What I Wouldn't Give...

For a bathroom this large! A new client called me for consultation on a complete overhaul of their Master Bath. I walked into one of the sunniest, most cheerful bathroom spaces I've been in. The potential is exciting!

This bathroom was probably remodeled in the 70's or 80's, and the finishes and "look" reflect that period...but the layout works well overall. We'll be doing a complete gut, removing a wing-wall, new tile, vanities, toilet, tub...a soup-to-nuts job!

The client came to us with a very specific budget figure to meet. That is actually a great way to approach a project so you don't get mid-way into it and find out you're spending twice what you expected to spend. We created a spread-sheet listing every potential item we would need to purchase, and a line for labor and building materials as well. Then, it's time to shop! In order to keep the budget on track, we found the look we wanted for the vanities and tub, then did some on-line searching to see where we might find them at the best price. I know this seems like it could be risky, but my luck has been good with on-line ordering (so far!).

When we had all costs plugged into the spread-sheet, we realized we needed to find some places to trim, so we re-shopped a few items. A little "shave" (great bathroom-pun, huh?!) is going to bring the job in just over budget, and the client is comfortable with that.

One minor setback; the vanities are going to take 6-8 weeks to deliver. But the good thing is, now we can delay starting the construction until it's close to delivery time, and the whole project won't sit on-hold, 3/4 finished.

The more careful your planning on the front end, the more smoothly you can expect your remodel projects to go. Will give you updates once this project gets started!