|
How to Choose a
Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
Kitchen and bathroom remodeling can be something of a
gauntlet, turning otherwise serene homeowners into a bundle of
nerves. Repairs such as these can strike at the very heart of
your domestic existence, sending friends and family members
scrambling to the outer regions of your home. Needless to say,
most people would rather spend a few extra bucks for
convenience than mortgage their lives to an open-ended
process.
The good news is that there are indeed some simple ways to
choose a bathroom remodeling contractor, and all you need is
to arm yourself with better information. Any kitchen and
bathroom remodeling effort tends to start and end with the
people you hire, meaning it's essential to surround yourself
with professionals whose responsibility and discretion you may
consider built-in. Ask the right questions and check the right
sites and you can be sure you're opening you're home to a
trustworthy crowd.
The quickest way to narrow down your kitchen and bathroom
remodeling options is by checking the credentials, references
and galleries that come with each company. Sometimes the most
expensive choices simply don't share your taste, so it's
important to hold out for a real match before you sign on the
bottom line. Flexibility is important as well, as many
first-time homeowners' opinions tend to shift throughout this
process.
It may not surprise you to learn that homes are sold based
primarily on the kitchen and master bathroom, so work such as
this may be considered of paramount importance. Would you want
granite tiles or full slab construction, the kitchen and
bathroom remodeling contractor you hire should have all the
materials handy long before the job begins. Choose well and
you can even expect some creative input to help all those
decisions go a little more smoothly.
The most important part of any kitchen and bathroom remodeling
job is knowing where to allocate your resources and for how
long. Speak with the experts in your area and check some of
the finest online resources for a better sense of what to
expect moving forward. From dazzling appointments through the
latest appliances, work such as this could leave you the proud
owner of a dazzling new showroom in a matter of weeks.
How to Install a Shower
Curtain
One of the easiest and most economical ways to redecorate a
bathroom is by installing a new shower curtain. As shower
enclosures go, shower curtains are generally the most
affordable and easy to change. Shower curtains come in many
different materials, patterns and styles, and they can
completely transform the look and feel of a bathroom. The
steps required to install a shower curtain vary depending on
type and style, but installation is usually quick and easy.
When shopping for a shower curtain, you have to consider your
needs. Shower curtains provide both form and function. In
terms of function, plastic and vinyl shower curtains are the
most waterproof. However, in terms of form, cotton, linen or
even silk shower curtains often look more decorative. To get
the best of both worlds, many people choose to use both a
waterproof shower liner and a more attractive fabric shower
curtain. While the shower curtain can be chosen based
primarily on the design of the bathroom, the shower liner
serves a more practical utility.
Even though the average shower liner is inexpensive, quality
varies. The least expensive shower liners will work
adequately, but they may not last very long. Shower liners are
exposed to soap and water everyday, and good quality shower
curtains will be easier to maintain than cheaper ones. Look
for a heavy duty shower liner for maximum maintainability. To
prevent the build up of mildew, some shower liners are also
treated with fungicide. These liners are easy to wipe clean
and will last you a long time.
Once you have chosen your shower curtain and liner, the next
step is to choose a shower rod. Shower rods come in many
different styles and finishes. Rest assured there is one to
fit any bathroom. The length of most shower rods can be easily
adjusted to fit almost any shower. Exact measurements are not
generally needed in order to achieve a snug fit.
When it comes to materials, most shower rods are either
plastic or metal. Plastic rods are the least expensive but are
not as sturdy as metal rods. However, metal rods should be
coated to prevent rusting. Crescent shower rods can add width
to you shower area and help prevent the dreaded shower curtain
“blow in.” Additionally, curved shower rods are available for
showers that are not surrounded on three sides by walls.
The final piece of the shower curtain ensemble is the shower
curtain ring. There are tons of different styles of shower
curtain rings. Rings come in both metal and plastic, and
should be coordinated to the style of your shower curtain.
Heavier fabrics like cotton and terry cloth will require rings
that are more substantial in size. Measure the size of the
grommets on the top of the curtain before you buy rings in
order to make sure they will fit.
If you are going to use both a shower curtain and a shower
liner, you have two options for installation. You can either
use one rod and one set of rings, or you can use two rods and
two sets of rings. If you used one rod, line up the liner and
the curtain so they are facing one another and thread one ring
through each of the corresponding grommets on the both the
liner and the curtain. The curtain liner will move as one
unit. If you use two rods, you need one set of rings for each,
and the liner and the curtain will move independently.
How to Install a Shower
Curtain Rod
The final step to install a shower curtain is to put up the
shower curtain rod. If you are using a spring loaded
telescopic rod, you will not need to do exact measurements or
put any holes in the wall. Telescopic rods stay in place with
tension. You just thread the rod through the curtain rings and
then position the rod where you want it to be above the
shower.
Then, you twist the rod to lengthen it to the proper length.
This can be done by one person, but may be easier with two. A
level can help you ensure the shower curtain rod is placed
correctly. If the rod is not perpendicular to the wall, it
will be more likely to fall later. Also, make sure that the
rod fits as tight as possible between the walls to prevent it
from falling.
If you use a mounted shower curtain rod, precise measurement
will be needed, as this requires you to put holes in your
wall. Determine how high you want the rod to be. Keep in mind
that the shower curtain should hang no less than a few inches
from the top edge of the tub.
Next, mark the height on both walls. Before installing the
brackets on the walls, it’s a good idea to hold the rod up to
the markings and use a level to make sure you have marked the
right spot. Once you are sure of your markings, you have to
screw or nail the brackets to the wall. Be sure to use the
proper screws for you wall. Drywall will require anchors. With
the brackets mounted, thread the shower curtain onto the rod
and fit the rod into the brackets. Voila! The shower curtain
is up.
There are several different ways to style your shower curtain.
Of course, there is the simple way of just letting it hang,
but pull backs can add drama and interest to the bathroom. If
you get an extra long shower curtain or sew one yourself to be
lengthier than the 72” standard, you will have more material
to work with when you style it.
To swag your shower curtain and add some drama to the design,
you will need to install a hook on the wall about half way
between the shower rod and the floor or even a little bit
lower. Using a coordinating rope or fabric tie, gather the
fabric to one side and wrap the tie around it and tie a loose
knot. Secure the tie to the hook. You may have to fluff up the
curtain a little bit to get the look you desire. You can
either leave the shower liner hanging open along the shower,
or you can hide it behind the shower curtain and only pull it
out when you need it to bathe. You can play with other ways to
style a shower curtain as well.
Is it Time to Remodel
Your Bathroom?
Is it time to remodel your bathroom? If you're like most
people, you may have found yourself wondering what's the most
appropriate time to engage major design efforts such as these.
The simple answer is that any kitchen and bathroom remodeling
project is by nature subjective, so unless you are about to
sell that home you have plenty of time to do some research
into the subject.
Of course, some kitchen and bathroom remodeling efforts aren't
elective at all—they present themselves as immediate
necessities. If your plumbing has failed or that shower has
sprung a leak, you may rightly look upon mishaps such as these
a chance to improve the room wholesale. After all, if you're
heading into the walls already, you might as well leave them
looking stylish and new.
The right kitchen and bathroom remodeling project can
significantly raise the value of your home, particularly if
such rooms have languished for years. Modern appliances,
better materials and fine workmanship may draw visitors and
bids far more quickly than putting out a cheeseboard and some
FSBO signs, and the quickest way to any real estate seduction
is with good taste. Get the right workers on board and you may
even find yourself retaining their services as you move into
that next dream home.
Bathroom appointments tend to vary widely by provenance and
craft, so to look into your own requirements before you commit
to one design or another. From fine Italian marble to the
latest antibacterial laminates, it's important to think about
whom the bathroom is for and how you expect it to be used.
After all, gorgeous faucet details mean little if your kids
leave the room in a constant state of chaos.
Look around the Web for kitchen and bathroom remodeling sites
that offer good information to curious homeowners. The best of
these give you everything from illustrations through
testimonials to insure you are thrilled with the final result.
With a little help and the right kitchen and bathroom
remodeling resources, you should be able to get your hands on
superior workmanship in a hurry. From there it only takes a
little patience before your home's most important spaces are
finally ready for prime time.
Questions to Ask When
Remodeling Your Bathroom
Wondering what questions to ask a bathroom remodeler? You've
stumbled upon a problem that is all too common in today's
home-improvement community: maintaining control of a process
you barely understand. Thankfully there are some easy ways to
cover all the bases and ensure you're getting superior
handiwork from the beginning.
The most important question is whether you'll be able to
retain your existing plumbing or not. Depending on the scope
of that project and your ambitions for the room, many
designers may try to convince you that you need new pipes,
pumps and more. Most kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects
are a bit more modest, however, so put your foot down early if
the costs are spiraling out of control.
Get the financial figures in order and you may still run up
against problems of materials and layout. It's not unusual for
kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects to become overstuffed
with expensive details, which is why many experts recommend
taking a step back and separating what you want from what you
need. Many homeowners find asking a remodeler such questions
can even result in some creative solutions.
You may also want to ask your kitchen and bathroom remodeling
professional how long the project will take—specifically how
often you'll need to go without running water. Separating any
project into discrete sections is a good way to manage time,
but few people think to offer their daily schedules for
maximum convenience. Proper communication can spare you and
your family needless hassles as the kitchen and bathroom
remodeling process continues, creating a more collaborative
feeling that will inevitably find its way into the work.
The Web has proven invaluable for its singular ability to
bring homeowners and designers together under one roof.
Whether you're looking for beautiful kitchen and bathroom
remodeling ideas or simply want the straight dope on
contractors in your area, a few online resources can help you
make sense of any kitchen and bathroom remodeling job. Use
powerful portals to do some comparison-shopping before you
began and you may even be able to save many thousands of
dollars on your next expensive remodeling effort. |
