Bathroom Renovation: 10 Things to Consider Before You Start
1. NEIGHBORHOOD. Read the real estate ads and the prices of comparable homes in your area. See how many full and half baths these homes have. Do not spend so much on bathroom renovation that you price your home out of the neighborhood.
2. REAL ESTATE MARKET. Get a professional home appraisal. The appraiser should also be able to estimate the added value of a renovated bathroom. These numbers will help you to determine your budget.
3. YOUR BUDGET. How much are you willing to spend on bathroom renovation? This depends on your vision of the bathroom and the materials you choose. At $40 per square foot glass tiles are far more expensive than plain white ones, for example.
4. BUDGET OVER-RUNS. The cost of materials is rising, so it is a good idea to add a few thousand dollars to your budget to cover any cost over-runs. It is better to be prepared now than sorry later.
5. BATHROOM TRENDS. According to www.HGTV.BathDesign current trends include elegant lighting, rain showers, higher vanities, vessel sinks, and designer faucets. The days of the old rectangular bathtub are gone. New tubs have different shapes and surfaces, indeed, some are works of art.
6. HIRING A DESIGNER. A bathroom designer can save you money and costly mistakes. The designer should be certified by the Society of Certified Bathroom Designers. To learn more about certification read "The National Kitchen & Bath Association Certification Policies and Procedures" on nkba.org/anonymous/certification_Policies_Procedures-2006.pdf.
7. TYPE OF BATHROOM. Home owners who invest in master baths usually get their money back. However, you may not want to put a lot of money into a guest bathroom or lower level bathroom.
8. THE RENOVATION COMPANY. Check out the renovation company before you sign a contract. Get reviews from previous customers and local business bureau. Your most important question: Does this company do quality work?
9. WORK SCHEDULE. The renovation company should be able to estimate how long the job will take. Renovation is messy work and plaster dust, dry wall scraps, and tile shards track all over the house. You don't want to live in chaos for months.
10. DYI JOBS. After renovating one bathroom you might not have the money to renovate another. Still, simple do it yourself jobs like painting walls, installing new lighting, and framing a mirror can make an old bathroom look new. After all of that work you may as well enjoy a good soak. You earned it!
Copyright 2007 by Harriet Hodgson
Related Tags: renovation, bathroom, home imporvement
http://www.harriethodgson.com http://www.healthwriter.blogspot.com
Harriet Hodgson has been a freelance nonfiction writer for 28 years. She is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. He 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com A five-star review of the book is posted on Amazon. You will find another review on the American Hospice Foundation Website under the "School Corner" heading.
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