5 Tips for Bathroom Remodeling

That old bathroom has been on your to-do list for years now, but such a daunting task seems to always get pushed to the bottom Maybe now is the time. According to Remodeling Magazine's annual Cost vs. Value Report, a bathroom remodel is a solid investment. A remodel of $16,600 (the national average) will recoup about 64% of those costs when it's time to sell your home. If you have decided that this is the year, here are some tips to get you started:

1. Stick to a plan: A bathroom remodel is no place for improvisation. Before starting, think hard about how you will use the space, what materials and fixtures you want, and how much you are willing to spend. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends spending up to six months evaluating and planning before beginning work. Once work has begun (a process that takes 2 to 3 months on average), resist changing your mind. Work stopages and alterations add costs, especially if you are hiring a contractor for the work. If planning is not a strength for you, and if you have the money, consider hiring a professional designer for the job. A pro charges $100 to $200 per hour, and can spend anywhere between 10 and 30 hours on a bathroom project
2. Keep the same layout: Keeping the same footprint, and locating new plumbing fixtures near existing plumbing pipes saves demolition and reconstruction dollars. You will also cut down on the dust and debris that make remodeling so hard to live with. Try to make the most of the space you have. Glass doors on showers and tubs open up the area. A pedestal sink takes up less room than a vanity. A deep medicine cabinet can replace some of the lost storage space.
3. Make lighting a priority: Few items make a bathroom more satisfying than lighting designed for everyday grooming. You can install lighting for a fraction of the cost of pricier amenities. Well-designed bathroom task lighting surrounds vanity mirrors and eliminates shadows on faces.
4. Clear the air: Bathrrom ventilation is essential for removing excess humidity that fogs mirrors, makes floors slippery, and contributes to the growth of mildew and mold. Controlling mold and humidity is especially important for maintaining healthy indoor air quality and protecting the value of your home. A bathroom vent and water closet fan should exhaust air to the outside, not simply to the space between ceiling joists. Better models have whisper quiet exhaust fans and humidity controlled switches that activiate when a sensor detects excess moisture in the air.
5. Do-it-yourself: Shave labor costs by doing some (or all) of the work yourself. Tell your contractor which projects you will handle, so there are no misunderstandings later. Some easy DIY projects:

• Install window and baseboard trim: save $250
• Paint walls and trim, 200 sq. feet: save $200
• Install toilet: save $150
• Install towel bars and shelves: save $20 each

At any stage in your remodel process, Nothnagle Home Services can help. Find the service you need here. Visit Home Services' new Facebook page to view or latest service partners and their special offers.