2010 Bathroom Remodeling Trends

Bathroom remodeling projects have increased all across the country. There are many different reasons why one decides to remodel their bathroom. Some may just want to update the fixtures while others may want to create a more relaxing atmosphere for them to take advantage of. There are certain reasons that one must remodel their bathroom and without remodeling, bad things can end up happening. Hidden costs can arise out of the little things as well. Maybe the floor is uneven, requiring extra backing under the new flooring. Or, the window is only single paned. Maybe there is old wallpaper that requires stripping, or lead or asbestos in the existing surfaces. Removal of such materials can become pricy and labor intensive. When you have some jobs that require removal of materials it may be wise to call a contractor or research about the proper way to get the materials safely disposed of, especially if it is an older home.

Most remodeling projects start because people want to do it. On the other hand, some remodeling projects start because people have to do it. There is a big difference between the two. There are different reasons why one must start a bathroom remodeling project, even though they may not want to spend the money.

1. Old house equals major problems. If the house is old, there could potentially be problems with the water lines. In a lot of the old houses, water lines will have to be replaced because they are leaking. Most places where you will usually notice the leaking is in the walls, especially in the bathroom, under the cabinets, etc. Leaking water can cause other potential damage to the major construction of the house, for example, the floors.

2. The bathroom contains a lot of water and if there has ever been problems in the past, and then there is a chance that the floors will need to be redone in the bathroom. Water will cause the wood of the floor to begin to rot. You will have weak spots in the floor that either squeak or give away whenever you step on them. If you don’t replace rotted floors, you take the chance of the floor falling out.

3. Another common reason why bathrooms need to be remodeled is because of the bathroom fixtures not working. After so many years of being used, any fixture just becomes worn out and eventually it will need to be replaced. The cabinets can fall apart from years of wear and tear; toilets can break and not work, as well as every other fixture in the bathroom.

Some people have the luxury of being able to remodel their bathroom just because they want to while others have to no matter what. So whenever you are looking as purchasing a home that is not brand new, you may want to look into any hidden problems that the home could have, especially in the bathroom area. As many of us who have ever tackled a remodeling project know, any room that has plumbing has the potential for hidden problems. Bathrooms are definitely one of the biggest culprits, and you better plan ahead for some extra expense in a renovation project. Dry rot, mold, and mildew damage are some of the biggest problems you can expect to encounter. In many cases, portions of the walls may need replacing, leaking pipes fixed, and old fixtures replaced. Faulty wiring is another potential problem area. Many older homes were wired before modern safety measures were in place for electrical lines. Over time, moisture can also corrode the wiring, causing fire danger. Prepare to plan for the possibility of replacing the old wiring along with new outlets, breakers, and fixtures. This may even entail running wiring long distances to reach the electrical panel. Modern codes require GFI outlets in bathrooms, which can be quite a bit more expensive than standard outlets. There is no need to be concerned; just adequately plan ahead for the unexpected. Avoid hiring a contractor only for time and materials, and only accept estimates from professional contractors who should be experienced at estimating for the unknown. It doesn’t hurt to set aside an additional 10-15% in your budget to cover any such instances.