How to Get the Most out of Your Bathroom Remodel

By Mary Butler

Remodeling is rarely cheap. So if you're like most people, you've got to pick your battles to squeeze the most out of your home improvement dollars. Upgrading your home's bathrooms is a smart place to start.

Remodeling magazine's 2007 Cost vs. Value report says an average bathroom remodel costs about $15,800 and nets a 78 percent return. But depending on where you live, the return can be much higher. In large metro areas such as New York City, a bathroom remodel can bring returns of more than 116 percent, according to Realtor® Magazine.

Begin with Bathroom Design Basics
Bathrooms first and foremost ought to look clean and bright. When considering your bathroom design, take stock of the condition of your bathroom shower, sinks, toilet, tile, and plumbing.
Don't skimp on the lighting, both electric and natural.

Are your light fixtures dated? Could you freshen your bathroom cabinets with a coat of paint and more modern draw pulls? Before you replace your tub, look at whether simply replacing the bathtub liner might achieve the same effect.

Break your bathroom remodeling project into steps, and if you can, spread the cost over time.
Think about whether there are parts of the project you can do yourself. If you're not confident of your handy work, hire professionals to hang and finish dry wall, install plumbing, lay bathroom tile, and complete electrical work. You can always paint the walls, hang shelves and towel racks, install the cabinets, and other easy tasks.

Most of all, be practical. It's tempting to spend a lot of money on one special luxury that you alone will enjoy. That's okay if you plan to live in your home for many years to come. But if you're hoping for a big resale return on your investment, you want to make safe decisions that appeal to the masses--and aren't so trendy that your bathroom will begin to feel dated before you're ready to sell.

Sources:
MarketWatch.com
MSN Real Estate