Matt Muenster's Top 7 Bath Remodel Tips

The bathroom remains one of the top home remodels, and the Jacksonville Home + Patio Show is bringing in one of the nation's top bath experts to provide tips and advice for renovating and improving this space. Matt Muenster, host of DIY Network's Bath Crashers will be appearing live at the show this fall.

Can't wait to see Matt at the show? Here are Matt's Top 7 Bath Remodel Tips - just what you need to know as you start thinking about renovating your space.

1. The best place to start with any remodeling project is the budget. Not only will it have a big impact on the type of materials you select for your bathroom renovation, it will also help you set the boundaries of your design. Knowing what you can really afford to spend will make it a lot easier to decide what items you want to replace, and where you need to get creative!

2. Be brutally honest about your DIY skill level. Assess which projects to do yourself and which are better left to the pros. You could save yourself a ton of money in the long run if you don't have to call someone in to fix a project you've messed up. The best way to find a good contractor is to seek referrals from friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and others who've had remodeling work done.

Marketplace Events Tip: Don't know many people who've worked with a contractor or taken on a project like that? Referral based websites like Angie's List and HomeStars are a great place to find a company you can trust. 

3. Want to save some big bucks remodeling your bathroom? Consider refinishing existing items such as your bathtub, shower, sink, or tile. With refinishing you'll only pay a small fraction (as little as 10%) of the cost of replacement. Your bathroom won't be torn up for weeks, you'll avoid the big renovation mess, and you've put one less big ol' tub in a landfill.

4. Don't underestimate the importance of lighting in a bathroom. Sconce lighting at the vanity is the ideal way to get even lighting on your face, and installing it at eye level will help diminish unflattering shadows. Dim lighting is nice for a relaxing bath; bright lights are great for shaving or applying makeup. Adding more overall lighting can make a small bathroom seem larger.

5. Don't want your budget to skyrocket? Don't move your plumbing. On the surface, switching your sink and toilet around may look easy enough, but the problem lies underneath. Moving all that plumbing can be really expensive. Besides, if you spend less on moving fixtures, you'll have more to spend on that new sleek shower system or vanity you've been eyeing.

6. Some of the most effective updating in a bathroom can also be the easiest and the cheapest. Changing out all the hardware, such as drawer pulls, faucet handles, and showerheads, can have a big impact. Be sure to use the same finish, such as stainless steel, aged bronze, or brushed nickel, to keep the room looking cohesive.

7. Ventilation. Ventilation. Ventilation. Moisture is your bathroom's greatest enemy. Mold and mildew will make quick work of any renovation you've done, so be sure to install a vent fan of appropriate CFMs for the square footage of your bathroom. The rough guide is one CFM per square foot for bathrooms of one hundred square feet or smaller. New designs are quieter and more stylish than ever, and are a must have for any bathroom remodel.

Do these tips have you itching to start your bathroom remodel? Get more great advice and ideas from Matt Muenster at the Jacksonville Home + Patio Show. The home and garden event of the season takes over the Prime Osborn Convention Center October 1-4, 2015. Matt will be appearing live on October 2nd, 3rd & 4th - don't miss him!

Haven't bought your tickets yet? Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook. Treat a friend or family member to the show! We can't wait to see you there!

PRIME OSBORN CONVENTION CENTER
OCTOBER 1-4, 2015.