Get the Job Done Right: Collinsville Bathroom Remodeling

Are you thinking of starting a bathroom remodel in Collinsville, IL? Whether your needs have been updated for a more usable area, or the space is outdated and you're looking for a change, a Collinsville bathroom remodeling project has many benefits—including increasing the resale value of your home.

We spend a lot of time in the bathroom, so it should be a place that you enjoy spending time in. Sometimes, you buy a house that already includes your dream bathroom. But, more often than not, creating the bathroom of your dreams means investing in a Collinsville bathroom remodeling project.

Completing a bathroom remodel in Collinsville, IL, can be costly, time-consuming and stressful. Any type of renovation can feel daunting for Collinsville homeowners to tackle on their own. After all, renovating is a big project with many moving parts that need to be kept in consideration. The good news is, you don't have to tackle this project alone. At Mr. Handyman of Metro East, we hire the best Collinsville handyman experts and bathroom remodelers. We can help you turn an outdated bathroom into your dream space. Our team has years of experience and possesses all the necessary skills to bring your unique vision to life.

To help you stay on track during your Collinsville bathroom remodel, we’ve put together the following list of advice and professional tips you should know about while planning a Collinsville bathroom remodeling project. Keep reading to gain an edge while constructing your perfect bathroom.

Figure Out Your Remodeling Budget

If you don’t have a solid budget for your Collinsville bathroom remodeling project, it’s easy for the renovation to get out of hand and end up costing more than you anticipated. That's why it's so important to do your research and establish a realistic budget.

The Cost of Contractors and Labor in Collinsville

The majority of expenses from your Collinsville bathroom remodel are labor costs. Take time to get an estimate from a professional contractor before settling on who will conduct your bathroom renovation project. This gives you a sense of scale and cost for your project, and a chance to feel out the technicians you will have in your home.

It's also important to choose a handyman company that offers upfront pricing, has numerous positive reviews, and that offers a wide variety of services, so you're not stuck hiring multiple niche contractors. Mr. Handyman of Metro East is one such versatile and professional company.

The Cost Of Features/Materials

The second biggest expense you should keep in mind while planning a Collinsville bathroom remodeling project is the cost of materials. Don't just consider what materials are best for your needs, such as how much your dream marble vanity costs or whether glass or ceramic tiles are a better fit for your budget, but also consider the amount of work different materials need to be installed.

For example, if you want a floating toilet or sink, then the installation will be costlier and more time-consuming than simply swapping out the toilet seat. Likewise, a shower conversion is a lot more work than simply outfitting your existing space with new tiles.

Other Remodeling Budget Factors

Although labor and material costs tend to be the greatest impact on your budget, there are a few other questions to ask yourself that will affect how much your Collinsville bathroom remodel costs, including:

  • How much can you afford to go over budget? (Always have a cushion for emergency or unforeseen expenses).
  • Do you want to sell your home in a few years?
  • Do you need to change the location of plumbed-in items?
  • What areas of the room are absolutely essential?
  • What can you reasonably afford to invest?
  • Do you want to install any luxury features?

What Materials Are Best for a Remodeling Project?

Speaking of materials, your bathroom is one of the areas in your Collinsville home that receives the most traffic and use. Thus, it's important to choose carefully and keep in mind materials that are both useful and aesthetically pleasing. It's a part of your home where you will want to invest in using quality materials that wear well over the years.

Take time to research what materials work best for you, and are in your budget. For instance, ceramic tile is cost-effective and durable. Likewise, plastic faucets and fixtures won't wear as well as metal ones. If you need help to choose the best materials for your Collinsville bathroom renovation, talk to our pro team of experts today. We've completed many renovations throughout the Collinsville area, so we know a thing or two about which materials are worthwhile investments.

What Are the Best Tiles for a Remodeling Project?

Tiles are one of the most beautiful and practical materials you can have in your Collinsville bathroom. However, different types of tile have different price points and practical considerations you should think about before making an investment. There are a wide array of tiles to choose from for the flooring, shower backsplash and even the vanity.

Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are clay-fired. They're available in a wide range of styles and colors, and are more affordable than stone tiles like marble and slate. Since the design options for porcelain and ceramic tiles are nearly endless, it can be hard to narrow down which style is best for your needs.

Glass Tiles

This quality product is costlier than other varieties of tile because it's considered a luxury product. Glass is undoubtedly beautiful and is available in nearly infinite styles and colors. That said, it's important to note that it's not the best material to use for floor tiles. Glass is quite delicate and can crack under pressure.

Quarried Tiles

Essentially, quarried tile refers to any kind of tile that is sourced from natural stone. This includes slate, limestone, granite and marble. They typically have a higher price point than other kinds of manufactured tile, but different stones have different qualities. For example, slate is very heavy and is best used for flooring, whereas granite is highly durable, and marble is very soft. This means that different types of stone are more appropriate for floors, counters or walk-in showers.

Why Ventilation is Important

While it's not the most glamorous part of a bathroom remodel in Collinsville, IL, ventilation is essential for ensuring the longevity of your bathroom, preventing excess humidity, and mitigating the risk of mold and mildew buildup. There are two main categories of ventilation:

Windows and Window Vents

In some bathrooms, the window can open to provide additional ventilation. Opening up your window while taking a shower can help reduce the amount of humidity in the space. Some windows also have window vents, which always remain open to release humidity outdoors. This is a great option for Illinois, because few people want to open their windows in the midst of an Illinois winter.

Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans are the most efficient means of reducing humidity in your bathroom and should be a key part of your Collinsville bathroom remodel. There are a few different types:

  • Ceiling-mounted exhaust fans, which are made for bathrooms that are located upstairs. Since warm air rises, this fan helps reduce humidity and push out stale air via its location on the ceiling.
  • Exterior exhaust fans, which push stale air outside, which makes them quieter than other fan options.
  • Inline exhaust fans, which are a good option for bathrooms, can be tricky to install a fan in. They are mounted between your ducting, meaning that they blow out stale air into your home’s ducts.
  • Wall-mounted exhaust fans, which are installed on the wall outside of your home. This ventilation fan is simple to install, making it a convenient option for your Collinsville bathroom remodel.
  • Exhaust fans with lights: Not only do these fixtures expel stale air, but they can also act as a lighting fixture—another essential part of your Collinsville bathroom remodel.

Proper Lighting is Key

As mentioned above, lighting is an essential part of your renovation. Proper lighting contributes to the overall comfort and aesthetic of your space. For most bathrooms, there are two different kinds of lighting options: natural and artificial. It's best to make use of both these light sources when possible.

When it comes to artificial light, it's important to layer a few different light sources to create a cozy, well-lit and warm ambience. Usually, designers implement three different kinds of lighting; ambient lighting, which is for general illumination; accent lights, which round out the space; and task lighting, which illuminates certain areas. There are many different types of artificial lighting that you can use in your bathroom, including:

  • Overhead lighting
  • Dimmer switch lighting
  • Lights on either side of your vanity
  • Chandeliers

Pro Tip:

If you have the option for natural light from a window or skylight, try to make the most of this feature by placing a mirror opposite to the natural light source. This will bounce more light into your space and illuminate it better during the day.

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to transform your space from drab to fab. With so many options—how do you choose what is best? If you're planning on selling your home after remodeling, neutral tones are always a good choice, so perhaps consider a gentle cream or even classic white walls.

However, color can be a fantastic way to let your personal style shine. Pick colors that speak to you and communicate how you want your bathroom to feel. For instance, cool tones like blue or green tend to be more soothing, whereas bright colors are invigorating. Many homeowners feel overwhelmed at the thought of putting together a color scheme that works, but don't worry, we have some expert tips for you to keep in mind outlined below:

The Color Wheel

The color wheel is often taught in schools, so you may be feeling a bit of a flashback upon reading this, but it's actually a very helpful design tool. The color wheel is used by designers and artists alike to know what shades work well together. It simply outlines primary and secondary colors in an aesthetically pleasing way. There are many ways to create a palette using the color wheel, but the easiest tricks to remember are:

  • The analogous scheme, which uses colors that are beside each other, like orange, yellow, and green.
  • The complementary scheme, which uses opposite colors, like blue and orange.

The Rule of Threes

This design concept is really straightforward and easy to remember. Simply pick three colors (perhaps informed by the color wheel) and stick to those throughout the bathroom using the 70/20/10 rule. To use this rule, organize the colors from lightest to darkest. Then, use the lightest color in 70% of the area, the second lightest in 20% of the space, and the darkest, boldest or most distinct color in 10% of the room.

Get Started on Your Collinsville Bathroom Remodeling Project Today!

Are you ready to start your Collinsville bathroom remodeling project? If so, reach out to our pro team today. We are highly experienced at completing a wide range of home improvement tasks, and are known throughout Collinsville and the surrounding areas for our excellent customer service. Not to mention, we don't just do bathroom remodels! If you need kitchen remodeling services, we can help with that too.

To get started, give our expert Collinsville handymen a call. Our skillful, expert technicians will be able to help you with all your bathroom remodeling needs!

Exposed drywall, wood and flooring around a shower and bathtub before and after they have been renovated by Mr. Handyman.