It’s hard to believe there are really so many beautiful bathrooms out there. I know not one of mine comes within miles of these, and yet zillow.com has assemble photos of real bathrooms for views to vote on in “duals”.

Check it out: dueling digs: bathrooms

Getting Started

* The most important step is finding a professional remodeling contractor for your job. Check out Find a Professional Remodeler on www.RemodelToday.com for a contractor near you.

* Hire a professional contractor who is familiar with the building codes in your area. Updating work that does not meet code can be extremely expensive.

* A well–written contract can prevent costly mistakes or additions to the scope of your project. It is a critical step in maintaining your budget.

* Save money by planning ahead. Go through the design process first and choose everything you want to include in the new room(s), from appliances to light fixtures, etc. This will define your budget and prevent hasty (and costly) decisions later in the project. Be sure to include all your product and material selections in the contract to avoid confusion and unnecessary change orders. Include the model, size, color, and other specifications. It is also wise to save 10–20 percent of your budget to allow for items added to the scope of work.

* The number one way to decrease the cost of your remodeling project is product choices. Look around to determine whether you can achieve a similar look with a less expensive product.

* In addition, pay attention to how labor intensive some design features may be, for example laying ceramic tile on kitchen countertops and the backsplash.

* Compare products and their prices carefully before you make final decisions. And keep an open mind when you discuss product and design ideas with your contractor.

* Make decisions based on value and quality, not just price.

* Think about staging the work being done to minimize the initial financial impact. It is often easier to create a more manageable budget by starting small and adding to the project at a later date. This will break the work into several jobs instead of one large project. The down side of staging a remodel is that you may end up paying more in the long run.

General Remodeling Tips

* Be creative. There are often multiple solutions to accomplish a design objective, some more expensive than others. Discuss various options with your contractor.
* If all the room really needs is a facelift, make the most of changes with paint, as opposed to structural changes. Changing the color of a room can revitalize it. This is the easiest way to bring life to a room on a budget.
* Heavy or textured wallpaper can work wonders as well. You can save money by wallpapering a slightly damaged wall rather than replacing it. If the wall has grass cloth wallpaper on it, consider whitewashing it for a totally new look. Several layers of whitewash (in various shades of white) produce a clean, sophisticated look in any room.
* Faux finish painting or other textured decorative painting techniques also can hide minor damage or irregularities that flat paint won’t.
* Attempt to keep windows in their existing places during a remodeling project. Moving windows is not a cost–saving endeavor.

Finding Space

* Creating more space can be a big budget buster. Once you add square footage to a home, the price increases significantly. One alternative is to borrow space from a neighboring room (called space reconfiguration). A great place to steal space for a bathroom expansion is from the linen closet. You can make up some of the lost storage by finding small spaces in between wall studs for small niches or built–in shelves.
* You can also try borrowing space with optical illusions. There are many ways to make a small room appear larger. To transform a small bath, install a bow window or a skylight. Vaulted ceilings can be a nice touch, too.
* If you are going to expand outside the existing home, consider a small bump out of two to four feet. This may allow you to cantilever the floor joists and eliminate the need for excavation and foundation. If possible, be careful not to extend beyond the roofline, which might require a new roofline to your job.
* Whenever you are adding on new space to a home, have a heating/cooling contractor determine whether your existing heating/air conditioning system can accommodate and heat/cool the extra space. If the heating/cooling system is damaged, you will be forced to replace the existing units.

Each remodeling job is different, we offer tips for kitchens and bathrooms specifically.

Maximizing livable space is how the American Institute of Architects (AIA) describes this new trend, a by-product of a down new-housing and real estate market. Smaller remodel projects – finishing attics and basements – readily achieve that goal, making the home more enjoyable today while increasing its resale value tomorrow.

Nearly 130 million homes are currently in need of work, including adjustments to meet “changing preferences and lifestyles,” such as family members returning home to live, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.

As the owner of a smaller home, you should know that adding even a small bathroom is among the best investments you can make, typically returning 65 percent or more of the cost on resale. In the attic or the basement, you can save money on a bath addition by using macerating plumbing, which requires no digging for under-floor drainage piping.

For this same reason, you can also convert an existing room or even a closet into a new small bathroom to better accommodate guests or even family members moving into your home. No digging for drainage means a quicker, less messy and cheaper installation experience. Macerating plumbing systems can handle the waste from a toilet as well as a sink and a tub/shower. As a result, you can create not just a powder room, but a full bath with all the decorative accessories.

Install an up toilet
Known as an up toilet or above-floor plumbing, macerating technology is the way to go, says East Taunton, Mass., plumber Mike Sikorski, who installs Saniflo brand products. Plumbing waste and water are pumped through small-diameter piping, which can be located inside the wall, right into the sewer or septic tank. Sikorski estimates that this type of system saves his customers $1,000 on average, “and that’s on the low side,” he says.

Mike Vines of Lake Orion, Mich., recently improved his home with a basement upgrade using an up-toilet system. “I couldn’t be happier,” he says of the half bath he added to the family home. “In these tough times, anything you can do to increase the value of your house, the better off you’re going to be.”

Tips for a better bath
Here are some tips to make the most of your bathroom addition, even if it’s a small one:

* Maximize space by placing a pedestal sink in the corner along with a mirrored medicine cabinet designed for in-corner installation.
* Plan your new bath so the door won’t bump into anything when it is opened. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (www.nkba.org) is a good resource for planning dimensions.
* Must you have a tub, or will a shower suffice? Putting in an enclosed stall shower saves a lot of space.
* Install grab bars to prevent falls. They’re not just for the elderly. The Home Safety Council (www.homesafetycouncil.org) recommends grab bars in every bath.
* No window? Good lighting can make a room look and feel larger. Recessed lighting is a smart choice for small spaces. Task lighting over the sink is a welcome feature.
* Don’t forget the fan. Installing a fan can help prevent moisture problems, such as mold and mildew.

When it comes to redecorating, renovating or designing a home, perhaps space, needs and tastes vary so much from person to person that no one philosophy can ever “fit all.” But then again, maybe there is one that can.

“The concept of ‘universal design,’ which strives to make living and work spaces as usable as possible for as many different kinds of people as possible, might just be the design philosophy that will bring us all together,” says Lynn Schrage, a design expert with The Kohler Store.

Universal design’s aim is to ensure that products and places (like your home) are as usable as possible by all people, regardless of the person’s age or abilities. Think “usability” by everyone from your toddler to your grandparents, athletic types to a person in a wheelchair. “It’s a design concept that makes sense for homeowners. It not only enhances their ability to use and enjoy their homes, it makes the design more sustainable and helps ensure their home will appeal to the broadest range of buyers when it comes time to resell,” Schrage adds.

If you’re undertaking even a modest home improvement project, it’s easy to incorporate universal features into your living space. The concept fits with virtually any design style, from modern to contemporary, retro to traditional. Schrage offers a few pointers:

In the kitchen

Your kitchen probably has one or two distinct work zones including the cooking range, sink and refrigeration areas. Ideally, multiple work zones that are compact and serve different needs from cooking, to preparation, to cleanup and are suitable for users of varying height and ability will increase the functionality of the space.

To maximize your sink’s usability, choose a shallow one that’s easy to reach into or a sink that offers built-in wet surfaces at different heights to reduce back strain. Also, consider opting for a sink that features a side-mounted faucet placement, rather than the back. The side-mounted faucet position makes it easier for younger users and those with grasping or mobility issues to reach and use the faucet.

From cabinetry modifications as simple as pull-out storage shelves to more practical ones like “appliance garages” that house appliances and can easily slide out for use, functional ease is the guiding concept of universal design. Kitchens continue to be the focus for many buyers, and incorporating universal design features into your remodeling efforts can help ensure your kitchen appeals to — and is usable by — the entire family.

In the bath

Baths are also a big concern for buyers – and homeowners. On one side of the coin, a great bath can be a luxurious sanctuary for busy dwellers. On the other side, bathrooms can be a potentially dangerous room, especially for older and younger users.

Applying the principles of universal design in the bathroom means you might consider installing a low threshold shower, like Kohler’s Archer FRP Shower Receptor. Shower floors should feature a slip-resistant surface. Temperature controls for the shower should be placed for easy access from outside the shower and should be digital controls or levers that are easy to adjust with soapy hands. Toilet modifications should work for both the oldest and youngest users. Comfort Height toilets, which are chair height, make it easier to get on and off for older users or those with knee/joint concerns. And Quiet Close technology ensures little fingers won’t get pinched by a slamming toilet lid.

In the closet

Closets are among the most used and under appreciated areas of a home. You go into your closet virtually every day to get the clothes you need. Ease of access and organization are important in such a heavily used location. When applying the principles of universal design to your closet space, you’ll want to create storage solutions that minimize bending motions and put important items within easy reach of users of varying heights and mobility.

These questions, and many others, should be at the top of your list when you start mapping out your next bathroom project. Luckily, many manufacturers have made it easier in recent years for you to answer those questions in a painless, affordable way.

“We’ve created several full bathroom suites of fixtures and faucets,” says Jennifer Lee from Danze, Inc. “The elements of each collection were literally made for each other.”

So what should you look for when you’re planning your next bath or powder room project? Here are a few things to consider when choosing the critical elements:

Sink and vanity – Choices are abundant when it comes to the sink area of a bathroom. For those smaller footprint powder rooms, or where storage isn’t as critical, consider a pedestal sink. If a pedestal doesn’t match your taste or function needs, furniture-style vanities can have a significant impact on a room’s decor and add extra storage.

Faucet — This can be one of the most noticeable accessories in the room and one that homeowners and guests interact with the most. Make sure you choose a style and finish that is consistent with the overall decor. A soft brushed nickel or warm oil rub bronze finish can add a distinct detail to the decor. If green options are important to you, explore WaterSense-approved faucets that can reduce water usage by 20 percent, without affecting performance.

Toilet — This is one of the best places to go ‘green’ in your bathroom. High-efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush, saving two or more gallons of water each use compared to many toilets installed in the 1980s and prior. And, don’t overlook the tank lever. Danze and other manufacturers sell individual tank levers in a variety of styles and finishes so you can literally match every aspect of the room’s decor.

Shower system — Years ago homeowners had a handful of choices for showerheads. Today, there are hundreds of styles, functions, finishes and components that can comprise a home’s shower system. This is a recently discovered area of the bathroom that can really show off your design flair and create a unique retreat.

Bath accessories — Accessories are another important way to share the little detailing that many styles offer in the bathroom. Whether it’s the ornate craftsman look of an old-world towel ring, or the sleek, long lines of a contemporary towel bar, make sure to pair up accessories that match your room’s faucet, sink and other elements.

Storage — Homeowners can’t seem to get enough storage in most bathroom floor plans. Again, choosing a furniture-style vanity can give you extra storage space, as can many well-designed mirrors — which should obviously match the wood, finish and styling of the vanity and other pieces in the room.

“Coordinating bathroom pieces is easier than ever,” adds Lee. “Choosing pieces that are created as part of a collection is definitely a time-saver and a reassuring way to know the design details were taken care of for you.”

Here are some simple ideas for making a small bathroom feel larger without expending money on an extensive bathroom enlargement.

1. Paint the walls in a light color. Pale, cool and soft colors are best for rooms that have small ceilings or tight walls. Do not opt for bright or loud colors, as these tend to make rooms look even smaller than they are. Whites, neutrals and pale pastel tones are ideal, especially for bathrooms.

2. The color of the bathroom floor should also be light. If you have a dark floor and it cannot be replaced, consider covering the dark color with a lighter colored floor mat.

3. Bathroom tiles look best when they are large, because this creates a feeling of space.

4. Provide adequate storage space, because clutter makes small bathrooms appear even smaller.

5. Avoid pedestal sinks because they do not offer any form of storage space. They may look cool, but in small bathrooms they are simply unsuitable.

6. Use only a single large mirror in the bathroom. It will add depth by reflecting light.

7. Use counter-top lamps or wall sconce lighting, skylights or large windows to light the bathroom. These lighting options add the appearance of more space and do not require much space of their own.

8. Your shower screens should be clear rather than an opaque color, because the clear screen gives a feeling of additional space. Fully frameless shower screens are preferable because they do not create any visual barriers in an already tight space.

9. Keep your bathroom as neat and clean as you can, because dirty and cluttered bathrooms tend to look even smaller than they are and this is the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish!

Most of these ideas are highly affordable, especially if you do them yourself. A simple paint job is doable by most of us, and with some simple instructions (which you will find on remodel.net) you can learn to hang a mirror and install a light fixture. Go for it – that new look is there waiting for you.

Bathroom Remodel

Finding a skilled contractor is critical to for any major bathroom remodeling job. The good news is that, from Los Angeles to New York and Atlanta to Chicago, bathroom remodeling contractors are working hard to help you realize your goals. Even in a down economy, a professionally done bathroom remodel can pay considerable dividends, not just in the added luxury and comfort it brings you and your family, but in the financial benefits a new bathroom can deliver to a home’s resale value. Read our tips on choosing a contractor for more information on this important stage of your project.

Bringing Bathroom Remodeling Ideas to Life

Once you’ve decided to get serious about perfecting your powder room, you’ll need to formulate a plan for your contractors, carpenters and plumbers to execute. To get started, browse through your favorite magazines, ask your friends for their insight, or attend a local home show to get an idea of what you’d like your bathroom remodeling plans to look like. After deciding which ideas are worth further exploration, decide which elements of your bathroom you’d like to modify. Structural consequences can have a drastic effect on homeowners final decisions.

There are two ways to approach this part of the planning process. One is to decide up front what plumbing fixtures (tubs, showers, toilets, sinks) you plan to move or replace and then ask your architect to draft the plans based on your selections for these items, designing your bathroom remodel so that all of the fixtures you choose fit perfectly. The upside is that you will have the bathroom that you always wanted. The downside is that this could mean moving walls and plumbing supply and both are very costly.

The second option is to ask your designer or contractor to simply tell you what your fixture choices will be dimension-wise based on leaving your existing plumbing as is. The limitation with the latter option is that you would have to choose bath tubs, cabinets, showers, etc. that work within the existing space constraints. The up side is that you will save a lot of money by not moving your existing plumbing sources.

Thinking Practically

Perhaps you would much rather have a large walk-in shower and are not concerned with a bath tub at all. Or, maybe you’re considering a Jacuzzi tub with a slightly smaller walk-in shower. Think about the needs of the people who will use the master bathroom.

If you bathe your children in your master bathroom, it probably isn’t wise to eliminate your bath tub. If you and your spouse don’t ever plan on taking long baths and would much rather optimize the art of creative showering concepts, then get rid of that tub and focus on creating your dream shower for two.

An alternative to bathing infants in a full bathtub is to use the bathroom sink, replacing separate hot and cold water taps with a “joystick” tap on the left and a kitchen vegetable sprayer on the right. It’s a huge timesaver for cleaning up kids who are often only dirty in the diaper area.

Homeowners often complain about the lack of cabinet space in their bathrooms. When working with your architect or designer, be sure to mention the need for extra storage if it applies to your family. There are all sorts of creative ways to incorporate tons of added storage without compromising the integrity of your new master bathroom design. The goal is simple: add all the elements you know you would use, and eliminate those you would not.

Freeing Up Space

Most people would say that they want to feel the essence of increased space in their new bathroom. Nine times out of ten, homeowners today are looking for bathroom remodeling with hopes to “open up” the space that’s already there. This is best achieved with lots of glass and mirrors. This design concept creates the illusion that there are fewer divisions in the bathroom making it feel larger.

Today, many couples are undergoing master bathroom remodeling in order to make the bathroom more functional for two people to share, literally. With such a vast amount of dual-income households, it is very common for a couple to need use of the bathroom simultaneously so that everyone can get where they need to go in the morning.

Heated flooring, dual and quadruple shower heads, wall mounted televisions, theater sound, and lighting concepts with dimming options are also very popular choices.

As far as plumbing hardware and electrical fixtures are concerned, oil rubbed bronze, brushed nickel and bronze are the trendy thing to do. Brass has pretty much come and gone and chrome is on its way out.

If you are having difficulty tying everything together, consider using some of your budget and investing in an interior designer. Many of them are equipped with an impressive amount of knowledge and experience. Using a designer can help you rest assure that you have chosen logical and aesthetically pleasing choices for your master bathroom creation.

A new bathroom starts with a call to a licensed bathroom remodeling contractor in your area.