Another thing to consider, when determining whether or not kitchen remodeling books and how-to guides are worth the money, is their price. How-to remodeling guides can be purchased online, from most home improvement stores, and most books stores. Each of those locations is likely to sell different books, for different prices. Despite the variation in costs, you will find that most traditional bathroom remodeling books, the ones that tend to focus on a number of different projects, sell for as low as ten dollars. If you are looking for a more detailed remodeling book, you may need to pay a little bit more money. Most specialty bathroom remodeling books start out selling for around fifteen or twenty dollars. Of course, you need to remember that some books will sell for less and some books will sell for more.
From the looks of it, you may be thinking that bathroom remodeling books are more than worth the buy. In most cases, you will find that you are right. However, it is also important to note that you should be able to find the same information online, without having to pay a dime. If are looking to save money, instead of purchasing a remodeling how-to guide, you may want to think about performing a standard internet search online.
Bathroom Remodeling > The Importance of a Tub
Tuesday, January 23rd, 2007
David writes: We are going to remodel our main bathroom. It is small, about 38 sq. ft. total. The tub with shower fixture takes up one wall, with a small vanity and comode. At first my wife wanted to replace the tub with a nice tile shower with a seat built in. Now she feels that if we did that and wanted to sell the house that it would be a problem not having a tub at all. The only other bathroom is off the master bedroom and has a corner shower because it is even smaller and there is no room for anything more. Is it a bad idea to remove the tub and not have a tub at all? I also think we need to strip the walls to the studs and replace the 60’s drywall with the newer water-resistant type, do you agree?
ToolTalk says: Although a growing number of adults prefer the shower over the tub, most home buyers with pets and small children consider tubs to be an important functional feature in a house. So for resale you’ll want to keep that tub. Of course it’s always a good idea to replace old drywall especially if you are remodeling the bathroom anyway. Around the tub or shower you should use moisture-resistant drywall (also known as ‘greenboard’). It’s the same as regular drywall but with a special facing to better resist the steam of a shower and tub. The mosture-resistant drywall is installed in the same was as normal drywall. And if you do remove the original drywall, consider installing new insulation along exterior walls and check for any mold problems. Good luck!
Help Installing Vinyl Floor Tiles
Thursday, January 18th, 2007
Question: How do you measure and cut the stick-on tile, like around a toliet? I know there is a way to get the measurement that isn’t a straight line. It’s been a long time ago since I have done it. Please lay out how it is done. Thank you.
ToolTalk says: To my knowledge there are no secrets. I take some of the wax-paper backing from an already-placed tile and lay it where the cut tile will be installed. With a permanent marker I mark approximately where the tile needs to be cut. Once I have a rough pattern, I lay that on top of the new tile and cut the profile out with a scissors or knife. Be sure to leave the backing on the tile you are cutting (this provides some flexibility to “dry fit” the tile and to make the cut more specific). For the best look, you can empty the toilet and remove it from the floor, cut the tile up to the drain flange and set the toilet back on top of the tile. Taking this extra step will give your tile a professional look. Good luck!
For more tips on working with vinyl floor tile, check out these posts:
Help for an Avocado Green Bathroom
Monday, January 8th, 2007
Katie writes : I am trying to decorate a bathroom with avocado green toilet and shower. Any tips on the paint colour and bath mat colour, etc.?
DesignTalk says: Deep-toned greens like avocado are the perfect shades for color schemes from nature. Because you’re decorating a bathroom, however, we suggest keeping the paint and accent colors on the lighter end of the color cards. We think the color schemes of the following two shower curtain sets would pair well with your avocado fixtures.
Shadow Fern Shower Curtain
Bramble Shower Curtain
As for wall color, very light tan walls would complement the natural color scheme. We like to keep bath towels simple, matched to the bath mats in light tan or white. The Bramble Shower Curtain has towels to match, or choose this 6-piece set in Parchment (light tan).
Don’t forget to include some bath accents that will help pull together the natural look with your avocado ceramics, such as this “Le Bain” bathroom plaque.
It is possible to create a stylish bathroom with colors you can’t change, and we think your avocado bathroom will be lovely. Be sure to send us photos when you’re done redecorating!
ToolTalk: What Comes First, the Toilet or the Tile?
Thursday, December 14th, 2006
 T.J. writes: We’re redoing a bathroom with a ceramic tile floor. Do you tile the entire floor and THEN install the toilet and pedestal sink on top of it, or do you cut the tiles to fit AROUND these items. My husband has asked a tile guy and he says there is no problem with cutting around but I think it would look funny. I think the tile should be done first and the toilet et al installed after. Thank you for your help…
Hello, T.J.:It always looks more professional if you install the tile on the floor first, and cut around drains and pipes. The toilet and sink will fit over and cover where the tile was cut out. Plus, you want to avoid grouting your pedestal and toilet into the tile. How would you replace them without breaking the grout? Also, if you grout the toilet and pedestal you are stuck replacing them with identically-sized replacements. However, if your fixtures go on top of the tile, you have more freedom in the future. The exception would be tiling up tight against a tub or shower because those typically are not replaced as frequently as pedestals and toilets. Bottom line: Install the tub or shower, lay the tile, and install the fixtures at the end. You will not regret it.
Good luck!
To Wallpaper…or Not?
Thursday, November 30th, 2006
 Jeanne writes : I picked out some beautiful silk string wall paper (that went well with a new comforter) for my master bathroom and then realized that it was not a good choice for a bathroom…where there is moisture. Since then I have been unable to find anything as elegant-looking. Is wallpaper still in??
DesignTalk says: You’ve hit a tough question. Ask anyone who has ever had to remove old wallpaper from a room, and you may get a “definitely out” answer. But visit another home where wallpaper has been tastefully done, and you may get an answer like “I wouldn’t decorate without it.”
There are several trends bringing new life to the wallpaper world. One is the photo wall mural, which can be hung like wallpaper or a poster, and brings instant “pop” to any room. Another easy option are Wallies, which are wallpaper cutouts that add easy accents to walls and more. Even easier than that are the new movable, restickable wall accents that can be easily changed with decor.
As for your walls, we agree that a bathroom is an especially challenging room for wallpaper. Not only is moisture an issue, but the small walls, many corners, awkward outlets and other details can make a very tedious job. Our advice is to paint the walls the rich color you liked in the wallpaper you found, and add elegance with wall art and bath accents.
What do others think?
Fresh Ideas for a Yellow Bathroom
Thursday, November 2nd, 2006
 Georgina asks: I have lemon yellow sinks and tub in my bathroom. What colors will work on the walls?
DesignTalk answers: Nature has provided a beautiful palette for your lemon yellow bathroom. Take your cues from daisies, daffodills, and citrus to add splashes of color that will coordinate better than any man-made color scheme.
With so much color already infused into your yellow bathroom fixtures, you could easily get by with white walls. This color scheme reminds us of the one of our favorite flowers: the daisy, which makes such a crisp statement in white and yellow. White can often make a smaller room seem larger, but it can also provide a clean feel to a bathroom. We are fans of white towels, which can be laundered many times and even bleached without fading. Just be sure to use high-quality, plush towels to avoid a hotel feel.
If you have your heart set on more color, consider the associative hues of green and other yellows. Again, nature can guide your choices: think of lush leaves and greenery to form a backdrop for your yellow sinks and tub.
Good luck with your decorating project — and please send us photos of your completed room. Have fun!
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