Sunday, June 7, 2009

How to Improve a Bathroom to Help Sell a Home

It is no surprise that the current economy has affected virtually every aspect of our daily lives. Whether it's eliminating our daily coffee break or altogether skipping this year's family vacation, we are all pinching pennies here and there to provide for our family and remain financially stable. While the real estate market, too, has been plummeting, there are still ways to increase your home's value without breaking your budget or dipping into savings. By renovating your bathroom (whether master bathroom or even your guest bathroom), you can improve your home but functionally and financially almost overnight.

Get Organized

In order to properly begin any do it yourself home renovation project, you need to be organized. Be prepared for any inconveniences that may arise at any step of this process. No matter how large or small your projects may be (even if you are only planning on replacing cabinet door knobs), it is better to be ready. Create an area of space that you and your family members will utilize while your bathroom is undergoing this makeover. Typically, using the kitchen sink to brush teeth or wash hands works well. However, if you are going to be replacing a shower stall or toilet, be sure there is a "back up" for the family to use. Does your home lack a back up option? Ask a neighbor.

While you are already forced to deal with space issues, evaluate the space currently available in your bathroom. Oftentimes, sinks and shower stalls are crowded with extraneous almost-empty bottles that look unsightly and unpleasant (especially if they are growing mold). An easy solution it to by inexpensive plastic or wire metal containers or free standing organizers that keep each member of your family's individual products neatly arranged and out of the way.

Get the Kids Involved

Most home or apartment master bathrooms are well, for the masters of the abode. It might be time to add a few kid-friendly options, even if you're only planning to renovate in order to re-sell. Chances are your children might have a few unique ideas that would appeal to another family as well. Take the time to listen to them! Their vantage point is (typically) lower and they might spot something you'd otherwise miss- like what bathroom cabinet knobs need to be replaced and which cabinets need locks.

Pamper Yourself

We love instant gratification. Redesigning your bathroom is the perfect opportunity to include a few luxuries that you'd otherwise skip. While heated tile flooring and a steam shower may be a bit over your budget, there are still soothing solutions for every need. If you've always wanted a Jacuzzi, opt instead for a moveable shower head and stronger water pressure will work similarly. For music lovers, purchase a cd player that's waterproof. Finally, for those that dislike cold, enjoy wrapping yourself in a pre-heated towel by installing heated towel racks with easy-to-reach knobs and pulls.

Consider that by adding a few elegant, creature comfort upgrades to your bathroom, you are making a long term investment for your home. You certainly are not alone in the fact that people love to be pampered; in the future, by having a state-of-the-art master bathroom, you'll probably up the asking price for your home.

Sweat the Small Stuff

When redesigning your bathroom, it is easy to overlook the smaller aspects of your bathroom. So you may have already purchased new cabinets and storage space, but you might have forgotten to replace the door handles. When you think you have finished your renovations, be sure to do a last run through check list of what you wanted to accomplish. Including ornate items, such as French country cabinet knobs or an antique soap dish, you will enhance the overall charm of your bathroom.

Tori works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of products, like towel racks, to help customers improve their bathrooms and increase the value of their homes. Visit them now at http://www.YourHomeSupply.com

Interior Soffit Framing

No comments: