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How to Speed Up the Bathroom Remodeling Process
Many remodeling projects require a building permit. Obtaining the permit can take weeks. Once received, demolition can begin. Before starting, it’s a good idea to use cement board for areas exposed to moisture since it is more humidity-resistant than drywall. Layout changes can include a full fixture replacement or rerouting plumbing. It may also involve electrical alterations.
Jacksonville Bathroom Remodeling is a great way to update your home and increase its value, but it can be time-consuming. Many factors can affect the duration of your remodel, from material selection to construction timelines. To speed up your project and minimize delays, you must communicate clearly with your contractor and plan ahead.
During the planning phase, you’ll select materials and layout options. Keep in mind that changing your plans midway through the renovation process can lead to unforeseen expenses, including the extra time needed for sourcing new materials. It’s also important to choose high-quality materials that will stand up well to frequent use and last a long time.
Once you’ve completed the design and budgeting phase, your contractor will submit for permits and begin preparing for the construction process. This includes ordering your materials and scheduling subcontractors. It’s also a good idea to set up a temporary bathroom arrangement in the meantime.
The construction process can take anywhere from 40 to 50 days depending on the scope of your remodel and unforeseen issues that may arise during the build. You should expect lulls in the schedule based on lead times for materials, as well as inspections and subcontractors’ availability.
Demolition
Bathroom remodeling is messy and inconvenient, but with open communication between the homeowner and contractor, it can be less disruptive than expected. It is helpful to make a plan for renovations before beginning construction and communicate these plans with your contractor. Creating a timeline will help to keep the project on track and avoid delays that could affect your budget.
Demolition is one of the most time-consuming aspects of a remodel and can take anywhere from a few days to a week. This is when existing fixtures, flooring, cabinetry and other materials are removed from the space. This task can be especially hazardous if asbestos or lead is discovered, requiring the services of an abatement company.
The next step is rough-in plumbing and electrical. This is when plumbing and electrical lines are rerouted to accommodate your new layout. This can take a few days to a week, depending on how complex your changes are.
A full remodel is the most extensive level of a bathroom renovation and can involve expanding the space, moving walls, adding windows and much more. These projects require a permit and board approval and often take longer than surface-alteration bath remodels.
Plumbing
Bathrooms may be one of the smallest rooms in your house, but they’re among the most labor-intensive to remodel. Even a minor upgrade can require moving plumbing and electrical wiring, as well as installing new fixtures like a shower or tub, sink, toilet, cabinet, flooring, and drywall.
It’s also a good idea to draw up a new floor plan at this point, especially if you’re making major layout changes that change where the existing plumbing and wiring are located. This helps ensure that the plumber and electrician can provide accurate estimates for their services.
Once the demolition and plumbing work are complete, your contractor will start on the drywall installation. They’ll install cement board and vapor barriers in the shower and bathtub areas, as well as drywall for the remainder of the room. They’ll also add blocking for grab bars if needed.
Depending on the scope of your renovation, you’ll need to pass a final inspection and walkthrough with your contractor before payments are made and construction is complete. This step includes a comprehensive breakdown of what was removed and added, as well as discussion about any changes that you want to make. It also involves informing neighbors about the renovation so that they know what to expect.
Electrical
Whether the bathroom remodel is a simple makeover or a complete overhaul, there’s typically a lot of electrical work involved. While some of this can be done by the homeowner, it’s usually best left to a professional electrician.
For example, if the bathroom will have new outlets or switches installed, it’s important to map out where you want them to be in advance. That way, the electrician can plan out the wiring accordingly. Moreover, if your bathroom is near any water sources, then all of the outlets should be GFCI protected to prevent electrocution risks.
Once the plumbing and electrical work is finished, it’s time to hook up any fixtures that need to be connected. This includes things like the sink, toilet, bathtub, and lighting. It’s also a good time to install a waterproofing barrier in the floor and vapor barriers in the walls.
Finally, the bathroom is ready for a walkthrough and comprehensive breakdown with your contractor. This is a great time to discuss any thoughts or concerns you may have. It’s also a great opportunity to get your final inspections and payments completed. It’s important to remember that remodeling your bathroom is both about function and style, so a professional contractor will be able to help you seamlessly weave these concepts together.
Flooring
Depending on the purpose of the bathroom and your family’s needs, you can choose from several different flooring options. Your budget will also determine what kind of flooring you can afford.
Flooring that is moisture resistant and attractive is ideal in bathrooms. Ceramic and porcelain tile, natural stone, luxury vinyl flooring (LVP), and sheet vinyl are favored bathroom floor materials for their beauty and moisture resistance.
Wall tiling is another common choice. It adds a touch of style to the room and cleans up well. Wet tile is slippery, but texturing can make it safer to walk on. If you’re tiling a bath or shower, it’s important to have a waterproof membrane under the tile, or you could experience water damage.
Wood is another popular option for a bathroom floor, but it’s more expensive than other types of flooring and can be prone to warping. Laminate is an inexpensive alternative to wood that looks similar and is more durable. Bamboo flooring is also a sustainable option and comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes. Once the walls are finished, cabinets and fixtures can be installed. Finishing touches like mirrors and a fan can be added at this point.
Painting
Once the drywall is finished, it’s time to add some color. Bathrooms require a special interior paint that is resistant to humidity. Professionals usually use a semi-gloss finish. It’s best to paint before installing the new sink, vanity, tub, and tiles.
If you have crown molding, wainscoting, or baseboards in your bathroom, they will need to be painted as well. This should be done before laying any tile, so that the wall color doesn’t get smudged and messed up.
It’s also a good idea to cover furniture and other items in the area of the bathroom with plastic sheeting or cloth, to avoid dust and debris. Local painting pros are often available for this part of the project. They will usually remove wall plates like light switches and the toilet lid, so they can paint behind them.
Depending on the size of your remodel, you may need to replace any fixtures that were moved during the layout phase. Replacing or relocating these items is cumbersome, messy, and expensive, but it’s sometimes necessary to change a layout. Changing the footprint of your bathroom will also incur plumbing or electrical changes, and will usually require a permit.
Tile Work
The size of your bathroom and the scope of the remodel can dramatically affect how long this phase takes. If you are simply putting in a new vanity or changing out the toilet, the project can take a day or two at most. However, a full-scale gut renovation that requires dropping walls, rerouting plumbing lines and rewiring electrical will significantly extend the time.
If the floor is to be re-tiled, the existing tile needs to be removed and prepped for installation. This typically includes stripping the old flooring and wallpaper, sanding until rough to the touch, and then applying a primer to make the surface more porous for thin-set adhesives.
After the tile is laid, it is usually bonded with either grout or another cement-like bonding agent to set and harden. The amount of time this process takes depends on the type of tile and how it is installed.
The last step involves the contractor performing a walkthrough with you to review and critique the work they’ve done. If any changes are requested, they will be completed before final payment is made. This allows you to ensure your bathroom remodel is completed according to the design and quality standards you want.
The Basics of Kitchen Remodeling
Are you tired of your kitchenette and ready for a new island or energy-efficient appliances? Your designer will align your kitchen with your family’s specific needs.
Kitchen remodeling can be a major or minor project. If you want to keep your layout, focus on cosmetic changes such as a fresh coat of paint or cute faucets. Visit https://thompsonandboys.com/ for more details.
The first step in any remodeling project is the demolition phase. This involves removing any existing elements in the kitchen that you don’t want to keep, including walls, cabinets, and flooring. This is an important process that should be left to professionals. This is because it can be difficult to tell what might be hiding behind walls or under existing cabinetry, such as plumbing or electrical lines. In addition, it’s best to seal off the area being worked on to prevent dust and debris from spreading throughout your home. Finally, it’s a good idea to have a dumpster to throw away unwanted materials.
Once the demolition is complete, the space will be cleaned and prepped for the renovation work to begin. For example, the demolition crew might remove any caulking from around countertops before tearing them off, or they might rip up the old carpet before installing new floor tile. After that, the contractor’s carpentry crew will perform whatever framing is necessary for the kitchen renovation. This could mean adding or removing windows, moving or adding joists, putting in additional electrical or plumbing, and more.
Many experienced DIY renovators may be tempted to skip the contractor and do some or all of this framing and other construction work themselves to save money, but this isn’t always a safe or smart idea. This is especially true for major kitchen remodels, which often require extensive and complicated construction projects like removing or replacing walls and expanding the footprint of the kitchen.
Rough-In
The rough-in process is the installation of components and structural elements that are needed to provide a basic framework for a finished product. This step is necessary for both electrical wiring and plumbing systems. For electrical wiring, this involves running wires through walls and ceiling cavities to designated outlets, switches, and other fixtures. In addition, junction boxes must be installed to make connections between the wires and other components.
Plumbing rough-in is similar to electrical wiring in that a plumber will run pipes through bored holes in the wall studs, but this stage also includes installing water supply lines and drains. During this phase, the plumbing professional will be able to see where your sinks, appliances, and toilets will be located. This allows them to work with you to ensure that the layout meets your expectations. It’s also easier for them to fix any issues that come up at this stage rather than after the crew encloses the walls.
Rough-in is important for a kitchen remodel because it sets the stage for everything that comes after it. For example, if the plumbing isn’t correctly placed, it could affect your cabinet installation or even cause a leak. This is why it’s important to hire a team of professionals who are experienced in the rough-in process and understand the nuances involved.
Once the plumbing and electrical rough-in is complete, an inspector will visit to ensure that everything meets code. This step is especially important for large renovations because it can help prevent errors that might not be obvious until the project is near completion. It is also an excellent way to keep everyone on track throughout the construction process, which can save time and money in the long run.
Cabinet Installation
After you’ve decided on the layout, design, cabinets, appliances and other components for your new kitchen, it’s time to start the actual construction work. This is where your project will begin to really take shape, and it’s important to hire professionals for this step. These experts will help you bring your vision to life, ensure that the project complies with local building codes, and avoid costly mistakes.
Depending on the scope of the remodel, this process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. This is especially true if you’re using subcontractors managed by a general contractor, as they’ll be tracking through your home and making a mess for quite some time.
The first step in cabinet installation is to clear the space and switch off all gas, electrical and water/plumbing supplies. You’ll then need to remove any existing cabinets from the walls, starting with lower cabinets, which can often be removed simply by unscrewing them. Upper cabinets are usually attached to the walls with cleats, so you’ll need to loosen them from their mounting locations before you can remove them.
Once you’ve cleared the space, lay the first base cabinet in place and use a level to make sure it’s flat against the wall. If necessary, use wooden shims to fill in gaps between the wall and the cabinet.
Once the first cabinet is installed, you can install the others one-by-one. Once you’re finished, you should have fully installed upper and base cabinets that are level, even and don’t show any gaps between them or with the floor. You may also want to add some cabinet trim for a more polished look.
Appliance Installation
Whether you want to refresh your kitchen to fit your family’s needs or add value to your home, we can help. Remodelling a kitchen involves complex design alterations and construction. Choosing the right kitchen layout and materials is crucial to the success of your project. We can help you find the best layout for your kitchen, and recommend the best products to match your style.
Upgrading to new appliances can also be a great opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient models. These will reduce your energy usage and help protect the environment. Many homebuyers today are looking for greener homes, so having energy-efficient appliances is a big plus when it comes to selling your property.
Many people don’t give much thought to how their new appliances will be installed, but there are a variety of installation options available. One popular choice is the “sitting proud” installation style, which allows the front of the appliance to sit up higher than the cabinets. This can be a good option for dishwashers and refrigerators, as it makes it easier to open and access the doors and handles. This type of installation can also add a sleek, modern look to your kitchen. Other installation styles include flush mount, which will hide the face of the appliance and create a smooth line with your cabinetry.
Finishing the Walls
As you continue to remodel your kitchen, pay close attention to how everything looks. If you have a budget for it, consider adding crown molding or paint touch-ups to make things look more polished. Now’s also the time to install new windows and doors. Be sure to seal any cracks around your old ones, as this will help insulate the room more effectively and cut down on energy costs.
This is a great opportunity to make strategic splurges that will transform your kitchen into something special. Paint a wall a fun color, add a gorgeous backsplash, splurge on a unique lighting fixture, a beautiful window or a wooden beam for a ceiling accent. This is where your creativity will shine.
You can also add a lot of value to your home by replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models. Besides cutting utility bills, this will benefit the environment and make your kitchen more attractive to future homebuyers.
Kitchen remodeling can be an expensive and time-consuming project, especially if you choose to live in your home during the renovations. If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan for how you and your family will get meals while the kitchen is out of commission. If possible, try to find an offsite location to eat during the remodel. And don’t forget to prioritize your mental health during the remodel. Take some time to relax during this stressful time, whether it’s a solo spa day or a family outing to the park. It will make the whole process easier on everyone involved. And remember, a well-done kitchen is a major selling point for your home, so don’t skimp on quality.
