Bathroom by Numbers


Moen Caldwell High-Arc Faucet in Classic Brushed Nickel

Sponsored message from
Moen

Moen Tips to Make Your Home Remodeling Project Pay

Thinking about updating your bathroom, but not sure what to budget – or if you’ll even recoup the costs in today’s market? The good news is that modifying a bathroom not only adds daily enjoyment and comfort, but will enhance your home’s value as well. Plus, there are a number of changes you can make yourself, which can help you save even more while adding to the appeal of your humble abode.

“Any changes you make on your house now should increase your home value later,” says Kermit Baker, project director for the Remodeling Futures program at Harvard University.

Still not convinced? According to Consumer Reports, a 5 x 7- foot bathroom remodel, at a national average cost of $15,000, provides a solid return of 78%.

Get Started

To make your bathroom transformation pay, begin by creating a list of “must-haves,” “nice ideas” and “dreams.” This will help you understand the numbers before starting your renovation and prioritize what makes the most sense for your investment.

Following are a few bathroom projects, with low- and high-end options, as well as costs to consider before getting started.

Fixtures


Lindley Single Handle Faucet

Must-Have

Fixtures, including sinks, toilets and tub/showers, are all must-haves in your bathroom and according to House & Home Magazine, basic versions can cost $350 to $900 to replace, so plan accordingly. Upgrades such as double or undermount sinks, dual-flush toilets or deep soaking tubs can range from approximately $1,300 to $2,250.

Nice Idea

If you don’t want to spend extra money replacing some of the basics, why not give your tub or shower a quick touch-up? Try hiring a surface-restoration company, such as Miracle Method, for approximately $465 to $600 to make your ceramic, porcelain and fiberglass fixtures shine like new.

Dream Big

Or, if you’ve always dreamed of a luxury spa shower and have room in your budget, try installing a custom glass shower enclosure. Retailers, such as The Home Depot, offer a variety of glass or glass block options ranging from $2,000 to $3,500 that will have you singing with delight in the shower.

Faucets

Must-Have

Faucets are not only a must-have, but can also be the focal point in the bathroom. Basic faucets range from $50 to $350 with different finish selections and configurations. Before going faucet shopping, be sure to do your homework first and review your sink set-up. Today’s faucets are available in three primary styles: four-inch centerset (the most popular), eight-inch widespread and single-hole (typically seen in a vessel sink application).

Nice Idea

When looking to replace your faucet, choose one that offers both style and water-saving benefits. Moen’s Lindley™ and Caldwell™ bathroom faucets use 32% less water than traditional faucets and are WaterSense® labeled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indicating they meets guidelines as environmentally responsible and efficient products.

Lindley offers traditional, mid- and high-arc designs that are available at The Home Depot for between $89 and $154*. Lindley is offered in today’s most popular finishes including Chrome, LifeShine® Classic Brushed Nickel and Old World Bronze.

Moen’s Caldwell faucets feature a classic design with soft curves and rich details, in finishes including Chrome, LifeShine Classic Brushed Nickel and new Mediterranean Bronze – a warm hue that coordinates well with other popular bathroom finishes. Caldwell faucets range in price from $58 to $172.*

And with your new hardware updates, don’t forget to add finishing touches with matching accessories such as towel bars, towel rings, robe hooks and pivoting paper holders to help pull the design of the room together. Moen Accessories offers a variety of options (www.csi.moen.com) starting at only $20.

Storage & Countertops


Lindley in Oil Rubbed Bronze

Nice Idea

Need more space? Try installing a new or antique dresser-like vanity for approximately $100 to $1,500. It adds storage and style with many options to personalize – or you can save even more by recycling an old dresser.

Dream Big

If high-end countertops are your dream, add a custom-built vanity. Prices range from $2,000 to $5,000, but allow you to customize dimensions and choose from materials including natural stone, marble, frosted glass or exotic and engineered woods. It’s also a great way to give your bathroom a brand-new look.

Flooring

Must-Have

Going for an upscale look to complete the room without the cost? Try installing ceramic or porcelain tile. For approximately $1 to $3 per square foot, you can choose from a variety of colors, shapes, sizes and finishes.

Nice Idea

Like the idea, but are worried about stepping on to a cold, uninviting floor in the morning? A nice idea is to install an electric floor warming systems for under your tile. Companies such as SunTouch Floor Warming Mats (www.suntouch.com) can help with costs between $400 and $1,600, depending on your bathroom’s size.

Dream Big

Or if you dream of high-end porcelain tile and good-quality stone and glass, options range from $7 to $18 per square foot. Want a customized glass tile mosaic for your bathroom floor instead? For between $20 and $200 per square foot, you can design your own masterpiece without any visible grout lines.

No matter your budget or dreams, by investing and renovating your bathroom today, not only will you enjoy an improved room for years to come, but also add some extra cash in your pocket.

For more information on bathroom faucet collections available from Moen, visit www.moen.com, or call (800) BUY-MOEN.

*Prices are approximate and may vary by region.

Previous article95 Items You Can Compost
Next articleDinner with a Side of Garbage
Backed by his 40-year remodeling career, Danny served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s The Early Show and The Weather Channel for more than a decade. His extensive hands-on experience and understanding of the industry make him the go-to source for all things having to do with the home – from advice on simple repairs, to complete remodels, to helping homeowners prepare their homes for extreme weather and seasons.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here