Remodeling Your Bathroom

1. How Far Do You Want to Go?

• Surface Alterations. At the easy end of the scale, you may like the general layout and size of the bathroom and the structure supporting the bathroom (joists, walls, etc.) are sound. The mantra of the surface-level bathroom remodeler is "cover, not replace." There is no shame at all in wanting to do a surface-level bathroom remodel.

• Changing Layout. More difficult: the structural elements are still fine and you want to make surface alterations, but you also want to change the layout around.

• Complete Tear-Out/Remodel. Now we're at the end of the difficult scale.

• You want to do all of the above, but 50 years of accumulated moisture has rotted away the joists and wall studs, and the window is falling out.
At this point, too, consider the general timetable for bathroom remodeling and decide if this is something you think you want to go through.


2. Finance Your Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom remodeling is expensive. Even though most bathrooms are small, the cost comes from the intensive amount of sub-contracting you may have to do (i.e., plumbers, electricians) and the expensive elements involved (fixtures, cabinetry, etc.).

Of the many methods of funding your bathroom renovation, perhaps the most common way is with a home equity loan. While looking at financing, you may wish to also think about ways to save on your bathroom remodeling costs.

3. Remodel Bathroom Yourself or Hire a Contractor?
At this point, you need to talk a good hard look at the project and decide if you want to do it yourself or hire a pro. Safe to say, if you are motivated and are merely performing surface alterations, you should be able to remodel the bathroom yourself. Not all tasks are created equal. Installing a new toilet is simple; building a new tiled shower should be left to the pros. Assess which projects to do yourself and which to leave to the professionals.


4. Changing the Layout of Your Bathroom

If you're remodeling a bedroom and wish to change the layout, it's not so bad. You move a closet here, push back a wall there. But with bathrooms, you're not just dealing with the visible elements, you're dealing with the underlying structure of plumbing and electrical system.

Layout changes, such as switching toilet and shower, drive up the cost of bathroom remodeling in a big hurry, so consider this carefully.


5. New Bathroom Walls, Joists, and Other Structural Elements

Since bathrooms collect moisture, there is a good chance you may have to replace drywall. In the case of bathrooms, you'll be using special moisture-resistent drywall commonly called "green board" and in the very wet areas like showers and baths you'll be using moisture-proof backer board.

Hopefully, you don't need to replace anything beyond the wallboard. But if you do--that is, if the wall stud and joists are bad--they may need to be sistered or completely replaced.


6. Shower and Tub Replacement or Refinishing

The shower, tub, or shower/tub combination is the heart of the bathroom. For many people, this may be the entire reason for the bathroom remodel.

• Replace Tub or Shower. In many cases, if you're doing an entire tear-out and remodel, it's just as easy and cost-effective to completely replace your shower or tub. At this point, you'll want to decide between a custom-built tiled shower or a pre-fab unit. Both have their strong points and weaknesses.

• Refinish Tub or Shower.
If you're attached to your tub or shower and aren't doing a full-scale remodel, you may wish to consider refinishing. The strong point here is that you can refinish your tub or sink in place.

• Tub and Shower Liners.
Not the best option but worth considering, tub and shower liners also avoid the need for removal.

7. Bathroom Flooring
Moisture is the culprit in bathrooms, so you can't just choose any kind of flooring. Carefully weigh all of your bathroom flooring options. A perennial favorite is ceramic tile, but laminate flooring and engineered flooring also do the trick. Whatever you do, avoid hardwood flooring, as it does not tolerate moisture well.


Bathroom Ideas & Renovations

Bathtub & Basin Re-enamelling - If the surface of your bathtub is worn, rough or chipped, re-enamelling will restore the surface to look like new again and you can even choose a new color. This process ensures the removal of any unsightly rust and damaged areas.

Leaking Shower Bases - A leaking concrete or tiled shower base is an eyesore and may cause extra damage if you're living in an apartment above someone else. Applying waterproof fillers to the cracks can provide a smooth glossy finish that is now completely sealed and water tight.

Wall & Floor Tiles - Decorate your bathroom with a vast array of wall and floor tiles to give it a more finished look. Choose the color and design that matches your bathroom fittings. A new set of tiles will brighten up any bathroom. It also means you can remove any mould or mildew that has built up.

Anti-slip Treatment - You can get specially formulated treatments for your bathroom floor which prevents any accidents/falls because of a wet floor. Get piece of mind that your family members, especially the elderly, won't slip when walking on the wet bathroom tiles.

Bathtub & Tile Cleaner - A disinfectant should be used regularly to kill harmful bacteria. The conditions in bathrooms are damp and warm which creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs.

Repair & Polishing Service - Bathtubs, shower bases and basins can all be polished to remove stains and light surface scratches.

Bath Seal - This is a permanent solution applied to your bath so that there are no gaps, mould build-up, unhygienic silicone between the bath rim and tiles. The bath connects directly to the tiles so there is no more ugly grouting, mould or mildew around your bath.

Cast Iron Bathtubs on Feet - If you want a more traditional look to your bathroom, try installing a cast iron bathtub with "feet". Dating back over a century, the "Ball & Claw" bathtub is a classic showpiece of Australian home history.