Storage–or lack of it–is one concern that leads many people down the path to bathroom remodeling. This is especially true in old houses where the space is limited.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal for Bathroom Remodeling

If you’re starting a bathroom remodeling project, ask the contractor whether you can expand the room by stealing space from a bedroom closet. This can add three to six feet of depth and make a big difference.

That extra bathroom storage space can become a linen closet for towels, cleaning supplies, or hair care items. Combined with over the door storage, corner shelves and other bathroom storage products–like these from Space Savers–you’ll have a home improvement bonanza!

Bathroom Storage Solutions

Even Martha Stewart (or her editors) realizes that bathroom storage is key to making the space look organized. Just beware of glass cabinets: no matter how stylish they are, you should consider what you’re storing and how neat the interior of your cabinets will be.

Bathroom Remodeling: Go In and Go Vertical

One secret to successful bathroom remodeling is using every inch of space. Ask the contractor to look for areas in the wall framing where he could add recessed shelving. This also works in the shower for recessed soap dishes It may also come in handy around the house, as shown on HGTV.

Vertical space also is important, so look for bathroom storage cabinets in tall sizes that take the cabinet above eye level. You’ll want a balance, however. Keep everyday items easily accessible, while less frequently used things can be stored in out of the way places.

Another home improvement option is to have the contractor build a shelf running around the room several feet below the ceiling. This can be a great place to store decorative knick knacks. The shelving also helps pull the eye upward and adds visual interest.

Bathroom storage can be a challenge, but with a little creativity you can make the space more functional.

Are we there yet? Anyone who has kids has heard that one, but it also applies to remodeling. Is the room addition done yet? Is the painter done yet?

Many people know that remodeling projects often take longer than expected. But, how long is that? Here’s a look at some common examples. According to Remodeling California, you should allow two to three months for a kitchen remodeling, for example.

Are We There Yet? The Contractor’s Response

A project timeline can vary based on the complexity of the work and the number of workers involved. When you add in electrical, plumbing, and carpentry, the weeks stretch out.

Kitchen remodeling: If you’re doing a kitchen remodeling, plan for at least three months of fun! If the remodeling project involves breaking down an adjacent wall or drastically enlarging the space, add a few weeks or a month. This should cover the contractor’s demolition time and the time to put it back together.

Bathroom remodeling: Remodeling a powder room or hall bathroom can take one to two weeks. If you’re gutting the room, add three to four days. When remodeling a master bathroom projects like adding a steam shower and a large spa-like relaxation area can add a few weeks. Consider these bathroom remodeling trends for 2010, but be sure to consult with your contractor to make sure they fit your timeline.

Painting a room: Most painting contractors can paint a room in a few days. What slows the contractor down is wall repair and drying time for paint and primer. Well, that and, the home owner switching colors midstream.

Refinishing floors:A good flooring contractor can sand three or four rooms in a day. Adding the stain and polyurethane can take a few more days for application and drying time. The National Wood Flooring Association explains what you should expect.

Remodeling involves many different steps, often by different people. Before you scream “Are we there yet?” try to understand what’s involved and how long it should take.

If you’re wondering how to brighten your bathroom or kitchen design, think about the many uses for glass. Whether it’s glass doors in your kitchen cabinets or translucent blue bathroom wall tile, glass can add a whole new dimension to your home design.

Glass for the Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets often are the most important element in the room, but they can get a little heavy visually. By adding glass to a few cabinet doors, you’ll bring in a touch of light and create a new way for light to move through the space. Take it a step further and add stained or etched glass and the whole kitchen design changes. Check out a few of these specialty glasses from Bendheim Cabinet Glass.

Bathroom Wall Tile

Glass wall tile has become a hot item in the bathroom, as it can add a touch of the sky or water. Look for wall tile in square, rectangular, and even circular shapes. A little bit of geometry never hurt anyone, as shown by these examples of glass tile design.

There also are many glass wall tiles with texture and unique edges that can make the area behind the sink come to life. Coordinate it with natural stone with similar colors or use it along the whole wall for a big show.

Contractor of DIY?

Glass is easy enough for some DIYers to install, but if you’re not experienced, look for a good contractor. A tile contractor will know how to blend tiles together to create a fun look (like these from Daltile). In the kitchen, a contractor could add glass to a few cabinets and coordinate it with glass wall tile.

When redoing your bathroom or kitchen design, don’t overlook the beauty of glass. You’ll find that it adds just the right dimension and depth to keep your home design interesting.

Hurry. The relatives are coming. Time to makeover the house! No, this isn’t a new reality T.V. show, just the common seasonal craziness for home improvement folks. It seems there’s always something to do to get your house ready for guests.

You may be amazed how easy it is to do quick home improvement changes–even in a weekend. Grab that tool belt, some paint, and away you go. Some home improvement fixes might require a contractor, but others are easy to tackle yourself.

Which Home Improvement Projects?

When deciding which home improvement projects to do, think about your household routine. Pick a weekend when you don’t have other social commitments. The key is to get things done without driving yourself crazy. Even though these are easy projects, allow yourself some extra time to finish them.

When painting a bathroom, for example, remember there are more cut-ins because of the shower, tub, vanity, etc. The room is small, but you have more detail work so plan accordingly.

Quick Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Bathroom remodeling also has its quick and easy moments.

• Reduce clutter–simplify the look of the bathroom
• Replace the shower curtain
• Add new towels
• Think about different paint colors
• For the DIY-er, consider adding new wall tile

For projects such as adding wall tile, you may want to work with a contractor. Otherwise, these home design changes should be easy to accomplish–easier than trying to fit in a full bathroom remodel in a weekend.

Home Design Changes for Thanksgiving

If you’re looking toward Thanksgiving, try these inexpensive home design decorations:

• Buy new tablecloths and napkins
• Get creative with a Fall-themed centerpiece
• Try your hand at Thanksgiving displays
• Consider scented candles
• Pumpkin serving bowls can be a treat

With inexpensive and easy decorations, no contractor is needed to bring life to your home during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Now it’s time to get to work on those minor and easy-to-finish changes–no time to delay!

If your bathroom has the blahs, try changing out a few products using today’s design trends. Furniture styled vanities, glass wall tile, and a decorative chandelier can turn your space around in short order.

Bathroom remodeling doesn’t have to involve a major gutting and reconfiguring. You just have to find the right contractor (or have the skills yourself) and add some creative touches. Pick and choose a few places where a new product can make a difference.

Bathroom Remodeling: Your Vanity

Start with the vanity area. Many people focus their bathroom remodeling around furniture styled pieces. The vanity is the perfect place for that, as it is a key focal point in the room. While some wooden vanities are over the top cost-wise, shop around and you should be able to find one in your budget. Look for carved legs, fluted vertical molding and fancy hardware to top it off.

If you’re handy or have a contractor who does small jobs, you can take a basic vanity and add molding and a rich, dark stain. This can save the cost of buying a vanity with all the details. Plus, you get to design it yourself.

Light Up Your Bathroom Design

Lighting is another hot item to consider when planning your new bathroom design. Decorative sconces can spruce up the mirror above your new bathroom vanity. Or, go with a fancy chandelier for a whole different look. (Unless you’ve installed electrical products, check with a contractor on this one).

The wall above the vanity offers endless possibilities for self expression. Glass wall tile is just one option. Glass tiles come in a rainbow of colors and treatments, from muted to crystal clear and can work with any bathroom remodeling design. Check out this blue wall tile design.

There are many ways to do a bathroom remodeling on a modest budget. Just be selective about what you replace and think about what could bring the most drama for the buck.

If you’re looking around your bathroom craving a more enticing design, don’t despair. There are plenty of easy weekend fixes. In fact, there are several ways to transform your bathroom design without spending months gutting the room and installing new components.

Bathroom Remodeling: It Begins with Paint

One great and inexpensive bathroom remodeling project is painting. This is the best way (and typically most cost effective) to make a big impact quickly. Depending on the condition of the walls, you can have the space repaired, primed and painted in a weekend.

Try a warm earth tone to add some flair or go with a sea blue for a nautical theme. If you have a few more days, try adding a faux finish to add some texture. Just select two colors that are at least two shades apart so you have some contrast. Many home improvement stores offer classes on faux painting, so even novice painters can learn the ropes.

Bathroom Remodeling: Moving to the Tub and Vanity

The next step is to examine your vanity and tub area. The vanity can be replaced for a few hundred dollars. Another option is to use a wood stain and redo the face the cabinet. This takes a little skill, so practice on old strips of wood or hire a good contractor or handyman for this. The tub can be reglazed to make it look like new. This service, which is best done through a contractor because it involves heavy chemicals, traditionally costs about $350.

Cabinet hardware can add the finishing touch to the bathroom. Look for warm metal finishes, crisp white porcelain or funky starfish designs to update your bathroom design.

Bathroom Remodeling Doesn’t Have to Hurt the Wallet

Bathroom remodeling doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars. With the right update plan, a contractor for a few areas, and your own creativity, you can transform your room in a weekend or even a week.

It’s easy to spot the bad remodeling contractors, but how do you know if you’ve found a really good one?

Remodeling contractors come with a wide variety of skills.  They also vary in the way they approach the home improvement business. If you see any of the following signs, hang on to your contractor for dear life!

A Remodeling Contractor’s Focus 

Genuine interest in your home and home improvement projects. You can tell when someone is giving your kitchen a cursory look or when they are really interested in the details of it. A contractor who comes out for the first visit and instantly looks around the rooms and is tossing out ideas is a good contractor.

1. Really solid references. If your contractor gives you names of customers he or she has worked for during the past 10 or 20 years – and you can verify the information – you’ve got a good contractor. Repeat business if an important sign that the contractor is qualified, diligent and good at satisfying customers. Also check licensing in your area.
2. A willingness to show you his or her own house. You’ll discover wonders when looking at a contractor’s own house. Is it remodeled to the hilt? Do the contractor have an elaborate woodworking shop or vast knowledge in that area? These are not requirements, but can help put a contractor over the top. If the contractor is that focused on fixing his or her own house, they might put the same effort into your project. read more »

The bathroom is a highly important room of the house, from a visual perspective as well as a functional one. If your bathroom needs updating, here are some quick home improvement projects that can save you from the cost of a full scale remodeling.

The bathtub often becomes a source of frustration, particularly if the tub is old and has rusty water spots, grouting issues and plain old ugly tile. Our great solution is bathtub refinishing. We’ve tried this with a few tubs with great success.

Bathtub Refinishing
However–a word of caution–this is a job for a contractor who specializes in bathtub refinishing. There are plenty of great DIY remodeling projects, but this one requires lots of smelly chemicals and knowledge of ventilation. Besides, for about $350, the contractor will come in and spray the tub with a fresh coat of paint—well, it looks like paint, anyway. Like new in about five hours.

Next comes the tile, another source of frustration if it’s not to your tastes. If you’re having the tub refinished, ask the contractor about spraying the tile as well. You’ll come away with a fresh clean look that will last for years. Or, try painting the tile.

If your cabinetry also needs work, try applying a new stain to it. You’ll need to sand the wood and then apply a stain and varnish on top. See this thread for more details. This is a time consuming home improvement project, but a relatively inexpensive one. Once you’re finished, add some new cabinet hardware and you’re done.

Other ideas include: adding a curtain rod and draping fabric over it. Just sew the ends and twist it a few times. And, try a new shower curtain, bath mat, and accessories.

There are lots of ways to update a bathroom with spending a lot of money. You may have to put in some sweat equity or find a contractor who likes quick projects, but the end result will be well worth it.

Have you ever looked for bathroom tile? This seems like a quick home improvement project, but it can get trickier than you’d realize. For starters, you have to tear out the old tile (more on that later), and then you have to weed through the beautiful tiles on the market and the options are almost endless. Check out this glass tile site!

Aside from glass, the natural stone tiles are a hot item. I’ve seen a lot of the larger tiles and they really do look cool. An 8 to 12-inch square can really add some drama, particularly if you haven’t remodeled in awhile and are living with tiny four by fours.

Tile Replacement: Do It Yourself or Hire a Contractor?
This is one remodeling project that a contractor can do or you can do yourself. If you’re not very handy, however, ask a friend to help or hire a contractor. You don’t want to be living with a bathroom that is 20 percent done—for months on end.

f you’re not hiring a contractor and need to worry about the “how to’s” yourself, here’s a primer on replacing ceramic tile. The big thing is to get the right remodeling tools so you can cut the tile easily….well, sort of easily…and be on your way. Most home improvement stores sell the supplies you’ll need and also offer free classes on how to do this type of remodeling.

As I said, it’s a bigger home improvement process than you’d think to select tile, pull out the old and install new. But, the alternative is to live with the old, yucky tile for another minute and many people just can’t do that!

It’s easy to make mistakes, particularly when it comes to remodeling. It always helps to review those mistakes once in awhile so that, hopefully, you won’t make them again.

Many people make financial mistakes, which can really hurt! They hire the wrong contractor or pay too much in a deposit and the contractor vanishes in the night. If you’ve ever had to hire a second contractor to finish what the first one started, you’ll know it’s not a great process.

Remodeling Research 

Instead, do plenty of research before committing to a remodeling project. Don’t rush into hiring the replacement windows contractor or the roofer. Ask for references, check them and make sure you feel comfortable with your choices.

Design mistakes also are common, as it’s easy to fall in love with a fancy faucet and then try to design a kitchen around it. This is not the best approach with many kitchen remodeling projects, as you’ll end up trying to patch together a design with materials that may not blend.

It’s always wise to start a kitchen remodeling by picking out the cabinets, then the countertop, then the floor…and on and on. The faucet may be important, but shouldn’t be the first thing you pick.

Remodeling Planning 

Another mistake involves working without an overall plan. This can lead to minor disruptions or major disasters, depending on your home.

Some people focus on doing too many quick fixes. While it’s good to save money, sometimes it’s better to go ahead and buy the replacement windows instead of taping plastic over your windows all winter. While replacement windows are an investment, sometimes it’s inevitable. May as well enjoy them now and get rid of the plastic.

Here’s to avoiding all these mistakes in your next remodeling project!