10 Tips For Remodeling Your Bathroom

With the slow down in the housing market, it is a good time to remodel that bathroom or kitchen so that once the market picks back up, you will be ahead of the curve. Every real estate agent will tell you that the bathroom is one room where remodeling can ensure that you get the most bang for your buck.

Homeowners are beginning to view their bathrooms as a personal oasis. When purchasing a new home, buyers focus on the bathroom, so its condition and amenities can really make or break a sale.

Here are tips you should consider when remodeling your bathroom:

1. Function is Key. Families are seeking bathrooms that can be used by more than one person. Toilets separated from the rest of the bathroom and double sinks are two ways to enhance a bathroom’s functionality.

2. Insist on Quality. Cheaper products have to be replaced, and replaced often. Buy quality the first time and you will save money in the long run. Most quality products come with some type of warranty.

3. Let There be Light. If you are unable to increase the bathroom’s size, adding lighting, with fixtures or natural light, will make the bathroom appear larger.

4. Feel free to Vent. Proper ventilation prevents mold and mildew, two common problems in bathrooms, which generate a lot of moisture. Installing a vent is also less expensive than repairing the bathroom walls, ceiling and possibly the house’s structure.

5. Do Your Homework. Research the costs of fixtures, professional help and tools to help you create a realistic budget. The national average cost for an upscale bathroom remodel is $26,052.

6. Expect the Unexpected. With bathroom plumbing, unexpected problems resulting in unexpected costs can arise. Set aside roughly 10 percent of the cost of labor for a cushion.

7. Go Tankless. Tankless water heaters heat water as it flows through the heater instead of holding it in a reserve tank. This saves money on energy costs.

8. Focus on Trends, not Fads. To increase the investment a remodeled bathroom creates, stick to upgrades that can be appreciated and maintained by future owners of your home and stay away from fads.

9. Visit a Showroom. Whether your remodel includes a shower, tub or both, visit a showroom for a test drive before buying. This will allow you see how easily you can get in and out of the fixture, as well as how comfortable it is.

10. Enlist a Professional. This is not the time to find out how handy you are. Hiring a contractor can save you money and headaches. Ask your friends, family and neighbors for referrals.