| Careful planning is the key to a successful | | | | Third, make a list of the supplies you'll need and |
| bathroom-remodeling project. Before you begin any | | | | make sure they are available when you need them. |
| work in the bathroom, create a budget, a floor plan, | | | | Some typical supplies include sinks, flooring, wall tile, |
| a list of supplies, a timetable, and important legal | | | | countertops, lighting, medicine cabinets, showers, |
| considerations. Let's break it down by subject. | | | | bath tubs, cabinets and cabinet handles, toilets, extra |
| First, create a budget. Determine how much money | | | | storage, faucets, toilet paper holders, paint or |
| you can comfortably spend, and save about 20 | | | | wallpaper, chairs, accessories (like storage containers |
| percent for emergencies. Get estimates for the work | | | | and/or artwork), as well as tools you have or can |
| that needs professionals, and always include electrical, | | | | buy. |
| plumbing, heating and cooling, and drywall installation | | | | Fourth, create a timetable. Talk to experts or people |
| costs in your budget. | | | | at home improvement stores to plan how much time |
| Second, design a floor plan. Ask yourself, will you be | | | | you'll need. If you're hiring contractors, work with |
| working with the existing space or will you be adding | | | | them to design a timetable you all can follow. |
| on or knocking down walls? Check to make sure you | | | | Plan projects according to the time you have |
| will not disturb the electrical wiring, plumbing, or zoning | | | | available. Put in a new toilet and sink one weekend, |
| regulations. Next, measure the amount of space you | | | | for example, and paint another. You don't have to do |
| have and draw a floor plan. In drawing the plan, first | | | | it all at once, so plan sensibly. Don't paint the walls or |
| put in all the items that are fixed. For example, if the | | | | install woodwork until the hardware is taken care of |
| toilet must be in one place because of plumbing, it is | | | | -- you don't want to damage work you've already |
| a fixed item. Experiment with how you like your floor | | | | done. Above all, be flexible and allow time for the |
| plan, using different arrangements, with different | | | | unexpected or even emergencies to happen. |
| types of cabinetry, shelves, or even walls. You might | | | | Fifth, keep in mind legal considerations. Get and post |
| try pocket doors to save space, and corner sinks, | | | | a building permit, pay any necessary fees, make sure |
| floating sinks, or pedestal sinks to save even more | | | | you, your contractor, and any workers have |
| space. L-shaped vanities and alcoves also save space. | | | | insurance coverage, and keep children and animals |
| In addition, corner showers conserve space, and clear | | | | away from the construction area. |
| glass in showers creates the illusion of even more | | | | By following these checklists, your bathroom |
| space. You may want to add windows or mirrors to | | | | remodeling plans will be a snap. |
| let in light. | | | | |