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Bathroom Remodeling
Increase in style can mean an
increase in value
Look in any older home and check out the size of its bathrooms.
Chances are, an older home that’s never endured a remodel has what
most would consider pretty small bathrooms.
That’s because bathrooms used to be designed with function in mind.
But bathroom designs have come a long way since then. Now bathrooms
are considered one of the most important elements of a home – and we
want some style with our functionality. We want the bathrooms to
look good too.
Remodeling doesn’t have to necessitate taking out a second mortgage.
With a little planning and budgeting, most folks can afford to give
their bathroom a makeover and not break the bank. Plus, remodeling
is a great way to add value to the perceived value of your home!
According to Better Homes and Gardens, in planning and budgeting for
a bathroom upgrade, you should start by measuring the space you have
to work with. Decide whether you’re going to remodel your bath
within its existing dimensions, steal some adjacent space, or start
from scratch by converting another room or adding on. The room's
overall shape and size will likely fall into one of three
categories:
A standard-size bath is a
rectangle starting at approximately 5 x 7 or 5 x 9 feet and ranging
to perhaps 7 x 9 or 8 x 10 feet. In this rectangle, there's room for
a sink with vanity, toilet, tub, and sometimes, a small separate
shower.
A powder room is typically a
squar-ish half bath – it is generally 15-32 square feet -- housing
nothing but the basics: a toilet and sink.
A master bath is large and
roomy, often 100 square feet or more and normally adjacent to or
opening into the master bedroom. All this extra space allows for
amenities such as a whirlpool or soaking tub, a steam shower,
separate vanities, a sitting area, dressy furniture pieces, storage,
and large windows or skylights. The shape of this bathroom is
varied.
Keep in mind that how much you spend on your bath depends on what
fixtures, fittings, surfaces, and accessories you choose, and how
much labor is involved. The National Kitchen and Bath Association
says that that installation accounts for nearly a quarter of the
total cost, because jobs such as plumbing and tiling are so
labor-intensive.
Labor costs will typically run higher if you're adding a new bath or
moving fixtures around. However, installing a new sink, toilet, or
tub in the same location as the old fixture are fairly easy tasks
and therefore easier on your budget.
You can save on remodeling costs by doing work yourself, but be
realistic about your skill and experience levels. Keep in mind that
fixtures, wiring, and plumbing connections must meet building codes.
Unless you're completely confident in your abilities, let a pro
handle the big stuff.
Money saving aside, the cost of labor is not the place to cut
corners to save money. Make sure your contractor is licensed,
insured and experienced.
If you’re just thinking about a bathroom remodel, contact
Remodeling Remedies |
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