Upgrading a Bathroom

[missmanors]

Whether it's your flip that needs a new updated bathroom, or your own home's bath needs some spiffing up, here are some tips on making the bathroom a great little "get away" place to relax and unwind.

First decide who will be using this particular bathroom, and how much traffic it's likely to see. If this is, or will be a family bath...it's going to see a lot of people in and out on a daily basis, and needs to be more functional than luxurious. If it's the guest bath, or powder room, you may want to see it as a bit more elegant.

Now you may want to check out some magazines, or check out some websites to find a look you would like for your project. At this time, you will know what you can keep, and what needs to be replaced.

Next decide on a budget for your updated bathroom. Check online once again to see prices in your area for those things that you would like to purchase for your bathroom, and if necessary trim some of the costs, it's not necessary to buy all the highest priced items for the look that you are after, you can often find a similar look for much less money.

If you are planning a total upgrade you may find it necessary to hire a contractor or designer to do the actual upgrade for you, this will depend on how much of an upgrade you are planning, or if your floor plan requires the moving of fixtures.

For family bathrooms, be sure that you are careful when choosing flooring, as you will want a floor that will stand up to the rigors of a lot of moisture daily, and for safety's sake you will want flooring that is not too slippery when wet.

Lighting is more important in the bathroom than in any other room in the house. Layered lighting is the best in the bath. You will need task lighting for applying makeup or shaving, you can achieve ambient lighting by having a light which bounces light off the ceiling. Accent and decorative lighting can also be added to the bath for a dramatic flair.

Remember when remodeling any room of a house that you don't necessarily have to confine yourself to the look in the magazine that you want to achieve, you can leave out some elements, or change them to your specific needs and tastes, not to mention the space that you have to work with. It's your dream.........so make it truly your own space!!

[Chas in CA]

One additional little piece of advice: DO NOT use travertine tile for a shower surround or a bathroom floor. I have seen a lot of flippers do this because the travertine can be had cheaply from the granite and stone dealers and it looks really expensive, but here's the problem:

Travertine is a very porous stone, and water will leak right through it. If you use it the tile installers recommend that it be sealed with five coats of tile sealer, and that it be resealed annually. Is anyone likely to actually do this? No. Are you likely to get sued when your buyer's bathroom floor rots out five years from now? Yes.

Save the travertine and tumbled marble for the backsplash, please.

And if you really want the look of travertine, you can get porcelain tile that is textured to look like travertine, and porcelain is 100% waterproof, and only the grout will need to be coated with sealer.

Chas

[missmanors]

Thank you for your advice, Chas. This information is good to know.