Function is the No. 1 priority in a bathroom—if it doesn't "work" for you, who cares whether the tile is patterned in period-perfect Arts and Crafts style? Ultimately, you must be able to easily, conveniently use the space and the features within it.
"In the end, you need a good quality toilet that works well, a good valve body for the faucets that gives you the type of water flow you want," says Ken Perrin, president, Artistic Renovations, Cleveland, Ohio.
That said, the bathroom should be an appealing place to go. Especially in a master suite where the bathroom becomes more of a spa/resting space than a utilitarian room, some of the bells and whistles (heated floors) are certainly worth the splurge. And, in fact, some of the luxuries that seem like they would blow your budget are actually within reach (again, heated floors).
Here is some general advice on where to spend and splurge:
TILE
Save money on the background tile and spend on some decorative eye candy. Or, choose targeted spaces for beautiful tile treatment—such as a vanity backsplash or a wall in the shower—and fill in the rest with economical but effective, basic porcelain. "You can do one wall of mosaic that will cost $20 to $50 per square foot, but the space is only 40 x 10 inches, and do the rest in plain field tile that is $5 per square foot," says Cassia Wyner, designer/owner, CW Design, Brookline, Mass. "It's worth spending an extra $500 for some 'wow' factor."
Example of Low-End Ceramic Tile:
Example of Low-End Vinyl Tile:
Example of Mid-Range "Carpet" Tile:
Example of Mid-Range Accent Tile:
Example of HIghEnd Ceramic Tiling:
Example of High End Floor to Ceiling Tile:
FLOOR
The floor must be slip resistant (think tile texture here and larger grout lines in the shower for more traction), but it doesn't have to be expensive. And, you can turn up the appeal by installing electric heated floor mats under the tile.
CABINETRY
Don't skimp on cabinets. On a scale of good, better, best, at least choose the better option, Wyner says. "You will be opening those doors and drawers every day," she says. "And, if the cabinets are made of cheap particle board, they won't last long in a wet environment."
COUNTERTOPS
The key is keeping this surface clean—and low-maintenance is a main benefit of surfaces such as quartzite (CesarStone, Cambria, etc.). But these surfaces can cost as much as middle- to lower-grade granite. So decide whether this will be a selling point of your bathroom, or if a laminate with a sharp pattern (that resembles granite, say) is acceptable. If the answer is yes, you'll save a bundle. However, Wyner advocates splurging on the material here. "Countertops can really make a statement," she says.
Example of Low-End Countertops - Vinyl:
Example of Low-End Countertops - Basic Ceramic Tile:
Example of Mid-Range Countertop - Engineered Stone:
Example of Mid-Range Countertop - Solid Surface:
Example of High-End Countertop - Granite:
Example of High-End Countertop - Marble:
PLUMBING FIXTURES
It's not so easy to choose plumbing fixtures these days, and with the shower evolving into its own luxe room equipped with an array of spray heads, color therapy, aromatherapy and even seating, how do you decide what's worth the money?
That depends on how you will use the space, but the key with plumbing fixtures is to never compromise quality, Wyner says. You may choose to install body sprays or a rain shower head. That's personal preference. But no matter what you decide on, be sure the fixture quality is there. "It's worth getting a better model because it affects the flow and the finish—you want it to last," Wyner says. "You don't want chrome peeling off five years later."
Example of a Low-End Shower Fixture - Wall Mounted:
Example of a Low-End Shower Fixture - Water Efficient:
Example of Mid-Range Shower Fixture - Hand Held Showerhead:
Example of Mid-Range Shower Fixture - Wall Mount and Hand Held Showerhead Combination:
Example of High-End Shower Fixture - Body Sprays:
Example of High-End Shower Fixture - Vertical Spa:
Part 2 of the series - Bathroom Remodel: Splurge vs Save will be posted on September 19, 2018.
Source:https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/bathroom-remodel/bathroom-remodel-splurge-vs-save
As usual, should you be interested in buying or selling a home, or for any further information regarding your home, please contact me, Karen Borden, your North Alabama Real Estate Professional!
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