Bathroom Remodeling

Proper planning and a reasonable budget can put you on a path to a brand new bathroom. Picture the tensions of the day melting away as you luxuriate in a tub of steaming, hot water, massaged by the tiny bubbles emanating from well-placed jets of air. Or being invigorated by a morning shower that delivers pulsing jets of water, awakening both your body and your mind.

There are many reasons to remodel a bathroom, the first one being, of course, for your own pleasure and comfort. But perhaps just as important when making the decision as to whether or not to direct your budget to the bath, is the fact that a new bath increases the value of your home in a very positive way. A newly remodeled bath can be said to pay for itself if you are planning to put your house on the market in the near term

Making the decision somewhat painful is the fact that remodeling a bathroom is one of most expensive things you can do in your home, when looked at on a per square foot basis. The main reason for this is the high cost of materials, like fixtures and floor and wall tile. A new bath will also involve paying skilled labor, since few homeowners have the abilities to do a job like this by themselves. Plan on hiring a designer, a plumber and a tile setter at the least.

The bathroom is a great place to express your creative side. Since it is so private, you can be as unconventional as you like with colors, styles and textures. It can be decadently expensive, or it can be sparse and functional. Most importantly, the room will be whatever you want the room to be.

If you are an individual that likes a lot of choices, you will absolutely love remodeling a bathroom. There is a seemingly endless variety of sinks, tubs, toilets and tiles. Mix and match them to your heart's content.

You can choose a conventional self-rimming sink, an undermount, or perhaps a vessel that sits on top of the countertop like an old-fashioned wash basin. The countertop itself can be as simple as a laminate, or you can choose from among more exotic materials like granite, tile or marble. Faucets come in hundreds of styles and many different finishes, and can range in price from under $30 to hundreds of dollars.

The showcase of any bathroom is usually the bath tub itself. Again, here your choices are many; do you want an old-fashioned claw-footed tub mindful of another era? Or a high-tech spa, complete with jets of water to soothe your aching bones? Or perhaps a tub and shower combination? Again, you can see that there are so many decisions that have to be made.

Use your imagination on the walls and floors, too. Tile, marble, or simply just paint? Bold colors and designs, or muted earth-tones? Let your choice reflect your personality, and your concept of what the room should be.

Remodeling a bathroom can be a difficult and daunting task without the proper research and planning. Being careful at these first, early stages is the key to the project coming together without wasting time - and without wasting money. Properly done, you are sure to feel a deep satisfaction as you gaze upon your new room. Good luck, and happy remodeling!

Frank Sarntarpia
Home Remodeling
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