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Jan 17, 2008 2:00 pm US/Eastern
Angie's List: Bathroom Remodeling
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Are you thinking of doing any remodeling in your house this
year?
An up-to-date bathroom can really
add value to your home.
In this week's
Angie's List report, Jim Donovan tells us there are some important things you
need to know before spending money on a new bathroom.
A homeowner remodeling their bathroom can expect to recoup
about 77% of money spent on an average remodel when they eventually sell the
home. But there are some things to
consider.
"While looking at the reports, we noticed on average
people are spending about $22,000 to remodel their bathroom," said Angie
Hicks, founder of Angie's List. Hicks
says it may seem like a lot of money for the smallest room of your house but in
fact, it's kind of a complicated room to remodel because it usually involves a plumber, a carpenter and a
painter.
But Hicks adds, advance planning can save you money. It's best to lay out the groundwork in the
beginning. "Meet with a consultant
so you can design out exactly what you're looking for in a bathroom which will
minimize change orders and help you get the best estimate possible," Hicks
said.
And while you may want a spa-like bathroom, consider what
your neighbors have in their homes.
"To keep yourself on budget when remodeling spend time detailing
exactly what you want to have done and also analyzing the market," Hicks
said. Know what other houses have and
don't put amenities in your house that are going to out-price the market.
If you not looking to completely remodel your bathroom,
refinishing your tub could help give it a fresh look.
Refinishing runs from
between $280 and $400 and typically takes anywhere from 3 to 7 hours.
- Angie's
List data shows that homeowners who reported on their bathroom remodeling over
the last year fall into two main categories: extremely happy or terribly
dissatisfied. Out of the
Angie's List reports describing bathroom remodeling, 71% graded the work with
an overall "A" rating, while nearly 14% rated their contractors work
as deserving an "F".
- The
bathroom isn't an inexpensive place to start remodeling. Angie's List reports
submitted in the last 12 months indicate members spend just under $22,000 on
average.
- Because of
the need for more durable and waterproof materials and the variety of the
skilled trades involved, like carpenters, plumbers and electricians, bathroom
remodels are usually more expensive than other home improvement projects.
- Remodeling
professionals recommend that before starting any bathroom remodel, first
analyze your needs and the project's budget.
- Hiring a
certified bathroom and kitchen designer can help safeguard your projects
dollars. It can give you a fair and accurate assessment of the project so your
expectations of the cost and the outcome are realistic.
- Consider
quality products that will last decades.
- A
contractor's bid should be as detailed as possible, including all the selected
materials, trims and finishes to be installed. The whole process should be laid
out for you step-by-step ahead of time.
- Have
regular meeting with the trades involved to make sure their meeting their
deadlines.
Trends in bathrooms
- Custom
showers (dual showerheads, wall jets, bench)
- Jacuzzi
tubs
- In-floor
heating
- Lighting
- New
vanities/sinks
- Any item
that is similar to ones in luxury hotels; also called "hoteling"
- Any item
that adds a spa-like feel
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