By John Riha

Features

Most tub manufacturers offer an array of options, especially for their top-of-the-line products. Equip your pleasure pond with accessories from the simple to the sublime.

Jets and bubbles. The whirlpool tub lives on, abetted by:

• in-line heaters that warm water as it circulates, preventing heat loss
• silent motor technology that greatly reduces the sound of the jets
• multi-speed settings to adjust the vigor of the jets
• foot massage jets mounted on underwater footrests
• bubble-only jets providing warmed air throughout the tub
• micro-bubble jets that fill the tub with champagne-like effervescence

Chromatherapy. Underwater LED lights change color to suit your mood. From peaceful pink to soothing blue, the choice is yours.

Music. Resonant speaker panels attached to the tub send sound through the water so you can feel the vibrations on your skin. Sync to the playlists you have on your computer.

Digital controls. Make it all happen with a built-in touch pad—control temperature, jet direction and flow, color and music.

ADA compliant. Common sense guidelines from the Americans with Disabilities Act make tubs safe for everyone. They include non-slip floor surfaces and wide edges for sitting and easing into the tub. Walk-in tubs are especially designed for those with limited mobility. A hinged door allows easy access, then seals shut while the tub fills.

HGTV Remodels. How to Choose a Bathtub, [Online]. Web address: http://www.hgtvremodels.com/bathrooms/bathtub-buying-guide/index.html (Page consulted on May 15 2012)

By Kristen Hampshire

Cameron Snyder, president of Roomscapes Luxury Design Center in Boston, Mass., says:

“For resale, focus on the visuals: nice tile, nice colors, nice fixtures… and don’t spend a lot on the high-end utilities because most people can’t tell the difference.”

When buyers tour homes for sale, they’re taking a close look at the bathrooms. For some, the sheer number of bathrooms in a home is critical—they must have a master, a family bathroom (full bath) and a half bathroom (powder room) for guests. So, you might be adding another bathroom to your home before selling time to appeal to the type of buyer who is looking at homes like yours.

But how much should you spend?

“I tell clients if you do a complete gut of a bathroom down to the studs and rebuild from the ground up, you are going to spend $14,000 to $20,000, depending on what [features] you put into it,” Perrin says.

Is that too much? “The kitchen and bathroom sell a house,” says Ken Perrin, president, Artistic Renovations, Cleveland, Ohio. “And most people buy the most expensive home they can afford. So they don’t want to buy a house with a kitchen or bathroom that need to be worked on. That emotional tie is with the house where the kitchen and bathroom are in good condition.”

Ultimately, you want buyers to envision themselves in your bathroom. But you should enjoy the space while you’re living there and include the fixtures and features that will make the bathroom comfortable for your lifestyle. “Too many people say, ‘I want to move, so I have to remodel my bathroom,’” Perrin says. “Then they immediately sell their house. Do it and enjoy it, and if you do it well and it’s quality workmanship, you’ll get your money out of it because the house will sell.”

Think about your “wants” for your bathroom renovation. Also realize, since you need to get a nice return on investment on this project come home-sale time, you must set priorities based on what sells a bathroom. Keep in mind the cost of every component of the project plan. For instance, can you get away with refreshing the look of cabinets by replacing hardware rather than tearing out the whole structure? Do you need a brand new vanity sink, or can you update the faucet and give the space a more contemporary feel?

“For resale, focus on the visuals: nice tile, nice colors, nice fixtures—and don’t spend a lot on the high-end utilities because most people can’t tell the difference,” points out Cameron Snyder, president, Roomscapes Luxury Design Center, Boston, Mass., and past-president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA).

Consider the following tips for remodeling with resale in mind:

Talk to real estate professionals. Check out comparable homes in your area. How many bathrooms do they have? Do you need to add a half or full bath to be competitive? Talk to realtors and find out what bathroom features turn on buyers.

Think timeless. Choose neutral colors for a clean look that will last a long time and can be personalized with accessories (towels, etc.).

Add some ‘wow!’ We’re talking wow within reason. For example, if you are already planning on replacing the bathroom floor, you can spend about $600 on radiant heat floor mats that can be positioned as a real luxury attraction to home buyers. “Buyers will remember the bathroom with the heated floors—it gives them an emotional tie,” Snyder says. Also, hand showers are convenient, cost-effective and an upgrade compared to the traditional shower head.

Accessorize. A fast, effective refresh in the bathroom can involve simply switching out towels, replacing a dowdy shower curtain and including an interesting eye-catching piece such as a beautiful vase. Even the way necessities are arranged can make a difference. Roll towels and place them in neat rows on an open shelf. Keep clutter off the vanity countertop.

HGTV Remodels. Tips for Remodeling a Bath for Resale, [Online]. Web address: http://www.hgtvremodels.com/bathrooms/tips-for-remodeling-a-bathroom-for-resale/index.html (Page consulted on May 15 2012)

Top Bathroom Remodeling Dos and Don’ts

Remodeling a bathroom is one of the wisest home improvement projects you can undertake. On average, bathroom remodeling nets a 78 percent return on your investment, according toRemodeling Magazine’s annual Cost Vs Value Report. But a bathroom isn’t any ordinary room. The complexity that comes with so much bathroom plumbing, limited space, special lighting needs–and perhaps bathroom tile work–makes it a bigger challenge than a bedroom or living room. Experts agree there are several key dos and don’ts that will help make your bathroom remodeling project a success.

Keep It Simple
Shun trends when it comes to the look of bathroom tile, toilets, and other fixtures not easily or inexpensively replaced. Embrace neutral colors and express your creativity and individual style through the room’s accents, such as towels, bath mats, and artwork. Use space wisely. There ought to be 30 inches between the front of any bathroom plumbing fixture and the opposite fixture, such as between the bathroom shower and the sink, the tub and the toilet. Add good lighting. Lights around the mirror will reduce shadows and frosted fixture shades help eliminate glare. Any lighting in the shower ought to be watertight.

Consider Resale Value
Be conservative with your dollars for the biggest payback. Cover the basics first. Apply a fresh coat of paint, update lighting, replace the old medicine cabinet, and re-caulk around the tub and bathroom shower. Hang a large mirror, as it will make the room appear larger than it is, and for practicality’s sake, a large mirror works well if more than one person uses the room.

Be Tastefully Modern
While you probably don’t want to install a trendy colored toilet, as so many people did in the seventies, you also don’t want to be behind the times. Do install a smaller tub and larger bathroom shower to reflect changing desires. Modern tastes lean toward frameless glass shower doors, stone countertops, and furniture-quality vanities that more closely resemble kitchen cabinets in height and sturdiness. Today’s ecologically-minded homebuyers also will appreciate water-saving dual-flush toilets and sustainable flooring materials, such as long-lasting recycled-glass bathroom tile.

Guide to Home Improvements,(online)http://www.guidetohomeimprovement.com/bathremodel/servicearticle/top-bathroom-remodeling-dos-and-don’ts. By Mary Bulter. Page consulted on May 14th, 2012

We all know that when it comes to renovating your bathroom, it doesn’t take long for your very reasonable budget to turn into a general outline and then, well, who’s counting anyway… that is, until the bills arrive. So before you splurge on that sterling silver towel ring, give your budget a fighting chance with these top 10 tips from interior designer William MacDonald on creating your dream bathroom while keeping to your numbers.

1 Get organized
Start planning at least three to four months in advance. This way you get your bases covered while things are still on paper, as opposed to making decisions while standing around a hole in your bathroom floor. “Don’t just wake up one Saturday morning and decide to rip out the entire bathroom,” says Bill. “Minimize costly missteps by minimizing surprises.”

2 Hire professionals
If you’re not handy, don’t attempt to renovate a bathroom on your own. A reputable contractor will ensure everything is done to code, while a savvy designer will make sure the space functions best for you and your lifestyle. “The last thing you want is to have a custom vanity built and then realize the drawers aren’t deep enough for your blow-dryer,” says Bill. “Measure twice, cut once-it’ll save you money in the long run.”

3 Go classic
Avoid trendy pieces and colours when it comes to things like the tub, toilet, sink, tiles and fixtures. These are difficult and costly to change if you get bored in two or three years time… and you will. Instead, play with fun colours and trends in things that can be easily switched out as your tastes change, such as towels or wall art.

4 Budget for accessories
Include a line item for interesting accessories like towels, bath mats, beautiful vessels, interesting artwork&mdsh; all the bits and pieces that will give the room character and make it more than just an empty white box. “Forgetting about accessories is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when renovating,” says Bill. “Allot at least 10 to 20 percent of your budget for finishing touches.”

5 Personalize big box finds
Instead of blowing your budget on an expensive new vanity, pick up an inexpensive one from your local big box store. Then replace the included wooden counter with a beautiful marble top and high-end faucets to get the look of a $5,000 vanity for less than half the price.

By 

Nancy Won

Photography by 

Plan your ultimate bathroom with these 10 essentials.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed when renovating, as more products flood the market than ever before. That’s why we’ve come up with 10 essentials to keep in mind before you plan your dream bath.

The solution? 
Keep it simple.

1 Measure, measure, measure 
Make a list of all dimensions (from room size to space between fixtures).

2 Think about lighting needs
Ambient light is just as important as task lighting in a bathroom.

3 Pedestal or vanity? 
Remember a pedestal visually enlarges a room but keeps storage to a minimum.

4 Factor in all your heat requirements
Nobody likes a frigid bathroom.

5 What’s your view? 
Avoid privacy glass, and always try to have a window that opens for ventilation.

6 Keep it soft
Think of adding room for a chair or stool for comfort and visual fun!

7 Add easy personal touches 
By using vintage or antique finds such as accessories.

8 Choose a peaceful wall colour
The wall colour should be subtle, and not dominate a bath. Choose a shade that’s restful and soothing.

9 Add colour with flowers
Even in a minimal space, flowers add focus and a welcome layer of natural colour. Make sure you have fresh blooms on hand. Wainscot is a bathroom cure-all.

10 Bring it all together
Whether it’s subway tiles or beadboard, nothing pulls together the look of a  country bath better than wainscot.

By Canadian Home & Country, http://www.styleathome.com/kitchen-and-bath/bathroom/10-tips-for-the-ultimate-bathroom/a/22789, (page consulted May 14, 2012)