Kitchen & Bathroom Remodel Tips from the Experts

Do you love to watch design shows in anticipation of the “big reveal”?

While these shows are great for entertainment and for inspiration, planning your own kitchen or bath remodel is a little different.

You’ve got to set up your own project within the framework of your own budget and timeline in real life with no commercial breaks.

That’s why planning and guidance from experts who care as much as you do about the finished product matters so much. Our expert staff has compiled some of their best tips to help your remodel go smoothly.

Find the Best Match for Your Contractor

It is important that you ask your prospective contractors a series of questions to ensure that you get the best person for your job.

Price and experience matter a great deal, but so does personality. Pick someone that you like personally and has the credentials to back up their work.

Some good questions to put to your short list: pro

What sort of experience do you have with remodels?
How do you address unexpected problems?
How do you deal with cleanup?
How do you like to communicate on the job and how often?
What are your work hours?
When do you expect payment?
Do you have references?
Do you have photos of your work?
What is your track record with staying on pace with timelines and budgets?

Eco-Friendly Upgrades

Since you are remodeling, why not incorporate some eco-friendly choices? Start in the bathroom with a dual-flow toilet, motion sensor faucet, and low-flow showerhead.

These fixtures reduce your water use and your bills at the same time.

Do you consume bottled water? Put in a water filtration system right in your kitchen faucet. You’ll save lots of money and waste when you get rid of those bottles.

Make eco-friendly choices with your décor too, by choosing low VOC paints and durable materials like porcelain tile and bamboo flooring.

The Planning Checklist

At the top of your list is your budget. Make sure that you leave wiggle room to account for the unexpected.

Decide on what kind of style and color palette you want to go with. When thinking about fixtures, research different features.

Do you want a rain shower head or a hand shower? A tub-shower combo or a standalone shower with separate tub or extra-wide shower with seats and jets?

Also, attend to space considerations. Do you have enough room with your current footprint? Is the layout functional, or is it counterproductive to the tasks at hand?

Remember things like storage space, space between counters, fixtures and walls and ventilation.

Draw a diagram to scale to help visualize placement and be sure to measure.