Bathroom remodel - where to begin?

[Anonymous]

We just selected a contractor for our bathroom remodel. He is able to being work sooner than anticipated and suddenly I'm overwhelmed with how to begin selecting tiles (which I need to do ASAP). It's a small hallway bathroom so we're going with a basic remodel. I looked at tiles at Home Depot and the ones I like don't come in the sizes the contractor suggested. Then I saw a vanity I liked but it was white and the tiles I liked are beige. Do I select a vanity first? Tiles? Any recommendations on how to begin? I thought I'd have a month or so to peruse designs but suddenly I don't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just selected a contractor for our bathroom remodel. He is able to being work sooner than anticipated and suddenly I'm overwhelmed with how to begin selecting tiles (which I need to do ASAP). It's a small hallway bathroom so we're going with a basic remodel. I looked at tiles at Home Depot and the ones I like don't come in the sizes the contractor suggested. Then I saw a vanity I liked but it was white and the tiles I liked are beige. Do I select a vanity first? Tiles? Any recommendations on how to begin? I thought I'd have a month or so to peruse designs but suddenly I don't.

Don't let the contractor pressure you into working on HIS schedule which may force you into making design decisions you later regret. Can you tell the contractor to come back in a month and that that time to do research?

Browse Houzz.com for bathroom inspiration. Unless you are on a supper cheap budget, don't limit yourself to Home Depot. CHeck out local tile stores.

We are in the process of redoing our master bathroom. We are working with a designer and then will put the construction out to bid with several contractors. With our designer, we picked the tile first then cabinet and granite. Now we are onto the tub then faucets and shower.

HTHs.

[Anonymous]

^^If you're not ready to begin, tell your contractor that.

[Anonymous]

Get the tile you like... don't worry about what size he suggests. He probably picked the size based off of easy installation not what will look best.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you for your input. We are fine with the timeframe; it just caught us by surprise. In fact, the upcoming start date works well for us in terms of summer company and travel plans. We are also trying to stick to a fairly tight budget so Home Depot is fine with me. I'm not going to select something I dislike because it's inexpensive but I am guessing I can find products I like there. I am browsing houzz right now, so I appreciate that suggestion. Please feel free to share more insights! I'm learning a lot...

[Anonymous]

Check out some of the tile showrooms. You may find something you like in your price range, and the selection is often better than Home Depot.

[Anonymous]

Be sure to check out Lowes, OP. I liked their tile selection better than Home Depot.

When I planned our bathroom remodel, I started with the tile. It took a while to find one I liked that didn't look too dark, once I took it home and got it in the room. Once I had the tile narrowed down, then I looked for a vanity that looked good with it, then chose the vanity top.

[Anonymous]

Can I ask those of you who have contractors how you started that process?

[Anonymous]

Go to Porcelanosa.
The cost of even expensive tiles is less than the labor.

It is worth it .

[Anonymous]

Check out subway tiles. They are white. I have that in the kids bathroom with a beige sink that is unique and oak vanity.

[Anonymous]

I think that beige tiles go fine with white vanities. Totally, everything white bathrooms look kind of dated to me for some reason.

[Anonymous]

You're a bit limited by lead time, so if you can get the vanity you like now, go with it and match tiles.

Why is your contractor telling you size of tile? If you go with a smaller tile maybe he would want more in labor costs. Maybe he's not skilled with that tile. It's a question you need to ask.

You can also look online for tile, they have lots of stuff in stock to ship immediately. Porcelanosa is nice, but you'll be limited.

[Anonymous]

Light gray tile looks nice with white vanities.

[Anonymous]

We just did this, also on a budget, and I actually started with a backsplash tile that I loved. Chose from flooranddecor.com
I then chose a vanity from wayfair.com that matched (and was on sale) and then picked the floor tiles, faucets, paint color, etc. We didnt replace the tub.

Start with something you love - either a vanity or color scheme and then everything else can be chosen around that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can I ask those of you who have contractors how you started that process?

OP here. I asked here for contractor recommendations and didn't get any. Someone told me to join Angie's List, which I did. I found Angie's List a bit overwhelming as there were over 200 contractors with great recommendations in my area of MOCO alone. We got quotes from 2-3 and a recommendation from a woman in our neighborhood (her contractor was not listed on Angie's List). We liked that contractor the best, references were great, price was good, and we liked his style. Fingers crossed now. I'd suggest asking around and starting there.