The Ultimate Guide to Remodeling your Bathroom!

Truthfully, when was the last time you walked into your bathroom and let out a sigh of contentment? Of pure happiness? Of utter relaxation? If it’s been awhile, and you are ready for a change, welcome to the ultimate guide to remodeling your bathroom!

Bathrooms serve several important purposes and are integral to the aesthetics and value of your home. But over the years, they inevitably show wear and tear, in addition to simply becoming outdated or less functional for your family.

Here are three main areas where bathrooms start to go wrong:

Age / Wear and Tear

Time and constant use can cause a bathroom to look older than its years. Whether you have a growing family, or have just inherited your aunt’s old house, a bathroom can definitely take a daily dose of abuse. Look for these signs that your bathroom is showing its age:

Outgrowing Your Space

It’s a great feeling to walk into your bathroom and have that ‘spa’ atmosphere, in addition to having plenty of room to get ready without constantly running into each other. Here are some examples that show you may have outgrown your bathroom:

• Narrow or low vanities
• Low shower ceiling
• Cramped walking space
• Small toilet area
• Inadequate natural light
• Lack of storage
• Too many doors

Design

Bathroom design is constantly changing, and has since the day of the outhouse, with each decade having its own questionable designs. Those of you who have lived through the 70’s, know exactly what I mean (yellow tile anyone?). Back in the 80’s, home builders seemed to think putting an oversized bathtub smack dab in the middle of your bathroom was a good idea. The only problem is, it takes up an inordinate amount of space, in addition to making you walk all the way around it just to get to the shower.

If your home was built in the early 90’s, then you probably have a lot of brown covering the walls and floors. Don’t get me wrong, brown is a good color, but it can darken a room when it’s from floor to ceiling.

Nowadays, lighter is better, simply for the fact that it helps your room to feel airier and more spacious. Grays, creams, whites and even blues can create that feeling of vacationing in a Greek villa, without the headache of air travel.

Now, if you still like your seafoam green, wall tile or brown vinyl flooring, then this guide probably isn’t for you. But, if you are in the mood for some fresh ambiance, and space to get ready without painfully banging into vanity corners, then take a few moments to read this guide and learn some helpful facts about renovating your bathroom.

Cost

Let’s be real here, most homeowners know that remodeling a bathroom isn’t easy or cheap. But, how do you update your bathroom so that it serves your active family, looks darn good, and contributes to the overall value of your home at a cost that won’t cause you to dip into your kid’s college fund? Let’s look at some questions many homeowners ask when considering a bathroom remodel.

That’s a great question with no hard and fast answers, since your average cost could depend on what part of the country you live in. The price of materials can vary widely from one end of the USA to the other, as well as labor costs. A small remodel could start at $3,000 and move up from there. The average bathroom remodel cost is around $12,000, but once again, it depends on where you live, how big your bathroom is and what materials you choose. A tricked-out bathroom remodel could run upwards of $30,000, however, most don’t even come close to this figure.

Fortunately, or unfortunately remodel costs are fluid and can change with the economy and the market. As material costs go up, so do remodel costs, making the old adage, ‘You snooze, you lose’, apply perfectly here.

The number one regret people have about remodeling their bathroom is the fact that they wish they had done it sooner.

If money is ready to go, there is no reason to wait for your bathroom renovation. Especially, if you have plans to move on the horizon and just want to update your bathroom to help with your resell. Why invest money to have other people enjoy your fancy, new bathroom when you could have relished in it’s beauty first? After all, there is no point in putting money into a renovation if you aren’t the one who is going to reap the rewards.

Budgeting for your remodel depends on several important factors:

• What can you afford? – HGTV gives us all the ‘feels’ when it comes to our bathroom design wish list, however, you still have to be able to put food on the table and pay your mortgage. I always suggest a five-year plan to homeowners. If you plan on living in your home for at least five years, then you can be more flexible about the investment you are willing to put into your remodel. If you think five years is a stretch, then a mid-level remodel might make more sense, meaning, only remodel the features of your bathroom that will serve you best for the next few years.

• What proportion would make sense with the value of your home as a whole? You may have grand designs for your new spa bathroom, however, it wouldn’t make sense to spend $50,000 on your reno when your whole house is only worth $110,000. Proportion your cost with the value of your entire home, so once you try to sell you aren’t out money that you will never get back on a re-sale. Typically, a master bathroom makes up around 10% of your home’s value, while a smaller bathroom may come in at 5% of your home’s value.
• How quickly do you need to renovate? – If your bathroom has mold or major leaks then you may want to get your reno on the books as soon as possible. However, if a new bathroom is on your ‘to do’ list for the summer, you have the luxury of some extra time to save up for a down payment, if not the entire cost.
• How do you plan on paying for your remodel? – Cash is always best, but that can take some deep pockets, or time to save. If you are short on cold cash, then there are always financing options available. A large contracting company will often have financing plans for clients, while smaller contractors will usually refer you to a bank. You can also reach out to your personal bank for a home improvement loan. Financing rates are usually small compared to other loans and can range from 4.25% to higher, depending on your credit score and repayment plan.

There are a variety of ways the savvy homeowner can save money on a remodel, but it does take some homework and a little ingenuity.

1. Shop around. Get quotes from several reputable contractors so you will know what a typical remodel is going for in your area. And remember, just because someone has the lowest price doesn’t mean you are getting the best deal. Very often, you get what you pay for, especially in the home improvement area. A cheap bid may mean cheap materials and labor. Not worth it, in my book. Going cheap can cost you in the long run, as well as create a remodeled bathroom that you are unhappy with. There is nothing worse than paying a great deal of money for something and being unsatisfied with the results.  On the other hand, this doesn’t mean you should go for the highest bid, either. If a contractor is going to charge you an arm and a leg, understand why. Carefully go over the details with a fine-tooth comb. Ask the contractor what level or grade of tile, granite, etc., comes with the proposed bid and how they plan on switching out the more expensive items such as bathtubs and old flooring. What do they charge for busting up your old tile, and removing old carpet? Will you need a new shower pan, or can they still use the old one? Little details such as these can make or break your budget.
2. Choose your materials wisely. Shopping at the flooring and countertop store can be a heady experience, but don’t get to wrapped up in the shine. It’s very easy to plunk down stacks of money for expensive quartz countertops or marble tile but you must remember that you are on a budget. It is wise to label some items on your wish list as more ‘budget friendly’ while other items are worth the splurge. Prioritize the features that are most important to you and let those be your splurge items.   For example, if you live in the cold Northeast and are tired of having feet that freeze the minute you walk into your bathroom, then heated floors might be worth the extra cost. If you’ve always dreamed of a fancy waterfall faucet for your bathtub, then less expensive tile might free up budget money for your faucet. Also, keep in mind if you are changing the footprint of your bathroom, moving walls etc., then a good portion of your budget will go to that. So, prioritizing your wish list is paramount when it comes to easing the financial burden of a remodel.
3. You can CAREFULLY DIY some items yourself. If you are exceptionally handy around the house, then small items involved in the remodel can be handled by you (or your Dad, or neighbor!) However, keep in mind that most contractors have people in place to take care of every aspect of your remodel, and breaking up their schedule to allow you to jump in can mess up the finish date, as well as the quality of the work. This can not only delay your remodel, but other jobs the contractor has, as well. Speak with your contractor at the beginning and discuss your intentions. If your tile laying skills won’t actually save you money, or aren’t as good as you think, then it might be best to leave the entire project up to the professionals.
4. Keep what you can, change what you can’t. For example, if your cabinet boxes are still in good shape, you may be able to just switch out the cabinet fronts. With a fresh paint job, your cabinets will look as good as new. However, if your boxes are cracked or loosening from the walls, then all new cabinets will be your best bet. The same is true for shower tiles, or other elements of your bathroom. If something looks good, and it wouldn’t be prudent to switch it out, then leave it. But if it’s important to the overall look or function of your new bathroom, then go for something new, you will be glad you did.

This is highly individual and comes down to what your needs are. It can also come down to, appearance or function. Before you even plan out your wish list, or even your budget, you need to decide what are the most important features to you. If your bathroom is small and you need to expand the space, then walls will need to be moved or taken down, thus soaking up a good portion of your remodel dollars. Prioritizing your most important features will also clue you in on the kind of budget it will take to get what you want.

For example, if expanding your bathrooms footprint will take $6,000, and you only want to spend $10,000 total, then you know you will have $4,000 left for other items. Now, you can prioritize the remaining features: new flooring, countertops, lighting, etc.

Generally, the items that will take the most abuse, and get the most wear and tear are the items that can use a higher-grade material. Items such as faucets get handled constantly, and a cheaper version will not only wear out quicker, but also visually degrade at a much faster pace. Cheap countertops such as composite marble (man made marble) will stain and chip easily and cause your newly remodeled bathroom to look cut-rate and incomplete. With countertops taking the brunt of daily use, allowing for a higher-grade countertop such as granite, or quartz is worth your while. Sinks and tubs can also stand to be a little more upscale because of the long-term staining or chipping factor.

Yes, yes and yes! Bathroom remodels, on average should yield a minimum of a 50% and sometimes as much as 70% return on your investment. Provided, that is, that your remodel makes sense to your home, and doesn’t outspend your home’s value. Also, if you have plans to move at some point you may want to keep your remodel practical, for a future resale. Let’s first discuss why you want to remodel.

Function

Most bathroom remodels are done for functionality. Rooms don’t physically grow as your family grows and bathrooms have a way of shrinking as kids grow up and out. So, that one sink vanity that worked when the kiddos were toddlers no longer works for teenagers who require inordinate amounts of time to get ready. Or, this is your retirement home and you want to make sure that doorways and showers can accommodate wheelchairs or walkers.

There are myriad reasons why bathrooms lose their functionality along the way. So, if your purpose is to make your bathroom actually ‘work’ for your family then you are getting an increase in value twofold:

• Your home will be more livable and accommodate your family’s needs in a more productive way. This gifts you years of value because your home is actually serving it’s intended purpose, to aid in the comfort and evolution of your life and family.
• If and when you decide to sell your home, then your remodeled bathroom will be able to better serve potential buyers. This increases your chance at a fast sale, and for a good return on your renovation investment. Less time on the market means more money in your pocket at the closing table.

Aesthetics

Okay, you were feeling the royal blue wall tiles with the fish on them when you built the house, but the Finding Nemo look just isn’t cutting it anymore. It’s time for a new look. One that makes you want to shiver in giddiness instead of feeling the urge to reach for a fishing pole. The question is, is it worth the investment just for a jetted bathtub and farmhouse lighting? You betcha. But hold on, there are some things to consider:

1. Don’t go nuts. Your style may have evolved over the years, but you still need to be conscious of how you are remodeling your bathroom. If you live in a laid-back, farmhouse style home and suddenly want to transform your bathroom into a high-tech ultra-modern (we’re thinking Star Trek, here) escape room then your return on investment may be ultra-small. The reason being, that you may quickly get tired of the high-gloss, high-shine techie vibe of the bathroom and feel the need to correct that gigantic mistake a mere one year later. Then you are back to spending even more money for a remodel that will make more sense for your home style.   That’s not to say that you can’t modernize or change things up. You certainly can, but you need to be mindful of the style of home you live in. What if you get a new job in another state and suddenly must put your home on the market? Do you think potential buyers are going to want a wild and crazy bathroom in the middle of a sweet and soulful home? Probably not. Just ensure that your renovating ideas make sense to the overall picture of your home.
2. Make it your own. Future resale aside, it is still your home and you should design it to fit your lifestyle and tastes. If you bought a beautiful sundial tile piece to be the focal point of your new floor, then yes, use that and make it work. If purple is your favorite color and you really need to have a purple bathroom, then paint away. Just keep in mind that those bold decorating choices should be made with some common sense.  For example, try using only one sundial tile piece as the focal point on the floor, and not plastering the entire bathroom in sundial tile. This still gives you a personalized flair without giving you reason to refloor the bathroom when you move. As far as the purple paint, paint is an easy fix. It is inexpensive and can be done once the thrill of the purple haze wears off.  A good rule of thumb is to keep the most expensive items in a bit of a neutral style. I’m not talking keep everything beige, just choose materials in colors and styles, that will stand the test of time. You can always add a pop of color or personalization with your décor. Towels, shower curtains, wall décor, etc., can reflect your personality without resulting in another major remodel when you decide to move. Remember, timeless not trendy will pay off in the long run.

Planning Your Remodel

Most homeowners have been planning their bathroom remodel long before they ever get a bid. That’s a very good thing. The longer you’ve been visualizing your new bathroom, the more concentrated your wish list has become. Like Christmas lists, renovation wish lists tend to start big and whittle down once reality sets in. From cosmetic touches, to the nuts and bolts of your design, the sooner you began your plan the better will be your results.

Your bathroom remodel begins and ends with an excellent contractor. Not only do they guide the process but should have the knowledge to immediately correct any problems that may arise, and the experience to give you the most bang for your buck. So how do you know if you contractor is worth the hire?

1. References, references, references! – Word of mouth is the key to any business, and if it isn’t good, don’t even dip your toe in the waters. Ask any potential contractor for a list of references, and that includes pictures of the work, timeline of work completed, and any other information he or she can provide. Also, try community sources like Nextdoor, or local Facebook pages to get a vibe of his work ethic and remodeling skills.
2. Clean track record. – The Better Business Bureau has been around for a very long time, and for good reason. With the BBB, you can check a company’s licensing, history, complaints, ratings and accreditations.   Google reviews is also a good place to check comments and reviews on a contractor. Keep in mind, that if a business has a bad review or two, it doesn’t mean they aren’t excellent or don’t perform good work. Contractors are human beings and can and do make mistakes. What matters is if they don’t bother to correct those mistakes and make things right with the customer. So, a couple of bad reviews doesn’t mean a great deal, but several bad reviews might give you reason to go another direction.  Take the time to read both positive and negative reviews, research any complaints, and don’t be afraid to ask the potential candidate about them.
3. Get a list. – A reputable contractor should be able to provide a list of the labor costs and necessary materials that will be required for the job. Granted, it will only be an estimate, but barring any unforeseen problems, it should come pretty close to the final tally. If possible, ask them for past job totals and what they entailed, material and labor wise.
4. Get proof. – Get a copy of their proof of insurance, and any licensing required in your state. This would possibly include: property damage coverage, workers’ compensation and personal liability. Also, find out if they get the permit for your renovation, or if that is up to you. Be very clear about what is expected of you, and them.
5. Judge from the start. – The moment you first speak with the contractor is when your evaluation should begin. If they are short with you on the phone or won’t take the time to listen to your needs, then don’t expect it to get any better as they get buried in your remodel. Also, if they are late, continually postpone, or don’t show up for your first meeting, then drop them and move onto someone else.

Planning your new bathroom can be overwhelming, but don’t let yourself get discouraged. A lot goes into completely changing a part of your home. It is a big decision and a solid investment, so take it slow and don’t rush.

Managing your expectations is your first big hurdle. Not only do the numbers have to add up, but your expectations should fit smartly within your budget. It can be a challenge to whittle down your wish list, but it’s not impossible. Consider these factors when starting to plan:

• Purpose – What is the reason that prompted you to begin this remodel journey? Too little space? Outdated appearance? Things falling apart? If you don’t stray from your original purpose, then there is less chance of you going over budget or having your final product fall short of your goal. Keeping your original purpose in mind will also keep you on the straight and narrow when choosing your materials and budget.
• Budget – When designing your bathroom, your budget should stay at the forefront of your mind. It’s easy to design a bathroom that looks like it came from Rockefeller’s personal home, but you don’t want to blow your budget on a solid gold toilet, either. Stay practical and make sure your budget will cover everything your new bathroom needs.
• Long-term plans – A bathroom renovation should serve your home for years and years. So, plan ahead. Do you have little ones who will all need mirror time at some point? Then a vanity with double sinks will do the trick. Is your elderly mother going to live with you in a few years? Then wide doors that will accommodate walkers or wheelchairs should be a consideration. Every decision you initially make about your remodel should be able to go the distance for as long as you live in the home.
• Materials - When you choose materials for your new bathroom, just remember that they should be timeless and not trendy. Remember those pink floor tiles from way back? Enough said.
• Be realistic – As with most things in life, remodels don’t always go as planned. Be realistic and expect the unexpected. Things such as: mold within a wall, corroded pipes, rotted floor boards beneath old tile, and other surprises can disrupt your remodel. Fortunately, a great contractor will know how to handle things as they come up and will communicate with you about both problems and fixes. Most remodels go smoothly, but just be aware that the unexpected can arise.

Yes! Any bathroom can be enlarged providing you have the budget and structural space to make such a move. Moving walls isn’t cheap, but if that is the goal for your bathroom then it can be done. Keep in mind, however, that making more space for your bathroom can mean intruding into space of other areas of your home. Basically, this gives you two options:

• Expand the footprint of your home to build-out your bathroom, or
• Take space from other rooms for the additional space

If you have the extra space, closets are a good place to steal extra footage. Oftentimes, just a couple of feet one direction or another can make a big difference in a bathroom. If your bedroom or an adjoining bedroom can give up some space, then that might be a good direction to go.

Fortunately, a well-thought out design will accommodate any space encroachment that occurs. If you are knocking out a wall, keep in mind, that if there is plumbing or extensive electrical encased within that wall, you will incur some additional cost to move them to a new location. However, if you are switching plumbing fixtures, such as sinks or toilets to other areas in the bathroom, these things will need to be moved anyway and should be part of the original remodel estimate.

Utilizing existing fixtures, or plumbing is a great way to save money. Anytime you must switch something out (electrical) or move a permanent fixture (plumbing) your costs go up. If you are adhering to a strict budget, then design a plan that will keep your plumbing or electrical where it is.

Plumbing

Showers, toilets, tubs and sinks are your four plumbing sources.  If you can keep them in their original position, then your remodel costs will be lower. That being said, one of the major reasons for bathroom remodels is the need to make your layout more efficient. Such as the need for,

• Larger shower
• Double vanity instead of single vanity
• Larger toilet area
• Increasing space between major bathroom features
• Replacing old bathtub with a smaller, more efficient one

Don’t let the fear of moving plumbing, keep you from getting the bathroom you need and want. Just remember to incorporate those costs into your budget. On the flip side, if you can get away with keeping certain plumbing fixtures in their current place, then do so. Or, you can convert a couple of items, such as enlarging your shower, or switching from a single vanity to a double vanity that will keep them in place but increase their functionality.

Electrical

Keeping your old lights can save your money, but honestly, light fixtures are inexpensive and can certainly spruce up a remodel. It would be a shame to revamp your bathroom into a Byzantine spa but keep the old, tarnished brass chandelier. And while light fixtures are easy to replace, electrical wiring is not. Anytime you remodel a room, electrical will be involved, and can include:

• Replacing existing light fixtures with more modern ones
• Replacing old socket and switch covers
• Revamping old electrical wires (bringing them to code, etc.)
• Adding GFI safety circuits

As with any remodel, once your contractor breaks into a wall, the electrical wires are exposed and could either need to be moved to accommodate a feature or brought up to safety code. The last thing you want is to spend thousands of dollars on a beautiful remodel, only to have it go up in flames because you left in bad 50-year-old wiring. Whether you are knocking down a wall and must move the electrical, or the exposed wiring is in bad shape, electrical updating is a necessary cost.

Current city codes can help you keep your family safe and are important to follow, so make sure your contractor is up to date with his codes. Don’t be afraid to ask what codes will apply to your remodel and if any specific permits are required. Specific code changes could include:

• GFI outlet – GFI (or GFCI) stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. This prevents you from being shocked if there is a current leak. They are primarily used in areas that could incur moisture, such as bathrooms, utility rooms and kitchens since moisture can increase your chances of being shocked.
• Outlet and switch distance – Outlets and switches should be a safe distance from wet spaces such as tubs and sinks.
• Outlet height – Outlets should be a safe distance from the floor incase of a flooding issue.
• Cables secured – Electrical cables within walls should be attached to framing by staples or nail plates.

While every city has its own general electrical code, the above list gives you a general idea of things to look for during or before your remodel. It’s worth your while to take the time to go over such details with your contractor -  before the first sledgehammer falls.

Wellllll, you can, but you may need to be distantly related to Chip and Joanna Gaines if you are going to tackle such a big project on your own. Remodeling a bathroom, or any room for that matter, is extremely labor intensive and requires specific skill sets that many professionals train years for.

Plumbing     Electrical     Tile Work     Granite Cuts     Carpentry     Painting

These are highly intensive skills that can make or break your bathroom renovation. It’s like putting lipstick on a pig, if it isn’t done correctly and beautifully from the ground up, then no amount of touch-up is going to fix it or make it look good.

Now, if you, a relative or friend has actionable skills that can be applied to your bathroom remodel, then you can certainly pitch in. However, remember you are paying your contractor for the entire project and he or she may not be willing to share chores. Anytime you step in for part of the remodel, you are interfering with the project schedule. If you are great at laying tile but are slow, then your project gets backed up, which can also back up the contractor’s other projects. Also, if your skills aren’t exactly up to snuff, it could affect other parts of your renovation. It’s like building a house of cards, one card put in incorrectly can cause the entire structure to fall.

Your budget plays a big part in the kinds of materials you can choose for your new bathroom. Materials can range from budget friendly, to Taj Mahal status. Before you go shopping have your design completed and list of materials ready. It is shockingly easy to come out of a design showroom having gone over budget and with way more items than you need. Especially lighting. The power of tinkling chandelier crystals and shiny metals can get to even the best of the budget conscious remodelers.

So, how do you get top of the line materials while also leaving some gas money in your pocket?

1. Make your list. Check it twice. – Once your design has been completed and discussed with your contractor, you can make out your list. Most remodel material lists look like this:

• Floor Tile (including grout)
• Shower wall tile (including grout)
• Shower floor tile (including grout)
• Decorative shower tile (including grout)
• Shower door
• Baseboards
• Crown molding
• All light fixtures (including shower light)
• Outlet and switch covers
• Countertops
• Sinks
• Faucets (sink, shower and tub)
• Bathroom hardware (towel racks, toilet paper holder, grab bar, etc.)
• Toilet
• Vanity
• Exhaust fan
• Paint and/or wallpaper
• Shelving
• Stain color for wood
• Windows
• Bathroom doors

As you can see, the list can be extensive. But, if you are not replacing all these things, your list will be selective and mercifully shorter. Your contractor can certainly purchase these items once you have chosen them, but you will want to give your input on the selection. After all, it is your bathroom and you will be the one to use and enjoy it, so you might as well choose the items and colors that make you happy. It’s also a good idea to go over the list with your contractor. Some items may not be feasible for your area (bamboo flooring in Alaska?), so it’s smart to discuss your selection beforehand and make sure everything will work well together.

2. Watch your costs. – It’s a well-known joke that remodels inherently go over budget, and materials are the main reason why this occurs. There is something about a quartz countertop that makes some people giddy, while Italian marble floors float other people’s boat. These are gorgeous features to add to your new bathroom, but unless your budget is full and healthy, you need to be conscious of what you are choosing.

It is perfectly okay to splurge on some items. Heated floors are well worth the cost when there is frost on the ground, and multiple water jets can give you that ‘Ahhhh’ feeling when taking a shower. As long as your budget allows, and it won’t cause a major rift in your marriage, then feel free to splurge on the items that mean the most to you. Just be aware when you make your selections, that every decorative item you choose has a back-end cost attached to it.

Tile needs adhesive and grout, glass shower doors must have stripping, glue, special glass and installation, light fixtures require installation and sometimes a rewire in the wall. While these are all normal costs associated with a bathroom remodel, and should be included in your initial estimate, some homeowners forget about the back-end costs and plan their budget around the retail prices. Just stick to your list and budget, and everything will be fine. And as with everything, make sure to discuss these costs with your contractor.

Homeowners rejoice! Bathroom remodel ideas are everywhere!! All you need to do is hop on the internet or turn on your television and you will be inundated with gorgeous bathrooms and the millions of items you can buy for them. While there are endless places to look for inspiration, here are some of the best and most practical places geared toward simple folk like us:

• Need I say it? HGTV
• Houzz
• Better Homes and Garden
• Architectural Digest
• The holy grail of ideas…..Pinterest

Believe it or not, Open Houses are also a great way to garner some ideas. Most homes for sale, especially new ones, have been gussied up before they hit the market and you can cop some great looks for your new bathroom.  Home builder websites usually have galleries of bathrooms for you to peruse, as well as blogs like The Spruce.

Neighbors are also a great source of information since they are usually more than happy to tell you what has worked for them (bathroom remodel wise) and what hasn’t. Even retail websites like Bed Bath & Beyond and Target have great pictures used to highlight their products. Grab some inspiration from them and maybe also, a towel or two.

The ultimate goal when remodeling any room in your home, is to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Your home is your biggest investment and it should welcome you with open arms and kiss your feet every time you walk in the door. Renovating your bathroom is only part of that equation, but it can certainly pack an amazing punch. Bathrooms get constant use (unlike that exercise room, am I right?), and should reflect your ever-evolving lifestyle and need to pamper yourself. So, as long as you do your homework and put a solid plan in place, a bathroom renovation will do you just fine!