The Hamilton Spectator

What to expect during a bathroom remodel

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There are many reasons to renovate a home. Some homeowners purchase fixer-uppers and commit to making major renovation­s before they even move in, while others may renovate their homes with an eye on resale value. But many homeowners also take on renovation projects to make the homes more livable for themselves.

Bathroom renovation­s are popular projects. In fact, a 2018 survey from the National Associatio­n of Home Builders found that bathroom remodels are the most popular remodeling projects. But just because bathroom remodeling projects are popular doesn’t mean they’re easy to endure. Knowing what to expect during a bathroom remodel can help homeowners get through the renovation process.

Cost

Bathroom remodeling projects can be expensive. Homeowners should develop budgets for their bathroom renovation projects to determine which type of project they can afford. In addition, setting aside a little extra money for overruns is a wise move that can help homeowners handle any unforeseen expenses that arise during the project.

Noise

Few home renovation projects can be undertaken quietly, and bathroom renovation­s tend to generate a lot of noise. The noise can be difficult to overcome for profession­als who work from home fulltime, and it also can be hard on parents of young children who still nap and don’t yet go to school. Parents of young children may find it best to delay bathroom renovation projects until their children are school-aged and out of the house for most of the day on weekdays.

Mess

The debris generated by bathroom renovation projects is another thing homeowners must prepare for. In addition to preparing for the waste generated by the project, first-time renovators must realize that dust might be a big issue once the project begins. Dust can pose a threat to residents’ overall health, particular­ly the health of youngsters whose bodies haven’t yet fully developed. As a result, parents of young children may want to schedule renovation­s during family vacations so their children are exposed to as little dust as possible.

Changes

Few renovation­s go off without a hitch. Once a project begins, contractor­s often uncover issues that weren’t noticeable to the naked eye. These issues may increase the cost of completing a project or force homeowners to change their plans to make the project stay as close to their budgets as possible. Recognizin­g that these decisions may have to be made on the fly can help homeowners feel more prepared when unexpected issues arise.

Bathroom renovation projects are worthwhile investment­s. Knowing what to expect during a bathroom renovation project can help homeowners handle all the twists and turns that may arise. (MC)

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