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13 Big Ideas for Small Bathrooms

1Big Ideas for Small Baths

Courtesy National Kitchen & Bath Association

A few things all old house lovers are familiar with: Drafty windows, less-than-perfect plumbing, squeaky floorsand small bathrooms. While new home baths have nearly doubled in size over the past 30 years, old home bathrooms average about 5- by 8-feet.

Not to worry, though: You can combat the claustrophobia by scaling down to physically save space. (Pedestal sink, anyone?) And, with the right colors and lighting, you can create the illusion of a roomy bath.

Here, we dig into the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Design Competition archives to deliver great ideas from Certified Kitchen Designers that you can use in your next small bathroom remodel.

2Rich, Asian-Inspired Design

Courtesy National Kitchen & Bath Association

This homeowner wanted to bring her home out of the 1980s with contemporary Asian design, so the powder room vanity was inspired by a Japanese kaidantansu (stepped chest), which contributes fluidity of design in the cramped quarters. The use of rich and dark colors makes the walls of the small space recede.

Designer: Debbie R. Gualco, Co-designers: Denae C. Baggs, AKBD & Leah C. Pugh, CKD, Reynolds Gualco Architecture & Interior Design, Sacramento, CA

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13 Big Ideas for Small Bathrooms | This Old House

To get this designer look, mix marble countertops, furniture-style cabinetry,and paneled wainscoting with mirror frames and flooring that look like weathered wood. Choose fixtures, faucets, lighting, and hardware that incorporate sleek tweaks into traditional lines and shapes.

If you want a stylish powder room for guests, but you dont have time or money for a full bathroom remodel, focus on updating the bath vanity. See four ways to update a half bath or small bathroom using in-stock materials.

Give your tub alcove a custom look by adding a paneled side and a tiled wall niche, both doable DIY projects. Marble tiles on the tub surround add to the high-end look.

Create a bold new bath with these stylish design ideas, in classic black and white.

A brushed nickel light fixture (#27219) complements the modern finishings in this bathroom. The subway tiles (#64396) run vertically for an unexpected twist. Durable Valspar paint in Skyward contrasts nicely with the white tile on the walls.

This stylish bathroom incorporates accent tiles in small doses. Decorative tiles around the bathtub create an eye-catching tub surround. The crisp white walls get a boost from tiles-turned-wall art. Patterned tiles around the mirror serve as a one-of-a-kind frame.

This light-filled bathroom mixes several tile colors and tile types to create a soothing natural color scheme. The espresso double vanity adds contemporary styling and vanity lights (#35151) above the tile-framed mirrors provide task lighting.

The high ceilings in this bathroom are balanced with pendant light fixtures (#8337) that hang above the separate vanities. The glass vessel sinks and chrome faucets provide a fresh, airy contrast to the dark tones of the cabinetry and tile.

A basic tub surround is transformed with tile. Here, white tiles arranged in a vertical running brick bond (#255052) -- the traditional brick arrangement -- get a decorative lift from a strip of black-and-white mosaic glass tiles (#255044) just above eye level.

This bath vanity gets a new life with a fresh coat of paint and new cabinet pulls. An updated vanity top, sink, faucet, and backsplash complete the look.

A new coat of paint, a contemporary vanity, and a vessel sink transform a once-bland bathroom to a stylish retreat. A four-bulb vanity light and recessed lights provide the right amount of illumination. A graphic area rug ties all the colors together.

Large tiles (#235890) cover the top portion of the shower surround in this bathroom. Arranged on a diagonal, they make the bathroom appear larger. Smallerstone tiles in a lighter shade add texture to the room and provide contrast to the larger tiles.

A new vanity with a marble top (#319961) adds instant appeal to this bathroom. The brushed nickel cabinet hardware coordinates with the new faucet and light fixture (#5232), while blue shower tilescontrast with Valspar Moose Mousse-colored walls.

More Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Make a small bath stunning with an easy spring makeover thats all about color, shine, and surfaces. Update a single element or transform the entire bath.

Create a shared space that works for the entire family with affordable updates that add storage, function, and style.

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Bathroom Remodel Ideas

Find more information below on the costs of common accessories included in a bathroom remodel, along with design ideas and considerations concerning hiring a remodeling bathroom contractor. You want to get the best bathroom possible for your dime, so make sure you are armed with plenty of knowledge before you start calling.

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Determining your budgetcould be tricky when planning your renovation. A large factor in determining cost will be the size of your bathroom, ranging from small to medium or master bathroom size. The fixtures you will need to fit in your bathroom will range in price depending on their size. The list of fixtures involved inremodeling a bathroom can include elements like faucets and fixtures, floor plan changes (like converting a half bath to full bath), new showers or baths, new flooring, countertops, cabinets and lighting. This long list of comes with a lot of different prices and options to compare before choosing what to buy for your bath remodel.

Here is a chart with some of the many options involved in a bathroom remodel, including the least expensive (small) to most expensive (master) costs for each:

Remember: you don't have to include all of these items in your bathroom remodel, unless you're building a whole new bathroom from scratch. You always have the option to add some piecessink, toilet and lighting fixturesafter you've done the bigger projects to spread out costs. Also consider that some of these projectsbathtub installation/remodel, shower installation or cabinet installationhave smaller, cheaper alternatives. For example, you can refinish cabinets to make them look brand new and flow with the new bathroom for less money. There is also the option of replacing faucets and other plumbing fixtures, which costs less than replacing bathtubs and showers.

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Small bathrooms are often less expensive to remodel than larger bathrooms because they have less square footage. This means fewer materials involved to make them look brand new, and their cost will be on the low range of the chart above since you need less of them or their smaller sizes to fit in the bathroom. The cost of labor will also be lower because the time spent toremodel a small bathroom won't be as long as a large bathroom, unless the professionals run into snags with the electricity or plumbing. However, there is still a lot of heavy lifting, planning and general time involved in the process. Here are some cost factors you might deal with in the midst of a small bathroom remodel:

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Why do you want to remodel the bathroom? Is it to modernize the functionality of your current bathroom? To update the style and color? Who is this bathroom for: female, male, adult or kid? Ask yourself if the bathroom design style should be classic or contemporary, mid-century modern or Bohemian chic. How will it flow with the rest of the house based on the style you choose?

Does your bathroom fit your lifestyle? Maybe you live a fast-paced lifestyle where you never have time for more than a quick shower in the morning. Perhaps you like a long, leisurely, relaxing soak in a jacuzzi tub at night. Either way, how you plan to design the bathroom reflects both your aesthetic taste and lifestyle, and all of this impacts your costs and price range for accessories.

Approach your contractor with many examples of your remodel ideas, including pictures from home decor magazines, links to bathroom design ideas on the web and paint chips from the hardware store. The more information a contractor has ahead of time, the more yourbath remodel ideas will turn out exactly how you want it.

Here are someremodeled bathroom examples that might help you define how to remodel your bathroom:

Once you have ideas for your renovation planned out, the next step is to find accessories for yourremodeled bathroom in your price range. If your idea for the bathroom doesn't fit exactly within a type of style like modern or contemporary, you may need to hire a professional craftsman to custom build accessories like the vanity, countertop or mirror frame. These specialized contractors will have different prices for their work depending on the material you want the accessories made from and how they calculate their prices: by the hour, job or otherwise.

However, if you want to stay close within your budget, there is the option to buy accessories like sinks, toilets, countertop materials, cabinets and different lighting options at home improvement stores. They have a variety of options when it comes to items like bath lighting, toilets, sinks, vanities and cabinetry because they come straight from different manufacturers. Of course, you might leave the selection to your general contractor if you're uncertain about buying what fits best within your budget and design. Contractors often also have wider access to bath remodel accessories because of their personal relationships with manufacturers. This also means they could buy them for better prices than at a home improvement store.

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An experienced contractor should be able to give you a written schedule and list of the construction tasks they are going to perform and what their deadlines are for the completion of each task. This helps prevent disagreements along the way and gives you clear expectations about how long the project should take to complete when remodeling a bathroom.

A bathroom remodel is often a lengthy project, and thus a contractor may ask for money in advance of the work being started and after completion of specific milestones along the way. Make sure that the payment schedule and total amount is agreed upon and put in writing before the start of the project. Then at the end of the project, the contractor will be able to give you an itemized list of everything included in the remodel and how much it costs in total.

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A bathroom remodel involves various areas of expertise: construction, plumbing, electrical and lighting. Talk to your bathroom remodel contractor at the start of the project about how they deal with mistakes, damage and repairs that may arise. Make sure the work will be backed up by an expressed warranty or guarantee. You want to get the value of a new bathroom for the amount of money you are paying the remodeling contractor. What you don't want is the additional cost of repairs and maintenance for mistakes made in the initial remodel.

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2017 Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide | Average Cost Estimates

How do I determine my bathroom layout?Bathrooms can be tricky to layout, especially when theyre tight on space. If your family doesn't take many baths, don't feel the need to include a bathtub; you can use that extra space for a double vanity or large storage cabinet instead. On the other hand, some future buyers might want a tub, so be sure there's at least one in the house. Walk-in showers are also one of the more popular bathroom ideas, though they take up space, while bathtub and shower combos are the best of both worlds. If you have a large family, you might want to separate the toilet and shower from the sink so multiple people can get ready at once. Ultimately, what is practical for your family will probably also be practical for future buyers, so go with what works for you first and foremost. Also, be aware of the National Kitchen and Bath Association planning guidelines so that you and your contractor can plan a safe and functional bathroom layout that meets proper code compliance.How can I add more bathroom storage?Vanities are getting bigger and bigger every year, and for good reason bathroom storage is in constant demand. Because of this, think about ways that you can add more to your space. A lot of successful bathroom ideas feature an oversized or double vanity, while wall-mounted cabinets and medicine cabinets are helpful too. If space is at a minimum, recessed or built-in designs can help save precious elbow room while adding enough spots to stash your toiletries. Organization is key to space-saving bathrooms, so within any cabinets or shelving you add, incorporate drawer organizers, trays and bins to keep smaller accessories in check. As you look through bathroom pictures, try to keep an eye out for how each one incorporates storage into its design; youre better off with too much than not enough!What materials should I use in my bathroom design?Because the layout and storage options are pretty standard, picking interesting materials is key for helping any bathroom remodeling project stand out. Tile offers a wide variety of colors and styles, which makes it a popular flooring choice, while mosaic tiles are common in showers. The grout can be challenging to clean though, so stone or granite might be better shower alternatives. Just like in a kitchen, implementing a fun tile backsplash or countertop color can help liven up otherwise dull bathrooms. And last but not least, don't forget the hardware! Cabinet pulls, shower heads and faucets come in a variety of finishes, which allows you to add bits and pieces of personality into bathroom designs of all styles.How do I decorate my bathroom?No remodel is complete until the finishing touches have been added in this case, the bathroom decor. In this particular room, the term decor can be used rather loosely; even a toilet paper holder can add to the style of the space if chosen correctly. Pick fixtures with finishes that reflect the look you are trying to achieve, and match or coordinate soap dispensers, toothbrush holders and wastebaskets for a cohesive feel. If youre lucky enough to have extra counter or wall space, add some artwork or a decorative vase with fresh flowers. For those that arent looking to do a full renovation, smaller scale bathroom design ideas can be achieved by simply swapping out some of your old accessories and changing the color scheme with new linens or paint. Dont be afraid to combine similar yet different bathroom decorating ideas to create a look thats completely unique to your home.

For kids bathroom design, consider bright colors and unique patterns, but also keep in mind that children do outgrow trends pretty quickly, so steer clear of fads. Safety is of the utmost importance in a kids bathroom, so make sure you have things like tub mats, faucet covers and a cover clamp for your toilet (depending on age). Plenty of bathroom remodeling ideas accommodate both children and adults in the design, so go ahead and have a little fun with yours!

Originally posted here:
Bathroom Design Ideas, Remodels & Photos

For the majority of us, our dream kitchen is usually imagined as a glittering showplace, filled with granite islands stretching toward a faraway horizon and sparkling appliances that instantly make you a Michelin chef.

Truth is, unless youre rich enough to be able to buy your home complete with these dream kitchens and bathrooms, remodeling is the affordable option.

This is where the experts come into play and the more expert help you can get to help you imagine your new dream spaces, the better your options will be on choices and cost control.

Every kitchen or bathroom renovation is different and unique, said Barrett Rivera, owner of Riveras Flooring, Kitchens and More, based in Brooksville, Florida. Every customers needs are different and I customize every bathroom or kitchen according to their tastes.

Rivera, and his wife Shawnda, have built their business on quality work, good customer service and word of mouth recommendations. Their business showroom is located at 19239 Cortez Blvd. in Brooksville Florida, and spreads over 4,000 square feet displaying various styles of kitchens with high-end appliances, beautiful tile, quality accessories, marble including Carrera and Travertine as well as carpet and vinyl flooring.

We started off with a 2,000 sq. ft. showroom about 2 years ago, said Rivera. But because there are so many different styles, fixtures and price ranges, we recently expanded by another 2,000 sq. ft.

Riveras wife, Shawnda said, So many people want to visualize a kitchen in place complete with appliances and those extra special accessories like faucets, spice racks and coffee stations. They like to touch and feel the different textures on counters and back splashes, so we invested $100,000 in extra showroom space to display several styles of kitchens and bathrooms for customers to experience, she said.

The average cost of a bathroom or kitchen renovation, including demolition and removal of the old fixtures is difficult to determine. Generally, new kitchens and bathrooms dont come cheap. Does the remodel require moving walls, installing new floors, high-end appliances and fixtures? And, if you own an older home, theres no way to know what might be found when you open up that wall.

Cost depends on so many factors especially if the footprint of the old kitchen or bathroom has to be reconfigured. Theres also the question of whether permitting with the local authority is necessary. Finding that good contractor that will work with you in reducing costs across the board yet still providing quality work is gold.

Whether building or remodeling, theres a step-by-step process that occurs in sequence and an experienced contractor can make that happen smoothly.

Although every kitchen or bathroom remodel is unique, said Rivera, we still have to go through a process that includes planning, demolition, installation and restoration.

Figuring out the best layout, style and finish depends on the homeowners tastes, budget and circumstances. For example, how is the space used? Does someone spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking, or does the homeowner host frequent dinner parties? Hiring a contractor like Rivera will take you through this process painlessly.

Once you know the process, the next step is to decide your style and materials.

This is the most exciting part for customers, said Rivera. Choosing the color, style, layout and materials they desire makes their kitchen or bathroom come to life.

When pricing a remodel, Rivera explained that he always plans for unforeseen expenses.

Demolition time is when plumbing and electrical issues crop up, he said. Thats when we know exactly what issues may arise and even when the space is cleared and ready to receive flooring and cabinets, there are many more issues that can emerge.

Walls may be out of square, floors and ceilings may not be level, said Rivera. Sometimes these issues are not known until were actually installing the cabinets.

Then theres the planning to be considered.

Trying to fit too much into the space available might bring disappointment, Rivera said. Try to be realistic about what is required in your space.

Ordering special cabinets and tile, fixtures can takes weeks to deliver and sometimes, the suppliers deliver the wrong materials.

All of this is built into the schedule, said Rivera. The average timeline for a new kitchen or bathroom is approximately 2 weeks once all the choices on style and materials are finalized and no last minute changes, said Rivera. But things can and do happen, and we have to be prepared so we can work according to schedule.

When considering a potential remodeling job, Rivera advises his customers to think about the added value to their home.

Updating a kitchen and bathroom will reap rewards years later at resale time, said Rivera. Any homeowner thinking about remodeling should think longterm. No crazy colors, and only pick stuff thats classy and timeless so that 10 years down the road, your home is attractive and sales worthy, he said.

We regularly visit kitchen and bathroom shows and conferences so we can keep abreast of current trends, added Shawnda.

Riveras Flooring, Kitchens and More is not just about remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. Riveras is an experienced contractor for any kind of project small or large and also a fully licensed to build up to three stories high. Riveras also designs and constructs outdoor fireplaces and kitchens, as well as outdoor brick pavers.

I recommend coming to our showroom to see our kitchens and bathrooms, said Shawnda. We can also bring samples to your home and provide a free in-home design consultation.

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Dreams turn into reality - Hernando Sun

Laura Firszt More Content Now

Any home renovation is challenging, but a small bathroom remodel has got to be one of the greatest challenges of all. Combining form and function in a scanty space demands extra-careful planning. But dont worry; the gorgeous results will be worth it. And heres help six essential tips to make your bathroom remodel a success.

1. Work with what you have. Dont try to squeeze a full-sized home spa into a teeny amount of space. Remember, its not just a question of fitting in all the fixtures you need; youll also have to allow for clearance. These are suggested minimum bathroom sizes:Bathroom with tub 40 sq. ft. +Bathroom with shower 36 sq. ft. +Powder room toilet and sink only 15 sq. ft. (Most local building codes specify a minimum of 12.5 sq. ft.)

2. Plan your layout carefully. Whatever the square footage of a bathroom remodel, homeowners can cut costs with bathroom ideas that dont relocate the plumbing stack. And in your below-average-sized bath, the right layout will save you money and space. Steal a few extra inches by eliminating a linen cupboard and/or choosing scaled down fixtures. For instance, while a standard bath measures 60x32-inches, you might want to opt for a tub that is only 54x30-inches. Use the walls to their best advantage, by installing a compact floating sink and tankless toilet. Go vertical with storage, too, stacking cabinets and shelves up to the ceiling.

3. Choose the right doors. In a small bathroom remodel, clearance is uber important. For your shower, avoid a swing door; go for a simple curtain, sliding door, or half wall instead. By the same token, open shelving tends to be more practical than cupboards. Room for the bathroom door itself to swing into the room also takes up a lot of space. You might try the idea I used a few homes ago when faced with a minuscule powder room; I had the door hung so it opened outward rather than into the bath. This made the powder room less cramped and easier to clean, but you did have to be careful when opening the door.

4. Make laundry machines part of the plan. All too often, small bathroom makeovers offer a dual challenge finding room for the facilities and squeezing a washer and dryer into an already limited space. Stacked, a washer/dryer combo forms a column 24-27-inches wide by 27-inches deep by 70-75-inches tall, which can be hidden behind a space-saving pocket door or integrated into the cabinetry if you like. To save valuable space, consider a ventless condensation dryer or a combination unit. Install handy pullouts, like a shelf for folding or an ironing board.

5. Work out a realistic budget. Do your homework by researching prices before you commit to your small bathroom renovation. Unfortunately remodeling a bathroom of, say, 45 square feet wont cost half the price of 90, mostly because you will still need the same basic fixtures and supplies. There are some savings, though. Youll be buying smaller quantities of certain materials, such as tile. Whats more, you may be able to score a couple of bargains; a cut-price granite remnant could be just the right size to top your modestly sized vanity. Be sure to allow at least 10-15 percent above the bathroom remodel cost estimate to allow for cutting and overruns.

6. Schedule contractors carefully. If youre doing a full bathroom remodel, youll be working with several different types of home improvement professionals to get the job done plumbers, tilers, electricians, perhaps painters, and so on. There simply wont be enough space for several people to work in your undersized bathroom at the same time. Schedule their work in a logical order the tile contractor after the drywall professional, for example.

Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.

Excerpt from:
Networx: Small bathroom remodel: 6 essential tips - Arkansas News

Guido Mieth/Getty ImagesStyles come and go, but if your bathroom looks the same as it did in the 1980s, it might be time for an upgrade.

Remodeling your bathroom doesnt just make it look modern. Bathroom remodeling also can include more energy-efficient fixtures, so you use less water and electricity, and save money.

Before you decide to repaint, retile or replace anything in your bathroom, you want to first answer the question: How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?

It really depends on what you plan to do and the size of the bathroom.

If youre looking for help to finance bathroom remodeling, check the personal loan rates at Bankrate.com.

The average cost to remodel a bathroom is just under $10,000. For the most part, people who decided to remodel their bathrooms spent from $5,910 to $13,835.

To be sure, you can pay less than the average if you only make a few simple changes to your bathroom or if you do the work yourself. Even so, if you want a complete makeover, you might spend considerably more.

Your bathroom remodeling depends on your goals. Some options will dramatically increase the cost. Others wont. Before you start to remodel, its a good idea to determine the scale of the project so that you can avoid going over budget.

If youd like to keep the cost of your bathroom remodeling on the low side or at least lower than the average cost, you have options. Instead of completely rearranging the bathroom, its less expensive to leave the sink, bathtub, shower and toilet where they are. Simply swap the older models for newer, updated versions.

If you dont have a lot to spend on countertops, you can get lower-end granite or another lower-priced material. You also can cut costs by purchasing lighting, flooring and cabinets off the shelf instead of installing custom fixtures.

If you have a bit more to spend, you can upgrade your remodeling in a few ways. One option is to get higher-quality, custom countertops, such as quartz or custom-cut granite.

Also, you may want to invest in higher-quality fixtures, such as faucets made of bronze or copper and solid wood, glazed cabinets.

Another big ticket job is moving the shower, tub, sink and/or toilet from one part of the room to another. That also boosts the price tag.

Remodeling a bathroom has several benefits for the homeowner, aside from making the room look better and improving its function. You can recoup around 60 percent of the cost of remodeling when you sell your home, as long as the changes you make are appealing.

Adding another sink to a master bathroom, improving the lighting and making the shower function better are a few examples of bathroom updates that pay off in the long run.

If youre considering a home-equity loan to pay for bathroom remodeling, check out the rates at Bankrate.com.

Originally posted here:
A lower-cost bathroom remodel - Bankrate.com

Watertown added $1,020,264 in new construction this July, a figure slightly less than July 2016's total of $1,077,876. Since the beginning of 2017, the city has added $28,608,404 in new construction value.

July saw a slight uptick in new home construction with permits for four new houses issued to a variety of area builders. Permits were issued to Allan Builders for a $321,000 home at 1400 Kimberly Court, Loos Custom Homes for a $170,900 home at 617 Green Ridge Circle, White Oak Builders for a $160,000 home at 909 Casey Drive, and Ballzhi Construction Co. for a $140,000 home at 810 Casey Drive. Not including condos or duplexes, 12 new homes have been built in the city so far this year, a number on pace to match or exceed 2016's annual total of 19 homes.

Other permits in July were issued to: Jon Boettcher for a deck at 210 S. Eighth St.; Joshua Schuett for a shed at 1119 N. Fourth St.; Kristofer Kugath for a porch rebuild at 615 W. Main St.; Chris Tolliver for a pool deck at 809 Fieldstone Way, Justin Biefeldt for a shed at 124 West Haven Drive; Michael Yenser for a dance studio remodel at 809 Station St.; Peirick Builders for a new deck at 814 N. Church St.; Gary and Christine Kaiser for a rec room and bathroom at 321 Creekside Court.

Dale and Marianna Werner for a shed at 526 Grey Fox Run; Preferred Builders of Watertown for a sunroom addition at 1238 N. Water St.; Chris and Sandra Blum for a detached garage at 1314 River Drive; Rory and Stephanie Colvin for a new porch at 105 Lynn St.; Sears Home Improvement for a bath remodel at 918 Carol St.; Samuel and Danielle Wood for a deck at 602 Cobblestone Way; Al Gruenwald for a shed at 201 Oak Hill Court; Basement Repair Specialists for basement drain tile at 1014 Labaree St.; Kerzner Remodeling Inc. for a bathroom remodel at 520 Rockview Court; Mike Yenser for a wall and opening at 500 Milford St.

Tundraland Home Improvements for a bathroom remodel at 1220 Sand St.; Paul Davis Restoration for fire repair at 1430 Henry St.; Shoen Contractors for a deck at 715 Autumn Crest Drive; Dehnert and Co. for a four season room at 721 N. Water St.; Wendy Seeber for new walls at 423 N. Church St.; Emrath Construction for a pool deck at 126 N. Concord Ave.; Peirick Custom Construction for a bath remodel at 400 Lexington Court; Jerry Hackbarth for a landing roof at 111 N. Concord Ave.; Virginia DeBlant for a deck at 810 Casey Drive; Brandon Woinowski for a wall header at 1102 Doris St.; Robert Perri for a shed at 713 Belmont Drive; and Tim Gutzdorf for a railing replacement at 903 S. Ninth St.

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Building permits for July similar to last year - Watertown Daily Times

In a recent blog post on this site, George Taninecz wrote on the importance of finding the right tool for a job. He nailed it, but Id like to try my own twist on Georges topic: finding the right job for the tool.

We all have strengths lets think of them as tools with which we approach everything in our lives. And within our organizations, or our families, usually there are others with skills complementary to our own. My controller is a better accountant than I am, and my wife is a better cook, so we get better results when I dont do the bookkeeping at work, or the cooking at home.

The challenge is to be sure that every job is undertaken by the appropriate tool and the first step should be to make sure that we understand exactly what job needs to be done.

If you have a sore back and go to see a surgeon, the odds are pretty high that shell recommend surgery. If, instead, you go to a chiropractor, the odds are similarly high that hell recommend manipulation. But its important to know which of them is providing the correct analysis of the situation. In both cases, unless youre completely cynical, you can assume that the recommended treatments are based on each specialists patient-centered diagnosis. They have seen what they are trained to see, and they want to do what they are trained to do. The problem is that

When youre a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

Does that matter? Its certainly possible that either treatment could fix your back. But its also possible that either treatment could make your problem worse. The wrong tool for a job can cause more damage than it repairs.

Now take that concept to work. A colleague of mine says that there are three distinct types of people in various professions: Finders, Grinders and Minders. Think of them as three different tools. If youre hiring a sales manager to help you grow your business, the tool you need is a Finder, to go out and locate new customers and reel them in. If youre hiring a sales manager to help you perfect the details of a complex customer service problem, the tool you need is a Grinder, to follow procedures consistently and thoroughly. If youre hiring a sales manager to keep established customers satisfied, the tool you need is a Minder, staying in touch with key accounts, responding to their whims, and keeping them happy. Those are three very different skill sets, and three very different tools; applying the wrong tool to the job can lead to disaster.

Why?

Because that charming, glad-handing Finder could easily be lousy at getting the details right, while the diligent Grinder may well have poor social skills. Most dangerously, each of them sees the issue solely through the lens of their own expertise. And so do you; so do we all. None of us can be expert in every aspect of every job we tackle. Its essential that we recognize this, and that we employ a diverse range of skills and viewpoints for the tasks at hand, rather than try to do everything ourselves.

So: Be careful. Whatever it is that youre good at, be sure not to apply that skill to the wrong task. Im pretty analytical, and I have a basic (very basic, my wife would say) understanding of mechanical systems, so it seemed obvious to me that I could handle a bathroom remodeling project myself. No need for expensive plumbers or electricians, and think of all the time Id save not to mention the sense of pride Id feel when the project was done.

Do I need to tell you how that turned out?

Not well. In fact, the job took fourtimes as long as I had thought, and cost twiceas much, and resulted in half(or less) as much pride. Every time I use that room (which, with professional help, turned out beautifully, by the way), I am humbled.

Dont be a tool. Find the right job first.

Alec Pendleton took control of a small, struggling, family business in Akron, Ohio, at an early age. Upon taking the helm, he sold off the unprofitable divisions and rebuilt the factory, which helped to quadruple sales of the remaining division within seven years. These decisions and the thousands of others he made over his time as president and CEO ensured that his small manufacturing business thrived and stayed profitable for the generation to come. The culmination of a lifetime of experience, accumulated wisdom, and a no-nonsense approach to looking at the books allows him to provide a unique perspective. Big Ideas for Small Companiesfeaturing Alec Pendleton is one of a series of blogs provided to IndustryWeek by The MPI Group.

Excerpt from:
The Right Job for the Tool - IndustryWeek