market. Rather than walking in, sitting down, and waiting for an exceedingly deep tub to fill, the Elevance fills within 3-5 minutes and invites you to sit with ease at chair height.

Clip Details

Article

usocket

The U-Socket Outlet

May 17, 2012 by MeCC Interiors

I love the idea of the U-Socket, which incorporates two (2) USB outlets into a standard AC receptacle! While you might not immediately think “interiors” when you see this product, think of the clutter it could help eliminate in offices, computer zones, and docking/charging zones throughout the home.

Clip Details

Article

vanities-console

The Legs Have It!

May 17, 2012 by MeCC Interiors

Lots of updates and ideas from K|BIS over the next few days, some of which are new-to-market and some new-to-me.

Clip Details

Article

moen-kbis-hgtv-retractable-towel-rings-2

The Retractable Towel Ring

May 03, 2012 by MeCC Interiors

Lots of updates and ideas from K|BIS over the next few days, some of which are new-to-market and some new-to-me.

Clip Details

Article

kohler-stereo-2

K|BIS 2012 – Kohler’s Bathroom Music

May 03, 2012 by MeCC Interiors

Lots of updates and ideas from K|BIS over the next few days, some of which are new-to-market and some new-to-me.

Clip Details
Previous
Home Renovation Guide © 2008-2011
Logo-hig Logo-zoocasa Logo-rogers