Kirsten Kemp's Remodeling Tips

EXPECTATION: We'll buy tile when we need it — it will be in stock, there will be a lot to choose from and it won’t be that expensive. We are still in the framing phase of the job. Let’s not get too hasty and spend the money now on tile, a toilet, the tub and sinks. We'll get all of that later.

REALITY: You are already paying for change orders out the wazoo, and your timeline just doubled. As soon as you decide to remodel the master bath, start ripping out pictures from magazines that you like and start sourcing all of the items you will need. Once you find them, purchase them and get them on-site. A great way to research the costs and comparison-shop is to use the Internet.

HOT TIP: To save on both material and labor costs, measure your backsplash space based on installing full tiles (if you’re using 3-inch tiles, plan to go 6 or 9 inches high, not 8, etc.), and make sure your plugs are either below or above where the backsplash stops.