Bathroom Renovation 

Increasing the value of your home could be as simple as renovating your existing bathroom or adding a new one. Either improvement to your home typically yields an 80-90 percent return on your investment when you sell your home, second only to kitchen remodeling in home improvement benefits. 

Where to begin your bathroom renovation? With an idea folder. Collect ideas from magazines, newspapers, and other sources which illustrate your personal preferences in bathroom materials and fixtures, and use this folder to give your contractor or bathroom planner a clear understanding of your needs and wishes. Also decide the extent of the renovation: decide whether you will use the existing floor plan or if you will rearrange or expand the room. A contractor will be able to make suggestions for materials and fixtures and give you estimates of what each element will cost.

Generally, most people start a bathroom renovation by replacing the fixtures – tub/shower, toilet, and sink. The tub is the largest of these fixtures, so is naturally the one with which to begin the renovation. Using existing plumbing, rather than installing new, is obviously more cost-efficient. Bathtubs come in all shapes and sizes, from modern whirlpool baths to the old-fashioned clawfoot tub. Showers come in styles ranging from the traditional high-mounted showerhead to multiple shower heads custom-designed for you. Materials vary from composite, fiberglass, and acrylic to cast iron and steel. Toilets come in an array of styles and colors sure to suit your décor, and again, using existing plumbing will save money. Finally, the sink is one of the simplest ways to change your bathroom. Available in a multitude of styles and colors, sinks can be created from porcelain, acrylic, glass, or even granite. The style and materials are limited only by your budget. A preformed sink and countertop is an excellent way to stretch your renovation dollars while simplifying your design decisions.

Bathroom cabinets can be as simple as stock cabinets, which you can order from a home improvement center, or as elaborate as having them custom-made for your bathroom space by a contractor. Cabinets come in a variety of styles and materials, depending on your tastes, decorating style, and renovation budget. Take into consideration your storage needs and the accessories you desire in your bathroom as you plan your cabinets.

The final elements of bathroom renovation are flooring and lighting. In colder climates, one of the more luxurious changes you can make to your bathroom is to install heated tile, a feature that is available in almost any natural tile selection. To determine which material is best suited for your bathroom, think about its usage and durability and how you use your bathroom. Besides tile, other materials available for bathroom flooring include wood and laminate flooring, carpet, and linoleum. Of course, a variety of colors and styles are available in each material, giving you virtually limitless choices of flooring. Bathroom lighting is critical to your remodel. You should consider several types of lighting: ceiling, vanity, and recessed lighting, as well as accent and decorative lighting. Take into consideration the brightness of the bathroom, any features you want to accent, and where you would like to have extra lighting, such as around the mirror. 

Any home renovation requires effort and thought, especially one as major as a bathroom renovation. Taking time to carefully plan your room, its elements and materials will reward you richly in a high resale value on your home.