At Abbas & Company we always ensure that only quality advice is provided for our clients, we never do a job only because the client thinks it's nice to have or the cheapest solution. Daily we refuse jobs because they simply do not make sense and the client is simply doing for the cheapest solution available. For example, covering your bathtub with plastic or acrylic might solve your budget problems but it will not solve your real problems of mould, aesthetics, or bathroom damage. Simply masking a problem with a cheap solution only makes it worse and will only depreciate you're in the end. This article will go into detail about the importance of having a good general understanding of the do's and don'ts when planning your bathroom renovation.

When renovating a bathroom, the flooring is usually the first and simplest decision to finalize. There is really only one choice, stone flooring. In this category we have granite, marble, ceramics, or porcelain. Many might now be saying in their head "oh well what about vinyl or sheet tile?", for which we simply plastic on your floor is not a good idea. Vinyl and sheet is known to give off toxic fumes and does a terrible job at keeping water out. Ceramics and granite are considerably superior to all other forms of flooring for your bathroom because they benefit from cement and grout in between the joints to prevent moisture from seeping through. At Abbas & Company we use bio-block grout to also prevent bacteria from building up in between the joints. In addition to this the home value will increase when you install stone flooring and it will depreciate when you install anything else. We even have some clients suggesting hardwood in the bathroom, for which we quickly advise against because wood + water = bad idea. Thus for these reasons stone flooring is the best way to go for your bathroom renovation project.

Next on the list of planning would be the bathtub area, which includes the backboard support, the plumbing, the bathtub, and the faucets. In Ottawa the cost of Bathtubs is so low that it would not make sense to "repair" the bathtub rather than replace it. The costs of a basic bathtub can range from $100-500 for your standard bathtubs; the price is dependent on whether you get a corner tub or a large tub. You can always go with a Jacuzzi style tub, which can be $500+ depending on what you go with.

We at Abbas & Company strongly recommend cement backboard because it is the best solution to prevent moisture buildup. We have seen many home owners go with a "water proof" drywall or even worse, a standard drywall when renovating the bathroom. We advise against this and always recommend home owners go with a stronger and more resistant cement board.

When renovating your bathroom always make sure you get your plumbing upgraded to the modern systems since you are rebuilding that area. We highly recommend that clients use copper pipes for the water and re-enforced plastic pipes for the drainage. The rest is based on taste and preferences, whether to go with a standard shower, hand shower, turn knob, etc. After you have decided on the fixtures, the toilet is next to be reviewed. We have noticed a significant increase in the demand for Dual Flush Toilets. This toilet allows users to select the level of water consumption thus minimizing water usage therefore providing significant water savings.

To backlash or not to backsplash, this is always the question. Having an elegant backsplash provides the finishing touches to your bathroom. A backsplash can be whatever length you choose but standard height is 4-6 feet depending on the style. A backsplash tends to have the top peace decorated while the remainder standard tiles; sometimes a highlight tile is installed to add a nice look to the bathroom. Adding a backsplash is important and adds the richness that every bathroom needs.

The mirror and vanity, at this point it is all up to your personal preference. Every home owner has their own idea of what mirror and vanity goes into the bathroom renovations therefore there is nothing to recommend with regards to best value. A vanity and the mirror act as the central peaces to the kitchen therefore sticking with a marble counter is always a good idea and perhaps a mirror with nice lighting will further beautify your bathroom. Depending on the size of your bathroom one can go with a European fully finished vanity that rises to the ceiling, has crown molding, built in pot-lights, and a beautiful rich oak finish sitting on an exotic granite or quartz counter. Or perhaps an exotic or modern simple vanity with a sheik mirror. The important thing to keep in mind is the bathroom flow, everything should match or complement the design.

To summarize, when attempting a bathroom renovations there are many important things to consider before undertaking the task. When planning a successful an Ottawa bathroom renovation project keeping in mind the things to avoid and recommendations made by this article will put you ahead of many others. The advice given in this article is provided by the Expert Renovators at Abbas & Company Inc.