(NAPSI)While the real estate market remains a challenge for those looking to sell, some simple staging and remodeling tips can help make your home more attractive to prospective buyers.

Bathrooms can sell houses but not if they are lackluster and out of date. While it can be easy to spend five figures on a complete remodel, there are less expensive ways to give your bathroom a fresh new look. For example, a little paint, some fresh flowers and new shower fixtures can take your bathroom from outdated to outstanding. Here are a few tips to help:

If you cant afford to replace outdated wallpaper, work with the colors you already have. Buy some matching towels or a new shower curtain to coordinate the look.

If you can paint, its an easy weekend project that will brighten the space. Go for lighter colors; white is a classic.

Clear off the counters. This is especially important in a smaller bathroom to create the illusion of more space.

Clean the bathroom thoroughly. Make sure everything sparkles.

Styles change, so if possible, update your shower fixtures. Finding fixtures in styles that fit your decor doesnt have to break your budget.

The Neo Collection adds bold style for a modern look, while the graceful curvature of the hardware in the Alexandria Collection helps create a luxurious feel.

The distinctive details of the Caspian Collection offer an unconventional, modern touch and the Rainier Collection delivers a unique square design so bold it can update any traditionally styled bathroom.

Stylish and innovative valves, designer faucets and accessories can be obtained to effectively coordinate your remodeling efforts.

See the rest here:
Nice-looking bathrooms can help make for faster sale of your home

A former bathroom remodeling salesman pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in state prison in connection with defrauding multiple homeowners, including some in Needham, of thousands of dollars, Attorney General Martha Coakley's office announced Thursday, June 21.

Joel Salvatore, 42, of Stoneham, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Norfolk Superior Court to charges of larceny over $250 (one count), and larceny over $250 from a person over 60 years old (three counts). After the plea was entered, Norfolk Superior Court Judge Kenneth Fishman sentenced Salvatore to two years and one day in state prison, with six years of probation to serve concurrent with that sentence.

Fishman imposed a condition prohibiting Salvatore from having contact with the victims of the scheme. The judge also ordered that Salvatore be required to take vocational training while incarcerated in a field that he can seek and maintain employment in upon release and barred him from self-employment or promotional or sales work.

This defendant used his position to manipulate and steal from consumers, including seniors, by soliciting for services he did not provide, Coakley said. He is being held accountable for this fraud that harmed consumers and undermined trust in our communities.

According to authorities, Salvatore worked as a salesperson for Bay State Re-Bath (Re-Bath), a bathroom remodeling company, from February 2011 until his termination in June 2011. As a salesperson, Salvatore met with potential customers in their homes, examined their bathrooms, and gave sales presentations about Re-Bath's remodeling products and services. He also prepared contracts for proposed projects on approved company letterhead.

In a scheme to defraud homeowners beginning in April 2011, Salvatore solicited consumers by offering the company's remodeling services at a cut rate. Based on his proposal, Salvatore would draft a generic contractor's invoice and request a down payment for services to be rendered at a later date.

As a result of this scheme, Salvatore collected payments ranging from $1,700 to $3,000 without ever beginning renovations despite repeated attempts by customers to contact him. In addition to customers in Needham, Salvatore victimized customers in Wakefield, Medford, and Walpole.

In addition to working for Re-Bath, Salvatore previously operated a Luxury Bath Systems franchise in Massachusetts that also performed bathroom remodeling. According to the Massachusetts Secretary of State's Office, Salvatore is also connected with the following businesses registered in Massachusetts: JS & Company of Salem, N.H.; Home Improvements of New England, Inc., in Stoneham, and Salvatore, Inc., in Quincy.

The Attorney General's Office and the Massachusetts State Police urge any individuals who feel that they have been the victim of a larceny to contact the Attorney General's complaint line at 617-963-2223. For information and consumer tips on choosing home improvement contractors, please visit the Attorney General's website at http://www.mass.gov/ago/consumer-resources/consumer-information/home-and-housing/home-improvement/> .

Middlesex and Norfolk County grand juries returned indictments against Salvatore on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21, respectively. Salvatore was arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn on Jan. 9 and was arraigned in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham on Jan. 17. In April, the Middlesex indictment was consolidated with the indictment in Norfolk County. In Norfolk Superior Court on Tuesday, Salvatore pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced.

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Bathroom remodeling salesman stole thousands, including from Needham homeowners, sentenced

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 20, 2012

Fine Designs by Roger Perron, Inc. General Contractors is currently offering a $500 coupon on whole home design and home remodeling in Los Angeles, making it easier than ever for residents to spruce up their living space and get the added touches theyve been looking for. The company has over twenty-seven years of experience and is a pioneer in the home design and remodeling industry. By offering the discounted service on whole house remodeling, Roger Perron is hoping to make the city a more attractive environment to live in.

In order to make Los Angeles a better place, says Perron, we need to start from the ground up with only the best materials and the best craftsmanship. His company focuses on using the highest quality materials to create new designs that are not only beautiful but long lasting. In addition to whole house design one of Perrons specialties is bathroom and kitchen remodeling. In Los Angeles its difficult to find general contractors that not only have the skill but the ingenuity and creativity to think outside the box. Roger Perrons bathroom and kitchen remodeling in Los Angeles is the standard for the profession. With his own team of expert workmen and licensed subcontractors that have been with him for years, Roger Perrons company has a reputation for exceeding his clients expectations with awe inspiring designs while staying within their budget. One needs only to look at the testimonials section on his website to see evidence of the great products he creates and how satisfied the customers are.

Anyone living in the Los Angeles area can agree that plenty of homes are in need of a complete house design makeover. With Fine Designs by Roger Perrons new coupon, this makeover is easier than ever. Kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, master suites; Los Angeles county residents can make over selected pieces or their entire home and get that added value theyve been looking for at the most affordable price yet.

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Excerpt from:
Home Remodeling in Los Angeles Now More Affordable Than Ever

Story Created: Jun 14, 2012 at 7:40 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jun 14, 2012 at 7:40 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Summer is a time when many of us like to catch up on projects around the house. But whether its remodeling a bathroom or refinishing a deck the cost of materials can really add up.

Fortunately Anchorage residents have some options when it comes to getting materials at low cost or even free.

The municipality operates a Re-Use store at both the Midtown Transfer Station and the Eagle River Landfill. Residents can drop off household hazardous waste at the Transfer Center and if the products are still relatively full theyll be put back on the shelves of the Re-Use store.

People can pick up everything from plant food to paint, bug dope to motor oil. Its common to find all sorts of useful products and best of all, its all free. Residents are required to sign a form that acknowledges the product has been used and there is no guarantee of the contents. They are welcome to take home up to 20 items a day.

Another place that operates on the used but still good philosophy is the Habitat For Humanity ReStore.

There you can find the parts, and pieces for remodeling projects big and small.

Contractors, individuals and even stores donate the materials. The goods are also used and they arent free, but the prices are low and all the money collected goes to support Habitat For Humanity.

Continued here:
Recycled Materials Help Lower the Cost of Projects

Q: I have a question for you about conflicting information from contractors. I have had a few contractors come out to my home to look at some remodeling.

For my bathroom, one said the whole thing needed to be gutted. The other said we could work with what was there and make improvements with paint, tile, et cetera.

Also, I had a contractor come out to check on a sunroom that looks to me to be in sad shape. I was considering tearing it down but he said it could be brought back to life with some replacement wood siding, a new roof and windows. He has great credentials with the Better Business Bureau, and he checks out with the Contractors State Licensing Board. His price blew me away - much lower than I had anticipated.

The cause for confusion is that last year, another contractor came out and gave me a figure that was 2 1/2 times the price. I end up confused, and then I do nothing because I am not sure how to proceed.

So what is your advice when the price and opinions vary and I am clueless? Is there a construction consultant that can advise homeowners on these dilemmas?

A: There are project managers, but we don't think it's necessary to hire one, and we do understand the confusion. Rehabbing an older home is as much an art as a science.

Before calling a contractor, it's critical you decide what you want in a finished product and set a budget. A journey of a thousand miles doesn't begin with the first step. It begins with the destination. Without a clearly defined end point, even a small remodel will be nothing but frustrating. Spend time with this phase. Once the work starts, change orders can be difficult and often come at great cost.

So, in the bathroom, if you're looking to move the toilet, tub and shower, a gut job is probably necessary. All of the plumbing needs to be relocated. That means tearing into the walls to move the pipes and wiring. Once the rough work is done, drywall, flooring and all the finishes are installed.

But if what you're after is a face-lift, the second contractor's right. The whole feeling of the room can be changed with paint, flooring, tile and faucets and tub trim. You might also consider replacing the toilet and vanity and adding a glass shower door or tub enclosure depending on your budget. Doing all this will give you a new bath without doing a total gut job.

Ask questions of each contractor to lessen your confusion. We'd ask the first contractor why it is necessary to totally gut the bathroom. Relay this information to the second contractor and see what he says. Questioning each bidder not only makes him justify his proposal and educates you, but it also may present another solution that you hadn't considered.

Read this article:
Asking contractors questions helps avoid confusion

When Keiko Tsunemotos children left the nest, she and her husband found the perfect use for two unused bedrooms in their Center City apartment a 770-square-foot master bathroom suite that includes a holographic fireplace, 55-inch flat-screen TV, state-of-the-art sound system, treadmill, and aromatherapy shower.

Really, its more like a spa than a bathroom, Tsunemoto said.

After years of stalled home renovations, contractors are noticing that homeowners are dedicating time and money to the bathroom and the economy is the main driving force. Water conservation is a big reason for installing those low-flow shower heads and dual-flush toilets. But in a breakneck-pace world with a depressing financial outlook, bathrooms provide sanctuary.

Its the "one place where people dont bother you," said Luis Hoz de Vila, general manager of LA Signature in Philadelphia.

Hoz de Vila is so bullish on the bathroom trend that he opened a brand new 1,300-square-foot showroom in Center City. "New construction began sagging in 2008 and remodeling started picking up steadily around the middle of last year," he explained. "In the past, it was cheaper to have a new home instead of buying an old home and fixing it. Now, with lower prices, it is better to have an older home fixed up the way you want."

The housing market is particularly competitive as a glut of available houses means buyers can demand whatever they want, and more people want to age in place. A comfortable and safe bathroom is key.

Bathroom renovations with all the bells and whistles can range from $60,000 to $100,000 (Carl Cox, owner of ReDesign Contractors in Deptford, said people are "spending double, if not two-thirds more" than was typical about five years ago), but the trend isnt limited to the wealthy.

"Ive seen people spend from $5,000 to $7,000 on bathrooms they are not going crazy," said Bette McTamney, president-elect of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors.

The usual must-haves include double steam showers with seats, multiple multidirectional shower heads, his-and-hers sinks, faucet upgrades, heated floors, and granite or marble vanities.

Barbara and Charlie Beirao downsized to a two-bedroom rancher in Berlin, Camden County, once they hit retirement age. Though neither plans to actually retire anytime soon, they adopted the less-is-more theory in size, but not luxury.

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More people spending big bucks on bathrooms

WOBURN, MA--(Marketwire -05/29/12)- With summer just around the corner, thoughts of remodeling that old bathroom, adding a splash of color to outdated paint and replacing drafty windows are top of mind for many homeowners. With May being National Home Improvement Month, there is no better time than the present to start planning!

But, as ambitious homeowners begin to assess their homes and immediate needs, the list of repairs and desired renovations can become daunting; from paint and fixtures to floors and bedrooms, giving your home a "makeover" can become a tiresome and costly endeavor.

College Pro Painters, the largest student-run painting company in the US and Canada, has been simplifying home beautification for over 40 years now... and they have learned a few things along the way. Here are some tips College Pro offers for planning your next home renovation:

Know the WHY. What's driving the home renovation bug in you? Are you contemplating selling your home and looking to increase value or curb appeal? Do you need to accommodate a growing family or perhaps looking to downsize after your children have "left the nest?" Or maybe your home just needs a little "push" into the modern world (time to get rid of that '70s inspired wallpaper)? If you are aware of and prioritize your home goals ahead of time, planning the "next steps" will be much easier.

Research Products and Service Providers. Once you've decided on what you're going to do, you now have to research the how. More and more, home owners are opting for a "DIY" strategy. This can be a great option for the enthusiastic homeowner, but be sure you're aware of the skill and time needed to accomplish your task; many homeowners underestimate these basic constraints and end up frustrated or exhausted.

For larger projects, such as exterior home painting, consider employing the assistance of a local, trusted contractor, such as College Pro Painters. Painting experts such as College Pro will assess the condition of your home, offer color scheme recommendations, prep all exterior surfaces and complete the job to your satisfaction. Choosing a professional home renovation company can save you time and money, but if you choose to paint your home on your own, be sure to thoroughly research paint types, equipment needed and safety.

Keep Budget in Mind. Avoid renovation "money pits" by carefully assessing your budget ahead of time. Take into account all possible additional costs, such as extra paint, tools and fixtures. If you are going to use a profession service, such as College Pro Painters, be sure to get detailed estimates on all related expenses. If you stick to your budget you will achieve your home improvement goals without "breaking the bank."

With some careful planning and a little imagination you will be sure to meet your home improvement needs. But remember, you're not alone! Professionals such as College Pro Painters and College Pro Window Cleaning are here to help; College Pro offers professional solutions for exterior home painting, deck and patio painting, shutter and door repainting, fence painting, and window cleaning, and gutters and eaves cleaning. Call today for your free estimate, 1-800-327-2468, or schedule your free estimate online at collegepro.com.

About College Pro Painters:

College Pro Painters, the premier student run exterior painting company in the United States and Canada, has been providing students and non-students alike with jobs inside the company as well as outside since they opened over 40 years ago. College Pro offers part time work while giving you the opportunity to develop skills that will prepare you for success in the long run.

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Making the Most of Home Improvement Month

Scott and Julie Brooks are busier than ever before. When they opened the doors of their new bathroom remodeling business last month, they were caught off guard by the amount of customers looking to remodel their home.

Like many in the construction business, when the housing market collapsed in 2007, Scott, who worked as a licensed contractor for more than 20 years, wasnt sure what he was going to do.

Home sales plummeted. Construction jobs werent coming in.

When the homes werent selling, I needed to find something to do, he said.

Thats when he stumbled across Bath Planet, a bathroom remodeling company based in Palatine, Ill. The company is backed by BCI Acrylic Bath Systems, a privately held manufacturer of tub and shower-liner systems.

The business extensive line of products includes walk-in tubs, therapeutic tubs, tub-to-shower conversions and a number of other bathroom products.

We cater to the people who want to remodel their bathroom but also the aging-in-place population. We get a lot of interest from people who are getting older and having a harder time getting in and out of their shower, Scott said.

After looking at all Bath Planet had to offer, and discovering it was a company that earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, Julie said it just seemed like a good fit with Scotts years of experience as a contractor.

The reason we liked the idea was because it was something we were familiar with, and weve flipped a lot of houses. Its always exciting to fix it up and see what you can do, so we knew it was the kind of thing that would attract business, she said.

The Johnson City Bath Planet is the first location of its kind in Tennessee. Its also the first of four locations Scott plans to open with his development plan for the growing remodeling business. The other locations will be in Knoxville, Chattanooga and Asheville, N.C.

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Soaking in sales: Bathroom remodeling company seeing plenty of business

Bathroom remodeling is hot right now. Homeowners in Fairfax County are opting for high-end finishes. (Courtesy of Oak Hill Building & Remodeling)

Colleen Kelleher, wtop.com

FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Four of the five top areas for estimated annual remodeling spending in the South are in the D.C. metro region, with Falls Church and Arlington County ranking No. 1 and No. 2 respectively, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

At the same time, Fairfax County ranked among the top four counties in the South in total county remodeling expenditures per year.

The home builders association analyzed data collected from the U.S. Census Bureau between 2006 and 2010 to estimate how much homeowners in each region of the nation spent on remodeling. The organization then applied the statistical data to the county level to come up with its rankings.

In Falls Church, homeowners spent an average of $6,099 per year on remodeling over those five years, the association says. Nantucket County, Mass., and Marin County, Calif., led the rankings for the Northeast and West, with yearly spending averages of $8,520 and $7,782. Cook County, Ill., ranked as the top spot in the Midwest, with average remodeling expenditures of $3,466.

In addition to Falls Church and Arlington, D.C. and Alexandria are in the top five for home-owner spending in the South.

Here are the estimated remodeling figures for the top counties and cities in the South:

The NAHB breaks the owner-occupied remodeling data down for every state and county on its website.

"Residential remodeling is one of the housing industry's bright spots, and in some parts of the country this is more true now than ever," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman George "Geep" Moore Jr., in a news release.

See the rest here:
Falls Church homeowners top remodeling spenders in South

Does your bathroom have an orange sink, gold-veined mirrored walls, purple paint and a toilet that requires a plunger to operate? Then you need to enter the Ugly Bathroom Contest.

Several local remodeling contractors and suppliers have teamed up to sponsor a $9,500 bathroom makeover for a lucky Pierce County homeowner.

The contest was created by Duke York, owner of remodeling contracting company York Enterprises, and Harvey Rosen, owner of Rosen Plumbing Supply. The contest will be judged by the 65 members of the Design Professional Council of the Master Builders Association.

All thats needed to enter is to email up to three photos of your porcelain-filled abomination to the contest site. And theres more than one way to win.

A bathroom that is completely disintegrated and falling apart is one way (to win). But maybe a 50s bathroom that has turquoise fixtures and pink tile would be another, York said.

The bathroom makeover is based on a 6-by-10-foot bathroom and will include Sheetrock, all the typical fixtures including a tub/shower, lighting, flooring, cabinetry, countertop and more.

If they want rough plumbing moved or the walls kicked out, its on them, York said. The contest is for only owner-occupied homes.

The winner will be announced at the Rex Awards (the MBA awards for the best remodels in Pierce County) at the Fircrest Golf Club on May 15. The winner does not need to be present.

Craig Sailor: 253-597-8541 craig.sailor@thenewstribune.com

The rest is here:
Wanted for contest: The Ugliest Bathroom in Pierce County