Bathrooms are not known for their expansive space or over-sized closets. This is particularly true in older homes where a 5-foot by 7-foot bathroom is a luxury. If you’re struggling with how to organize your bathroom, try these five home improvement tricks:

1. Use the medicine cabinet: That’s right. A radical idea. Clean out what you don’t need, and use the cabinet to store all the aftershave, toothpaste and deodorant you need. This removes clutter from your countertop. When planning a home improvement project, try a recessed medicine cabinet to make the most use of your space. Here’s more from HGTV.
2. Add recessed shelving: When installing a shower or bathtub or doing general bathroom remodeling, make use of those wall cavities before the drywall goes on. The vertical space between the framing lumber is ideal for creating niches that can hold soap, shampoo, razors and other bathroom necessities.
3. Think vertical with home improvement:In a small space, you have to use vertical space to maximize storage. Try shelving on the walls, a tall linen closet or a row of shelves near the ceiling for storing knick knacks.
4. Add a vanity instead of a pedestal sink: While pedestal sinks look great, they add no storage to the equation. A vanity with two drawers and a larger opening under the sink is the answer to your bathroom organization issues. Kohler Co. has some good ideas on this topic.
5. Steal space where you can: Sometimes, we have to face the cold, hard reality of our space limitations. If you can “steal” three to four feet of space from an adjacent bedroom or a hallway linen closet, why not? The result will be a larger bathroom with some closet space and room to do more bathroom organization. Try this bathroom remodeling checklist for more.

Now that’s a home improvement plan to live by!

It’s the New Year and you’ve probably heard the word “budget” a few times each day. Everyone is trying to make a budget, stay on a budget, or revise a budget. So, here are some good links to everything budget.

Why Have a Budget?

The main purpose of having a budget is to avoid overspending. Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people go through life without a budget. This is not a good idea when remodeling, as it’s so easy to zoom past your budgeted amount. Budgets also help you:

• Plan

?Set Priorities: So your bathroom remodeling provides the ambience you want without turning into the Taj Mahal.

• Stay Solvent: So you can do another remodeling project in six months
• Learn the Art of Patience: So you wait until you have the money before spending it

How to Make a Budget

Start with a spreadsheet, and make a column with your cash on hand at the top. Then, list all your remodeling expenses, including labor, materials, appliances, tile, and faucets. Subtract expenses from the total as you go along, and update the budget with each new expenditure. Also, add in a contingency fund to cover all those surprises that happen with remodeling. Here’s more from HGTV.

Once you make a budget, stay on it. The key is to write it down, and live by it. It’s hard work, but you’ll soon figure out when to cut and when to buy the lower-priced appliances. Try these tips from Allthingsfrugal.com.

And, we all want to know how to live with less. Here’s a good primer on how to tackle a bathroom remodeling project on a budget. Whether you have $150 or $2,000, you still have to make hard choices. This will get you going.

Happy budgeting!

If you’re searching for a spa-like retreat with a bubbling bathtub and a steam shower, look no further than your own bathroom. Today’s bathroom remodeling projects are all about bringing that resort feeling to your home.

Bathroom remodeling isn’t always a stroll in paradise, however. Expect many steps and potential surprises. That’s because you’re working with a small space and trying to configure the floor plan for many uses. The way to avoid major mistakes, according to Consumer Reports, is to be realistic about your wants, needs, and remodeling budget. Here’s how to get bathroom remodeling right the first time:

Evaluate Your Bathroom Remodeling Space

Unless you can knock down a wall and expand, you’re stuck with the footprint of the room. Perhaps that means buying a smaller bathtub or going with just a shower. Be realistic, instead of trying to cram too much into one space.

Find a Good Contractor

Look for a contractor who specializes in bathroom remodeling. Make sure the contractor is up to speed on local building codes, the latest trends in shower and tub layout and usage, and can handle all the detailed tile work.

Create a Detailed Bathroom Remodeling Budget

Work with your contractor to narrow down what you absolutely must have and what can be trimmed to stay within your remodeling budget. Think about how long you’ll live in the house and your potential return on investment. When remodeling a master bathroom, you can often splurge a little more. Also, try these other helpful tips from HGTV.

Splurge a on Bathroom Remodeling

While staying on budget is important, don’t overlook a few splurge items to set the space apart. It might be a decorative light fixture above the vanity, a marble countertop, or fancy tile around the shower. Bathroom remodeling should be fun, after all!

So, spruce up your powder room, or completely remodel your master bathroom–either way, have fun with these space-saving ideas.

Want to get your house in order before the holidays? Try these quick remodeling projects that can add a big bang for the buck (and the time invested!)

Add Hardwood Floors or Carpeting

Whether it’s hard wood or soft carpet, each can make a big impact with guests. Think about the look you want and whether a hard surface fits your needs. Wood is great from a design standpoint, but it won’t keep your feet warm in the winter.

One popular alternative is carpeting, which is sold in lots of colors and textures and can be installed quickly.

Before you start shopping, consider which type of carpeting fits your needs.

If you’re remodeling your foyer, consider marble or wood with a fancy stone border. In a small space, you can splurge on a little stone!

Replace your Kitchen Backsplash

The kitchen backsplash provides a large expanse for showcasing fine Italian marble, glass tiles, or hammered copper pieces. You can replace your kitchen backsplash in about three days, depending on how intricate the pattern. Here are ways to have fun with your kitchen backsplash.

Bathroom Sink, Vanity, and More

Next stop–the bathroom. Try replacing one or more of the following:

• Sink: Try a glass bowl
• Faucet: Look for a high arching stem
• Vanity: Consider wood with a dark glaze
• Shower curtain, towels and other accessories

Just remember to balance your wish list with reality. Bathroom remodeling can get a little pricey, so make sure your changes will add value for you or pay off when you sell.

And, for the finishing touches, try:

• Adding cinnamon pine cones around the house
• Cleaning your windows inside and out
• Placing garland and nice candles on the fireplace mantel

Use your down-time to spruce up your home, and you’ll enjoy being home for the holidays even more.

There are many nuances to hiring a contractor and making sure he/she fits your needs. So, it’s important to focus in on the details. That’s what can make or break your home improvement experience.

Hiring a Contractor: Check the Details

Ask the contractors you interview to explain how they approach unusual situations. If the contractor has an eye for detail, that will be apparent in the answers. For example:

• Ceramic tile: How will the contractor blend new ceramic tile with old tile? How does he work around odd places, such as the space around the toilet? When replacing a floor, how does she make the floor level and the same height from one room to another?
• Deck building: What details can he add to make the deck unique? Look for experience with beveled edges on railing caps or curves in the deck design.
• General decorating: If you’re remodeling a small space, look for a contractor with ideas on how to open up the rooms.
• Landscaping: How can the contractor make a new landscaping bed blend in? Look for someone who can curve flower beds, shape a patio around an 80-year-old maple tree, and, otherwise, make a new design fit into the old.

Cabinet Refacing and More

When hiring a remodeling contractor, look for someone who can see the big picture. If you’re planning a cabinet refacing, but have an old, worn countertop, perhaps it’s best to tackle both projects at once. Otherwise, the old countertop might stand out more after the cabinet refacing. Here’s how to get the right person when hiring a contractor for cabinet refacing.

If your sliding glass door doesn’t slide smoothly or your refrigerator door bumps against your cabinetry, you’ll notice. That’s why it’s important to focus on the details, first.

If your bathroom storage is lacking, a little organization–and a call to a contractor–can help. With today’s storage units, cabinet dividers, and assorted bathroom organization bins, it’s easy to turn a cluttered bathroom into an organized one.

If you’re trying to figure out a bathroom organization plan, start by making a drawing of the room. Look for any spaces that aren’t used efficiently. Here are some bathroom storage options:

• Base cabinets: If you’ve ever reached way in the back of the cabinet, you know where to find wasted space. Look for bathroom storage options that divide the space and allow you to use that far-reaching space for extra towels or infrequently used items.
• Linen closet: Most are stuffed with towels and linens, but have gaps near the top of the unit. Once you realize the importance of dividing the vertical space, you’ll gain bathroom storage space for those heating pads, extra drawer liners, makeup mirrors, and other tall items. If you don’t have a linen closet, talk with a contractor about taking space from an adjacent room
• Wall niche: That’s right–a contractor can cut a hole in the wall, creating a recessed shelf in the wall cavity. This is ideal for soaps and knick knacks in a shower stall, says Examiner.com. Every little bit helps.
• Vanity drawers: Look for deep drawers for your hair dryer. Then, add dividers to compartmentalize hair clips and smaller items. Here’s more from HGTV on how to sort your bathroom items and get organized.
• Bins and baskets: They’re always helpful for storing toilet paper, extra towels, magazines, and other items. They’re versatile, and you can move them around as needed.

When in doubt, do as Martha Stewart does, and focus on finding a place for everything!

The great thing about quick remodeling fixes is that…well…they’re quick. If you’ve got relatives coming in town or are just tired of that worn looking bathroom, here are some remodeling solutions in key rooms. Most can be completed by a contractor or handyman within a week.

Kitchen Design Boosts

Cabinet refacing is a great quick fix because it can boost your kitchen design without the cost of new cabinets. Just pick the cabinet wood, style and design and leave the rest to the contractor. There also are many new color trends in cabinet refacing that can turn a boring kitchen into a bold new space.

For a finishing touch, add cabinet hardware and under cabinet kitchen lighting that plugs into the wall. Within a few hours you can have the lights installed and ready to brighten your workspace. This type of kitchen lighting is ideal for those dark corners under a wall cabinet. At night, leave the lights on low for a decorative effect.

Bathroom Remodeling Fixes

In the bathroom, new floor or wall tile can add drama and depth quickly. Try 12-inch squares in a stone look or 1-inch subway tiles for a retro design. Most contractors can add bathroom tile in three or four days, depending on the space and tile design. Use a bathroom tile calculator like this one from Daltile so you can see how much to order.

And, last, but not least is paint. Paint is the least expensive way to revamp a room. If you’re living with neutral walls, consider adding some color. Sage, cranberry, cream…any color will do. In a small bathroom, try a soft faux finish to add some texture. Look for a painting contractor who specializes in exotic finishes.

One week and counting. When the relatives come, you’ll have a brand new (almost!) space.

Are you looking to do a little remodeling on a small budget. For a mere $2,000 you can dramatically change your bathroom. Here’s how:

The vanity: Your bathroom vanity can be a focal point in the room. One big trend is the warmth of furniture-styled products, but your vanity can be modern, funky, or minimal depending on your style. Buying products together–like a vanity and mirror–helps take some of the guesswork out of all those home improvement choices. Most vanity sets are priced from $400 to $800.

The mirror: Mirrors have become a big fashion statement. If you like your current vanity, spruce up the area with a gold leaf mirror or a sleek one with stainless steel edges.

A high-end faucet: Boost your bathroom’s style with a high-arching faucet for $200 to $350.

A decorative sink: Try a porcelain bowl with a floral design or a sleek glass bowl that sits on the counter for $150 to $300. Blend it with new wall or floor tile for the finishing touch.

Paint: One of the least expensive ways to enhance your bathroom design. Try a special paint glaze or texture on the walls. Or be bold and add a sky blue color to the ceiling. Grab some other bathroom design ideas from Country Living magazine.

Adding in the Contractor

These projects can be done for $2,000 or less, depending on whether you are doing the installation yourself or hiring a home improvement contractor. When hiring a contractor, make sure he or she is focused on getting the most bang for your buck.

This whole process can be daunting if you’re remodeling an older bathroom with space challenges. Check out this bathroom design primer from OldHouseWeb for useful tips.

Home improvement doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity, you can use $2,000 to create a terrific new bathroom design.

Big remodeling projects can be intimidating because they are, well, big. They are necessary, however, if you want to carve out that perfect kitchen or revamp the basement.

Here’s how to approach a big home improvement project and gain some peace of mind.

1. Break it down. Look at the overall project and make a list of the major steps. Interview contractors. Call references. Select a contractor. Meet to discuss layout and timeline. Check online sources, such as the National Association of Realtors remodeling section. Once it’s in the planning stages, it seems a little less intimidating.
2. Take control. Realize that you can control lots of things about remodeling (except for the old wiring in the walls and the uneven floor under the linoleum). If you’re worried about the project going on and on, then put a variable timeline on your plan. We think it will take 6 weeks, but we’ll allow for 10. See, you’re controlling it.
3. Hire the right contractor. Find someone with the right skills and a good attitude about facing challenges. When you find a few surprises, like these noted in the Chicago Tribune, you want someone who can handle them gracefully.
4. Get your finances in order. Whether you are taking out a loan or using savings, make sure funds are ready when you want to start your kitchen or basement remodeling. Here’s more from Better Homes and Gardens on the financing options.
5. Let go of some of the control. If you hire the right contractor, you can relax and just step in and out for the major decisions.

Big remodeling projects can be a challenge, but they don’t have to overwhelm you. Just think about the major transformation that lies ahead. In the end, all your work will be well worth it.

If your hall bathroom has been taken over by the kids, why not have a little fun with it? A kid’s themed bathroom can bring out your imagination and create a fun focal point on the second floor.

Kid’s bathrooms include everything from polka dot wall tiles to dinosaur murals to seascape shower curtains. Here’s how to pick a theme and get the ball rolling.

• Define your audience: Your approach will change depending on the number of children, whether they are boys or girls, and their ages.
• Select a theme: Four-year-old twin girls might be delighted with a pink Princess theme while an 8-year-old boy obviously won’t.
• Plan colors: You don’t have to do the traditional pink or blue and if you have a girl and a boy, you’ll be better off with greens and yellows anyway.
• Find a contractor with a little creativity. A few wall niches or kid sized storage units can add nice finishing touches.

Bathroom Remodeling Reminders

As you figure out plans for the bathroom remodeling, remember that kids don’t stay young forever. Heed advice from HGTV and don’t drastically change structural items. A pink bathtub will be a disaster when you try to sell the house one day, while cute pink wall tile can be removed (by you or the contractor) in a few years. Also focus on:

• Paint
• Towels and accessories
• Storage baskets
• A fun mirror
• A fun toilet seat, like this one from Amazon.com.

And, if you get so carried away with the bathroom remodeling that you want to extend the child’s theme, try these ideas from Better Homes & Gardens.

Designing a kid’s bathroom can be lots of fun, so relax and let your creativity shine through. Look for a contractor who knows how to have a little fun, too.