Home improvements will always be popular. Maybe not always possible, but popular, nonetheless. Kitchens… yeah, everyone always wants a new kitchen. But did you know that according to realtors, the bathroom renovation is giving kitchens a run for its popularity? It’s true. Within the last five years or so, bathrooms have steadily crept up the ladder of most sought after upgrade in a home for potential buyers. Whether you’re planning to sell your home or not, it’s not such a bad idea to invest a little money in your water closet.
Relax And Reset
One of the reasons folks are drawn to bathroom updates is because it’s no longer being seen as just a functional room of the house. No, homeowners want more out of their bathrooms. They – aside from the bedroom – are the place where we get to reset every night and begin fresh every morning. Thus, a lot more thought is being applied to these rooms. You can do a lot with very little in a minor bathroom remodel, too. Done well, flipping your bathroom in small ways can lead to a 100% or more return on investment at resale.
Choose One
This is a minor remodel, remember. We’re not doing everything but the sink. Your highest priced items are going to include replacing cabinets, floors, countertops, and major fixtures like your tub/shower and toilet. Depending on how high-end you choose to be with the materials and model, you could spend a lot or very little. But in this case – again, just a minor remodel – choose one, maybe two, large ticket items to replace and simply spruce up the rest. Whichever is the most dilapidated and not fixable by new hardware or paint, should take top priority.
Quick And Easy
One of the fastest ways to shake things up in the bathroom is by purchasing new faucets, mirrors, and hardware for your cabinets. Natural and sustainable materials are all the rage. Not only does a brass fixture add more character to a room, but it’s not as cold and industrial as your typical chrome look. In addition, you can upgrade to energy efficient models to save water and money.
Knobs and handles for your cabinets range from under a buck to $5 or more per piece – depending on how decorative and niche you go. A hand crafted element is also very sought after in design these days. Not only is it bursting with beauty, but it’s unique and not what you’d find anywhere else. They’re cheap and easy to swap out, taking less than the span of an afternoon.
A new mirror can also dramatically change the look and feel of your bathroom. If you’ve got a double sink, personalized mirrors can be mounted above each sink, instead of the large, standard pane covering the whole wall. This option gives you more choice in decor as well as opening up the wall space to feature a patterned wallpaper.
As far as lighting goes, unless you’re opting for recessed lighting or moving wires around, installing a new fixture can be handled by you or your electrician. Changing the lighting format will drive up the cost, but it could be to your benefit. In any case, be sure to read all instructions carefully before you begin, and consult your electrician with any questions. Otherwise, hand the job over and avoid a crisis altogether.
Lastly, new linens and artwork will tie the room together quicker than snapping your fingers. You can also use this time to reassess your organization game. It’s easy for clutter to accumulate. But a few cleverly placed decorative bins, shelves, or wall-mounted storage compartments makes a world of difference with very low effort. From beauty products to extra towels, organization will keep the clutter at a minimum and allow you to truly enjoy your new space.