After the hectic years of child-rearing end and grown children move out, many empty nesters find themselves in a state of adjustment.

While some rejoice in their leaner schedules and newfound quiet, others deal with loneliness and depression, often referred to as empty-nest syndrome. In either case, most empty nesters eventually reach a point where they ask themselves :Is it time to downsize, upsize or just renovate and configure their current home?

A recent report from Freddie Mac found that baby boomers have stayed in their homes much longer than previous generations. A 2019 report from Houzz, a home-remodeling website, found that 60% of baby boomers defined as people ages 55 to 74 planned to stay in their homes for the next 11 or more years. Older Americans tend to move into residential care communities in their mid-80s, according to data available from the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For those who opt to stay in their empty nests, many decide it is a good time to finally do the renovations they might have put off in previous years. These home makeovers tend to fall into three broad categories: fixing a space to make room for a new lifestyle or hobby; sprucing up a now unused space so it can be rented out to create a new revenue stream; or renovating to make a home more comfortable for visits from adult children and their expanding families.

Taking the time to figure out how you want your empty nest to affect your lifestyle will help you figure out how to reconfigure a home, said Robin Baron, an interior designer with her own firm in Manhattan. Many of her empty-nest clients have approached her after deciding they want to entertain more, but shes had to pick apart what that means.

Do you want to have more dinner or cocktail parties? Do you want to host fundraisers or just have several friends over for a movie night? Will you do the cooking or hire caterers? The word entertain is too broad, so you must narrow that down, then come up with the design, she said.

Mary Ann Gioeli, a publishing executive, said she knew immediately what she wanted to do when her son moved out. About two weeks after Ryan, now 30, left their Upper West Side apartment for the Air Force in 2014, she threw out the gross black leather couch that was in his room and repainted the formerly bright blue space a neutral white. To turn the room into a den, she bought new furniture, including a pullout couch, and moved the television from the living room.

Even if you have no plans to sell the home for another 10 years, it's a wise thing to do

For Gioeli, 67, this was the first step in transforming her three-bedroom apartment into a more adult space. Although she was thrilled her home had been the go-to hangout for her son and daughter, Francesca, now 32, and their friends during their adolescence, she longed to turn the large, bright apartment into a quieter space. Somewhere you can have a conversation, she said.

When her daughter left to rent her own apartment in 2016, Gioeli turned her bedroom into a proper guest room. Out went the dated furniture, in came a queen-size bed. These renovations cost a few thousand dollars and were paid for from savings, said Gioeli, who is separated from her husband.

In late 2016, she finally tackled what the family had longed to do: a complete revamp of the dated bathrooms. A tub in the master bath was removed, and a walk-in shower was installed. Double sinks and new storage spaces were added, as well as a new marble floor. The guest bathroom was also thoroughly updated, with a glass-encased shower replacing a former closet space. A home-equity loan covered the $65,000 price tag to renovate both bathrooms.

I told my kids they will always have a home to return to, said Gioeli, whose daughter boomeranged back home this year. But its been great to be able to open up my home and have friends stay over.

Brad and Karen Hacker of Cooper City, Florida, who live about 15 miles southwest of Fort Lauderdale, slowly transformed their home after their two sons, Lane and Drew, now 29 and 25, moved out for good in 2014 and 2018.

Karen Hacker said their four-bedroom home needed a lot of upgrades, as renovations to their home of 26 years had largely been held off to save money for their childrens college education. But as different parts of the home started to wear down, the couple saw it as their chance to revamp it for themselves.

A citation from their homeowners association requiring them to pressure-clean the outside of the house prompted them to repaint both the exterior and interior. A broken washing machine resulted in the decluttering and reorganization of the laundry room. In 2017, when the pavers in the backyard started to sink and needed repair, the couple took a moment to reflect whether they should tackle yet another home improvement project or just sell the house. But with most of their friends still nearby (only one close couple had moved away), they decided to stay.

I told my kids they will always have a home to return to ... But it's been great to be able to open up my home and have friends stay over

Their most fun upgrade, they said, was to turn a childs bedroom into an exercise space. They first repainted the room and brought in a TV, treadmill and free weights. Karen Hacker, 54, who formerly worked in human resources, carved out a space for her yoga mat.

Last year, the Hackers, who blog about their empty-nest life, bought a Peloton bike to replace the treadmill. Professing his competitiveness, Brad Hacker, 60, an accountant, said that he exerted himself more because he likes seeing how his performance ranks with others during his workouts but that he enjoys competing against his sons the most. The couple also installed a small infrared sauna in the room this year, so far spending about $5,000 of their savings.

Building the exercise room also turned out to be a real time saver for us, Karen Hacker said, as it eliminated having to drive to and from the gym.

Some empty nesters decide to turn their now unused space into extra income. Hollis Giammatteo, a writer, used about $180,000 from savings to gut-renovate her daughters old basement bedroom and turn it into an Airbnb rental. Inspired by a friend who had done something similar, Giammatteo, who lives in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, said she preferred to lease the space short term because the city is a high-demand tourist and business destination and she is able to keep the unit regularly booked. She said that using an online portal had made it easy to block out specific days when friends and family planned to stay with her. She estimated she had grossed around $125,000 since her first rental in 2015.

That said, she advises those interested in turning unused space into a short-term rental to investigate local laws. You have to be willing to take on bureaucracy, Giammatteo, 71, said. Depending on the area, you may need insurance, a business license and to pay taxes on income, she said.

Others, like Peggy Griffin of Wellesley, Massachusetts, prefer renting out an unused bedroom to long-term boarders. Griffin, an employee of the Federal Transit Administration, said she didnt want to be a hotelier and liked that she could help keep rents more affordable in the Boston area.

After two of her triplets permanently moved out in 2013, she found tenants through Nesterly, an online home-share service that vets potential renters. Griffin, 61, said she simply cleaned out the bedroom before her first boarder moved in. She charges $1,100 a month for a bedroom with a private bath, and she plans to use the extra income to fix the roof on her 1868 four-bedroom home.

Building the exercise room also turned out to be a real time saver for us

I already know repairing the roof will lead to fixing the siding and the windows, she said.

Updating a homes look, not preparing it for sale, was the goal of 71% of consumers age 50 and older who either had completed a home renovation in the past two years or were in the middle of or planning to begin a remodel in the next six months, according to a survey taken by the Schlesinger Group for Sweeten, an online renovation platform.

We see renovations ranging from updating a bathroom to include a two-person soaking tub to gut remodels that convert bedrooms into hobby rooms from art to yoga, said Jean Brownhill, Sweetens founder.

That said, experts suggest that homeowners check with a local broker before starting a large-scale renovation to see if their design will have resale value.

Even if you have no plans to sell the home for another 10 years, its a wise thing to do, said Dave Goscinski, the owner of JJED Remodeling in Dumont, New Jersey. Youre doing the renovation for yourselves, but can you recoup the investment later?

Goscinski finished working on a kitchen renovation for Maria and Edward Matera of Hackensack, New Jersey, at the beginning of 2017. The couple wanted an updated kitchen and a larger space to host their immediate family, which includes two grown children and their spouses and four grandchildren, as well as relatives from Italy and California, and friends and neighbors.

They reconfigured and rebuilt the addition to the back of the house, providing them with a spacious new dining area and a new deck that allows them to grill year-round. And a pass-through window that was installed between the kitchen and living room has come in handy during her book club gatherings, said Maria Matera, 71.

To pay for the $125,000 job, the Materas refinanced their mortgage.

In previous years, they also turned an unfinished basement into a den and guest room, while an unused bedroom was turned into a guest room and office. I feel like I have so much more space, said Maria Matera, a retired teacher.

Her children say they are happy with the spruced-up house. Our family has always loved food and gatherings around the table, said Damian Matera, 44. My sister, Adriana, and I are thrilled that our parents dream kitchen has become a reality and that the new addition will further our love for good food and time together.

Mary Dell Harrington, a homeowner in Mamaroneck, New York, and the co-founder of the parenting website Grown & Flown, is working with an architect to update her kitchen so it can accommodate her grown children, who visit often and love to cook. Her two children, Walker Berning, 29, and Annie Berning, 24, both live in Manhattan but often come home on the weekends, cooking elaborate meals with lots of ingredients I typically dont keep on hand, she said.

But the old kitchen is too cramped. Harrington wants to knock down a wall between the kitchen and dining room and install a larger kitchen island to accommodate the crowd, which also includes her husband, Melvin Berning, 65, their two large Labrador retrievers and a nephew who attends a nearby college. Although plans are not final, shes hoping theres room for a proper pantry.

Mary Harrington, 64, a former television marketing executive and the co-author of the book Grown & Flown: How to Support Your Teen, Stay Close as a Family, and Raise Independent Adults, said previous renovations were stressful and daunting when she worked full time and the children were younger and still living at home.

Now Im home to deal with contractors or any emergency, so it should be easier, she said. What we aspire to is not to push our kids away as they grow older but to enter the next phase and be able to hang out with them as they become more independent.

For some empty nesters, however, this is not an easy transition to make. Some parents have complicated emotions about watching their children move on, according to Jane Benjamin, a psychologist and clinical director at the Counseling Center in Bronxville, New York. Pride and joy can be also mixed with envy or regret, Benjamin said. It can also be a reckoning of aging, that things are beyond them, and that can be a vulnerable feeling.

For empty nesters who have kept their kids bedroom as a shrine to their past (read: trophies, primary- or bright-colored walls), Benjamin suggests working in stages. Make your children take what theyd like to keep, retain a few mementos for yourself and get rid of the rest.

Replacing the single bed with a larger bed would be ideal for returning adult children with partners. Personalizing the newfound space might be a fun project and help you accept that youre in a next stage in life, she said.

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Once the kids grow up and leave, what are parents to do with their empty nest? - National Post

No bathroom remodeling project is as satisfying as making over a clunky old shower by installing new shower heads, tearing out plastic and tiling the walls, and increasing your water pressure. The cost for a shower remodel really depends on your overall bathroom remodeling project. Nationally, the average cost of a total bathroom remodeling project is $14,000, including the cost of the shower remodel. For a standard bathroom renovation including taking out the shower and shower pan and installing new shower pan and shower, new shower door, new vanity, new mirror, new bathroom fan, and all new fixtures the average price might range from $6,500 to $10,000 for labor.

If you dont need foundational work (like a new shower pan) but want a tile makeover in your shower, the average national cost for tiling a shower is $3,875. The average cost for bathroom tile is $25 per square foot for installation; at that rate, a standard tub and shower combo tile job with walls that are roughly 6 feet to 8 feet high may have tile installation costs that average $2,000. If all your bathroom really needs is a new shower door, door installation averages $250-$510.

For more on how to remodel a bathroom and what it costs for a shower remodel check out The Complete Thumbtack Bathroom Remodel Guide.

Excerpt from:
The 10 Best Bathroom Remodelers in Secaucus, NJ 2019

Installed Before the Sun Goes Down

Is your shower an eyesore in your bathroom, but you dont have the time to deal with a long and drawn-out remodeling project? If so, West Shore Home offers the perfect solution for you. Our team will show up the same day you call us, help you design the shower space of your dreams, and give you a fast and accurate price quote. Then, on installation day, our certified installers will be in and out of your home lickety-split, leaving you with a gorgeous new shower that will last for years to come.

Our huge selection of options and accessories allow you to customize your replacement shower exactly the way you want it. Just pick your preferences on shower type, tile pattern, color, and accessories to build the new shower youve dreamed of. Then, watch our committed installation team go to work, leaving you with a beautiful shower the same day they start the install.

Our showers are infused with an antimicrobial agent that helps prevent bacteria from growing, and they are made from a durable acrylic material that resists mold, mildew, cracking, and chipping. To give you the peace of mind that youre making a wise investment, our showers also come with a lifetime warranty.

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Shower Replacements & Remodels | West Shore Home

Whether youre doing a project yourself, working with a contractor, or looking for turnkey remodeling services, Bath, Kitchen & Tile Center is your one-stop shop. Since 1963, Bath, Kitchen & Tile Center has been serving residents throughout Eastern Maryland, Delaware, Southern Pennsylvania, and beyond.

Our products and services include retail, wholesale, and more:

Keep reading to learn more about each of our services, or schedule your showroom consultation today to get started!

As a full-service design-build and remodeling company, Bath, Kitchen & Tile Center provides everything you need for your home remodeling or commercial construction project from start to finish, including installation, lighting, drywall, and more. Our remodeling services include:

Already hireda general contractor but need help with the design aspects of your remodeling project? We know that some contractors are not equipped to handle all the detailsthats where we come in. Well help you choose the right design features, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and accents for your new kitchen or bathroom and ensure everything matches your vision.

If you prefer to handle home renovations yourself and just need the right materials to get the job done, we can help with that, too. Our showrooms in Wilmington, Newark, Harbeson / Lewes, and Bel Air have everything you need to decide on the best countertops, cabinets, tile, appliances, hardware, and more. Our design professionals will meet with you to learn your needs and direct you to the best products for your project. Bath, Kitchen & Tile Center is Delawares source for direct cabinets.

Bath, Kitchen & Tile Center works alongside home builders and commercial property managers on new construction, custom homes, new developments, apartment renovations, and much more. You tell us what you need and well get it doneat wholesale prices! Whether your floorplans already dictate a kitchen layout for a new development or you need our help with a design for a custom home, we can handle it. We have longstanding relationships with local builders and are always ready to embark on a new partnership.

We back everything we do with the reliability that can only come with time and experience. Although we practice tried-and-true remodeling methods and techniques, were on the cutting edge in our industry, offering the latest selection of high-quality products and the best ideas in design and functionality.

Our reputation is the cornerstone of our business. Weve been helping homeowners remodel their spaces since 1963, and some of them love our work so much that theyve become repeat customers. One family hired us nearly two decades after their original remodel to revamp their kitchen a second time!

Whether you need a full remodel or want to handle the installation yourself, we are the only home remodeling and designcompany you will ever need. Call us today for service in these areas:

Looking for top-quality design, service,and value on your next remodeling project?Contact us todayand schedule a free showroom consultation. We serveMD, NJ, DE, and PAincluding Newark, Wilmington, Bel Air, Lewes, Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach, and more!

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Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling DE, MD, PA & NJ | Factory ...

1. Planning:

Your bathroom be a place of peace and relaxation. Its dcor should complement your homes design and meet your needs at the same time. Before you start your remodel with KBF Design Gallery, you should have an idea of what you want, and if it makes sense for your specific needs.

The most important aspect that goes into finding and sticking to a budget is step 1Planning! Think about what you want out of your bathroom, the style that appeals the most to you, and if this idea will fit within your budget. Keeping your plumbing in place can cut remodeling costs substantially, so try to decide if you can get what you want without moving around your toilet, bath tub and sink.

Like in step 2, knowing your layout can help make the most of your remodeling project. At KBF Design gallery, we can make your idea a reality no matter what your current set up may be. If you are unsure if your layout will suit your remodeling needs, give us a call! We would be glad to give you our expert opinion.

Depending on the style you are going for, you will need different materials. We are here to help you choose the right materials for the job. Do you want a modern design? Or something a little more clean and traditional? We are experts in all aspects of Orlando bathroom remodeling.

Sure, you can have a beautiful bathroom, but does it have enough storage? Is your tub big enough to bathe your children in? Do you need to make efforts to try to conserve water with your sink? All are important aspects to keep in mind when you are planning your bathroom remodeling project. The more you know what you want, the easier it is for us to give it to you.

Especially for something as sensitive as a remodeling job, hiring the best of the best is crucial. After all, you have to live with your bathroom as long as you live in your homewhich is often times forever. Get it right the first time by consulting our industry experts.

>> Related Content: Kitchen Remodeling

At KBF Design Gallery our bathroom remodelers ask all the right questions so that your new bathroom turns out exactly the way you imagined it. Whether you vision a bathroom that is modern or traditional, bright and inviting or dimly lit and elegant, loaded with features or sleek and streamlined our team will make your dreams a reality.

Over the past 23 years, weve worked with thousands of families, designing custom bathrooms to suit different lifestyles and personal style preferences.

Work with a company that understands the balance of form and function like no one else does.

We take the time to walk you through all of the options from the big projects like your vanity cabinets, flooring and counter tops to the smaller selections like the fixtures, exhaust and decorative tile design to make sure you are armed with all the information to make the right decision.

Having your bathroom remodeled is one of the most popular home improvements to date. Everyone loves a beautiful bathroom, big or small. Not only does a new bathroom enhance the beauty of your home, it also raises your home value, and changes how you use that special room. A fresh new look with custom finishes and personal touches will brighten your home life and increase the overall value of your property.

A custom bathroom design is a big undertaking that should be trusted to a company that has the experience to make it all come together seamlessly. KBF Design Gallery has earned a reputation as Orlandos most trusted in bathroom remodeling by taking the same approach time and time again: we listen to you! Take a tour of our portfolio to experience the KBF difference.

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Bathroom Remodeling - KBF Design Gallery

We offer an unparalleled 10 Year Labor Warranty! Kitchen remodel, bathroom remodeling, and other home renovations entail several phases: design, product selection and procurement, and construction, to name a few. For many homeowners, finding the right contractors and/or suppliers for each stage of the process, and then having to coordinate timing and communication between multiple companies, can be a major inconvenience. Thankfully, for residents of Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona, and all surrounding areas, Premier Kitchen & Bath offers an alternative. Founded in 1994, we are a specialty interior remodeling firm that offers comprehensive remodel services. We will take you through the design process, help you select the right materials and products for your renovation, and complete all the necessary construction. We are 100 percent inclusive so you dont have to worry about managing multiple tradesmen or potential communication lapses.

As a total design-build firm, Premier Kitchen & Bath is able to complete any type of renovation for homeowners in Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ, and all surrounding areas. Our kitchen makeovers, bathroom remodels, and other home renovation projects generally follow the same process. We begin with a free, in-showroom, consultation with one of our qualified designers. Through conversation we learn about you, your lifestyle, and your remodeling needs and desires. Next, a designer will visit your home to personally get a feel for the space, measure, photograph, and document the current conditions. Your following consultation will be back at our showroom, where your designer will present a comprehensive remodel proposal that includes several design concepts, product samples, and a scope of work.

Once the design and product selections have been decided upon, your designer will prepare a comprehensive document covering all the details of your planned bathroom remodel, kitchen remodel, or other home remodeling project. The construction process is carefully overseen by a project manager who will act as your main point of contact and provide regular updates. Once construction is finished, we will provide a final job site review with your designer and project manager to ensure your project has turned out as planned.

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Local Remodeling Contractors | Kitchen Bathroom Remodeling ...

As a fourth-generation family-owned and -operated company, Borth-Wilson Plumbing & Bathroom Remodeling takes great pride in the relationships weve developed with our Milwaukee-area customers. No job is too big or too small for us. Our team of experts performs basic faucet installations and water heater replacements, but can also perfect a complete bathroom redesignfrom initial color selection to the final construction, installation, and cleanup. If youre looking for a light update, like kitchen countertop or cabinetry replacement, we can take care of that, too. Our list of specialties includes:

Our family-owned plumbing and remodeling company gives us a strong background in customer service that cannot be matchedincluding our full work guarantee and ethical ways. Let us help you find the right materials to update your countertops, shower, or floor. The remodeling process doesnt have to be overwhelming, especially with our helpful experts. Trust that we wont stop working until you love your newly remodeled space. And well never leave a mess behind when were done. We clean up at the end of every day to minimize disruptions to your everyday life.

Yourbathroomor otherlight remodelproject will kick off with an in-home visit. The best part? Well work with you at your pace. Were not going to push for a full remodel if its not in the budget. Sometimes all your space needs is a facelift, like new countertops or a more functional shower. Thats why were happy to complete your plumbing or remodeling updates in stages. And well find a budget-friendly solution to help you make it happenit all starts with a free no-obligation estimate.

Read through ourtestimonialsto see what our satisfied customers have to sayand then look through our remodeling projects to get some design ideas. We cant wait to get started on your next project. Were only a click or phone call away.

Borth-Wilson is everyones contractor. We got our start in 1919 as your local neighborhood plumber and weve been the go-to choice for plumbingservice ever since! Customers in Milwaukee, Brookfield, and other suburbs tell us its hard to find fairly priced, highly trained plumbers that are reliablethats why they work with us.

We show up within the two-hour timeframe we set with you, do things right the first time, and even offer same-day service. Plus, we dont use subcontractorsits just our reliable team and our electricians. We stick with you until your project is doneand even afterto make sure you love your new plumbing fixture,water heater, or remodeled room. We pride ourselves on treating you like family, and treating your home like its our own. Well tell you what were doing every step of the way and answer your questions with explanations that make sense.

Because we go into every project to gain a customer for life, we maintain the highest level of customer service. Yourinstallationor repair isnt just another number on our listyoure a customer with a name and a project we value. After repairing your toilet or faucet, we hope youll have us back to update your countertops or install new flooring.

Continued here:
Borth-Wilson - Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling

These bathroom design ideas cover every aspect of how to plan and decorate your dream bathroom, shower room or en suite. They come with design inspiration and practical how-to advice from the expert Ideal Home editorial team.

Amy Cutmore, Digital Editor2nd April 2019

After a hard day, what could be more relaxing than a long soak in the bath? That is unless your bathroom is out of date, and as you lay back, all you can think out is the mouldy grout/peeling paint/dripping taps. In which case, a makeover is definitely in order!

Designing a bathroom might seem a daunting task, but with our bathroom ideas and expert advice it neednt be. There are several essential elements to consider when you think about bathroom design whether you want to know how to install a shower room or what bathroom suite will suit your space, our gorgeous bathroom decorating ideas gallery is packed with inspiring pictures to get you started.

Browse these beautiful (and practical, we promise!) bathroom schemes for all styles and budgets to get a sense of what you like. From vintage bathrooms with free-standing tubs to modern bathrooms, theres a huge range of options to choose from so it pays to do a bit a research before you invest.

From small bathroom solutions to our guide to bathroom colour schemes, were here to help you create the perfect bathroom in the heart of your home.

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Bathroom ideas, designs, trends and pictures | Ideal Home

Our Top Small Bath Makeovers

In a small space like a bathroom, every detail matters: The right wall color, tilework or lighting can transform a dull, dated bathroom into a bright, stylish retreat. See how HGTVs top designers revamped these petite baths.

After the redesign, a floating vanity adds tons of visual space, while new lighting above the mirror is reflected throughout the room.

With a dark wood cabinet and tile walls, this basement bathroom felt dark, dated and confining.

After the renovation, the bathroom looks brighter and much more open. Light blue walls create a calming effect, and with overall less clutter, the entire space feels larger.

While tearing down a wall to add a shower, the homeowners decided to update the tile with a white version that reflects light in the room, making the space appear bigger.

Old tiles, outdated wallpaper and a shower and tub combo weren't doing this guest bathroom any favors.

After the makeover, this guest bathroom seems much more spacious with a full glass shower, new white floors tiles and a floating vanity.

Poor lighting and an almost monochromatic color scheme make this bland bathroom feel dark and depressing.

Gray penny tiles that flow beautifully from the shower into the rest of the stunning bathroom keep the room from looking blocked off, making the space feel much more open.

Although vertical stripes can sometimes trick the eye into thinking a room is larger than it is, the wallpaper in this bathroom only looks dated and dull.

A great alternative to the vertical-striped wallpaper is stunning mosaic tilework laid vertically on the entire bathroom wall.

Pink tiles and dark brown accents were the major offenders in this dated disaster.

Black tiles made this bathroom feel cramped and way too dark.

After a major redesign, this contemporary space boasts a stunning tub, brand-new vanity and custom-built shelves that make the most of the space.

A strange layout and dated fixtures make this bathroom feel cramped.

In the redesign, a new layout makes more sense and gives the bathroom a more pulled-together look. New tiles give the space a contemporary feel.

The green bathtub said it all in this cluttered space. It was way past time for a makeover.

Hosts Drew and Jonathan Scott swapped out the green tub for a pretty green shower curtain. New floors and white wainscoting give this bathroom a classic look.

A bright aqua tiled tub takes over in this downstairs bathroom, while the white shower curtain cuts up the room, making it appear smaller.

Because the room is more cohesive with a warm color palette and brass fixtures, the entire space feels larger.

Though white can often make a small space feel larger, this petite powder room was in serious need of some color.

A new paint job, as well as brand-new flooring, completely transformed this once-dull space.

As the only bathroom in the entire house, this boring space definitely needed an upgrade.

After an amazing makeover, which included expanding the space, this bathroom includes a walk-in shower and stunning quartz countertops.

This sad before called for a creative eye and a lot of work.

It's hard to believe this is the same small, empty space. Host Nicole Curtis added new fixtures and stunning white wainscoting which adds visual interest and reflects light within the space.

Because the paint color was too intense for the space, this bathroom felt even smaller.

A soft, neutral paint color instantly lightens the space, making it feel larger, while fresh flowers add a cheery vibe.

This small guest bathroom felt extremely dated with old fixtures and faded paint.

After the makeover, the space looks relaxing and spacious, with new floors, a calming color palette and improved lighting.

A white vanity plus a cream-colored wall equals one boring bathroom.

The bulky cabinet mirror was replaced by a sleeker version, while new lighting and paint keep the entire space feeling bright and more open.

The tiles in this tiny bathroom didn't seem to coordinate with the space, and the overall look was far too boring.

As seen on HGTV's Buying and Selling, the tiles were replaced with beautiful new wainscoting, while a simple basket easily adds needed storage.

Link:
30 Small Bathroom Before and Afters | HGTV

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Published: March 2012

The master bathroom is supposed to be your own private escapea place to pamper yourself, to preen. So why are you always in such a hurry to leave yours? Maybe its the pink-and-white tiles. Or the perpetual beads of water on the ceiling. Or the way the entry door slams into the toilet.

If your would-be sanctuary is a major sore spot, youre not alone. Bathrooms are second only to the kitchen on peoples wish lists of rooms to remodel, especially since the current economy-induced deferred maintenance has pushed so many past their 20-year lifespan. At that age, bathrooms really start to get tired, says Art Donnelly, president of Legacy Design Buildin Mount Sinai, New York. Leaky toilets, grimy grout, loose tilesyou name it, its probably an issue.

Given the complexity of bathroomsmultiple components in a compact space, not to mention all that waterdoing the project right is a challenge. (See Remodeling Dos and Don'ts.) On a cost-per-square-foot basis, bathrooms are one of the most expensive spaces to remodel. But that doesnt mean you have to spend a fortune. Thats where Consumer Reports Bathroom Remodeling Guide comes in. Our product testers have spent months rating the latest toilets, sinks, countertops, and other bathroom essentials to separate the winners from the also-rans. Weve also interviewed designers, contractors, and real estate pros nationwide to find out what to includeand what to skipon your bathroom-remodel wish list.

How much should you spend on your master bathroom? A rule of thumb is that the total projectincluding materials and installationshould cost no more than 5 to 10 percent of your homes value. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) puts the national average at about $16,000. Another guide is Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report, which compares the average cost of various renovation projects with the value they retain at resale. In 2011-2012, mid-range bathroom remodels cost an average of $16,552 and recouped 62 percent, while upscale bathroom remodels cost an average of $52,249 and recouped 56 percent. Heres how the NKBA breaks down the budget for a typical bathroom remodel:

Labor: 20 percentCabinetry and hardware: 16 percentFixtures: 15 percentFaucets and plumbing: 14 percentCountertop: 7 percentFloor: 9 percentDoors and windows: 4 percentWalls and ceiling: 5 percentLighting and ventilation: 5 percentDesign fees: 4 percentOther: 1 percent

These details arent necessarily cheap, but if theres room in your budget, they can help turn a good master bathroom remodel into a great one.

1. Radiant flooring. This heating system will not only keep your floors warm underfoot on cold mornings, it will accelerate drying, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

2. Stain-resistant grout. Though it costs more than traditional grout, stain-resistant formulas cut down on tedious cleaning. Thinner, darker grout lines can also help.3. Skylights. Natural light is desirable in any room, but for bathrooms located deep within a home, windows may not be an option. A skylight is an excellent way to flood a room with sunlight, assuming its on the top floor of your home.4. Heated shower mirror. A fog-free mirror makes it easy to shave or remove make-up in the shower. Thats particularly helpful in master bathrooms with a single vanity.5. Framed mirrors. Besides the fact that wall-to-wall mirrors have become pass, framed mirrors present a design opportunity. Match the profile of the mirror frame with the moldings for a coordinated look, or choose something very different to create a focal point.

While a thousand dollars may not go as far as certain remodeling shows on TV would have you believe, it can actually do a lot. Thats especially true if your space functions wellno leaks or loose partsbut is in need of a facelift. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Master bathrooms get the most remodeling dollars, but homes typically have one or more other bathroomsor else their owners wish they did. Here are a few key considerations if youre renovating or adding a kids or guest bathroom or powder room to your home.

Powder roomsThese compact spaces are often tucked into nooks in the home, such as converted pantry closets or the cavity beneath a staircase. Theyre all about economy of space, though the best examples also emphasize design. This is not a high-traffic room, so function is not as important as the wow factor, says says Elizabeth Goltz, owner of Design by Orion in Kansas City.

Streamline the design. A sink and toilet are the only must-haves in a powder room. A round toilet bowl takes up less room than an elongated one, which may be worth the compromise in comfort that some users will experience. Consider a pedestal sink instead of a bulkier sink/vanity combination.

Be adventurous. Design treatments that would look over the top in other parts of the home are fine in the powder room. Deep dark hues, such as burgundy and eggplant, play well in these small spaces. Not that adventurous? Limit dark hues or unusual colors to wall paint. Pricey materials such as vessel sinks, custom floor patterns, and stone counters wont be as hard on your budget because you wont need as much as you would in a larger bath.

Splurge on the accessories. With so few accessories to consider, you can spend more on those you do need. Invest in the faucet, says Carolyn Cheetham, president of Design Works by Cheetham in Alberta, Canada. Its an opportunity to bring something fun and sculptural into the space. Also, consider matching the faucet finish to other accessories in the space, such as the towel ring, mirror frame, and light fixture.

Kids and guest bathroomsA second bathroom, be it for the kids or overnight guests, is expected in all but the smallest homes. If youve bought a home without one (say a 1950s split-level), it should be high on your wish list. To get the job done right, follow these recommendations.Focus on durability. The surfaces and fixtures will likely get lots of wear and tear, especially if children use the room. Plastic laminate flooring and countertops are durable and inexpensive, plus the kids likely dont care if they have high-end materials. As for fixtures, you still want high-quality construction, including all-brass parts and a PVD (physical vapor deposition) finish that resists scratches, but go with basic chrome, rather than pricier nickel or bronze. On the walls, choose an interior paint that resists mildew.

Dont forget the bathtub. You might not take baths, but every home should have a bathtub. Even when master bathrooms had whirlpool tubs, it was still customary for the secondary bath to have a tub, usually in the form of a shower/tub combo. A one-piece molded acrylic unit can cut down on cost and maintenance compared to one thats tiled.

Remember ventilation. A bathroom fan is critical in high-traffic bathrooms where the shower is going all morning. And since kids cant always be trusted to turn the fan on and off, spend more on a model that uses humidity sensors to operate the fan on its own.

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Bathroom Remodeling Guide - Consumer Reports