Return On Investment/Enjoyment 

The Money Questions 

OK, so I've determined that I really NEED to remodel my bath. Now what? The next few questions are probably the least favorite, and hardest to answer, for any project. Yet, they might be the most crucial questions to answer very early in the process.

If we were staying in our home for only another five years, I would opt for a facelift to replace broken tiles, and repair the leaking shower (which would have to be done before we sold anyway), and I would just put up with the step-up and inefficient traffic pattern. However, since we have no plans on relocating any time soon, we've decided that the sooner we remodel, the sooner we can start enjoying the new space. While ROI is not a major consideration in the amount we spend on the project, we still want to be practical, we do have a limited amount we want to spend, and we'd like to get as much as we can for our money. Speaking of money......

     We've already determined that we need a complete tear out and redo, but our budget is limited, so what are some ways to restrain the budget and not "bust the bank"?  

• Use porcelain or ceramic tile & manufactured floor and counter materials instead of more costly natural stone.
• Keep plumbing in existing locations instead of moving, as much as possible.
• Choose white plumbing fixtures which can be half the cost of designer colors.
• Choose the most popular models, as these are frequently less expensive.
• Choose stock items, since suppliers may sell these at a reduced price in order to move inventory.
• Specify polished chrome faucets and shower wands, which can save 50-100%. Chrome has always been a stylish choice.
• Avoid specialty items like tubs, shower wands, and toilets with light and sound (they really do exist). A square soaking tub: $1,100-the same tub with light and sound: $5,500. Really want a tub with light and sound? Check out Kohlers VibrAcoustic Baths with chromatherapy.
• Purchase a fold-down bench that fastens to the wall or a free-standing one available at home supply/box stores. These cost much less than a built-in, tiled bench.
• Remodel within the existing space instead of bumping out or adding on. Think you need more space? Avoid clutter, get rid of what you don't need, and design for simplicity. Include efficient built-ins and cabinets to hide all your necessary stuff. Review De-cluttering Tips here: Bath de-cluttering newsletters 101 & 102.
• Choose all products and have them ordered before beginning the remodel, or before you get too far into it, to avoid costly change orders and rush fees during the project.

Question #4:

If money wasn't an issue, what would you like to have in your bath?

It took me several months to go through this process and I've changed my mind a dozen times; but I've narrowed my choices down to what I really like, with the help of our designers, tempered by what I can afford or am willing to spend. A great designer will help you identify the look and shop for affordable products within your budget. They can more than pay for their services by what they save you in your time spent looking for product and the potential of choosing the wrong product.

Although we do have a limited budget, there are features of the bath that we want to splurge on (or look like we've splurged on). It is usually possible to 'get the look' for less, so don't limit what you look at in this stage. It costs nothing to look and dream and can lead to some amazing choices and a great overall design that is exciting and something you will love instead of simply a design that you can 'live with'.