Renovating your bathroom is exciting – but before you get out the sledgehammer and start taking matters into your own hands, you might want to review this checklist and make sure you’ve planned out your project thoroughly before starting.

  • Dollar signs and decimal points: How much do you want to spend on your bathroom renovation? How much can you spend? How much will labor cost? Do you have a contingency budget for overages? A lot of questions – but ones you’ll be glad you asked yourself as the project progresses.
  • How long it’ll take: A complete bathroom overhaul is not a weekend warrior project. First of all, you need planning time – this step is crucial. Do you only have one bathroom in your home? Better count on help from friends and family during the remodeling process, or plan to stay at a hotel on days when the shower and toilet are out.
  • As events unfold: Again, planning is essential. You’ll want to be completely clear on the sequence of events, and have a good grasp on how long each step in the process will take. Generally speaking, bathroom contractors work from ceiling to floor, so it’s likely your lighting will be installed first, and your toilet, last.
  • Murphy’s Law: Keep in mind that many times things go wrong, and there’s not a thing you can do about it. Especially if you’re living in an older home and beginning a bathroom renovation project – who knows what you’ll encounter when it comes to pipes, plumbing, electric and spaces underneath the floorboards. That’s where having a contingency budget helps!
  • Designing the loo for you: Like every other room in your house, the design of your bathroom should be about form and function – as it applies to you and your family. Everyone is different, so every ideal bathroom is as well. Create the home oasis of your dreams – but plan it in advance so you’re not disappointed with the final look and feel.
  • Contracting it out: Many people… many, many people… decide that the bathroom is the place where they want to cut corners and go DIY, only to have it end in frustration and lots of extra spending. Unless you’re advanced in masonry, and flooring, and tiling, and plumbing, and electric… well, you get the idea. A bathroom combines all of these elements into one room, so it’s a good idea to hire a contractor. It may seem like you’ll be paying more, but when you sit down and discuss your wants, your needs and your budget with a good contractor, you’ll see the long-term advantage quickly.

Luckily, a bathroom contractor with years of experience is closer than you think – when it’s time for your bathroom remodel, trust the experts at Fahy Kitchens & Baths to help. Please feel free to contact us at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens & Baths is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.