The Top Bathroom Remodeling Myths: Debunked
Bathroom remodeling contractors understand that many of the myths around bathroom remodels simply aren't true. Myths around bathroom remodel cost, and reasons behind updating a bathroom discourage homeowners from making this beneficial change to their home.
Myth #1: A Bathroom Remodel Doesn't Increase the Value of Your Home
If you have heard that remodeling your bathroom isn't going to add any value, you have heard one of the top myths about a bathroom remodel out there. If you are trying to sell your home, one of the first things that will decrease the value of your home is an outdated bathroom. You may not get all of your money back from a bathroom remodel right away, but it becomes much easier to sell your home for the price you deserve with a new bathroom.
When you focus the bathroom remodel on changing out hardware, doors, and windows without making big structural changes, you can get the most for your money out of a newly remodeled bathroom. Your bathroom changes will be worth the money you spend.
Myth #2: Bathrooms Upgrades Are for Luxury
When you look for bathroom remodeling contractors, you might hear that bathroom changes don't offer you any additional functionality. Bathrooms are not just upgraded to make your bathroom more luxurious. A good bathroom upgrade can make your bathroom more comfortable, but can also help prevent damage to the room and make it easier to organize. With new shelving or cabinets, changes to lighting, and repairs made to old or leaking tubs and sinks, you are going to make changes to your bathroom that go far beyond luxury changes.
Myth #3: You Can't Save Money From Remodeling Your Bathroom
You would be surprised at how much a bathroom remodel can actually save you money on utility bills. You can make your home more earth-friendly and save yourself money over time. From the light fixtures to low flow toilets and showers, you will save money on your electric and water bills when you remodel your bathroom to be more energy efficient. Your bathroom uses roughly half the water in your home. Even a small leak is going to raise your water bill significantly. New faucets and low flow toilets will reduce water consumption in your home. One leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water every day if you ignore it.
Myth #4: Your Bathroom Gets Bigger After a Bathroom Remodel
While a bathroom remodel will make your space more organized and more efficient, your bathroom isn't going to be physically larger unless you start knocking down walls. Your bathroom might feel larger after a good design, but the space itself isn't going to be bigger. When you have less clutter in your bathroom and less wasted space, you will discover that your bathroom feels bigger without actually being bigger. Good lighting and the right mirror can help give your bathroom an open feel.
Myth #5: It's Too Expensive to Remodel a Bathroom
Bathroom remodeling contractors hear this myth frequently from homeowners. Remodel bathroom costs average between $9,600-$11,000, according to Angie's List. While a small bathroom with basic changes is going to cost you less money, a higher end bathroom remodel may cost more. However, costs depend on the structural changes made on the room, appliance choices, and the labor involved in the bathroom renovation. You can control costs by using the existing plumbing and choosing affordable toilets, sinks and cabinetry.
RWC Windows, Doors & More is your West Caldwell, NJ contractor ready to talk with you about the changes you want to make to your bathroom. Call us today at 973-227-7123 to set up an initial consultation for contracting services.
Purchasing a Fixer Upper: What You Need to Know
Purchasing a fixer upper has many advantages. Aside from the financial thrill of buying a home at a rock-bottom price, you get to remake the house to fit your personal taste and add the amenities that are important to your family. While a restoration project for a fixer upper may look like an expensive and time-consuming task, consider the cost of building a new home.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, the median cost to construct a new single-family home (sized at 2,467 square feet) was $289,415 in 2015. That's about $103 per square foot. But when you partner with the right remodeling contractor, and take an active part in selecting interior design materials, new appliances, attractive exterior doors and energy-efficient windows - your remodel will be a fun and rewarding experience.
Always Hire a Pro for Interior Fixer Upper Projects
If you're renovating a fixer upper to use as a primary residence, or intend to resell for a financial gain, the top fixer upper interior projects will be the kitchen, bathrooms, living room, and selecting paint colors for the interior and exterior of the home. Before starting your fixer upper renovation, how will you pay for your renovation?
Financing options for renovations are usually offered by reputable and licensed contractors which include credit cards, personal loan, and even obtaining a home equity loan or cash-out refinancing on the value of a second home. When a contractor is demanding cash-only, it could be a company that does sub-quality work. Other benefits to hiring experienced pros for your fixer upper projects include:
- professional connections with vendors who supply quality construction products
- experienced craftsmen skilled in multiple home improvement projects
- will offer a wide range of design ideas to fit homeowners budget and decor style
Hiring a Fixer Upper Contractor
As suggested by This Old House, the most profitable fixer uppers are those that require mostly cosmetic upgrades such as painting, updated bathrooms, and remodeling living areas. Some of these improvements may include drywall repairs, new floor finishes, updating the kitchen and bathroom and repainting walls. Before you tackle these project yourself, consider the following when hiring a contractor:
- view the contractor's project portfolio, customer testimonials, and BBB rating
- discuss the payment schedule ahead of time, and any options for financing
- beware of low-ball priced contractors which can be a sign of inferior work or materials
- make sure all details of the contract are in writing and fully understood
- view the contractors proof of liability insurance and worker's compensation documentation
Don't risk completing the home renovations on your own. The internet tells horror stories of DIY home remodeling gone wrong. Consequently, these mistakes have cost homeowners thousands of dollars and months of wasted energy. Especially in the event of a bathroom or kitchen remodel, hire a good contractor who will advise on the latest trends. Therefore, choosing a professional residential contractor who specializes in turning fixer uppers into comfortable, stylish, and high-quality interiors is the best choice.
Five Takeaways for Purchasing a Fixer Upper
- Take advantage of the contractor's connections to suppliers of high-quality architectural products at a reasonable price.
- Use the fixer upper opportunity to craft a home that fits your family's needs and style preferences
- Financing home improvements will bring a return on your investment with a higher home resale value.
- Always check the contractor's BBB rating, online reviews, and project portfolio for suitable experience.
- Fixer uppers with structural issues are more risky than those with interior and exterior cosmetic issues
RWC has been providing award-winning home remodeling to residents of New Jersey since 1959. Whether it's a bathroom or kitchen remodel, new door installations or window replacements, contact us to renovate your fixer upper.
The Best Ways to Invest Your Tax Return into Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC]
You can probably think of many ways to quickly spend this year's tax refund, but to invest income tax refund money in a profitable way, consider putting your hard-earned cash back into your biggest investment - your home. You will profit in two ways when you choose the right home improvement projects. First, you will be adding to your home's appearance and resale value. Secondly, some improvements like window replacements and new doors will bring a financial return through energy savings. Here are practical ways to invest tax refund that will add to your home's curb appeal, energy efficiency, and value.
Save Energy With Quality Window Replacement
One of the best ways to invest tax refund money is by upgrading to high-quality windows. Better yet, upgrading to energy efficient windows for your home is an even better investment. According to Energy.gov, "Windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy..." Double-glazed replacement windows will reduce your utility bills. Replace moldy and drafty windows to make your home more comfortable in the winter, and cooler in the summer. Choose a reputable residential window and door replacement specialist that can also add specialty window coatings that reflect solar heat while passing full sunlight, to reduce radiant heating of your home.
Invest Income Tax Refund on a Kitchen Remodel
One of the best ways to invest your tax refund is with a kitchen remodeling project that will take your kitchen from drab to dynamic. Houzz.com looked at the current trends in kitchen remodeling and found the most desired projects include adding a kitchen island (61%), tiled backsplash for detailed decor (50%), stainless steel appliances over colors (65%), and hardwood floors over laminates (35%). For additional energy savings, replacing energy-hog appliances with Energy-Star ratings will save on utility costs.
Bathroom Remodel is a Great Investment
A modern bathroom is not just a luxury, but state-of-the-art fixtures provide water savings while adding convenience and beauty. If your family is increasing, or as your children age - so will their privacy needs. An updated bathroom or a bathroom addition can boost a home’s value by an average of $23,283, giving a 53.9% return on investment. Today's bathroom designs are sanctuaries of comfort and relaxation. Most of all, partner with a kitchen and bath remodeling service that can provide budget-friendly and stylish finishes. You can consider adding more space, more luxury, more efficiency, more style - or all of the above.
An Opportunity to Replace Your Front Door
When you consider how to invest tax return, you may not think about a door replacement. But according to Money.com, a 1/8-inch gap under a 36-inch-wide door will let in as much cold air as a 2.4-inch-diameter hole punched in the wall. That's a lot of chilly New Jersey wind blowing into your home, and reducing your family's level of comfort. Also, the value of an attractive, high-quality front door adds enormous curb appeal and distinction to your home. If you're considering putting your home on the market, a beautiful front door will make a lasting first impression on prospective buyers.
Adding energy efficient replacement windows and new exterior doors are two of the best ways to reduce the energy losses in your home. You will gain a return on these investments by way of reduced utility bills.
Investing for the Future
Don't make the mistake of allowing your tax refund to dwindle away without seeing any real gain. A new bathroom or a kitchen remodel not only adds functionality and increased capacity for a growing family, but will bring convenience to your entire family.
Request a quote for your next home remodeling project and get started with RWC Windows, Doors, and More today.