bathroom remodel

[edg126]

I'm at the beginning stages of remodeling a portion of our house, a powderroom, entryway, and laundry room. It's all a bit overwhelming, the varying price differences of items. Has anybody had any experience they'd like to share about it?

For instance, something simple like buying a toilet
they range from $100 to $400. A brand I've heard of, like kohler or american standard are 180 - 400. I find it incredibly hard to separate low quality from high quality versus unnecessary price markups. Buying the $180 toilet and finding out 5 years from now that it's cheaper because they cut corners and it's chipped. Or am I over thinking this?

Same thing with cabinets. I've received quotes ranging from $1100 to $2600. Since there isn't a shower and I won't be cooking/hot items nearby I figure I don't need top of the line, but I'd like these cabinets to be something that will last another 20 - 30 years. Especially in the laundry room where it's small and more functional, I don't think anybody who's visited the house has ever even seen it.

[ua_guy]

With toilets, it's good to go with a trusted name- American Standard, Kohler, etc. They use good hardware, whereas the cheaper ones do not. The last thing you want is a toilet that starts leaking on the floor prematurely. The increase in price beyond that is about features that may or may not matter, things like extremely low flow/ water usage, seat construction, noise, designer shapes, etc. I'd recommend buying something with a longer bowl at a minimum, if the toilet your are replacing is not already. Taller/larger friends and family will thank you.

Cabinets are all over the place. Here you are concerned with style, construction, and material thickness. There are hardware features beyond that like soft-close drawer glides and hinges, and fancy pulls. The "brick ****house" methodology of construction would be something that's 1/2" to 3/4" PLYWOOD construction of the cabinet box, with a solid wood door. You're unlikely to find solid wood construction unless you want to spend a lot of money. Plywood will do very well over the course of 10-20 years at least. Beware cheap cabinet construction- usually 1/2" particle board with a veneer, particle board shelves that are prone to warping and damage from any kind of moisture.

We completely remodeled my last home and went through the same selection process. Name brand toilet for good hardware and porcelain quality, but didn't go crazy on the features. Plywood cabinets of good construction and finish, and went with basic hardware. Good stuff, not a lot of frills, and we kept the extra spending for quality constructed products.

[snafu]

Powder Room

Products and styles changes so much over 20-30 years I'd choose middle of the road cabinets with doors that are paintable in the future and 'classic' door pulls or handles. 'Trendy' hardware in 2014 will be hopelessly out of date in a dozen years. Use washers to affix to prevent them working loose. In my opinion you need to keep the updates appropriate to your area unless it's a 'gentrification' project. 12" x 12" glass tiles look amazing as long as you're willing to do the work required to keep them polished and shiny. Removing tiles when the trend runs out is a huge, nasty, job.

Check with your city before shopping for a toilet as some give rebates for water saver units at a certain level. Ask where the toilet you are considering was made. I think they're mostly made in Mexico and China but China has been outsourcing to Cambodia and Vietnam. I suggest looking up the brand you like best to see how much complaining goes on. It's important to carefully measure the area from wall to edge of toilet basin as you likely need to fill the same space. Does anything have potential to make the unit uncomfortable?

I suggest taking a picture on your phone to show salesman. Understand what is included and what is a separate cost when comparing price and manufacturer. Sounds ridiculous but even if you don't buy at an expensive show room, take time to go and sit on toilet to assess comfort; likewise at big box store. I'd buy the best wax ring available as that can leak and cause big, smelly messes

[snafu]

Laundry Rm

We've updated and upgraded blank walled laundry/utility rooms in several homes, having bought/sold houses as we moved back and forth across the country due to career promotions. It helps to paint the laundry rm a cheerful colour and add good lighting to see spots that need special attention. The 3 or 4 articulating ceiling light fixture http://arcadianhome.com/tg-w-493 for dreary winter dark days are easy to install. There are cheap versions from on-line discount lighting outlets. I think the laundry needs a practical utility sink in spite of the fact that affordable free standing types are downright ugly. If you install a new tap set in the kitchen, the old faucet likely fits the utility sink. It's very helpful to install a ceiling drop down clothes line since the dryer is the most expensive appliance to operate.

We found it cost efficient to buy old kitchen cupboards from CraigsList or yard sales and paint them Cloud white or the same paint used for walls. You can get terrific prices if you're willing to buy gently used.