Renovating a bathroom can increase home value

Thursday, July 17th, 2014 Issue 29, Volume 18.

FALLBROOK Bathroom renovations are second to kitchen renovations on the list of the top remodeling projects to increase home value. The popularity of bathroom renovations and their ability to transform a space has left many homeowners wondering if there are any easy and affordable ways to change the look of their bathrooms.

While "easy" is a relative term, there are ways homeowners willing to make certain concessions can keep the work and cost of a bathroom renovation to a minimum.

Resurface

When possible, covering up what you have in the bathroom is much less expensive and less labor-intensive than tearing out existing fixtures and floors and replacing them anew. Resurfacing can extend from refinishing bathtubs to installing shower liners. Those who have unsightly walls or wallpaper that theyre just not ready to remove may consider using wainscotting to cover a portion of the room or even tiling entire walls.

It is important to note that resurfacing and covering up items in the bathroom should only be reserved for cosmetic fixes. If something needs to be replaced because it is damaged or mildew-covered, then covering it up is only hiding the problem and asking for more work in the long run.

Scale back on materials

One way to save money on a bathroom renovation project is to choose less expensive materials. For example, one may not need to install travertine or marble flooring in a space where less expensive flooring like vinyl is adequate. Advancements in vinyl flooring have enabled this affordable material to mimic the look of more expensive materials at a Advertisement [ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] fraction of the cost.

When redoing tile on walls and shower enclosures, many domestically-produced tiles rival the looks of more expensive imported alternatives. It is possible to save more by buying tile in bulk and using the remainder in other applications around the house.

Paint

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Renovating a bathroom can increase home value