Warm Up to Bathroom Renovations with Tips from Frank Webb’s Bath Center

Now that spring has arrived and temperatures are beginning to rise, many of us will turn our attention to home improvement projects. In fact, the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University projects double-digit growth in remodeling spending through the first half of 2014.

With the rise in real estate prices over the last year, it is the perfect time to invest in your home – and the bathroom is a great place to start. Making the right updates to your bathroom can lead to years of enjoyment for the entire family, and provide a valuable return on a future home sale.  According to the National Association of Realtors, homeowners can expect a 69-85% return on investment for a bath remodel.

One of the most common questions about bathroom renovations that I hear on the Frank Webb’s Bath Center showroom floor is, “Where do I start?” Making changes in your bathroom, big or small, can be a daunting and stressful task. However, with the right approach bathroom renovations can be a far less intimidating project. Here are some tips for anyone who’s about to embark on a bathroom remodel.

·         Know Your Home and Have a Plan: Many of us get inspired when looking at bathrooms in other homes or in magazines. However, before tearing down any walls, you need to consider if that particular look will work well within your own home. Nobody knows your home bath and how best to utilize space for the needs of your family than you. Before getting started, assess the space and determine what the goal of the remodel is. Once you have an objective, you can start envisioning how the remodel will take shape. At Frank Webb’s Bath Center, we offer various resources to help plan your remodel and select the right fixtures.

·         Establish a Budget: According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, homeowners spent $130 billion on remodeling projects last year. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make during remodels is not setting a budget beforehand, which can lead to overspending or being forced to use cheaper materials. It always helps to speak with a professional before starting renovations to get a true sense of what the project will cost.

·         Don’t Be Afraid to Consult a Pro: With so much information readily accessible, there’s never been a better time for do-it-yourself projects. With that being said, many projects are better served being done by professionals to save time, money and stress.  Even if you don’t plan on hiring a contractor, speaking to a showroom professional should be a part of your remodel. At Frank Webb’s Bath Center, we pride ourselves on consulting with homeowners to help make their projects more manageable. Speaking with an expert will give you a better sense for what will work best for your home, as well as provide peace of mind toward completing the project.

·         Don’t Be in the Dark About Lighting: You would be surprised how often lighting is overlooked in bathroom remodels. Most bathrooms don’t allow sufficient daytime light, which is a scary thought considering how much time is spent in front of the mirror. There are many options when it comes to choosing new light fixtures and each can have a dynamic effect on the look of your bathroom. Light dimmers and other energy saving fixtures can add style, while reducing costs. A properly lit bathroom can enhance the look and feel of any remodel project.

·         Finish with the Right Fixtures: For many, the highlight of a bathroom renovation project is selecting fixtures. There are endless options for sinks, toilets and vanities, faucets, showers and more. The right fixtures can make the entire project come together and set the tone for the room. Again, it’s always important to think about functionality for you and your family when choosing fixtures. Do you prefer a wall mount or hand-held showerhead? Is a vessel sink or a pedestal sink more practical for your family? I recommend visiting a showroom to learn more about the many fixture options you have to build your dream bathroom.

Jim Henderson is the Showroom Manager at Frank Webb’s Bath Center in Waterford at 570 Vauxhall St. Ext., Waterford, CT 06385.

With more than 35 convenient locations, including Waterford, Frank Webb’s Bath Center is the leading expert in bath and kitchen fixtures and design in the Northeast. Showrooms offer more than 54,000 quality products, working displays, and experienced consultants available with or without an appointment. Frank Webb’s Bath Center is a division of F.W. Webb Company, the largest distributor of plumbing, heating, and cooling products, pumps and industrial pipe, valves and fittings in the Northeast. To find out more please visit www.frankwebb.com.