You’re looking to put in a new bathroom in a small amount of space. This will add both value and convenience to your home. Where do you begin? The very first step is to set a budget and stick to it. Once you know how much money you have to devote to the project, you can divide it up into costs for labour and materials. Don’t forget to budget in plans and permits as well! When possible, designing around your existing services and pipe work will be both easier and more cost efficient, whether you are re-modeling or adding on to your home.

The next step is deciding both what you need and how much room you can allot to those needs. Taking into consideration how many people will be using the bathroom will help you determine exactly what you’ll need in terms of furniture, storage, and sanitary ware.

Carefully measure the space you have available. You can easily make a ’scale model’ of your proposed bathroom by creating a graph corresponding to the amount of space you have available. Using the same size ratio and standard size measurements for the bath, shower stall, basin, toilet and bidet, create templates for those items. You can then use this simple model to explore different layouts for your bathroom.

If your space is simply too small to hold everything you need, check into finding the same things in smaller sizes. Smaller or narrower toilets, baths and showers are becoming more and more readily available, and can help you create a beautiful and functional bathroom in a very small space. A small vanity can provide both a basin and attractive storage for towels and toiletries. A combined shower and bath will give you the convenience of having both, while only taking up the space of one. Think creatively to find ways to save space without losing amenities.

Choose a wall colour that suits the personality of your home. Dark colors can make a room feel small, while light and bright colors can make it seem larger. Tile can add beauty and texture to the bath, and is quite durable. Very large tiles can overwhelm a small area, while very small (mosaic) tiles can seem too busy. When looking at tile, try to stay in the mid-size range for the most appealing result.

Don’t forget to add those finishing touches to your design! Mirrors, towel rails, soap dish, shelves and toilet-roll holder.

Thinking about where these things will go before you begin construction ensures a better flow in the room. Choose these items with care - they can add interest and beauty while tying the rest of your design elements together.

How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?

I am asked this question at least ten times a day, answer, what do you want? What materials do you want to use?  Most people do not know what is available and what the options are; therefore they don’t know what they want so I can not give them an answer. Are you looking for a permanent solution? Or a quick fix? All the problems in the bathroom are caused by water, if you cannot control the water you cannot control the problems, you control the water, you control the problems. When it comes to remodeling a bathroom most homeowners think that there are a million ways you can do, there are only a 5 ways you can remodel a bathroom. The first question you must answer is how long do you want it to last? Remember, you get what you pay for

The Most expensive Bathroom is the one you have to do over and over again!!!!!!

5 Ways to Remodel a Bathroom   The first four solutions are a quick fix.

1. The first option is to re-glaze, painting over, usually done for tubs; I have seen it on tiles as well. The tub cost $400-$600, walls are about the same.Most companies will give a 3- 5year warranty, but if you leave anything that is wet, like a shampoo bottle or wet towel, it will crack, chip and peel sooner, it can last from 3 months to 3 years. New tubs are baked after painting, this cannot be done in the house.   2. Wall system only, vinyl walls from the home center, cost $400-$800, if you do it yourself it will cost you nothing, if you hire a contractor it will be double the cost. It is adhered with liquid nail. Liquid nail dry’s after a period of time, it cracks, pull away from the wall. It can last 1-3 years. Hiring a contractor will cost $800-$1,200.00

2. Fiberglass costs to purchase from $1,200- $2,000, 1 piece tub and wall, this is still a porous material, it has a jell-coat on it, it will wear away in about 3-5years. Ounce it wears away it will expose the nooks and crannies in the fiberglass, and when that dirt gets inside, it will become difficult to clean. It cannot be installed in most homes due to existing framing; generally they are installed in new homes before the walls are framed. First remove existing tiles, tub. To install a fiberglass unit you must remove everything including sheet rock, this unit installs into the wall studs. You need a plumber to install drain and valve, after installation the walls need to be repaired. The total time to install is 3-4 days, the warranty on the fiberglass is 1year, from the contractor none. Total cost with a contractor approximately $4,500.00. This will last approximately 5-7 years.

3. Total Remodel in Tile, this is the traditional way of remodeling. Update an existing 9-by-6-foot bathroom. Replace all fixtures to include 30-by-60-inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4×4-inch  ceramic tile surround; new single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced shower control; standard white toilet; solid-surface  vanity counter with integral sink; recessed medicine cabinet with light; ceramic tile floor; vinyl wallpaper. Tile is a good material, the problem is not the tile it is the grout. The grout is sand and cement, it is porous, water will penetrate it sooner or later. This will take up to 2 weeks, According to Remodel Magazine Mid-Range in 2007 cost is $16,830.00. Now the most important question after spending all that money, what is the warranty? lifetime? I don’t think so.

Ask your tile contractor how long is the warranty? If he is a good contractor he will give you about 1- year, for labor, no warranty on tile, that’s it!

Luxury Bath solution is a Permanent Solution- do it right the first time and Never do it Again.   Acrylic tub,walls and shower systems will control the water, because it is non-porous material, water will not penetrate it, mold and mildew will not grow on it., easy to clean and maintain.

5. Luxury Bath acrylic tub, this is the only material that is non-porous, the wall and tub system comes with a lifetime warranty, you will never do it again. The Acrylic system will cost less than the total remodeling, from 1/3 to 1/2 of the traditional remodeling. Price will depends how much work needs to be done before we can put up the system, colors and styles you choose from. The estimate is free of charge, we will measure, and you pick and choose, then we will give you a quote.   visit our website http://www.luxurybathremodeling.com

Laying bathroom tile is a lot more basic than it looks. When speaking of bathroom tile, I am speaking of ceramic tile. The way to lay ceramic tile is universal, no matter what size the tile. However, sometimes it is cheaper to buy the larger tiles. Please note that larger tiles do break easier.

To lay bathroom tile you must first completely clean the bathroom floor of all debris. You should only see the wood of the floor. Next you want to measure the floor. Measure wall to wall, even though it includes areas you will not be tiling. Extra tile may be needed if one or two get cracked or cut wrong. After deciding what kind of tile you need, you can figure out how much tile you need. For instance, if you have a 8 x 10 room, you need 80 square feet of tile. You also need 80 sq. ft. of concrete board. Cover the entire floor in cement board, securing it to the floor with decking screws and a thin layer of mortar underneath the concrete board. Make sure there are no gaps between sheets of concrete board. Next find the center of the room. Mark the center of the room. This is where you begin to tile.

Please not that there is a way to make the tiles look centered even if the room is not in square. Instead of laying the tiles in a vertical or horizontal line with the room, you can lay them in a diagonal line. This makes it difficult to see that the room is out of square.

Once you have found the center of the room and decided how to lay your tile, spread mortar on a small area of the floor, working from the center outward. The direction depends which way you are going so you can get out of the room without destroying the tile. Keep in mind it should not be walked on for 24 hours. The mortar should be spread with a tool made especially for spreading floor adhesive as it grooved to allow for even spreading. Make sure to wear protective gloves as the mortar can be irritating to the skin.

Place the tile on the mortar and twist until it is secure. The twisting releases the air trapped under the tile. Do not lean on the tile or press it down with your knee. Make sure tile is exactly where you want it. Place spacers around the tile. Lay next following the same steps until all the tile is on the floor. Let sit for a minimum of twenty four hours and then grout the tile.

Despite being just small fixtures, showers play a big role in the overall layout of a bathroom. Bathroom assumes a distinct personality when showers are added.

Planning your Bathroom Shower remodeling

Bathrooms are one of the most expensive rooms in the house remodeling. Bathroom shower remodeling can change the entire design of the room. Your selection of materials has a big influence on the price of your project.

There are many options available right from standard to walk in shower. If you would like the luxury of steam shower at home, go ahead and choose one. Bathroom shower remodeling project can be completed in a day, thanks to the different options available including acrylic materials which can be used to cover the tub and shower walls. You can also eliminate the tub if you wish. However, it is cost effective and faster to leave fixtures in their current position, as moving them will require moving and draining the drain lines. This is a time consuming job and would add up to your expenses, unless you are considering a complete bathroom remodeling.

Acrylic and fiberglass overlays are available, and can be set in place over the existing tub. You can also try matching walls near the bathtub area. This would give an appearance of renovation of the entire bathtub area. Bathroom shower remodeling project can be a good DIY project for homeowners.

Consider Project with End Result in Mind

Plan the bathroom shower remodeling project in advance and sketch the steps involved in the project. Study the sketch thoroughly before starting the project.

Drains have to be matched with the existing ones or be routed, if you are installing a new tub or shower base. Water supply connections should be of little concern with the availability of flexible hoses. However, most drains are solid pipes and will have to match the outlet to which it will be connected.

The next major factor in bathroom shower remodeling is the walls. Using tiles on the walls is time consuming and would cost more, but will last long. If tiles are used wall backing will need special treatment. Using fiberglass or acrylic will make the job easier; it can have fewer joints through which water can leak.

Warning

If the bathroom shower remodeling project is extensive, it would last several days. Arrange for an alternate bathroom facility before starting the project.

Are you planning to buy an electric shower, but do not know what features you need? For this reason, this article will help know the basics and features of different models of electric showers.

Electric shower is a water heater whose main principle is to apply pressure on the water. Cold water flows to the unit where it is pressurized and heated through electricity. The amount of water dispensed depends on the water pressure applied. This way electric showers are economical since you only get water as much as what is needed or consumed. This type of shower does not required hot water system as the source. It is called as instantaneous water heater because you will get hot water whenever you want it.

Pumped power shower is a type of electric shower. Such showers are connected to both hot and cold water supply i.e. mixer showers and uses electric pump to increase pressure coming out from the shower head. It uses lesser electricity than electrically heated showers.

Features of Electric Shower

Riser Rail: The riser rail is the vertical metal bar attached to the wall allowing variable height and flexibility for the shower head.

Shower head: Is the handheld spray that is attached to the riser rail. Shower head has different patterns of spray. When all the holes are opened, water sprayed is weaker than using one or two combinations of opened holes. However, using only inner holes provide high powered spray.

Power ratings: It usually varies from 8.5 to 10.8 Kilowatt. Electric showers are made with high power ratings. They produce high powered spray while supplied with lower water temperature.

Wireless showers: Is newer design of electric showers whose physical shower unit is hidden and a remote control is used to communicate with the box to control the water temperature. Wireless shower installation does not require plumbing thereby maintaining the look of the bathroom which is the main advantage of using this type of shower.

Some showers have variable power out put so that you can choose features according to range and adjust power out put.

Additional features of showers include the thermostatic models that help control the temperature so that showers will not be affected by other appliances like washing machine. Push button control to maintain shower settings each time it is used. Memory function, built-in to most expensive showers available in the market, is designed to allow showers to store information of the pre-set shower temperature. Shut down button flushes out the remaining hot water from shower head before it turns off to prevent from scalding. LCD is a small display that shows the temperature of water being heated. This allows users to control the water temperature.

Electrical shower can only be installed properly by a person who is well equipped with the right knowledge of the task or a professional. The cost of the installation depends upon the electrician and the design. If the model has a separate top, bottom and sides then it is easier to install as it gives flexibility while rooting cables and pipes.

Shower installation requires plumbing from cold water supply and connection to electricity. Electrical cable and fuse size vary on the power rate of the shower. For safety, it is necessary to use double pole switch with an indicator for turning the shower on and off.

With electrical showers, it is easier to regulate warm and cold water output according to a person’s need. Shower temperatures can also be adjusted to counter the temperature of the season for perfect refreshment.

Is the constant drip from the shower annoying you at night? Fix it. Replacing shower tub faucets is easy with the tips given below.

• The faucets come in various styles and sizes. The old ones used to have washers and newer ones have cartridges in them which control hot and cold water. If there is a leak it will be due to these. They start leaking or dripping when washers become stiff and corroded. Water pressure also hastens this process.
• So when you remove these take the faucets to the hardware store and get them replaced according to the correct size. Take an exact centre to centre measurement.
• Keep the correct tools with you. Basically you require two pipe wrenches one for holding and another for turning. For square or hex nuts open end wrenches are ideal as they have smooth jaws. If the pipe is of small diameter then you need to have vise grip wrench.
• While soldering be careful. Too much heat can damage the faucet body.
• Keep a pile of rags and water with you. While soldering keep a wet rag on opposite side of faucet. This will keep the faucet cool while soldering.
• After soldering wipe joint with a clean cloth to remove debris and flux.
• Flush the water line by removing the cartridge.
• When you buy a new faucet keep the manufacturer’s instruction sheet with you. They will come in handy during repairs. Also keep spare parts in a safe place.
• Always plan for an access wall on the opposite side of the wall behind the shower faucet.

While replacing the washer or cartridge remember

• Turn the water supply off.
• remove the faucet handle
• Remove the faucet assembly consisting of the trim and the stem assembly.
• Take the washer and the stem for replacement.
• Grease the threads and washer and assemble it all back.

Now just turn on the water supply and check if your do it yourself has worked. Good luck.

If your faucet is leaking or dripping then it is time to replace it. Simple as it may sound there are a couple of factors you need to look in to while replacing it. Follow the tips given here and bathtub faucet replacement will be an easy task.

Faucets allow water in pipes to be used in controlled manner. Generally the bathtubs have either 2 valve or 3 valve faucets. They start leaking or dripping when washers become stiff and corroded. Water pressure also hastens this process. In older designs faucets there were rubber or neoprene washers. In the newer systems cartridge is used in place of washers.

It is always necessary to purchase a correct faucet. Faucets come in many sizes and styles. When you need to replace a faucet it is necessary to take exact measurement of holes center to center. Style is optional but size is important.

Also you need to have a correct set of tools to replace a faucet. There are various types of wrenches for plumbing jobs. For square or hex nuts open end wrenches are ideal as they have smooth jaws. If your pipe is chrome coated and you do not want to mar the surface then you can go for strap wrenches. If the pipe is of small diameter then you need to have vise grip wrench. Generally 2 pipe wrenches are required for plumbing one to hold and other to turn.

When installing bathtub faucets look for the faucet assembly behind walls. Generally builders would have provided a rear access panel in the back of tub. Read the installation instructions while assembling the 2 valve or 3 valve faucets.

Here are some general steps to replace a faulty faucet.

• First of all turn the water supply off. You can turn off the main supply for the entire house.
• Next remove the faucet handle. Tap or pull gently. Overtime the handle may have got welded to stem. So do not force it. If it does not come out gently then use special handle puller.
• Next remove the trim and the stem assembly. The stem assembly is used for controlling the amount and temperature of water dispensed to the tub. Use a bath socket wrench to remove this assembly.
• Now check the washer. If it is brittle or torn then this is the cause for the drip. Take both the washer and the stem for replacement.
• Check the seats. If they are rough then they too need to be replaced. Use a seat wrench to remove it.
• When replacing you just need to assemble it all back. Grease the stem threads, washer and nut threads. Then slide them all back and tighten the nuts.
• If it is a cartridge style faucet then remove the handle and trim. Then replace the cartridge.

So with a little bit of know-how you can fix it yourself for $80-$90.

Remodeling kitchen and bathroom project may be overwhelming, but can go on smoothly if you know a couple of pro tips.

1. Plan ahead, avoid delay: Plan ahead and make products selection early. Planning ahead would avoid delays and help you adhering to your budget.
2. Remember the big picture: Repairs, maintenance and energy loss are bound to happen. Always budget for these and include them in your calculations when you are comparing prices. This will help in avoiding hassles in future.
3. Get good help: Hire a contractor or a remodeler who has rich experience in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, positive customer reference, good record with better business bureau and a member of National Association of Remodeling Industry. Or, if you know a good remodeler whom you can trust, go ahead and hire him.
4. Visit a job site: When you are planning to hire a remodeler, check his companyís website. Good remodelers always maintain a clean and an organized website.
5. Safety: Always take precautionary measures to guarantee safety. Have a low profile and do not discuss the details in your neighborhood.
6. Treat your contractor well: This is the best thing that you can do. Appreciate for his good work. He will be interested in sharing his kitchen and bathroom remodeling tips with you.
7. While doing your kitchen and bathroom remodeling, always insist for a contract. Not having detailed contract or no contract will create lot of legal issues. The contract should contain the address, the starting date and a completion date, and details of the project that has to be carried out.
8. Be prepared: Remodeling is exciting. At the same time, you should be prepared and get the details from the remodeler, situations to expect after the project has started. Situations like delays, inconvenience and frustration are all common. Getting to know them early will help you to manage better.
9. Find an alternative: During kitchen remodeling project, you may face lot of inconveniences in carrying out your job. Set up a temporary kitchen with your refrigerator and microwave away from the construction area. This will help you to prepare light meals whenever needed.
10. Pack all the crockery and other breakables from the kitchen to avoid breaking.
11. Express your ideas: Communicate with your remodelers and get sufficient kitchen and bathroom remodeling tips from them. Let them know what you have in mind and work together.
12. If you are not a frequent user of the tub, skip them and get showers instead. This will save your money and ensure effective usage too.
13. Avoid planning desk in the kitchen unless you would really sit down and plan in the desk.
14. Connecting spaces by opening up walls and hallways create more livable spaces. This is a great kitchen and bathroom remodeling tip.
15. Maximize storage by utilizing the wasted area efficiently and effectively.

It’s essential to get the most space out of your bathroom as most bathrooms do contain limited space for such objects in the average house hold. It’s not a physical space saving tip to use light colors when painting or decorating a bathroom, but in the sense of lighting and feeling it really does provide a bigger atmosphere so this tip should be used in a small bathroom.

Lighting in a small bathroom is very important and is the best way to make you and others feel like they are in a spacious room rather than a dingy dark one. Options include spotlights from cabinets and the ceiling which provide phenomenal lighting in any room without using up any space as they are implemented. Curtains sometimes get in the way and make a room feel darker, so replacing them with blinds will give you that natural lighting effect you want with the same amount of privacy.

In terms of physical space saving options it’s a good idea to use wall hanging objects such as mirror cabinets and towel holders so you not only have all that extra space on the floor but you get that extra storage option available. Another good tip is to purchase a bathroom set that can be implemented into corners of a bathroom and hide pipes that no one wants to see.

Most families include a bath and a shower in their bathroom if they have a big enough room - but this isn’t always possible in the average house hold unless it feels really cramped. If you want a bath and a shower it’s still possible by purchasing a shower that fits on the wall above the bath. This shower also normally includes a glass enclosure attached to the side protecting the bathroom from being covered in water.

The possibilities for creating that extra needed space are endless but the main tips for doing so would be keeping the bathroom simple and clean, having a simplistic effect automatically gives the spacious illusion to visitors. Having a couple of mirrors around the room is also a good technique - but not too many as this will over do it.

Well I’m sure you have all thought about upgrading your home bathroom haven’t you? Of course you have unless you designed your house from the start and everything was built custom for you.

Most of us have not been that fortunate and we now need to work with the bathroom that came with our home in the first place. Don’t give up hope because in this brief article I will give you some tips and tricks on things to consider when designing your home bathroom.

One of the first steps that you need to do before you even think about paying someone or doing the upgrade yourself is researching and setting some design goals. These will outline what it is that you want to achieve. The best place to do research on finding bathroom designs and photos that you like is on the internet or in magazines and other printed materials like books.

When you consider these small bathroom designs just compare yourself to the pros and try to copy them. You don’t need to invent the wheel from scratch. I would clip out the best bathroom design photos that you find and then try and follow what you see in your own renovation.

Another thing you are going to want to set up from the beginning of this is clear goals for the project. Do you want to change the colors to brighten the room up? Install a new bathtub or sink? Or do you want to fully gut the place and enlarge your bathroom area? These are key questions to ask so you have a clear design goal and end outcome in mind.

Also you should be setting up and defining a budget before you start the project. If you don’t do this you could run the risk of the project costing way more then you had originally hoped for and no one likes to go broke over a bathroom.

So do yourself a favor and set a budget, and then stick to it. We all know that like any home improvement project if you are not careful the price can end up being a lot more then you had originally planned out.

Small bathroom designs can be fun or can be a nightmare depending on the strategy and common sense you apply to the design process. If you follow some simple steps including some of the tips I’ve outlined in this brief piece you should be well on your way to having successful small bathroom designs in your homes.