Real estate agents have long said that the condition of a home’s kitchen and bath will make or break a sale. Prospective buyers do not want to see outdated spaces or those in poor condition. That’s why experts recommend at least a fresh coat of paint and refinished cabinetry.

Return on Investment

To see the wisdom in remodeling your bathroom, consider the latest statistics from Remodeling Magazine. Their annual report showed a bathroom remodel costing $15,782 would increase the resale price of a home by an average of $10,295. Do the math and you’ll see you will recover more than 62% of the cost of your remodel just in the sale price.

The investment in a remodeled bathroom goes beyond just the sale price, however. It also increases your chances of beating out other sellers. In other words, if two otherwise identical houses were for sale on the same street, the one with the remodeled bath would be more likely to sell first.

What to Shoot for in Your Remodel

Today’s real estate market is significantly different from the market of just 20 years ago. One of the most significant differences is that families are abandoning the idea of a “starter home” in favor of purchasing a house they plan to stay in until children are grown and gone. That mindset suggests new home buyers are thinking more long term. A long-term mindset means your bathroom remodel needs to concentrate on the quality of both materials and workmanship. For example, a tub and shower made of cross-linked acrylic is virtually indestructible when compared to standard acrylic.

It may cost a little more to install, but it will last a lifetime. That’s the sort of thing today’s homebuyers are looking for. In terms of style, openness and modern chic are both in. However, do not get caught in the trap of trying to change the current footprint of the space or make it larger by building out into other areas. That’s when a remodel gets too expensive to make it practical for resale purposes. Work with the space you have by using stylish materials, a modern design, and some creativity.

If style and creativity are not your strong suit, consider working with a bathroom remodeling company that supplies a designer. Good designers are very adept at staying within a manageable budget. There’s a lot to do if you plan to sell your house in the near future. If you are planning to sell as-is, you probably need do nothing more than a little painting. However, if you are planning to remodel before you sell, seriously consider investing in the bathroom.

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When I think of “makeover,” I think of a middle-aged mom who goes down to the beauty salon for a new hairdo and a few lessons in the effective use of makeup. In just a couple of hours, she is transformed from the average plain Jane into a starlet. That’s all good. But maybe my example explains why we are using the same term with a bathroom remodel.

Updating and Upgrading

Perhaps the reason for using the makeover term comes from the fact that most bathroom remodels are merely cosmetic. In other words, of all the rooms in your house you could remodel the bathroom is probably the most restrictive in terms of what you can do with it. Its location generally prevents you from enlarging it while the nuisance of re-routing plumbing typically dictates you leave the layout generally the same.

With such restrictions, the only things left to do are upgrading bathtub and toilet, updating fixtures, and implementing new design elements. In essence, you are giving the bathroom a new hairdo and some new makeup. If you look at in this way, the bathroom makeover can even be fun!

Important Bathroom Makeover Tips

Language concerns aside, if you are going for the makeover concept rather than a total remodeling overhaul, there are some important things to consider. Here are some helpful tips:

• Remember the Environment – The bathroom represents one of the harshest environments in your home. It is a room where temperature and humidity are constantly changing, thereby putting stress on window and door-frames, paint, etc. This is one room where you need to make sure you use high-quality materials.
• Remember Continuity – Unless you plan to hold on to your current home well into the future, it’s a good idea to remember the continuity of the rest of the house in terms of style. Simply put, you do not want your bathroom to stand out as being extraordinarily different; otherwise, it could have an effect on a future sale.
• Remember Functionality – The makeover principle dictates the changes you are making to your bathroom are largely cosmetic. If you’re going to do anything that dramatically changes the functionality of the space, make your choices wisely. A loss in functionality could severely diminish any benefits derived from the cosmetic portion of the makeover.

Regardless of whether you use the term “remodel” or “makeover,” making a change to your bathroom is often a wise investment in your property. You can add value to your home while also giving yourself a space that looks and feels brand-new. And unlike the makeover at the beauty salon, it will not come out in the shower!

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Space Concerns

An older couple in upstate New York decided to remodel both bathrooms in their 2,000-ft.² ranch. The bathroom in the lower level originally had a full tub with a single sink/vanity unit. Unfortunately, there was no linen closet. In order to solve that problem they replaced the tub with a shower stall and used the extra space to install a closet. This solution worked well for them because they still had the tub in the main bath upstairs. However, homeowners with only a single bath may not have that luxury. For them it becomes a question of how important having a tub is.

Family Circumstances

Down the street from the older couple was a young family with four small children. When they purchased their California Split, it also had two bathrooms; one in the lower level and a second upstairs near the bedrooms. When it came time to remodel, they put full bathtubs in both. For them it was a question of family circumstances. With four young children and plans to have more, they knew there would be plenty of challenges getting all the kids in and out of a single bathtub at bedtime. By having tubs in both bathrooms, mom and dad had twice the space to work with. For them a shower stall would have been impractical because of its limited use.

The Rental Unit

A third scenario to consider is the homeowner who decides to convert unused living space into a small rental unit. This is a fairly common practice in urban areas where homeowners have more space than they need. If the homeowner plans to rent his unit to a young college student or a still-single professional, he could probably get away with installing just a shower stall. The active lifestyle of these types of people suggest they will not be spending a lot of time at home anyway. Installing a shower stall is a way to save a little money and make more effective use of space. Perhaps the scenarios we presented here do not help you make a decision for your bathroom-remodeling project. But that’s okay. Deciding whether to choose a tub or shower really depends on your circumstances and what you are trying to accomplish with your remodel. Do what you think is best for your current circumstances, knowing you can always change things around in the future.

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PEX Plumbing Explained

PEX is a plastic product known scientifically as cross-linked polyethylene. In the world of plastics, polyethylene is the most commonly used product around the world. Cross-linked polyethylene is a stronger type of material relying on chemical bonds that link together multiple polymer chains. To the layman, the simplest explanation is to say that PEX is a lot stronger than standard polyethylene due to its composition. That makes it suitable for construction applications – including plumbing – that other plastics cannot handle. PEX is so strong that it can be used to replace copper plumbing despite the pressurization of municipal water systems.

It’s All in the Fittings

What makes PEX so attractive for bathroom remodeling is its fittings. In the old days of copper, you had to be fairly proficient with an acetylene torch and a bead of solder if you wanted a tight joint that would not leak. If you didn’t strike just the right beat, you could end up with a burst fitting weeks or months down the road. With PEX, there are no special skills required. PEX tubing is married to fixtures, joints, and copper plumbing using a series of cinch rings, push-ins, and couplings. If you can use a basic set of hand tools, you can install PEX quickly and easily. The only downfall with PEX is that it’s easy to kink. If you bend it at an angle that’s too sharp, or you bend it too quickly, it can develop a kink that will make it impossible for water to pass through. Fortunately, PEX suppliers do sell pre-angled sleeves that allow you to bend your tubing at just the right angle to avoid kinks.

Sticks or Tubes

When you are remodeling your bathroom, you’ll want to get PEX as both sticks and flexible tube coils. The sticks are easy to cut to size and use under the sink, behind the tub panel, and so on. For larger runs through multiple wall joists, the flexible tubing works a lot better. When you buy your PEX, you’ll note that it comes in both blue and red. The different colors eliminate the confusion between hot and cold water when making your connections. And speaking of connections, you’ll probably want to use copper stub-outs to connect PEX to shutoff valves. This gives you the necessary stability to open and close the valves without damaging the PEX tubing.

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2. Cross-Linked Acrylic Tub In the likely event you are replacing your bathtub or shower stall, you absolutely must have a cross-linked acrylic tub. Cross-linked acrylic is different from standard acrylic in that some of the agents within the resin are linked together at the molecular level. This produces an acrylic material that is incredibly durable and nearly impermeable to cracking, chipping, etc. A cross-linked acrylic tub will be more expensive than standard acrylic or ceramic. Nevertheless, the slightly higher price is well worth the cost. You will typically get a lifetime warranty with no-questions-asked replacement from manufacturers and distributors. 3. Vanity or Linen Closet One of the worst choices a homeowner can make in regards to the bathroom is to not have easy access to linens. If you have been a guest of someone who forgets to put out linens, and they are not easily accessible, you know this can be a source of needless embarrassment and inconvenience. Guests should have access to linens either by way of the vanity inside the bathroom or a linen closet just outside. In older homes, remodeling to include a linen closet is sometimes impractical, so the vanity is the better solution. If you are going the vanity route, you should also consider a medicine cabinet built into the wall mirror. The cabinet makes toiletries and over-the-counter medications easily accessible to guests. Above and beyond these three “must haves” there is an endless number of choices you can work with for your bathroom remodel. Remember to stay on budget, make the best use of the available space, and make it fun. After all, you will be spending a significant amount of time in that room. You might as well enjoy it.

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• the black and white look
• a theme based on the natural surroundings

Both types of designs can be implemented regardless of your budget. However, the natural surroundings theme tends to be a bit more expensive when you get into things like custom shower stalls or natural-looking tub surrounds. To give you a better idea of what you are looking at, let’s discuss both of these design trends and look into some easy care bath remodeling tips.

Black and White Look

During the 1980s, pastel colors in different shades were all the rage. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the bright colors of the 60s and 70s started making a comeback. Today however, black and white is in. A simple black and white color scheme is considered chic, stylish, and very Art Nouveau. There are a couple of ways to accomplish this look while staying within a very modest budget. Most of the time designers begin with an all-white shell including doors and window trim. On the floor, a gray or slate tile with black accents works well. From there you would add a black pedestal sink, a white tub or shower stall with black accents, and black light fixtures. Black accents can also be added with towels and wash clothes, mirror frames, soap holders, and other decorative pieces. The thing to remember about the black and white look is that it’s intended to be minimalist. There will not be a whole lot of extra accouterments that close up the space and make it look busy. Think simple — yet tasteful — and you’ll be fine.

Natural Surroundings Theme

This hot trend is designed to make your bathroom look and feel more like an outdoor space. If you have a larger budget, you can begin with a custom tub or bath surround designed to look like your own private waterfall. Natural stone tile, a teak wood vanity, and a bamboo laundry hamper also add to the feel. One of the central elements of the natural theme is natural light. Skylights are a big plus here, but if that’s not possible, you’ll want frosted glass on any windows in order to avoid having to use draperies. As for colors, you will want to focus on earth tones and different shades of green, accented with colorful flower arrangements. Regardless of the particular style you choose, be sure not to skimp on your tub or shower. Spend a little more for a quality cross-linked acrylic model from Easy Care. We offer a 100% money-back guarantee because our products are strong enough to last a lifetime. You’ll love our showers and tubs, we promise!

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The Functional Bath

The functional bath is just as the name implies: comfortably functional without the addition of unnecessary extras. In a standard two-bath household, the main bathroom is usually designed to be functional only. It is the master bath where the question of functional versus bathroom suite is addressed. Keep in mind a functional bath does not necessarily need to be sparse and utilitarian. It simply needs to contain all the elements necessary to make it usable on a daily basis. The elements of functional bath include:

• single or double sink
• medicine cabinet
• wall mirror
• tub or shower stall
• toilet

Within the framework of these components, there is lots of room to move. For example, you could choose between a pedestal sink, a decorative vessel sink, or traditional undermount ceramic model. In terms of showers and tubs, you can select a single stall, a traditional ceramic tub, or even a walk-in or whirlpool tub. Furthermore, within the framework of those choices there are plenty of options to meet your particular decorative style.

The Bathroom Suite

The bathroom suite is intended to offer you comfort and luxury along with functionality. A suite typically includes all the components as a functional bath but with extras like a hot tub/Jacuzzi, walk-in closet, and two-person shower. For obvious reasons, the bathroom suite has a larger footprint. If you are building a brand-new home, it’s easy to work that footprint into your overall design. If you are remodeling an existing home, the space for the suite has to come from somewhere.

Selling Your Home

In terms of resale value, a bathroom suite can certainly garner a higher offer. Statistics show kitchens and baths are the primary selling points for most homes in America. So a modern, updated bathroom suite can go a long way. But only if it fits into the general character of the home. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to keep a home’s main bathroom as functional as possible — but modern and updated as well. As for the master bath, a suite tends to be a good idea if it is proportional to the overall size of the master bedroom area. If you sacrifice bedroom space for a large bathroom suite it will likely work against you when it’s time to sell.

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Why Bathrooms Are Secure One of the most common property crimes in the United States is burglary. Every few seconds a new burglary occurs in America; no one is immune. However, the important thing to know is that burglars want to be in and out of your home in under 10 minutes. Statistics show the first place burglars had for is the master bedroom. They are looking for jewelry, cash, small electronics, and things they can stuff in their pockets while making a hasty exit. After the master bedroom, they tend to head for offices, dens, and family rooms. The last place burglars will look for valuables is the bathroom. Why? Because bathrooms are typically located in interior spaces where quick exits are difficult. If they were rummaging around the bathroom when a homeowner entered the structure, there would be little time to react and nowhere to hide. Taking Advantage of the Bathroom Homeowners who understand burglars will take advantage of the bathroom space for security purposes. One of the most common ways of doing this is to install a wall safe hidden behind a picture. A wall safe can be shallow enough to fit in a bathroom wall but still large enough to accommodate a large quantity of valuables. Diversion safes that look like ordinary bathroom objects also work well. For example, what appears to be a can of ordinary bathroom disinfectant could actually have a secret compartment inside for your jewelry. Place that can under the sink and it’s likely to remain untouched. For maximum security, experts recommend utilizing the bathroom as follows:

• Install wall or floor safe in the main bathroom rather than the master bath
• Purchase costume jewelry and other fake objects to leave in the master bedroom
• Utilize the bathroom’s natural elements; don’t use things that look out of place

The thing to remember is that burglars do not want to spend an inordinate amount of time in your home. So leave some objects they can find easily and quickly. If you hide things too well, they will tear apart your home to find what they are looking for. The combination of some bathroom hiding places and decoy jewelry and electronics will thwart burglars in most cases. As for you, every time you go to use the shower or toilet you can enjoy the secret of knowing something valuable is hidden behind that art nouveau painting.

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Design Elements If you are completely renovating the bath, try to think of a few design elements that might really open up the look and feel of the space without actually enlarging the footprint. For example, enlarging an existing window or adding a skylight will make a bathroom appear much larger by letting in plenty of natural light. If this isn’t possible, consider track lighting instead of conventional stationary lights. Track lighting gives you the opportunity to direct lighting around the room in a way that will make it to feel much larger. You can install track lighting on the ceiling or a wall. When choosing tile, make sure to stay away from dark or busy patterns. If there’s too much happening on your tile it will give the appearance of the room closing in on you. If you can limit tile to just around the tub or shower then that’s also good

Color Choices When it comes to color, the bathroom is no different from any other room. Light, neutral colors will do the best job of making the space appear larger than it is. If you are into the modern look, a white or light gray throughout really opens things up, coupled with a bold accent wall with a dash of color. Your lighter color choices should carry through to your draperies and linens too. But don’t worry; not everything has to be the same. You can use different colors as long as the shades are light.

Don’t Forget Efficiency Even in a small bathroom, you can maximize space for efficiency. For example, rather than a large and imposing medicine cabinet you can purchase and install a wireframe shelf unit that fits right over the toilet. This is a great way to utilize space that tends to be dead in most bathrooms. A pedestal sink makes efficient use of limited floor space if you do not need the storage space of a vanity. Because the pedestal sink has a smaller footprint, you’ll find it easier to move around a smaller bath. Lastly, in a home with multiple bathrooms it is not necessary to have a full tub in each one. If you can get away with a shower stall in the bathroom you are remodeling, you’ll instantly have more space to work with by going that route. If the space is exceptionally small, you could opt for a shower pan that fits nicely into a recessed corner.

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• Scrape away all loose paint with a drywall knife
• Cover the area with drywall compound (two or three coats)
• Sand and seal the area with primer
• Apply two coats of paint

Fading Paint In the areas of the bathroom where direct sunlight comes in, paint may fade over time. You can help mitigate fading by using light colored draperies that block direct sunlight but still allow for ambient lighting. Whites, creams, and light yellows are good choices. The bathroom environment is one that is naturally unfriendly to paint. However, there is no need to let it get the best of you. Following these simple tips will help you reduce the likelihood of severe paint problems.

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