In Part 1 of this series, we discussed beginning the research into your renovation plans, selecting a sink or counter, and hiring a contractor. Now will begin to fine tune the bathroom design and home improvement process.
Get Into the Space
Before finalizing choices and place the order, be sure to bring as much of it home with you to look at as possible. Some showrooms will have samples to be checked out with a deposit, others will have some available for order. Be sure to take the time to do it. Seeing everything in the space, in the light that is in there will be helpful in making the final decision.
If deciding on a border for the wall or as part of the flooring, take some masking tape and mark off the areas where it is to go. This will help ensure the placement before the installer arrives, or even help to figure out if a border is necessary or will fit.
When selecting paint color, buy a small sample of the color first, and apply it to a piece of poster board. Then move the poster board around the room to look at it in different lights and at different times of day. Hold it up to the other materials that have been chosen in the light that they’ll be viewed in once installed before purchasing.
Remember, many materials are not returnable once purchased, and those that are may be subject to a restocking fee, so be absolutely sure of choices beforehand.
Allow for Waste and Inspect
When placing the order, be sure to allow for some extra material. Tiles can break and paint can spill; make sure that there is enough to finish the job even with these contingencies. Some material left over at the end in case touch ups or repairs are needed down the road is also wise to have on hand. Making sure of this will save time and money in the future.
When the materials arrive at your home, be sure to open all boxes and inspect the material within 72 hours. Checking for damages within that time frame will allow a freight claim to be filed. This will also reveal right away if something isn’t right. Most places will try to make their customers happy or correct mistakes when they can, but no claims can be made after installation, so don’t simply hand the box to the installer and leave.
Ask For Care and Cleaning Tips
To make sure that your new bathroom stays looking as good as the day that it’s installed, be sure to ask both the sales person and the installer on tips for caring for it. Showrooms will often sell the products needed to care for the materials, and installers can often show how they are applied. You may want to find out if something is high maintenance ahead of time, however, if extra care is something you don’t have time for.
Remember that bathroom design and installation can be a stressful process, but it can also be a creative one. Be sure to relax, and give yourself lots of time to learn as you go, and you’ll soon be living with the bathroom of your dreams.
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