With all the home improvement television shows and magazines available, many of us are eager to get started updating our homes. Still, it's hard to get the courage to actually pick up that hammer and screwdriver and get started. Our recommendation is to start on the smallest room of your house - the bathroom.

The bathroom is an ideal place to start because it is so small. A small room calls for small projects that can easily be done by one or two people. Here are some ideas you can try to improve your bathroom.

You may consider replacing worn-out tile or installing some new fixtures. While you might be intimidated by any home improvement projects, these two are fairly easily to accomplish. Just be sure to plan exactly what you want to do. Read all instructions carefully and be sure you understand them. Act them out like a mime before you actually do the work. If there are things you don't understand, ask for help from a friend or from someone at your local home improvement store. They really are there to help you.

One popular bathroom project these days is to replace the toilet. The newer versions available are designed to save water. Not only are these newer toilets earth friendly, they can also save on your water bill. Likewise, installing energy efficient lighting is a popular option.

Once you've performed some of these small projects, you may be ready to consider something bigger. For instance, you may want to enlarge your bathroom by knocking down a wall. By doing this, you can completely rearrange the space. Again, with a little planning, you should be able to do most of the work yourself. It may be scary for you to consider knocking down a wall; it can be done and done right. Just be sure it is not a load-bearing wall.

When you look for materials for your bathroom renovations, be sure to consider your finances. Don't just buy the first items you see: by looking around, you may find a great deal on some items. Think about how you want your finished bathroom to look. Be sure you take the tastes of your spouse into account as well. You want the whole room to look "pulled together" and also to be pleasing to everyone who lives there.

Before you start work, make sure you and your families have other restroom options, especially if there are small children in the household. If the project will take more than a few days, figure out how to get showers and baths done. You may have to visit a neighbor or family member.

By carefully planning out your bathroom renovation project, you will see how easy it can be. Plan things carefully and be patient: Your smallest room may soon be your favorite room.