Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes To Avoid

Making mistakes in your bathroom remodel can derail your plans. Creating a new bathroom is exciting, but you want to get it right, so you can avoid expensive mistakes. To help your bathroom remodel to run smoothly, use these tips to avoid the most common mistakes that people make in bathroom renovation projects.

Going Over Budget

To avoid going over budget in your bathroom remodeling project, you need to research. Most people don’t do enough research into the different brands and products to assess the best combination of what they like and what they can actually afford. The price points for things like plumbing fixtures, tiles, vanities, and light fixtures can vary a lot by materials and brand. 

Remember that remodeling your bathroom could also include quite a lot of unforeseen costs. As a general rule of thumb, once you have been given a quote for your new bathroom, you should add on 20% to the budget, just in case of unplanned costs. 

Failing To Properly Compare Estimates

When you are getting estimates for a remodel, it might be very tempting to go with the cheapest option, but this should not be the only thing you base your choice on. You should also make sure you compare the details. 

Price shouldn’t be the only factor when you are hiring a contractor. Ask your friends and family who have completed similar projects for recommendations. Check these recommendations to see how long they have been in business, and what kind of reviews they have online. Trust your gut too. If you like your contractor, you will have a much more pleasant experience, even if this means having to pay a little more. 

If the quotes that you get are really different, look carefully at the details. Sometimes something might have been missed off, which could be the reason for the big price difference. It can be easier to compare your estimates in a spreadsheet. 

Cramming Too Much In

It might be tempting to choose every fixture and fitting that fits your idea of the dream bathroom, but you need to keep the size of your bathroom in mind too. 

A lot of people make the mistake when they’re redesigning the bathroom of trying to cram much too much stuff into a small space. This can run the risk of violating building codes, but it can also make your bathroom uncomfortable and annoying to use too. 

Know the dimensions of the different elements that you want to include in the room. It’s a common mistake to choose bathroom fixtures and features that are too large for the room. 

Neglecting Ventilation Requirements

Bathrooms get humid, so you need to create adequate ventilation. A lot of people get it wrong when they do this. It’s very important to choose a fan for the bathroom that is going to be big enough for the space, as humidity can get trapped in the room, which can then lead to mold and mildew building up over time.

7 Important Electrical Decisions You Need to Make When Renovating

You will be stuck with the changes you make while renovating for a long time. That’s why it’s essential to cover everything before you begin the project. One of the most important areas to consider is electricity. The following list includes things you should think about before finalizing your renovation plans.

What Type of Switches Will Your Renovation Need?

There are several types of switches available, including dimmer, toggle, 2-way, and 3-gang. Each serves a different purpose. A 2-way switch is often used to control standard lighting. Gang switches include a number that indicates how many circuits are present.

With a large number of homes switching to LED lighting it’s easier than ever to control the level of lighting each bulb emits so having a switch that can control this is beneficial.

Do You Need More Light Fixtures Installed?

This is an excellent opportunity to update your light fixtures. Older homes often have fewer fixtures, while others may have components that are outdated in both appearance and performance.

Consider what you plan to do in the space you are renovating. A space meant for work will require more illumination while one meant for relaxation or entertaining may require a lower level of lighting.

Are Your Power Points Safely Positioned?

Your power points are where your family will access electricity to use devices. These need to be placed according to building code requirements. A certified electrician can recommend useful instillation spots that are also compliant with the law.

Also, consider the surrounding area and what it will be used for. Is this a place where someone may want to plug in a laptop or party lighting? Make sure the power point is easily accessible but away from hazards like water sources.

Are You Upgrading Your Appliances?

Old appliances are not as efficient as today’s models. They also tend to have fewer safety features. Inspect the appliances you already own and consider upgrading. This is especially important for rooms with more devices or gadgets, like the kitchen or entertainment center.

Choose appliances that are Energy Star rated for better efficiency. They may add to the cost of your renovation but will save you money in future utility bills.

Do You Want Outlets with USB Ports?

If your family is tech-savvy, then they will appreciate better access to USB ports. New power outlets are available with USB ports built in. These are best placed in areas where your family uses the most devices or likes to charge phones and tablets.

Does Your Project Leave Room for More Devices?

Make sure you have some extra power outlets and capacity available to handle future additions to your home. 

Many families plug in seasonal devices, like Christmas lights and decorations. The kids may want their own computer someday, or you may add a TV to a room in your home where one wasn’t previously used. 

Each of these situations will increase the demand for power and outlet space in your home.

Can Your Electrical System Handle the Increased Capacity?

Once you know what you would like to add, make sure your home’s current electrical system can handle the increased demand. You may need to upgrade your service box to ensure that everything will work reliably and safely. 

An electrician can advise you on whether an upgrade or new wiring will be required.

Radiators: An Exciting Prospect?

In today’s fast paced world of interior design, radiators are now (maybe surprisingly) the must-have essential in any home. Gone are the days of standard, run-of-the-mill items which were meant purely for practical purposes, as in their place are stunning centerpieces which not only provide warmth and heat, but look absolutely beautiful too.

These previously innocuous, rather cumbersome objects have been given a complete overhaul, and do not need to be hidden from view by unattractive radiator coverings. The era of the traditional radiator-typically an underperforming, clunky piece of metal, is now over. Designs have naturally advanced into more stylish, modern creations, and this began initially with the introduction of towel warmers in the bathroom.

Once homeowners start upgrading one room, they then think of ways in which to improve other areas of their property. And this is why there are so many different styles and shades to choose from when it comes to contemporary radiators. Plain, uninspiring single panels have been substituted by slim, lightweight multi-panels. Finishes such as brushed chrome, mirror and matt colored metals introduced consumer interest, and radiators experienced a massive resurgence.

Perhaps the most notable of all are mock-Victorian style radiators, as they contrast particularly well in all types of settings. From industrial-inspired rooms to minimalist town center apartments, any kind of property will benefit from the inclusion of these highly desirable household items. The radiators of today come in such a variety of shapes and colors, so there is plenty to choose from if you are searching for something which perfectly complements the décor of your living quarters.

Horizontal radiators will comfortably fit into more tricky spaces, whilst vertical radiators make the most of small rooms beyond the bathroom or kitchen. Modern radiators can now be the central focal point of any lounge, living room or dining area. Neutral walls contrast perfectly with brighter colored radiators (especially greens and blues). If your walls are painted in more striking hues, then maybe understated cream or beige tones would be more suitable.

When it comes to buying the perfect radiator, you want to avoid a clash of colors and styles. For example, if you favor traditional, rustic pieces then sleek, metallic vertical radiators would not go with anything, and stand out like a sore thumb. However, vertical radiators are ideal for smaller flats or mid-terraced properties, as they are inexpensive and take up very little space.

In order to find the perfect centerpiece for your home, it is important to do a little research before settling on the right supplier. You need to procure a radiator from an established and reputable retailer in order to guarantee 100% satisfaction. At Designer Radiators Direct there is a widespread and varied choice of top of the range radiators for you to consider, entirely at your leisure.

When it comes to functional, aesthetically appealing electric radiators, then no other competitor comes close. And, if you need to make any adjustments and modifications to an item then all bespoke requests will be taken into consideration. Due to the fact that there are so many products on offer, it is certain that even the most discerning homeowner will find something which catches their eye.

Every radiator is thoroughly checked and tested out before installation by a team of fully skilled, qualified professionals who have years of expertise in the trade. So, if you want to save both time and money and cut down on heating costs considerably then investing in sleek, uber-stylish electric radiators is the way forward.

And who wouldn’t want to get straight out of the bath on a chilly winter’s day and snuggle in a cozy, pillow-soft towel, ready and waiting for you to wrap up warm and toasty?