How a given home improvement project will affect home value is often one of the most important considerations before deciding whether to do it or not. This is true even if the homeowner in question has no immediate plans to sell the property. While bedrooms and kitchens are most often thought of as the best places to increase home value, a quality bathroom remodel is consistently one of the best options to maximize your return-on-investment.
The reason why is simple: bathrooms are used a lot. The tranquility offered by a quality bathroom also helps you notice it more than other rooms. The following tips will help ensure that your bathroom remodel has the positive impact on home value you are looking for. 
You don’t know who is going to buy your home or when they will do so, so you cannot tailor your remodel to any particular taste. Instead, go for a functional, timeless look that will maintain its appeal for the foreseeable future. Bathroom components that are expensive to replace, such as tile and sinks, should be done in neutral colors and styles to appeal to as wide a market as possible.
This doesn’t mean that your bathroom has to be boring though. You can add pizazz by painting the walls a bold hue, incorporating a theme in your bathroom furniture selections, or adding an accent color to your decor. These features will really speak to buyers who enjoy them, but are cheap enough to replace for any buyer interested in a different direction.
Some bathroom features have universal appeal, such as Jacuzzi tubs equipped with massaging jets, heated floors for when you are getting out of the shower, and a shower sink for maximum convenience. A double sink is also an attractive addition if multiple family members are likely to use the bathroom.
Bathrooms are increasingly a selling point for homes, so making your existing bathroom larger or even adding an extra one could dramatically increase your home’s value. This is especially true in booming housing markets where prospective buyers are more likely to have larger budgets.
If you can’t quite swing a remodel project on that scale, you can get some of the benefits by making your bathroom appear larger. Sinks attached to a stylish vanity, adding bright lights around the mirror, and a glass shower all create the illusion of a larger space for a fraction of the cost of actually making it so. You can also reproduce some of the function of a larger bathroom through added storage, especially if there isn’t a lot of space under your sink.
Good ideas are a start, but you need professional craftsmanship to produce the type of quality bathroom remodel that adds to your home value. Our experts have years of experience helping customers realize their bathroom dreams, making them a great place to contact today to get started on your remodel plans!
As the year ends, it’s a good time to look back at the 2017 trends in the world of bathroom remodeling. Here is a review of the most popular features used in the past 12 months:
Natural MaterialsMany bathroom finishes for 2017 were made from raw materials. For example, vanities and sink basins were often trimmed with metallic elements. Natural stone was also used to create a unique environment.
Many people like to feel relaxed in their bathrooms. Because of this, the choice for wall color is very important. In 2017, earth tones, including pastels and grays, were popular bathroom design trends. Matte instead of glossy finishes have been common as well.
2017 was a year that saw designers mixing textures and materials in bathroom construction and decoration. A soft-edged stone basin, rounded mirror, painted cabinets, and wooden counters are examples of various elements that could be mixed to create an unforgettable bathroom.
As more and more people look to bathrooms as personal retreats, more elegant baths are sure to keep gaining popularity. Some of the latest materials used in bath fixtures are faux, natural, and volcanic limestone. Certain items are being crafted from pressed steel as well.
Many bathtubs are incorporating spa-like jet systems. Unlike the ones of the past, smaller bubbles are being used to add just a touch of relaxation.
Overall, a feeling of wellness and relaxation in the bathroom was the trend for 2017 bathroom remodels and designs.
If you are planning a bathroom remodeling project for the upcoming year, taking a look back at the 2017 trends will be a good starting point. For some advice from the experts, contact the professionals at Columbus Bath Design. Our staff is always available to share the latest bathroom fixtures and accessories for your next project.
Warm bathrooms in the winter are much more comfortable and pleasant to deal with than cold ones. Keeping this space toasty can seem like a challenge, but there are ways to warm it up.
Rugs
To combat cold feet on chilly floors, use cozy rugs in the bathroom. You don’t have to limit your options to just bathroom mats, either. Choose any rugs that will fit in the space. Simply secure the bottom by using a rug pad to prevent it from shifting and slipping.
Warm Tones and Natural Materials
You can create the visual feeling of warmth through your interior design choices. Opt for warm tones and natural materials, like dark, rich woods and stone.
Towel Warmer
A towel warmer will keep your linens toasty and will add warmth to the room. They are fairly inexpensive, and can fit in to any bathroom. Pamper yourself and create that spa like luxury with a warming towel rack.
Natural Light
If you have a window in your bathroom, make sure that you are allowing it to provide as much natural lighting as possible. Get rid of dark curtains and light blocking blinds, and instead frost the glass. Another option that requires a bit more money and effort is to install a skylight.
Install Heated Floors
Radiant heating is a popular option for warming up those chilly bathroom floor tiles. It will take some money and time to have them installed properly, but many people find it worth the expense. Heated floors give the bathroom an added level of luxury, making it desirable in master suites.
Get Steamy
Upgrade your shower by installing a steam option. This is a high end feature that is becoming more popular with homeowners. It’s perfect for when you want to unwind and simply soak up the steam without standing in the shower. Imagine having that spa experience right in the comfort of your own home.
Warm bathrooms are much more inviting and appealing in the winter. Make your bathroom a comfortable and cozy space by making a few simple changes. You will definitely find it worthwhile on those cold mornings.
An increasing number of individuals are opting for a bathroom in which they can luxuriate, relax and unwind for the hustle and bustle of the outside world. These days, bathroom remodeling projects include spaces that are upgraded to include everything from heated towel racks to floors that massage the feet with their warmth and comfort. However, peace and relaxation are not the sole motivating factors for an updated bathroom design. A renovated bathroom is usually a good investment as it assists in increasing property value and more quickly selling a home. Below are some of the current trends in bathroom design.
Roomy and Airy Showers
Showers are getting bigger. Even in small bathrooms, a number of homeowners are opting to tear out the bathtub to expand the shower. Stalls are getting larger and more airy and much more glass is being included in bathroom remodeling projects.
Letting the Light In
Bathrooms are becoming sanctuaries. A lot of individuals want their bathrooms to be more sun-filled and brighter than before. This includes the addition of windows and skylights to the space.
Soaking Tubs
More people are going for the serene experience of soaking tubs. These tubs are typically deep, insulated and are noticeably missing the prominent decking the seemed synonymous with bathtubs in the 1980s and 1990s, providing a more streamlined look.
Remodeling a bathroom can be overwhelming. You have to decide how much you can spend, select the right products, and determine if you’re going to change the layout.
And that’s often before you call a contractor.
To ensure that your bathroom remodeling projects runs smoothly, here’s a checklist to keep your project on track. Remember: A successful renovation is all about smart timing!
6 Months Out
-Get inspired. To figure out what you want your new bathroom to look like, tear pages out of magazines and catalogues, and make a scrapbook or inspiration board. Designer Holly Rickert tells clients to use Post-Its to note why they like each bathroom. Later, she recommends flipping through the photos to find commonalities, and select similar tiles and fixtures.
-Ask around for contractor recommendations. While it’s not necessary to talk to a contractor yet, it’s a good time to start poking around for recommendations from local hardware stores, friends, and professional business associations. Then, when you’re ready to make the call, you’ll have a ready list of names.
-Start sketching. It’s essential to consider layout early on. Spend time thinking about what works about your bathroom’s layout—and what doesn’t. Consider storage needs: Could a closet be turned into a custom cabinet offering lots of stash spots?
Lastly, would you like to move the toilet, sink, or bathtub, and if so, what is feasible plumbing-wise? Are you going to expand the size of the bathroom or simply improve its aesthetic?
Keep in mind that the most expensive thing to move in a bathroom is the toilet. Also, if you plan to install multiple body sprays in the shower, it’s likely that your bathroom will require more rough plumbing work, so the cost will be higher.
3 Months Out
-Finalize your budget. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association , the average person will spend about $11,000 renovating a bathroom. Once you’ve figured out what you can spend, you should count on spending about two-thirds of your budget on labor. Then you’ll have a clearer sense of what you can spend on tile, fixtures, and extras, like a glass shower door.
If the remaining amount seems low, don’t fret: Thanks to a wide range of tile and fittings options, you can often replicate a high-end luxury look for less. For example, a tile that costs $10 per square foot can substitute for $100-per-square foot tile.
-Hire a contractor. With a few months to go before demolition, it’s a good time to bring in a licensed contractor. Ask a few to look at your drawings and make sure your plan—adding two shower heads, installing a Jacuzzi tub, etc.—is possible. Review estimates, check references thoroughly, and sign contracts. At this point, the contractor should commit to a start date, create a timeline of when he needs materials, and estimate when the project will be complete. Most bathroom renovations take about six weeks from start to finish. Don’t let any work begin without a signed contract.
Be sure to talk up front about the pay schedule: Often, you’ll pay a third up front, a third at the halfway point, and a third when the project is complete to your satisfaction.
Find out exactly how many days you’ll be without a shower, especially if you’re renovating your home’s only full bath. Make alternate plans in advance.
Two Months Out:
-Purchase tile and fixtures. While some tile orders can be fulfilled in two to three days, handmade or hand-painted tiles could take 12 weeks. Play it safe and make sure your tile orders are placed at least eight weeks before your demo date.
Fixtures should also be purchased early. Even big-name manufacturers can take three to four weeks to deliver products. High-end products often take as long as six to eight weeks to arrive.
If you’re ordering custom-built vanity or cabinets, check with the manufacturer to make sure that they’ll be there when the contractor needs them. Light fixtures can also take several weeks to arrive, so give yourself plenty of leeway when ordering.
One Month Out:
-Prep for contractor’s arrival. Clear out medicine cabinets and bathroom closets, and set up a temporary grooming space where you can get ready out of sight of contractors.
-Shop for accessories. With most of the hard planning over, have fun shopping for towel bars, towel hooks, a toilet paper holder, and the perfect soap dish. If you have a new color scheme, pick out your new shower curtain or towels.
-Select a paint color. Once the tile is up and the flooring is down, you’ll be able to get a sense of what color to paint the walls. It’s difficult to pick anything before that.
-Check in with your contractor often. Every day, when the contractor arrives, ask what will be done that day and mention any project hiccups and concerns you might have. Keep the lines of communication open. Make sure he knows where to store materials and how to get into the house if you’re not there. Keep pets and children away from the work site.
Final Days:
-Be flexible. If a project runs a few days over, try not to get frustrated. If that’s the biggest problem you’ve had, you got off easy.
-Inspect the contractor’s work. Chances are you’ll do this every day, but if anything seems amiss, try to address it before the job is completed.
-Celebrate. Throw down your new bath mats, unpack your toiletries, and sip a glass of Champagne.
This article originally appeared on ELLEDECOR.com.
Bathroom remodeling trends reflect a growing desire for a contemporary look with a spa-like feel. Bathroom designers and homeowners are embracing a more open space with a clean, minimalist appearance. Bathroom design is incorporating many natural elements, among other things.
Here are 5 hot trends happening in bathroom design today.
Custom Showers
Custom showers have quickly become a main focus in bathroom remodeling projects. Homeowners are seeking to create a spacious area with low or no threshold, allowing the tiles to flow seamlessly into the rest of the room. Added features like benches are also popular.
Freestanding Bathtubs
For many years, a bathtub or jetted tub was a must on most homeowner’s wish lists. Today, many are opting for the sleek look of a freestanding tub, if any at all. A classic claw footed tub is still in style, creating a focal point for the room.
Natural Materials and Colors
In keeping with the modern minimalist feel, materials and colors are trending towards natural tones. From warm wood grains to glass tiles, outdoor elements are being brought into the bathroom in order to create a zen-like atmosphere that allows for ultimate relaxation.
Efficient Fixtures
Homeowners are seeking to reduce their consumption of water, so efficient faucets and fixtures are in demand. With multiple shower heads and double sinks quickly becoming the norm, it makes sense to use more eco-friendly fixtures.
Freestanding Vanities
Vanities that look like a freestanding piece of furniture are increasingly popular. In fact, shelving and other storage units that are not built in are in demand. Freestanding pieces offer flexibility and allow homeowners to maximize the open space in a room.
For homeowners seeking a fresh look, our Columbus Ohio bathroom remodeling experts can get you started on the path to create a space with a whole new feel. Transform your bathroom into a relaxing retreat and embrace a modern design that will provide efficiency and style for many years to come.
Contact Columbus Bath Design today to start designing your dream bathroom. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.
