Lower Costs Make Now a Great Time for a Bathroom Remodel

Have you outgrown your small home, but you're staying put for financial or economic reasons? Or maybe you recently bought a house in foreclosure that was a great deal, but needs fixing up.If so, you're part of the re-energized remodeling market. For the first time since 2006, home-improvement spending is up, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

Most homeowners aren't going for dazzle in their bathrooms, they're just looking for a more livable space. Typical bath projects today reflect practicality and a desire to control utility costs. Although people tend to add or improve bathrooms with comfort and convenience in mind, these projects are also smart values.

Creating a new bathroom is one of the most solid investments you can make in your home. Reports estimate that a midrange home bathroom remodel will recoup 71 percent of its cost, while a bathroom addition recoups nearly 60 percent.

If you're thinking about a remodel, here are some suggestions from the professionals at Handyman Matters - these will add value and save you money in the long run:

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  Federal tax credits: Energy-efficiency improvements to existing homes can net you big tax credits.  Visit http://www.energystar.gov/ to see if your project qualifies. Examples include HVAC improvements, insulation, storm windows and certain water heaters.
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  Up flush toilets: One savvy idea is to choose an up flush toilet for your new bath project.  Because this type of technology - macerating plumbing - doesn't require digging, a completely new, full bathroom can be installed quickly and for a lot less time and money than conventional plumbing. What's more, an "up toilet" can go anywhere in your home. Even in the basement. With up flush technology, there is no need for digging up cement floors. The unique technology pumps waste and water upward, through small-diameter piping, directly into your sewer or septic tank. And unlike sewage ejection systems, up flush toilet waste is removed with every flush, so there is no need for undesirable waste storage. For smaller homes, nothing could be easier than adding a bathroom with an up flush toilet. These systems can be installed in any room and are ideal for small spaces. An unused closet or the area underneath a stairway can easily be converted to a bathroom.
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  Save water: Water-saving toilets are one of the five most popular bathroom products. 
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  Use LED lighting: Long-lasting light-emitting diode lighting can use 75 percent less energy than incandescent lighting.
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  Go door-less: A walk-in shower saves space and requires less cleaning. Depending on your design, you may even save money with this option.

Completing a bathroom remodel can be a daunting task, but don't worry, you've got the professionals at Handyman Matters to help you out! They can work with your schedule and budget to ensure you're getting the most for your money. Click here  to find a location near you or call our local office at 281-358-6666. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent