Bathroom by Numbers

(ARA) - Thinking about updating your bathroom, but not sure what to budget -- or if you’ll even recoup the costs in today’s market? The good news is that modifying a bathroom not only adds daily enjoyment and comfort, but will enhance your home’s value as well.

“Any changes you make on your house now should increase your home value later,” says Kermit Baker, project director for the Remodeling Futures program at Harvard University.

Still not convinced? According to "Consumer Reports," a 5-by-7-foot bathroom remodel, at a national average cost of $15,000, provides a solid return of 78 percent.

Get Started
To make your bathroom transformation pay, begin by creating a list of “must-haves,” “nice ideas” and “dreams.” This will help you understand the numbers before starting your renovation and prioritize what makes the most sense for your investment.

Following are a few bathroom projects, with low- and high-end options, as well as costs to consider before getting started.

* Fixtures
Must-have
Fixtures, including sinks, toilets and tub/showers, are all must-haves in your bathroom according to "House & Home Magazine." Basic versions can cost $350 to $900 to replace, so plan accordingly. Upgrades such as double or undermount sinks, dual-flush toilets or deep soaking tubs can range from approximately $1,300 to $2,250.

Nice Idea
If you don’t want to spend extra money replacing some of the basics, why not give your tub or shower a quick touch-up? Try hiring a surface-restoration company, such as Miracle Method (www.miraclemethod.com). For approximately $465 to $600 you can make your ceramic, porcelain and fiberglass fixtures shine like new.

Dream Big
If you’ve always dreamed of a luxury spa shower and have room in your budget, try installing a custom glass shower enclosure. Retailers, such as The Home Depot offer a variety of glass or glass block options ranging from $2,000 to $3,500 that will have you singing with delight in the shower.

* Faucets
Must-have
Faucets are not only a must-have, but can also be the focal point in the bathroom. Basic faucets range from $50 to $350 with different finish selections and configurations. Before going faucet shopping, be sure to do your homework and review your sink set-up. Today’s faucets are available in three primary styles: 4-inch centerset (the most popular), 8-inch widespread and single-hole (typically seen in a vessel sink application).

Nice Idea
When looking to replace your faucet, choose one that offers both style and water-saving benefits. Moen’s Lindley bathroom faucet is WaterSense labeled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indicating it meets guidelines as an environmentally responsible and efficient product.

Lindley offers traditional, mid- and high-arc designs that use 32 percent less water without sacrificing performance. Available at The Home Depot for between $89 and $154, Lindley is offered in today’s most popular finishes including Chrome, LifeShine Classic Brushed Nickel and Old World Bronze.

And with your new hardware updates, don’t forget to add finishing touches with matching accessories such as towel bars, towel rings, robe hooks and pivoting paper holders to help pull the design of the room together. Moen Accessories offers a variety of options starting at only $20.

* Storage and Countertops
Nice Idea
Need more space? Try installing a new or antique dresser-like vanity for approximately $100 to $1,500. It adds storage and style with many options to personalize -- or you can save even more by recycling an old dresser.

Dream Big
If high-end countertops are your dream, add a custom-built vanity. Prices range from $2,000 to $5,000, but allow you to customize dimensions and choose from materials including natural stone, marble, frosted glass or exotic and engineered woods. It’s also a great way to give your bathroom a brand-new look.

* Flooring
Must-have
Going for an upscale look to complete the room without the cost? Try installing ceramic or porcelain tile. For approximately $1 to $3 per square foot, you can choose from a variety of colors, shapes, sizes and finishes.

Nice Idea
Like the idea, but are worried about stepping on to a cold, uninviting floor in the morning? A nice idea is to install an electric floor warming systems for under your tile. Companies such as SunTouch Floor Warming Mats (www.suntouch.com) can help with costs between $400 and $1,600, depending on your bathroom’s size.

Dream Big
Or if you dream of high-end porcelain tile and good-quality stone and glass, options range from $7 to $18 per square foot. Want a customized glass tile mosaic for your bathroom floor instead? For between $20 and $200 per square foot, you can design your own masterpiece without any visible grout lines.

No matter what your budget or dreams, by investing and renovating your bathroom today you will enjoy an improved room for years to come and add some extra cash in your pocket. For more information on Moen’s Lindley bathroom faucet collection available at The Home Depot, visit www.moen.com, or call (800) BUY-MOEN.

Courtesy of ARAcontent