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Hire a Professional or Do It Yourself?

Hire a Professional or Do It Yourself?

While most of our clients don’t ever struggle with this question, there are a few who, before hiring us, asked themselves: “Should I take on this remodeling project myself or should I pull in a professional?” The main concern of those who consider remodeling their kitchen or bathroom DIY is to save money: “Will it save me enough money to make it worth doing the work myself?” Limited kitchen space: Hire a professional kitchendesigner   To help you decide between hiring a pro or DIY, here are four questions to ask yourself.

1. Am I redecorating or remodeling?

If the space layout is remaining the same and you want to update your look, you are more likely redecorating. But, if you are willing to “demo” your space and redesign your layout, you are remodeling. This is a simplification but an easy way to understand the scope of your project.

2. Am I willing to take on all the risk?

There is risk involved with the technical implementation of a remodeling project. Mistakes can be costly. Plumbing, electrical, ventilation and structural knowledge are essential. Are you familiar with the local building codes? What if an inspection fails? Will you be able to manage the correction? Will you know if a subcontractor is cutting corners? If you don’t hire a professional kitchen designer and remodeler, the risk is entirely on you.

3. Do I have the ability to design a layout that will address all the possibilities?

Hiring a kitchen designer and remodeler most certainly will open your mind to new possibilities. With their training and experience, they may suggest a space layout and design you hadn’t thought of. In a kitchen, appliance size, location and placement are crucial. In a bathroom, with its often tight space, door swing and plumbing locations are a priority. A trained professional will give careful attention to detail in order to ensure high quality design and functionality.

4. Do I have the resources to implement the design?

You will need to purchase new products: flooring, backsplash, cabinets, countertops, appliances and more. You will need to have the time to visit these suppliers, make final selections, order the product and arrange storage of the product until you are ready to start. Keep in mind, you will be the general contractor. That means you will need to manage and schedule all aspects of the project from conception to completion and manage the costs to stay within your budget.

Conclusion

With so much advice out there for DIYers, why should you choose to hire a kitchen or bath designer? They offer resources you may not have, mitigate risk you can’t afford, and share ideas you didn’t think were possible. A professional kitchen designer with experience in renovations will help you save personal time, avoid mistakes, budget wisely, and schedule the project realistically. Hiring a professional can do so much toward ensuring a successful project.
Tips for a master bath remodel you’ll love (Part 3)

Tips for a master bath remodel you’ll love (Part 3)

We’d like to offer you the “final four” of our twelve tips for a master bath remodel you’ll love. Our homeowners found it a great help to have our recommendations and lists of things to consider. Just as they did, you need to be informed to make the best decisions and get the most for your money.

green exotic bathroom luxury shower head

Heads Up

In many showers you will find a single fixed head, a hand-held, or both. If you opt for both, be sure to get a 2-in-1 valve that keeps the wet wall uncluttered. Be sure your main shower head offers decent coverage and has an optional function for pressure.

Your Style

Prior to remodeling consider the items and colors already in your home. Make sure your choices fit your personality. Your style need not be sacrificed for the sake of comfort, convenience and safety. The end result should create a balance of form and function.

Price

No matter which design elements or products you choose, a good design will keep you informed: from labor cost to product cost, know where your money is going.

Timeline

Simply put, doing it right is more important than doing it fast. Understand somethings cannot be predicted. Give your contractors a little extra buffer in the timeline.

Once you’ve considered all of these “comfort” features, then you can price them out and choose which ones to add to your remodel. Your budget may not be able to include all 12 of our suggestions.

(In case you landed on this page out of order, don’t forget to read Tips for a Master Bath Remodel You’ll Love Part 1 and Part 2 to get more all our tips for remodeling a bathroom.) But these are the master bath features that our clients have truly fallen in love with.

Tips for a master bath remodel you’ll love (Part 1)

Tips for a master bath remodel you’ll love (Part 1)

You have been scheming and waiting, perhaps doing other projects around the house that are more important first. Now it’s time to focus on remodeling a master bathroom.

This is a one-time remodel project, and you want to get it right the first time. We’ve partnered with many homeowners on remodeling a master bathroom, and in this 3-part blog series we’d like to share 12 best bath remodel tips with you.

So what are the characteristics that homeowners find most satisfying in their master bath remodels (i.e. what people love about their new bathrooms)?

Heightened Comfort

Consider a 34 1/2″ vanity, which is the customary adult height for a vanity. (The old vanity height of 30” is no longer used except for special circumstances.) Be sure to get a toilet that is a comfortable height for you. Toilet manufacturers may use the term “comfort height” which is considered the normal adult height. Also consider raising the shower valve and shower head to give you that luxurious rainfall effect.

Smart Storage

You want storage options that not only look great, but also allow for easy everyday access of product you use daily. If in the remodel you are tearing out the old linen closet, consider extra built-in cabinetry or baskets displaying rolled up linens.

Plug & Hide

If your design includes two sinks and can spare 15-18 inches in between sinks, look into a countertop cabinet with a lift door. With an outlet installed inside the cabinet, you now have a use-and-stash option for hair appliances, shavers, phone chargers and more. Why not hide all those appliances and cords?

traditional bathroom with lift door storage

Make it Last

Clean, simple lines combined with classic elements help a design withstand the passage of time. Color palettes evolve so incorporate color through paint, fabric and accessories. Do your best to avoid trends in product and design.

Those are just four tips for remodeling a master bathroom. Read Part 2 & Part 3 to get more tips for a great master bath that you will love for years to come!