I recently did part of work in remodeling my bathroom myself. Then hired a contractor to finish it. I tore out a wall. Then removed old bathtub. I tore up old flooring and tile. I hired a plumber who installed new tub, toliet, and sink and green board around tub, plus tub surround and faucets. I hired a handy person to put down subflooring. Then I hired a professional installer to install tile. I preped all walls and put on two coats of undercoat on walls. Then hired a painter to finish job. The original bid I got for all work with materials was over $5000. by buying all materials myself and doing part of work I did whole job for about $1,500 dollars. That figure included permits. That was a big savings and by time I figured out what my time was worth I saved even more. I also ended up with a very professional job.

Bathrooms should include grab bars that are well set into walls for people to balance themselves. They should be roomy enough to accomodate a Wheelchair or walker. Perhaps when choosing a tub you could choose one that allows you just to step in. These things may be more costly now but your needs will change and then these features will pay for themselves. The shower should be equipped with a water pressure-equalizing device so that when a toilet flushes, someone in shower doesn't experience a sudden increase in water temperature. Also, shower should have a seat. A flexible hose attached to a showerhead makes it easier for someone with disabilities to wash. It also makes it easier to bathe small children or family pet.

Many people now isolate toilet area from rest of bathroom with a partial wall or privacy glass. There are many wonderful features that can be installed in bathrooms now. Heated floors, large windows or extra lightening, ceramic tile, 2 sinks, jacuzzi tubs. Of course ceiling fans are now part of regular options. I installed a skylight as my bathroom is tucked in between bedrooms and garage with no outside wall. These are all things to think about when you are deciding on a bathroom remodel.