Easy Bathroom Makeovers – Quick and On A Budget

    One of the first places homeowners want to change when they’re considering a remodel is the bathroom. It’s also one of the first things prospective home owners look at when buying a home. An American Standard Bathroom Habits Survey found that most Americans would spend between $2,500 and $7,500 to remodel and decorate their bathrooms. Thirty percent said they’d be willing to spend more than $10,000 to build the ultimate “dream” bathroom.
Hiring a contractor is one way to change the bathroom, but it’s not the only way. If a major remodel of the bathroom isn’t within your budget, there’s still a lot that can be done – even in just a weekend and with minimal expense. Simple changes to the vanity, lighting, flooring, fixtures and perhaps a new tub surround will transform even the most outdated bathroom into something more satisfying. Here are some ideas to get you started:

New Vanity
A dark and outdated vanity cabinet can be the first indication of a bathroom in need of a change. But adding some paint and new hardware to the existing vanity is a job that can be completed in a weekend with some stunning results, at a cost of under $100. Choose a brighter paint color or consider combing or antiquing painting methods to give the vanity a designer look. Other options include sponging or spattering. If you don’t like the results from sponging, combing or other painting techniques with glaze, just wipe off the glaze with a damp rag before it dries. Be sure to use a primer (enamel undercoat) when painting on bare wood. Satin or semi-gloss enamel paint is recommended in the bathroom because it’s easier to clean than flat paint. If you like the existing fixtures on the cabinets, give them a new coat of paint by removing them, screwing them into a piece of cardboard and spray painting them. Or choose new knobs and pulls from the hundreds of designer selections. Just be aware that you’ll have to drill new holes if the new hardware’s screw holes don’t match. Fill old screw holes, dents or gashes with patching compound. And don’t forget replacement hinges, it’s a good time to make sure the job is done right. Another option to consider is ordering new doors or drawer fronts for existing cabinetry. Order them unfinished and paint them at the same time you do the vanity.

Updated Lighting
The right light fixture is one of the most important pieces to a quick bathroom redesign. Easy-to-install lighting fixtures can brighten up the bathroom and add a whole new look to the space. Recessed lighting fixtures are very popular, but don’t rely on them for your sole source of illumination or the vanity will fall into the shadow trap. The ideal way to light your face at the mirror is with two eye-level lights, at least 60 watts each. An overhead light fixture adds ambient light to the whole room. Accent lights in other areas create ambiance and beauty, but don’t choose them for function. If you decide to change from side lighting to a single fixture over a mirror, or vice versa, note that it will require cutting open the wall, repairing drywall and repainting. A quicker fix limits you to choosing something similar to the existing size of lighting. Be sure to turn the power off before starting work. Always cut off the exposed end of an existing wire and strip off the insulation. The old wire end may be weak from wear so it’s smart to get a fresh start. Another easy, quick fix lighting option is to replace a standard light switch with a dimmer. Be sure to buy the right dimmer, there are different models for low-voltage, fluorescent and incandescent lights. Changing out lighting is often a two person job, but the hundreds of choices make it one of the areas where truly, no two bathrooms are alike. Remember to provide at least 75 watts of overhead light for each partitioned area of the bathroom, such as the tub area. Fluorescent lights are more energy-efficient than incandescent lights, but they’re not easily dimmed, so use them only in a space where you want full voltage.

Flooring
For bathrooms, tile or natural stone tops the list for durability and creative possibilities in the bathroom. Colorful tiles can go a long way in brightening up a neutral bathroom. If tiling the whole bathroom is out of the question, consider mix and matching tile colors above the sink or bathtub to create a wall mosaic. In the past, one of the biggest drawbacks to tile in the bathroom was dirt-catching grout. But the latest styles of large size tile and 1/8-inch spacing have all but eliminated this problem. Colorful grout also allows you to further customize the new tile design. Tile backer board, and a tile wet saw make installing a new tile floor an easy job for most homeowners. Make a drawing of the room, with dimensions and then consult a professional when choosing the tile, grout and tools you’ll need. While picking out a tile, consider that patterns take extra planning and cutting. Backer board is a must for tiles in wet locations. Be sure to purchase more tiles than you’ll need to cover for mistakes and to have some on hand for future repairs. Many tiles come with spacing lugs on the edges that eliminate the need for tile spacers during installation. Choose a “sanded” version of grout for floor and “unsanded” grout for walls. Also, remember that grout, porous tiles and natural stone flooring have to be sealed for water and stain resistance.

Upgrade Sinks and Faucets
For a makeover that’s fun and fast, consider changing out the old sink, faucet and countertop in the bathroom. Changing a sink can be fairly simple, especially if you choose a new sink that fits the old opening, or a larger one. If the old sink has been set in caulk, break the adhesive seal with a putty knife. Tap the knife with a hammer to insert the blade between the sink and countertop, then work your way around the perimeter until the sink is loose. Sinks can be dropped into laminates or under-mounted in natural or synthetic stone countertops. Vessel-style or top-mounted sinks can be set on a contemporary table or an antique dresser. Another option is a seamless, one-piece sink and vanity top. When changing out a sink, it only makes sense to change the faucet at the same time. Faucet styles abound, and have come a long way. Most styles come in copper, brass and other high quality material. Not all faucets are created equal, and when it comes to plumbing, you usually do get what you pay for, so this isn’t the area to skimp on budget. Standard size sink and faucet dimensions are used throughout the plumbing industry, so you should be able to find a new faucet that you like, and that will fit. Choices in faucets include single-hole, single-lever faucets that integrate the spout and mixing handle or handles into one fitting. These are easy to use and require only one faucet hold drilling. Another option, widespread faucets offer the greatest design flexibility. Centerset faucets are recommended for smaller, pre-existing, pre-drilled basins. Another option is the wall-mounted faucet – for above the counter and freestanding basins. These may require some more work at installation time, and require a longer spout for extended reach. Depending on the existing style, it also may be a good time to change out the countertop. Measure the existing top and have a new one fabricated to the right dimensions. Solid-surface countertops and the undermount sinks that are often installed with them usually require professional installation. Although it can be done by a do-it-yourselfer, connections are difficult to access, and mistakes can be costly.

Acrylic Tub Surround
Many homeowners are tired of maintaining an old tiled tub or shower walls. If you’re one of them, consider an inexpensive tub surround kit that can be installed in a weekend. Wall kits can be found in up-to-date colors and textures including granite and tile look-alike patterns. Top-of-the-line tub walls are made from solid-surface panels. They also come with different seat and shelf configurations. Acrylic surrounds have few or no joints, so there won’t be any more caulking of spots that are worn away or have been discolored by mildew. Choose a surround kit that fits the area and offers the features you want. Five-piece and three-piece units are available. Quality of tile surrounds follows price. Better grade units are thicker, easier to install and generally look better. Look for solid surface (modified acrylic) panels or molded acrylic linings reinforced with fiberglass, but no baked-on gel coat. A five-piece kit is easier to install than a three-piece one if the walls are not plumb or square, or if the tub is not level. Tub surround kits come with all of the directions to install them. Usually the new surround can be installed right over existing tile, just be sure to build out the wall above existing tile with 3/8-inch plywood to create a level surface for the extension kit panels. Bottle ledges, soap dishes and grab bars can be added to make the shower surround practical, as well as beautiful. Trim kits for the outside of the surround come in dozens of styles.