Where to Begin when Remodeling Your Bathroom

Bathroom remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects in the U.S. A remodeled bathroom will surely provide increased enjoyment of your home, and it is among the home improvements with the highest return on investment.

Adding a new bathroom will often recoup at least 90% of your investment when you sell your house, while remodeling an existing bathroom will usually pay back around 80-90%. But as good as these returns are, think about the pleasures you'll get from your remodeled bathroom until the time comes to sell.

Go big or go small You - and your budget - decide how big you want to go in terms of your bathroom remodeling project. You can install a new vanity top, light fixtures and accessories for well under $1000. Or if you want to rip everything out and start from scratch you will spend from $7,000 to over $30,000.
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One of the hottest trends in bathroom remodeling is installing dual sinks, which adds convenience. Also popular is installing a large bathtub with water jets for long, soothing soaks. Large bathroom remodeling projects often involve isolating the toilet area from the rest of the bathroom, installing urinals or bidets, and even enlarging the bathroom area by expanding it into an unused room or closet. These new spaces can also be used to install a new shower or steam room!
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Get the spa treatment Higher-end bathroom remodels are turning bathrooms into spa areas. Installing marble countertops is a nice touch, and adding radiant floor heating will keep your feet warm and cozy, heat the room for when you get out of the shower, and helps wet floors dry faster. For a relaxed, soothing quiet time, a steam bath/shower or customized spa shower with multiple water jets will rejuvenate your body and soul.
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Many options to choose from But even if these options aren't even an option for you, more modest changes like refinishing or replacing the existing sink, shower, bathtub, and toilet can go a long way. Then there's always a new paint job, replacing countertops and vanities, and installing exhaust fans and new lighting fixtures. And don't forget re-tiling or renewing the tub or shower enclosures - and the floors.
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Where do you begin? First, you may want to start an ideas folder. Put in clipping from magazines of features you may want. Then prioritize items into things you "need" and things you "want" - unless your budget is unlimited, then you only need a "want" list. Next, decide if you want to keep the existing floor plan or if you'll need to rearrange it or expand it. If the floor plan will change, create a layout of your new design on graph paper. At this stage you may need help from a professional - architects, general contractors, design/build firms or bathroom designers, depending on the scope of your project.
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Get help from a professional Your bathroom remodeling contractor will be able to make suggestions about the design and features and help you prioritize the improvements. They will also be able to give you a better idea of the costs involved and timeframes needed to complete the work. At this point you will be able to decide exactly what work will be done, secure financing if necessary, and let the work begin.
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Will you need a building permit? Be sure to check with your contractor or with your municipality to see if you will need a building permit for your bathroom renovation. The laws vary between municipalities, and you don't want to start work without a permit, or you may be forced to remove all the new work.

Stu Silverman is a home improvement advice columnist and freelance writer. You can see more of his work at http://www.Contractors.com