bathroom — especially considering the high costs and headaches associated with water damage and mold growth. Determining your budget beforehand (in terms of bothmoney and time) is a soundway to ensure that your bathroomrenovations don’t get out of hand. For smaller budgets, youmay be limited solely to cosmetic improvements, such as updated fixtures or a new sink. Larger budgets can accommodate makeovers that substantially increase the home’s value, like a larger shower, new windows, and artisanal tiling. Of course, contributing your own “sweat equity” to your home’s renovations can save you money, so determine which projects are best left to professional contractors and which ones you can handle. If you decide on hiring contractors, be sure to have a fixed plan in place and do not deviate from it. The National Kitchen and BathAssociation (NKBA) recommends having a six-month plan to ensure that things go smoothly, as major bathroom renovations last between 2 and 3 months on average. Be forewarned: as with most renovation projects, bathroom costs and expectations can quickly get out of hand, especially when homeowners are eager to sell their homes. That said, let’s look at various aspects of the bathroom and see what types of renovations can add more value to your home. BATHTUBS Choosing the right bathtub for your master bathroom is worth some careful consideration. Some home buyers feel that a bathtub takes up too much space, while others make it a focal point of their relaxation. Some buyers prefer or need accessibility (i.e. mobility-impaired individuals), and for thema bathtubmay be a deal-breaker. For those that prefer elegance, a clawfoot tubmay be appealing. Having a bathtub in one bathroom and a shower in a second is a solution to suit all needs. Ensure that any bathtub you select matches the overall theme of the room (you would not install a Victorian claw-foot tub in a modern-era themed bath).
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