Sooo. . .You've decided that your next home improvement project is going to be the bathroom. It is somewhat outdated and a little worn around the edges. Not only will a face lift give a more modern look to the house, it will increase your home value and make it more salable. Before you start knocking out walls for a walk in shower or tearing up the floor, stand back and consider a few things.
Motivation
Write down your motivation for updating the bathroom. This will help you focus on the most important features that need to be considered in your update. Get your spouse's input on what they see as the major drawback of the bathroom that should be addressed, chances are, it is not what you have written down.
Would changing the hardware in the room modernize it? Perhaps a more modern paint job or installing some bead board would change the look totally. Maybe the sunshine yellow tiles need to be changed out to bring the bathroom into this decade. Knowing what does and doesn't work in your bathroom is going to be the driving force behind your update.
Dream a little bit about your ideal bath and the features that you find appealing in other homes you have visited. Write it all down as possibilities in your bathroom update project.
Budget
This is where your updating plans get a reality check. This important item of consideration will determine everything and anything that you can do to the bath. Costs can range from $15,000 for a small bathroom renovation if you go all out, to several hundred dollars for a simple facelift. If you have taken out a home improvement equity loan or other financing to update your home, you may not want to spend it all on the bath.
Space
Although the gargantuan bathrooms on T.V. are appealing, in reality they are not what most of us have to work with. Look at the space available and make careful measurements. Draw the bathroom on graph paper or use a computer program to define the exact dimensions of the space you have to work with. In a computer program you can rearrange vanities and fixtures to help better visual how the home improvement will look.
Fixture Placement
Although the toilet may work better across from the tub, keep in mind where your major pipes are located. Moving fixtures can be the most expensive aspect of a home improvement project.
Shop around
Once you have your budget and the size of your bathroom firmly in your mind, shop around. There are many places where you can get flooring, hardware, and fixtures on sale. Look into re-purposing old dressers for vanities or containers for decorating or sinks to give your bathroom a unique look.
Updating a bathroom can become a nightmare if you don't approach it right. By thoroughly knowing your motivation and budget, you can make this bathroom improvement project a way to design a relaxing room for you and increase the value of your home.
Once you've on the extent of your project, check out our 3 in 1 Advantage Plan to help you get it done. With it, you can find the home equity loan that serves your needs now and in the future.
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