by Mid-Cape
21. May 2010 22:40
Bathroom remodels are hot, hot, hot right now! According to the National Association of Realtors, a bathroom remodel has a 71 percent return on investment. By contrast, a master suite remodel, only 65 percent.
But enough about the ROI - what you really want is to get rid of the Harvest Gold tile or baby blue tub right?
First, decide how intricate your project will be and what comfort level you have in DIY projects. If you are all thumbs when it comes to home improvement, hire a contractor (shameless plug: go to midcape.net to find a list of licensed contractors to help you).
Second, decide on your budget. If you're not moving walls, plumbing, etc., your bathroom remodel can be done for as little as $1,000 with changes to lighting, countertops and fixtures. A larger project, one which involves gutting and starting from scratch, will be more. There is no "typical remodel" price point - it all just depends on what products you choose.
Third, be sure to work with a designer. Designers are experts at space planning. Where you thought there were only a few inches, they see storage potential. Where you thought there was only room for a shower, they might be able to change something around to give you a tub.
Think about how you use your space and what really irks you about your current space. Is your husband a splasher - leaving water all over the place? Well, two sinks might cure that. Does your wife leave her makeup lying all over the counter? A new vanity with slide-out drawers can help.
Lastly, be sure to think about proper ventilation and air quality. This is where the pros really shine and can end up saving you money in the long run. An improperly vented bathroom can lead to serious attic or bath mold and rotting and that's the last thing you want when lounging in your new bath. ■
Lynn Mason-Small, is Director of Marketing for Mid-Cape Home Centers. She can be reached at (508) 760-4458 or lsmall@midcape.net
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