Angie's LIST Guide to
Remodeling
A bathroom or kitchen remodeling project is a big investment that can be a dream come true or a nightmare. It mostly depends on how well prepared you are before the work begins. Here are tips to help you plan and execute your project.
A bathroom or kitchen remodeling project is a big investment that can be a dream come true or a nightmare. It mostly depends on how well prepared you are before the work begins. Here are tips to help you plan and execute your project.
Top Topics
When planning a remodeling project, reserve a backup fund of about 10-20 percent of the total project cost in case there are legitimate over-runs that the contractor could not have anticipated.
Read more about planning a remodeling project.
The choice of countertop, cabinets and lighting can completey transform a kitchen.
Find remodeling contractors Near You
- Asheville Remodeling Contractors
- Charlotte Remodeling Contractors
- Denver Remodeling Contractors
- Hartford Remodeling Contractors
- Los Angeles Remodeling Contractors
- Minneapolis Remodeling Contractors
- Oklahoma City Remodeling Contractors
- Providence Remodeling Contractors
- Salt Lake City Remodeling Contractors
- Tampa Remodeling Contractors
- Browse All Cities
Local Discounts
Daily deals up to 70% off popular home improvement projects from top-rated contractors on Angie’s List!
Answers
Ask a question on any topic covered by Angie's List and see responses from expert service providers and other homeowners with advice to share. Most popular remodeling questions:
- If I am in a dispute with the general contractor, should I let him in my home?
- Installing bathroom exhaust fans - none exist now - who to hire/price expected?
- I asked a question relating to tile quality - Ref #120415-000554I have not receicve a reply
- What do we owe a contractor who disappeared before finishing a project?
- Is there a checklist for the evaluation of contractor proposals?
Videos
Planning a remodeling project
Detailed planning is essential in a major remodeling project.
Having a better idea of how you want your finished product to look and feel will help you make decisions about design, materials and budget much. Even if you only have a rough idea of what you want, it can be fleshed out as you speak with you contractor.
A lot depends on what you feel you can afford, but if you hope to recoup your investment at re-sale, factor in how long you intend to stay in the house and how your house currently compares to others in the neighborhood.
All contracts are important, but because of the amount of money involved in remodeling it is essential that you understand what every part of the contract means.
Bathroom remodeling
Homeowners can often get an 80% return on a bathroom remodeling project at resale.
Remodeling a bathroom is generally a good investment, so keep resale in mind when choosing designs. Think about what you want, your anticipated future needs and what is common in houses comparable to yours.
Think about cleaning and maintenance of what you choose to install, focus on the most important items, don't pick avant garde designs and be prepared for an extended period of bathroom inconvenience during construction.
There may be more options that you realize. Take your time considering different types of sinks, shower stalls, lighting and other essential features.
Bathtub refinishing
An old bathtub can be transformed with bathroom refinishing techniques.
Bathtubs are typically installed during construction and then wall finishing, tile and other features are added around it. So removing a bathtub is no easy task -- and it might not even fit out the door.
Bathtub refinishing companies have developed highly effective techniques of applying a new finish to adhere to the old one, transforming an old tub to look like new.
Done correctly, bathtub refinishing can be the perfect solution -- but there are plenty of ways to do it incorrectly. Poor technique can result in air bubbles, a rough texture or a tacky feel if the finish didn't set properly.
Kitchen remodeling
Remodeling a kitchen is nearly always a good investment.
Analyze your current space and think of the features you want. When you see a page in a magazine or an image online, put a copy in your idea folder and use them as visuals when talking to a remodeler.
Although you have a good chance of recouping 80 percent of your investment at resale, this is still money out of your pocket so make sure you decide how much you're comfortable investing.
Unless you're moving walls around, the biggest elements in a kitchen remodel would be the cabinets and countertops. You can also change the flooring and lighting to transform your kitchen into your dream.
Countertops
Granite countertops have become a popular item in kitchen remodeling.
Know why you want new countertops. Is it just that the old ones are worn out or out of style, or are there also practical reasons that would affect the decision you make about materials?
Stone countertops are more expensive than other alternatives, but will last forever. Granite and marble have differing natural properties so be sure to understand the differences when deciding.
The most common choice is a laminate (often referred to as "Formica" which is a specific brand), while many people prefer a butcher block counter. Ceramic tile is also popular. All have advantages and disadvantages so do your homework before making a choice.
Cabinets
Cabinets can be completely replaced, updated with new doors or just painted.
Although you may simply be putting new cabinets in place of the old ones, consider whether to go with a different configuration. For example, this would be your chance to change where the refrigerator is located.
There are several standard arrangements to consider (not all of which may work in your kitchen). Do you want an island, for example? Should the cabinets cover one wall or more?
A complete new installation of cabinets will cost several thousand dollars, but if you're satisfied with the shape and interiors of your existing cabinets you can save a lot of money by replacing only the cabinet doors.
Decorating with tile
Tile can be used as accent pieces, like this kitchen backsplash, or for main features, such as floors and walls.
Although it is more expensive than other options, tile is a high-quality material that is easy to clean, durable and won't harbor allergens as other materials do -- and it can add value to your house at resale.
Most tiles are either some form of ceramic (a fired clay) or natural stone. Ceramic tiles may be glazed or unglazed and there are numerous design options with each.
Once you decide on the type of tile, makes sure you purchase enough to do the job with a handful of tiles left over in case you need them for future repairs. Matching tiles years later is often impossible.
Hiring an architect
When a remodeling project involves moving walls, it may be best to bring in an architect.
If your remodeling project involves moving walls, changing the interior layout of the home or affects the exterior design it's usually wise to consult with an architect as part of the process.
You can hire an architect for an hourly rate if you just need a consultation on plans you already have drafted. If you want the architect to design the plan, the fee may be based on a percentage of the total costs.
Here are some tips on points you should be sure to cover when deciding whether to hire an architect for your remodeling project.
Basement remodeling
One of the best ways to increase the resale value of your home is to transform an unfinished basement to living space, but it's essential that the basement be free of moisture problems before work begins.
Drywall or cement board can be used for smooth basement walls. Another option is stucco, which can be applied directly to cinderblock exterior walls.
If there's plenty of head room, a suspended ceiling can be a good option. When every inch of height is needed, a similar grid pattern can be mounted directly to floor joists with minimal loss of head room.
Hiring an interior designer or decorator
A professional interior designer or decorator can provide a unique touch to any room.
Interior designers generally work with architects to design the structure of interior spaces, while interior decorators are generally hired by the homeowner to focus on the furnishings, wall coverings and other decorative aspects of the room.
Like architecture, interior design requires a four-year degree or more while interior decorating does not have formal educational requirements.
It's somewhat rare for a homeowner to need to hire an interior designer, but much more likely a decorator. Here are some suggestions on what to ask when looking for a decorator.