Friday, January 23, 2009

How to Establish a Budget for your Bathroom Renovation.

By Chet Lystrom

You cannot complete a bathroom renovation project without first determining your budget. You are the only one who can determine how much money you can afford to spend on the remodeling project and will need to research to determine how much work can be done for the available cash.

Your time should also be considered and if you will lose more money from taking time off work to contract the job on your own than it would cost to pay a contractor, you may as well pay them to take on some of the headaches.

Remember to include the cost of any permits, subcontractors and inspectors that you'll need to start and complete your bathroom renovation project. Some states require certain permits and inspections for certain renovation work, like plumbing and electricals.

For you own safety it is a good plan and may even be required for plumbing work beyond the fixtures. Cutting and placing tiles, for example, may require the expertise of a specialist to ensure the quality of the finished product.

Many Tasks Can Be Done By Homeowners

Even if you hire a contractor, there may be some parts of the labor work you can perform that can save money on the bathroom renovation project. For example, the clean up at the end of every work day. You should discuss the clean-up aspects of your particular bathroom renovation project with your contractor and decide on the most cost-effective and safe disposal arrangements.

New light fixtures are often part of a bathroom renovation and changing them may not require a license. This is work the homeowner may be able to do, but if wiring has to be installed or moved, a professional may need to get involved. A reliable contractor should be able to advise you on what you can and cannot legally do on your own and if you have the expertise can save some money on the cost of the bathroom renovation.

Typically, homeowners will hand over the entire project to a contractor and their only responsibility is to sign the checks to pay for the job. The right bathroom renovation contractor will help you keep track of the entire project, including maintaining a timeline for work completion and completing the project within a budget. - 16463

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