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Second to the Kitchen, remodeling the bathroom is the single most used and remodeled room in a house. Thanks to TV shows o HGTV, websites and Pinterest, homeowners spend a lot of time ‘dreaming’ about the renovations that would make to Master Bathroom. Size may matter in most cases, but when it comes to renovating your bathroom, the size of your space has little to no bearing on what a home owner can do to improve the look of the bathroom. In fact, remodeling a smaller space is rewarding and can make a tremendous difference in the look and increased sale ability of your home (If you are thinking about selling. The kitchen, master bedroom and the bathroom are the three most important rooms to potential buyers.)

For those homeowners who have DVR’d the shows, book marked the design websites and started the Pinterest Board, you’ve done a lot of your homework already. You have an idea of what you want. Here are  5 reasons to   use a budget for your bathroom remodel.

5 Reasons to have a Bathroom Remodeling Budget

1. Creating a budget helps with decision making.

Seems obvious doesn’t it? But most homeowners start with what they want and not how much they should spend on what they want. Starting your remodel with a planned budget is an important part of the preparation before the remodeling work takes place. The budget can be a starting point for all decision making in the bathroom remodel. (Unless of course, there is no budget.) Choosing fixtures, flooring, tiles, vanities, lighting, and countertops will all take a bite out of the budget. And don’t forget about labor. Most of the shows you see on TV don’t include labor in their costs for remodeling. You may want to think about splurging a portion of your budget on one item and call it the ‘wow’ factor. That one item can be the focal point of the room, setting the tone and drawing your eye to that one special element. It can be whatever you want, the vanity or the tile as an example. Make it a piece that is a reflection of your taste and style. Start your bathroom remodeling project with a budget and try as much as you can to stick to it. You’ll be glad you did in the end.

2. A budget helps you choose the right person to work with.

Take the time to do your homework when it comes to the contractor you choose. Ask your neighbors and ask your friends for referrals. Go online to look for reviews. Don’t panic if you don’t find any. Many smaller, independent remodeling professionals may not have reviews online but they should have a website at least. Ask the contractors you are considering for referrals. Get at least 3 bids and keep in mind that the lowest bid may not be the best bid. When considering who to hire with regards to your budget: how much of the work will include ‘other professionals’ like electrician, plumber, flooring installer? How much of the work is done by the contractor? How often will the contractor be on site? Who is in charge when the contractor is not? What is the system for communication? How long will the remodel take? How many of the jobs have then done at or under budget and on time? How is the contractor to be paid? All of these questions can ensure the job is done according to your plan, budget and timing.

3. Stay within the budget, start with photos.

Sharing Pinterest boards, magazine photos are a great way of communicating what your expectations are for the bathroom remodel. Your contractor can help you set realistic expectations when evaluating the photos against the budgetary guidelines. A good contractor will also introduce you to ideas that you may not have known about. Chad at Artisan Construction makes it a priority to present ideas that can save his clients money in their budget. Being open and flexible can go a long way to making the remodel an enjoyable experience and one that works within w budget.

4. Budgeting is working with limits.

"They have caviar taste and a canned tuna budget." You don’t want to start your remodel destined to end in disappointment. Everything has a price tag. Moving a toilet form one end of the room to another is going to take a big portion of any budget, no matter how small or large. When planning, try not to move items that involve extensive plumbing. Replacing the toilet, shower or vanity with a new and more updated design will make as big a difference as moving them all together. Taking down a wall or adding a wall is not as budget busting as long as it isn't load bearing or has duct work in it. Talk to your contractor about your ideas and then be ready to make adjustments.

5. Be flexible. Stick with your priorities: The budget or look.

Lots of remodeling jobs can start as small projects and end up much bigger than anticipated. This may be due to issues that arise during renovations such as faulty wiring, plumbing that is leaking or mold that is found in the walls. You contractor can do little about these discoveries other than inform you of your options. Make sure that you are comfortable with whatever priority you have for the remodel. Will you sacrifice the budget for the look or will you stick to what you planned?  Having a cushion in your budget for unexpected expenses is a good practice to begin. What could be better than having extra money you didn't need in your budget for the next remodeling project: like painting the family room!

A bathroom remodel can be a great renovation to a home and having a budget gives everyone a guideline to work with. Making sure you add a little padding into your budget for unexpected issues and work with a contractor who has a good track record for completing the jobs within budgets!