Interior design is an essential part of every house, which can significantly impact the general impression of the entire space and create a specific atmosphere. The kitchen and bathroom play a vital role in the homeowners’ lives. If you are no longer satisfied with them, it may be time to consider kitchen and bathroom renovations.
Many people ask questions like how much does it cost to remodel the kitchen and bathroom? When renovating a bathroom, what to do first? How to organize a bathroom and kitchen makeover on a budget? If these issues are relevant to you, this article will help you find all the necessary answers! Keep reading and start the renovation process in your house!
How to Finance a Bathroom or Kitchen Remodel?
Purchasing high-quality fixtures, searching for new hardware, and covering other expenses make house remodeling an expensive process. As a result, all property owners need to carefully select the appropriate financing option for their remodel.
Home Improvement Loan
Home improvement loans are an excellent way to pay for your home renovation. They will provide you with funds not only for renovating your bathroom and kitchen but also to help you repair or replace your roof, purchase decor elements in a showroom, add a new room, etc.
Even if your credit score is less than perfect, you can still find home improvement loans for bad credit from numerous lenders. Many loan providers don’t have minimum credit score requirements, which helps even those with bad credit get approval.
The most important eligibility criteria for obtaining a home improvement loan are presented below:
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident;
- Have a stable source of income (not less than $1,000);
- Have an active bank account.
Home Equity Loan
Another great option for financing your home remodel is to apply for a home equity loan. It allows you to borrow cash for renovating your kitchen or bath by offering your home as collateral. A lender doesn’t perform hard credit checks to make a loan decision, as they can seize your home’s equity.
Personal Loan
Personal loans are another excellent way to finance home remodeling. Borrowers can apply for this financing option through traditional banks, credit unions, or online lenders. Unlike other borrowing options, a personal loan is typically available for people with good credit. Therefore, if you need extra cash, it may be necessary to improve your credit score.
Alternatively, you can find secured personal loan options requiring your property or vehicle as collateral.
Extra Funds
If applying for a loan does not suit your needs, you can use your extra cash for kitchen and bathroom remodels. Tax refunds, dividend payments, cash from your savings account – home renovation is an excellent investment for your saved funds.
Applying for loans can often be costly and require extra payments for interest rates and additional fees. Furthermore, there is always a chance of falling into a cycle of debt if you do not repay your debt. Therefore, it is recommended to use your savings instead of taking loans.
How to Organize a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel?
Creating kitchen and bath remodels requires a specific strategy. Therefore, if you want to create a new space, it is essential to take the following steps:
#1. Determine a Remodeling Scope
When remodeling a kitchen, what comes first? The answer is straightforward. If you decide to change the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom, the first step is to determine your remodel expectations before creating a project. Pay attention to the following elements:
- Lighting;
- Shower/tub;
- Sinks;
- Layout;
- Kitchen and bath doors;
- Plumbing fixtures;
- Windows;
- Countertops;
- Flooring;
- Kitchen backsplash;
- Cabinet storage organizers;
- And others.
#2. Set Your Budget
Determining the budget is one of the most important elements of a bath and kitchen remodel. The more you can invest in the renovation of the spaces, the more thorough your renovation will be. Furthermore, the budget for your kitchen and bathroom remodeling process affects the quality of the materials you can afford.
As a rule, bathroom remodels are cheaper than kitchens, even if the square footage of the rooms and the quality of finishes and fixtures are the same. Therefore, it may be better to start your home remodel with plumbing, installing new bathroom lighting and tile, buying new cabinets, and other details of bathroom remodeling.
Create a Design
The right design is one of the most critical steps in creating bath and kitchen remodel projects. While this task may be challenging to complete alone, you can always work with a designer. They will analyze your preferences and help you to make a project of the most comfortable space in your life.
There are many great ideas for the interior design of bathrooms and kitchens on the Internet, allowing each family to find a suitable option. Pinterest is one of the most popular platforms for looking for kitchen and bathroom remodel options. It provides you with numerous photos of various kitchens and bathrooms, allowing you to inspire to make your own remodeling project. Create boards with different elements of your home renovation design. For example, you can name them “Sinks and Faucets,” “Ideas for Shower,” or “Tiles.”
When you meet with your designer, explaining your expectations of a kitchen or bathroom remodel will be much easier by showing pins or other pictures from the Internet.
Think About Convenience
When planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, it is essential to consider your convenience. Remodeling usually means that the room is out of use for weeks or months. The situation is more pleasant for those having two or more bathrooms. But if you have only one, the remodeling process may be problematic.
However, many companies offer to reset the toilet to make it operable and avoid many inconveniences connected with remodeling.
It is impossible to avoid inconveniences when planning to remodel your kitchen. You will need to set up a temporary kitchen in another room. It is not a big problem if you have a basement or other space where your family can gather. If you don’t have a suitable space indoors, you can remodel your kitchen in the summer to organize your temporary kitchen outdoors.
Consider Your Family Needs and Preferences
If you live with your family, it is necessary to consider their needs and preferences when planning a remodel project for your home. Even minor things, such as buying countertops and cabinets, choosing the tile, and the type and color of the paint for walls, play a crucial role.
If you have children, it may be important for them to have an opportunity to remodel a room with you. Let them help you with choosing paint or create a remodel project together.
Pat attention to the accessibility of the space when creating a remodeling project. Even if you have a family member with limited mobility, there are many exciting ways to remodel the spaces according to their needs. For example, you can adjust a bathroom and kitchen layout, remove barriers, or install a curbless shower.
Pay attention to the convenience and safety of the furniture in your house. Ensure children can open the necessary cabinets and the entire space is safe for them.
Get the Necessary Permits
Construction without the Department’s approval or permits is illegal in the US. We recommend you work on getting all the necessary permits to avoid fines with additional penalties and interest. Furthermore, a homeowner may be brought to Criminal Court if violating these laws.
Why Do You Need a Designer for Bath and Kitchen Remodels?
While home remodels are considered costly, people usually want to save as much money as possible. Therefore, many individuals decide to renovate their homes without a designer. However, it is often a wrong decision, as working with a good contractor can bring numerous benefits.
Designers will help you find high-quality materials and fixtures for your remodeling projects and save money with energy-efficient appliances. Although finding a good contractor may take time, it is often an excellent option for a quick kitchen or bathroom remodel. Clients provide a designer with their preferences, and they start remodeling their homes. You no longer need to worry about buying the right materials, choosing cabinets, thinking about the color of the tile, looking for suitable countertops, etc.
However, pay attention to choosing a good contractor who will not take your funds and leave the job unfinished.
Bottom Line
It is crucial to consider many elements when organizing your kitchen and bathroom renovations. Plumbing installation, buying high-quality fixtures, choosing new hardware, and visiting a showroom are a small part of all the actions you need to take for good bath and kitchen remodels. Stick to your budget, save money on buying unnecessary things, and don’t forget to work with professionals – all these steps will help you organize your construction in the best way possible.
