Bathroom remodeling offers many options

If you compare a bathroom today with what it used to look like only a decade ago you'll be shocked to see the changes. With new options for virtually every part of the bath, choosing to remodel the room can truly transform your home and give it a much more modern look.

No matter what style you may opt for, renovating your bathroom can be a rather expensive project. The good news is you can expect a return of 70 to 90 percent of the money you spend remodeling it should you choose to sell your house, not to mention you get to enjoy your brand new bathroom in the meantime.

There is practically not an item in your bathroom that cannot be replaced, whether it's the lighting or the floor and wall covering, the tub, the shower, the sink or the toilet. For some savings, you can replace fixtures using the same plumbing, or you can completely gut the room and start over.

A closer look at the changes you want to make and the options you have for each of them when you are planning your renovation is advisable: Would you prefer to have an electric shower or a digital shower? How about a low water use toilet? Do you want your sink to be a classic pedestal model or the counter mount models? Do you want flow controls to reduce water consumption, or will you use the tank or the tankless water heaters?

After examining all your options, decide where you want to start making the changes in your bathroom. When you get ready to draw up your budget, you'll be able to eliminate the things that are further down on the list to keep your project affordable. After that you may have to rethink having flow controls on all spigots and just install them on the ones you are most likely to use more frequently.

When you are done with the planning and the budgeting try to seek out the expert opinion of a contractor. You may be good at doing handiwork around the house, but the renovation of a bathroom is not something you want to take on by yourself. It is not only the lighting, fixtures and colors that you will have to consider, but also the tiling and the floor covering that you want to see in your new bathroom. A healthy and hygienic life entails the use of recycled and renewable products that do not have a great impact on the inner and outer environment.

Once you've explained your contractor what expectations you have from your new bathroom in terms of appearance and performance, they will be able to better advise you about what products would suit you best and how they should be arranged in the room. Also your plans may suffer some alterations once a contractor has had the chance to look over them, as they may present you with several options for the important changes on your list that will make room in your budget for the lesser ones.

You should get used to the idea that you will have to part with several thousand dollars. Many minor renovations cost $10,000 and a more luxurious project will be even higher. As you will find out with the passing of time while rejoicing in the comforts of your new bathroom, a great part of the money you spent will be recovered.