1) Anticipate Your Budget Going Over- 9 times out of 10, your remodeling project is going to go over budget because of unexpected expenses. Regardless of which room you decide to remodel, you will typically find your ultimate cost to be about 25 percent higher than your original estimate. The same 25 percent figure also applies to the amount of time it will take to complete the project.

For example, if you have decided to spend $10,000 to remodel your kitchen and give yourself five weeks to finish the job, you can generally expect to end up spending about $12,500 and seven weeks on the project. There are no hard-and-fast rules, but one thing experienced remodeling professionals have learned--always expect the unexpected.

2) Research Everything- Do lots of research concerning the materials you will be using and the specifications of each product. Go to your home improvement store to get test paint color samples. They should be knowledgable about current trends and the latest products on the market. Don't assume that the big box stores are going to have the best prices. Even though they have the buying power, you can find the same extra products online for a lot less because they don't have the overhead of the retail stores.

3) Don't Put Off The Small Items- Once you've decided on your main components, don't forget to spend time on the small things, as well. It's easy to get caught up focusing on the big ticket items, but it's often the interior design details, like trim, accent colors, and hardware that really make a remodeling project come to life.

4) Anticipate Problems and Delays- Inevitably with every project you are going to run into scheduling problems and design flaws. Keep in mind that no two renovation projects are going to be the same, so even experienced renovators are you're going to make mistakes. Odds are you're going to change your mind and do things somewhat differently than you had originally planned, and you're going to run into things that you hadn't anticipated.

5) Higher Price Doesn't Always Mean Higher Quality- This is where the research comes in. For some materials you are only paying for the brand name. Kitchen Cabinets is the perfect example. By researching different cabinet manufacturers and distributors, you will often find that some of the lower priced cabinets offer the same quality at a more affordable price. Other materials, such as windows and basic supplies will generally reflect the quality in their price. Focus on quality and use the best quality of materials you can afford.

Overall, remodeling can be a rewarding experience, if you just follow a few simple rules and use common sense along the way. Whether it will be your first project or you have several under your belt, these rules will apply for all your renovation projects.

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Cabinetry
This can vary widely. For low end, paint grade unfinished cabinets, you can spend an average of $75/linear ft, to the upper end of $250/linear foot with an additional $100/foot to finish.

Plumbing
The average price of the plumbing will depend on how much work is involved. Do you plan to just install new fixtures, or will you need to move the toilet or shower from the existing location? If you are just changing fixtures, you can expect to spend an average of $600; if you need to make major plumbing changes, you could spend up to $2,600. Adding a Jacuzzi tub can add at least $1,000 to the budget.

Mirrors
Budget $200-$500 for mirrors. Mirrors can be as simple as standard size mirrors with no framing to custom cut mirrors from a glass shop or decorative mirrors that match your design.

Lighting & Electrical
Changing out light fixtures can start at an average of $100 and up; to change the layout of the existing lighting, adding recessed can lights and installing quiet exhaust fans can cost up to $1,500.

Flooring
The average floor labor install can cost between $4-$6/square ft, and the material can cost $2-$20/square ft. Most bathrooms have tiled floor, but concrete, vinyl and wood are also alternatives.

Shower
An average one piece surround shower will cost $400; if you plan to add a tile shower, you can expect the averages to be similar to the flooring averages outlined above. This will be highly dependant on the material you choose. Adding a frameless shower door can average $1,000.

Drywall/Paint
For simple textured walls, an average budget is $600, while an artistic or plaster finish can cost up to $2,500.

Countertops
A prefabricated cultured marble top with integrated sink can cost $100. A natural stone top, such as granite or marble can cost an average of $65/square ft, which includes material, fabrication and installation.

Accessories
Accessories include towel bars, toilet paper holders and hooks. A good budget amount is $100-$500 depending on the finish. Simple chrome fixtures are at the lower end; oil rubbed bronze is considered higher end.

Labor costs will be the biggest factor to consider, and is dependent on your labor market. Before starting any remodel project, make a list of all planned changes, and prepare a detailed budget for each item. It is easy to go over budget on any remodel project.

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