Do you have outdated plumbing or fixture colors? Stained, chipped or corroded fixtures
or faucets? Poor bathroom design or layout? Then it may be time for “an extreme
makeover - bathroom addition!”
One of the nice things about bathroom remodels is that they are more than just an
expense - they can be a very practical investment. According to CNN Money, the return
on investment (ROI) for mid-range bath remodels for 2011-2012 is 102%. More upscale
remodels pay off at slightly lower rates.
An important consideration would be how long you plan on staying in your home. If
5 years or longer you should simply remodel to please yourself and your personal
tastes. You may select your own style, colors and features more aggressively. At
the same time, keep long-term in mind...
Will someone else be carrying the torch in the near future?
If you plan to remodel in order to sell your home, keep it simple, provide ample
storage and be wary of the latest trends. Since people have different tastes and
trends tend to come and go, try to stick with the basics. For example, don’t
get too wild with the fixtures or colors. (It’s easier for a new homeowner
to repaint then replace.)
Following is a helpful remodeling guide:
New toilets are king and the most popular thrones are
the elongated, comfort-height models. A nice bonus is that a good quality newer
model should give you a better flush and a reduced water bill. They’re all
required to be low-consumption, but the trick is to get one that still flushes well
and gets the job done! We know the ones that “do and the ones that don’t”
so
contact us
for expert advice!
Couples love double lavatories in their bathroom vanities
so they can enjoy their own space. Just make sure that there’s plenty of room
because ample countertop space is equally important. Counter top height should be
a minimum 33” from the floor and under-mount or integral basins are preferred,
along with neutral-colored tops.
Use faucets with simple, clean lines and always go for
quality. It’s a good idea to keep all faucets and valves in the bathroom of
the same brand with matching finishes.
One of the most popular and practical new trends the last few years are
large, airy shower stalls. In smaller bathrooms this typically
means tearing out an old bathtub to accommodate. TIP: Just make sure that there
is still at least one tub somewhere in the home.
- Lots of glass for the shower enclosures is big and quality is king. You’ll
want thicker glass, sturdy frames and hardware and hinged doors as opposed to sliders.
- People want luxury and the feeling of entering a spa, so this is literally the most
costly fixture to deal with, but well worth it.
- Grab bars are becoming more and more popular, but choose wisely and mount securely.
One reason for their popularity is the aging baby-boomers, and if there’s
to be an accident in the home, statistically it will be in the bathroom. In fact,
even younger people are becoming more receptive to grab bars since they’ve
become so decorative lately, as opposed to the more institutionalized look.
A few more ideas to consider for your bathroom:
Private throne room...
People appreciate their privacy and prefer their commodes to be in a separate, smaller
room if possible or even partitioned off.
Soaking tubs...
Showers are great but tubs are far from dead. Lately the preferred models are deep
soaking tubs. Nothing feels better than a nice, warm soak to help melt away the
day’s stress. In many areas the Jacuzzi-style jetted tubs have seen their
heyday since many folks have already “been there, done that” and are
opting for the simpler, quieter soaking tubs. A nice plus is the “minus”
- no equipment to maintain or clean and a much lower price tag.
- If someone in the home is elderly or mobility-challenged, you may wish to go a step
further and get a walk-in tub with a door. This will help to keep them safe and
the therapeutic health benefits are awesome!
Light, bright and airy...
Windows and even skylights add a nice touch and help to brighten up a room and make
it look larger. Warm tones such as porcelain and stone are more in vogue than old
fashion glazed tile or linoleum. Consider natural tones such as cool greens, light
browns and clear glass colors. If you feel the need to get flashier you could do
so with bolder accents like towels, bowls, hardware and paint: these are not permanent
and can easily be changed to suit one’s taste.
Refrain from water guzzlers...
People prefer going green and preserving our natural resources - and their wallets,
so stick with water-conserving fixtures. Low-flow toilets, faucets with aerators
and water-saving shower heads will help a lot in this regard.
Saving the best for last...
Whether you want a getaway spa bath fit for royalty, or simply an updated and more
practical bathroom, you can’t go wrong with
Bel Air
Plumbing!
Our design experts will help and guide you to the best bathroom for your needs and
budget. Then when you’re ready to move forward, our friendly, licensed remodeling
specialists will see to it that your bathroom makeover is handled with the utmost
care and professionalism.
We respect you and your property and promise to leave your home clean and complete
the job quickly and on schedule.
Contact
us today for a fee consultation and detailed estimate. Enjoy your investment now,
and get a nice ROI when you sell.