Remodeling a bathroom is exciting! Whether you are thinking of adding a few decorative touches, or replacing every last fixture, bathroom remodel ideas can make your bathroom feel like a sanctuary. Sometimes options and remodeling costs may seem overwhelming. Here are a few basics to consider when you remodel a bathroom to help you get started.

Determine a Budget Before You Remodel a Bathroom

Before you get too attached to specific remodeling ideas, experts recommend taking a good look at your finances to see what you can really afford. If you are planning to finance your bathroom remodel:

• Add up all your sources of income.
• Calculate your regular monthly expenses including entertainment. Also include the amount you’d like to put into savings or investments each month.
• Subtract your expenses and planned savings from your income. This is the amount you can afford to pay each month if you decide to finance your project.

If you are planning to remodel a bathroom with cash alone, remember to subtract the amount you’d need on hand. This could save you financially in case of job loss or any other emergency depleting your current savings balance.

How Extensive Are Your Remodeling Ideas?

Once you have a budget, take a look at your bathroom and decide how major you’d like your bathroom remodel to be:

• Surface alterations: The simplest bathroom remodel ideas involve replacing bathroom components rather than replacing the entire bathroom. Included in surface alterations are bathtub/shower liners, cabinet re-facing, carpeting, paint, towel racks and other decorative touches.
• Surface replacements: You may want to take your remodel up a notch by replacing bathroom fixtures such as cabinetry, flooring, sinks, toilets or tubs.
• Layout changes: These remodeling ideas alter the layout of your bathroom. This type of bathroom remodel would include changing the location of sinks, toilets and tubs in your bathroom, and relocating the associated plumbing as well.
• Tear out remodel: The most complex type of remodeling is a complete tear out. Tear outs involve replacing joists, walls and windows in addition to all the other bathroom components, and starting from scratch.

While you plan your remodel bathroom ideas, remember that as you raise the level of your project, you’ll also probably be increasing the cost of your remodel, and the estimated completion time.

Remodeling a Bathroom: DIY or Contractor?

Once you’ve determined a budget and chosen the perfect bathroom ideas for your remodel, you’ll need to decide who will do the work. Be honest with yourself about your skills and comfort level for this type of work. Many homeowners can save money by doing some surface alterations. However, some complex remodel bathroom ideas are often better left to professionals.

If you decide to hire a contractor, make sure he is licensed. Get everything in writing, and make sure your agreement allows you to wait until the work is completed before paying the bulk of the cost. In addition, you’ll need to obtain any necessary permits before work begins, regardless of who is doing the actual labor.