Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom is fun. There are cabinets to choose, countertops to pick, shopping for tile, appliances and flooring…it seems like a never-end list. But it’s a fun list because you know the end result is going to be a great improvement from what you currently have in your kitchen and bathroom. Plus, new things always feel so good and look so good.
When you are planning your budget – don’t forget to plan for the plumbing too. Cabinets, countertops, tile and flooring are the big items. They are the bulk of your expenses and the reason you have to plan in advance and set a budget. You will never forget to plan for these expenses because they are central to the whole remodeling project. But it can be easy to forget about the “little things” like a sink faucet, whether it is a kitchen faucet or a bathroom faucet. In the grand scheme of things, a faucet is a much lesser expense than the countertop or cabinets, but if you forget that you need to buy all new faucets AND have them installed, it could put you over your maximum “what I want to spend” budget.
So…regarding the plumbing portion of your remodeling project, these are some things to remember:
In the Kitchen –
- What kind of sink do you want? (i.e. single or double, undermount, stainless steel or other material)
- What sink accessories would you like to include? (i.e. faucets, hoses, garbage disposal, water filters, soap/lotion dispensers)
- Will the kitchen configuration remain the same or will you need to install new connections for the sink, refrigerator and dishwasher?
- Do you need new appliances? (i.e. Refrigerator, dishwasher and others that may need an electrical contractor as well as a plumber)
- Do you need to hire a contractor to install these items?
In the Bathroom –
- What kind of sink do you want? (i.e. single or double, undermount, china or other material)
- What sink faucets would you like? (i.e. finish, style, installation and features)
- Do you need to replace the tub and shower? (i.e. new or refresh, new showerhead and faucets)
- Will you be replacing the current toilet?
- Will the configuration of the bathroom remain the same?
- Are you adding new features to the bathroom, like a hot tub or spa?
- Do you need to hire a contractor to install these items?
Remember, every project (no matter what room in the house you are remodeling) should include some very basic considerations:
- What is your budget?
- What is the goal of the renovation?
- What is the purpose of the room and how will you utilize it?
- What do you like about the current room?
- What do you dislike about the current room?
- What type of storage do you need in the room?
- What style do you want as the theme of the renovation?
Of course, budget is often the central factor in a remodeling project. Be sure you include all aspects of your renovation, whether large or small items, so that you are fully prepared so you can finish the project and be happy with the end result.
Kitchen Remodel Checklist (by Angie’s List)
http://www.angieslist.com/files/KitchenRemodelingChecklist.pdf
Bathroom Remodel Checklist (by Moen)
http://www.moen.com/assets/moencom/documents/design-planning/checklist_bathroom.pdf
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