“Hey there, friends! Come on in, take a seat, and let’s chat about something super exciting—the makeover journey of our guest bathroom at The City Cottage! You know those moments when you look at a space and think, ‘This could be amazing with a little bit of TLC?’ Well, that’s exactly where we were not too long ago. Today, I’m stoked to spill the beans and share all the nitty-gritty details about how we prepped and geared up for this bathroom redesign. It’s like a behind-the-scenes tour of our creative chaos and, trust me, it’s a rollercoaster of planning, decisions, and a whole lot of fun. So, put on your “construction hat”, grab your comfy spot, let’s dish out the scoop on how we turned this space into something magical!”
“Under Construction “
I believe we have all heard the expression: it has to get ugly before it can be a thing of beauty!”
We’ll that is exactly what you will find in the following blog post. I will be sharing firsthand knowledge of what a renovation entails. You will see the bathroom (the onion) as we peel layer upon layer back. I look forward to it with anticipation and excitement.
Well I have decided how I want the bathroom to look, this is where yours/my renovation begins…..
No one really likes to talk about this first subject, it’s the most uncomfortable part of any renovation. What subject is that you ask……
It is important if you are using contractors to get several quotes. This quote will be based on a specific list of items you are looking to have done. Know what you want before the contractors come out to quote the job. Don’t hurry this process of preparing your itemized list. What I do is:
- Look at the room once to see what is necessary
- Look again second time with the eye of keeping things in their perspective spots (remove and replace)
- Look at the room a third time to see what you would like to add, if the budget allows, to what is necessary or the margin of the unforeseen problems.
- Look at the room a fourth time with specific measurements needed.
Phase One
You are now ready to call “Registered” Contractors for quotes.
They will all be quoting from your itemized list. Meaning they are all reading from the same sheet of music. Have a figure in mind that you can afford to pay for the renovation.
Do not share that amount with the contractor let them tell you what their final figure is. Maybe you are handy enough to do some of the prep work or areas that can cut your final figure down a little bit. The most important part is not to over extend yourself.
If you do that, you will never enjoy the project when it is completed. It will just be a constant reminder of not sticking to the plan.
Just because something is out of your budget does not mean that you should abandon your design. You can always go for a less expensive without compromising integrity of the item that looks similar or buy the item when it goes on sale.
Current Vanity
Granite Top/Sink $50
Painting Vanity -Black
Statistics Say…
Today the bare minimum you will pay for granite is $54 a square foot. At that price this granite countertop alone would’ve been $388 and the sink on the low-end would be around $150. See what I mean about compromise and blessings from above. I wanted to do granite, that style sink and top. There it was. Who could pass up that deal? LOL
The Design
The design again is based on the footprint of the room. There are two types of renovations:
Simple
Renovations include things like painting the walls, adding faucets, or changing the towel rack and lights. This sort of work can be done by anyone, and won’t take very long.
Also, A simple renovation typically involves smaller-scale updates or changes to a space without major structural alterations. Here are some common elements that might be included in a simple renovation:
1. **Painting:** A fresh coat of paint can instantly revitalize a room and change its entire look and feel.
2. **Flooring:** Updating flooring materials, such as changing carpets to hardwood or installing new tiles, can significantly enhance the aesthetics of a space.
3. **Fixtures and Fittings:** Replacing old fixtures like faucets, doorknobs, handles, and light fittings with newer, more modern options can make a notable difference.
4. **Cabinetry:** Refurbishing or replacing cabinets in kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas can bring a new look and functionality to the space.
5. **Countertops:** Upgrading countertops, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, can enhance both the appearance and usability of these areas.
6. **Minor Repairs:** Fixing minor issues like leaks, cracks, or small damages can be part of a simple renovation, ensuring the space is in good condition.
7. **Cosmetic Changes:** Adding decorative elements like new curtains, blinds, or updating accessories (such as mirrors, artwork, or cushions) can spruce up a room inexpensively.
8. **Lighting:** Updating lighting fixtures or adding additional lighting can change the ambiance and functionality of a space.
9. **Hardware:** Changing handles, knobs, pulls, or hinges on cabinets and doors can provide a fresh look without extensive costs.
10. **Trim and Molding:** Installing or updating trim work and molding can add a finishing touch to a room and improve its overall appearance.
Remember, the scope of a simple renovation varies based on individual preferences, the condition of the space, and the budget allocated for the project. It’s crucial to plan and prioritize according to your specific needs and desired outcome.
Complex
Renovations include things like removing or adding walls, replacing bathtubs, adding a shower, or moving a toilet to another spot.
These sorts of renovations require a contractor to do the work for you and may require some time to complete.
Registered/Certified Contractor
In my case, my renovation of the guest bathroom will be a complex renovation.
I have chosen my contractor and he is a registered contractor. Why do I keep referring to the contractor as registered? What does that mean?
An unregistered or unlicensed contractor may perform subpar work and you will have the recourse to get the problem rectified. No one likes to think about that but I know from experience. I was taken by a contractor who said they were registered and I never followed up. I was lucky the State I lived in had a “no tolerance” rule/policy for unregistered contractors. So I was able to recover damages. Believe me, it is not fun and it is quite stressful. Lesson learned and I swore then, I would always “pay it forward.”
So please, always do your “due diligence”.
To Be Continued..
In future segments I will share with you contractor visit, material purchases, snafus and the fun part “SHOPPING”.
I hope you will continue to follow along with me on this journey… I sure could use the support! My intent is to help smooth out the “bumps” along the way in your now or future remodeling. Saving you wasted time on not being prepared or lack of understanding…. believe me these things are “real”. Lack of knowledge is the #1 Element that causes the most Frustration.
Conclusion
“Renovations, big or small, are like giving a breath of fresh air to your space, right? From a splash of paint to a change in lighting or simply upgrading fixtures, these small tweaks can create a big impact. They’re like little love notes to your home, adding comfort and charm. Remember, it’s not just about the change in appearance, but the joy it brings every time you walk into the room. So, whether you’re diving into a full-scale makeover or just sprucing things up a bit, enjoy the journey of transforming your space—it’s the little details that make your home uniquely yours!”
I want to also say how much I appreciate your ongoing support and readership – you’re not just a reader, but a valued friend on my blogging journey! Your input means the world to me, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below the post. Thank you for being a part of The City Cottage Family.
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