November 2019 - Our Thoughts

Why a Bathroom Remodel Could Be the Perfect Holiday Gift

The holiday shopping season is upon us, and that means hordes of shoppers will soon be crowding department stores to get great deals on big-screen TVs, smartphones, and other technological gadgets. But have you ever considered a bathroom remodel?

While the toys and tech that you get for yourself and family members will likely be outdated or broken within a relatively short period of time after all the presents have been unwrapped, you could always invest in your home and get something that will last. A bathroom remodel may be a somewhat unconventional holiday gift, but it could very well be the best thing you get for your family this year.

Bathroom remodeling has a wide range of benefits for your home. Here is a closer look at just some of the reasons why investing in these valuable upgrades is a great idea this holiday season.

1. Fix Ongoing Maintenance Issues

With so much plumbing involved, it should hardly come as any surprise that an old, outdated bathroom can be a frequent source of maintenance issues. A dripping faucet may not seem like a big deal, but it can result in thousands of gallons of wasted water per year, driving up utility bills. If something goes wrong when you have friends or family over for a holiday party, you could be in serious trouble.

The problem can be even worse when you have a leaking or burst pipe. As Angie’s List notes, “If left untreated, a plumbing leak can cause damage to your walls. When pipes running behind walls burst or begin to leak, they moisten the drywall; eventually, this moisture makes its way through the walls and produces wet spots […] Over time, the moisture may lead to black mold, requiring not only the services of a mold remediation company, but also requiring the removal of large wall sections. This can be very costly. For example, 100 square feet of drywall can cost as much as $400 to replace, while mold remediation can run anywhere from $500 to $3,000.”

The ongoing maintenance costs of repeatedly fixing leaks and other problems can also add up quicker than expected. Failure to address such issues in a timely manner can eventually result in damage to the flooring, further adding to repair expenses.

If you find yourself dealing with repeated maintenance issues, a bathroom remodel could serve as a more proactive way to stop the problems in their tracks. Completely replacing problematic fixtures and pipes will help you avoid future maintenance expenses. Life will be a lot easier (and less stressful) when you don’t have to call a plumber every month.

2. Address a Less-Than-Desirable Layout

A poorly designed bathroom will often result in a cramped, cluttered feel that hardly creates the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere you desire. This is further compounded when the room doesn’t have adequate lighting, which can make the bathroom feel more like a cave than a spa.

Though more expensive than a simple facelift, many homeowners find it beneficial to completely revamp their bathroom’s layout as part of a remodel. Moving the location of the vanity or other features can make the area easier to navigate. Installing additional storage solutions such as linen closets or open shelves will provide more space for towels and toiletries.

Depending on the extent of your renovation needs, you might even expand the size of your bathroom or install a skylight to bring in additional natural lighting. Of course, not all renovations need to be so involved to help the bathroom seem more spacious. For example, installing a frameless shower door can help the bathroom feel larger by showing off more space and reflecting natural and artificial light.

For aging individuals or those who are caring for elderly family members, it may also be helpful to consider layout changes that will more easily accommodate changing physical needs. ADA compliant toilets, additional grab bars and railings, or a seated ledge in the shower area can reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents and improve accessibility. Such changes are also good to consider if you plan to age in place in your current home.

3. Improve the Look of Your Bathroom

Sometimes, your bathroom could be functionally sound but look extremely outdated. Styles from the 1980s will probably look out of place in your home, especially if the rest of the house has received upgrades over the years. In such situations, a bathroom remodel that provides a facelift for your space will go a long way in helping you cultivate the desired ambiance inside your home.

One of the easiest ways to update your bathroom’s looks is to replace your old vanity. Not only is the bathroom vanity relatively easy to replace, but there are more styles available than ever before. Both free-standing and wall-mounted units are available in a wide range of configurations so you can find the scheme that best fits your preferences. Complete the look with an upgraded faucet, and you’ll have gone a long way in improving the look of your bathroom.

The walls and flooring are also areas that most often benefit from an upgrade. Ceramic tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring are popular material options for the bathroom, as they offer superior water resistance and are available in a wide range of styles. Even something as simple as a fresh coat of paint can help your bathroom feel renewed and refreshed.

A modern, redesigned bathroom will help foster a more relaxing environment, creating the perfect place to unwind. When your bathroom becomes an oasis where you can escape from the rest of the world, coming home from a long day at work will be even more enjoyable.

4. Add Luxurious Features

Of course, you can do much more than simply give your bathroom a facelift. A bathroom remodel is the perfect time to consider luxurious features that will give your bathroom a true spa-like atmosphere.

One surprising area where you can make a luxury upgrade is the toilet. For example, the TOTO Neorest 700H Tankless Ms992CUMFG Dual Flush Toilet With Integrated Washlet Seat and Ewater+ integrates bidet functionality into the toilet seat, providing adjustable comfort sprays for a superior clean. Other features include automatic flush, automatic open and close lid, and the use of electrolyzed water during each flush to sanitize the toilet bowl. This means you won’t have to spend as much time scrubbing the toilet in the future!

Medicine cabinets are another area where increasingly luxurious options are now available. For example, the Robern UC4827FPL 48 Inch Uplift Cabinet includes a built-in electric column, LED interior lighting, a night light installed in the handle, and a mirror defogger that can be turned on for when you are using the shower. Of course, there is still plenty of interior storage space to help keep your bathroom items organized.

You could even make getting out of the shower a more enjoyable experience with towel warmers! Not only will such devices give you a cozy, warm towel to wrap up in after you get out of the shower, but they will also quickly dry your towels after use so they don’t get damp and mildewy.

Even seemingly minor feature upgrades, like replacing a one-sink vanity with a two-sink model, can go a long way in streamlining your bathroom routine. With two bathroom sinks, you and your significant other won’t have to fight for space as you try to get ready in the morning. Consider which features could make the biggest difference for you on a daily basis as you pick your favorite upgrades.

5. Become More Eco-Friendly

We live in a time when homeowners are increasingly conscious of how their property impacts the environment — and the bathroom can play a large role in this. One of the best ways to decrease your home’s impact on the environment is to install low-flow fixtures as part of your bathroom remodel.

Low-flow options are available for bathroom faucets, shower heads, and toilets. By reducing the amount of gallons of water used per minute (or per flush), you will be better able to conserve water in your area. Those gallons that you save each month will also help you lower your water bill.

Such additions will likely have a bigger impact than you would expect. According to The Balance Small Business, “Low-flow toilets can save more than 20,000 gallons of water per year for a four-member family.” Such toilets can also reduce clog problems thanks to a wider drainage passage and pressure assisted flush features.

Water fixtures aren’t the only area where you can make eco-friendly improvements as part of your bathroom remodel. Upgrading to LED light fixtures will reduce electricity usage in the bathroom, helping you lower yet another utility bill. Many LED light bulbs have a rated lifespan of up to 50,000 hours — many times longer than a standard incandescent or halogen lightbulb. As a result, you’ll also be able to save on lightbulb replacements.

6. Increase Your Home Value

Even if you plan on staying in your home for many years to come, there is no denying the fact that a quality bathroom remodel will increase your home value. According to Investopedia, bathroom remodels historically deliver some of the greatest return on investment of any home improvement project. This is true for every part of the country, regardless of changes to the market.

On average, homeowners can expect to recoup between 70 and 78 percent of their remodeling costs, though in some areas, the increase in property value can be even greater. In fact, HGTV reports that minor bathroom remodels can easily earn back 102 percent of their investment at resale. You can get even more value for your money by doing some of the remodeling work yourself and shopping around to find discounted prices on key bathroom additions.

Of course, for many, even more important than the potential increase in the home’s resell price is the increased enjoyment that they will get from an improved bathroom on a daily basis. HGTV also reports that over 70 percent of home buyers already have remodeling plans in mind when purchasing a home. Between 30 and 40 percent will make improvements less than six months after they move in.

Regardless of whether you’ve recently moved into your home or have been living in the same place for a while, it is important to consider more than just the increased home value you will get out of a bathroom remodel. You should also be mindful of the increased value you will get out of your home.

By making your space more usable and enjoyable, you will ultimately get far greater value out of your bathroom remodel and other home improvement projects. Being able to sell your home at a higher price sometime in the future is just the icing on top.

Give the Gift of a Bathroom Remodel

According to some surveys, as many as 28 percent of all holiday gifts are returned at the end of the season. Rather than spend your money on frivolous items that may only get a few months of use at best, invest in your future by giving your bathroom a much-needed makeover.

Think that a bathroom remodel is out of your holiday shopping budget? It doesn’t have to be — particularly if you only plan to upgrade one area, like the vanity or medicine cabinet. Here at Kitchen & Bath Authority, we have a wide range of bathroom products from the industry’s leading brands, many of which are available at significantly discounted prices. You can literally save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on select bathroom products!

The savings get even greater when you join our exclusive membership program. Members enjoy expedited order processing and additional discounts on a wide range of items, helping to make your shopping even easier. Free shipping is also available, so the price you see in our store is exactly what you’ll pay.

Don’t fight the crowds this Black Friday. Place your orders online here at Kitchen & Bath Authority, and you’ll be well on your way to giving yourself the gift of an amazing new bathroom.

7 Essential Factors to Consider When Planning a Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is one of the most-used parts of the home, so it should come as no surprise that it is also one of the most popular areas for renovations — even if a kitchen remodel tends to be among the more expensive home improvement options.

In fact, according to HomeAdvisor, the average kitchen remodeling project costs approximately $150 per square foot — or $24,174 for most normal-sized kitchens. Even a relatively low-scale remodeling project that involves upgrading the kitchen sink, refinishing cabinets, repainting walls, and adding a tile backsplash can easily exceed $10,000.

Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen to increase its style and functionality for your own enjoyment or you’re hoping to increase your home’s resale value, proper planning is essential for ensuring that you get your money’s worth from this project. Here are a few crucial factors that you should be mindful of when planning for a kitchen remodel.

1. Know What You Can Afford

As with any home improvement project, you should always start by carefully considering what you can and cannot afford for your kitchen remodel. Of course, you can also look for ways to cut expenses so that you can make more of your desired changes to your kitchen. Home equity loans are also available to help you fund the renovations.

One good rule of thumb is to consider how long you plan on living in your home after you remodel it. Generally speaking, the longer you plan on staying in the home, the more it is acceptable to spend. This is because the new upgrades could actually help you avoid repair and maintenance expenses later on, and you will get more personal value from large-scale changes because of how much you’ll use them. If you plan on moving shortly after the renovations, a smaller facelift will be the more cost-effective option.

Another factor to consider for saving money is whether there are certain tasks you can take care of yourself. While many elements of a kitchen remodel — such as replacing countertops or installing new plumbing — are best left to the professionals, other tasks could be safely performed on your own. Repainting the walls or even installing a new faucet are tasks that can often be handled by the homeowner.

You should also be mindful of the potential for unexpected expenses that pop up during the work. Mold, leaky pipes, and other serious maintenance issues are often discovered during a kitchen remodel. These will add to your total renovation costs, which can be problematic if you aren’t prepared. Allocating up to 20 percent of your budget for such mishaps will help you stay financially on track.

2. Evaluate the Layout & Workflow

One common area that is evaluated during a kitchen remodel is the room’s layout. While revamping the kitchen layout can dramatically increase the total costs of the renovation, it can also make a big difference for the kitchen’s usability.

To create an effective kitchen workflow, you should primarily focus on what is referred to as the “work triangle.” This is the area that includes the stove, refrigerator, and kitchen sink. These are the busiest areas of the kitchen. When preparing a meal, most kitchen users will go back and forth between these three areas.

As such, the ideal layout will minimize how far you need to go to get from one part of the work triangle to another. You don’t want to trek to the opposite side of the kitchen to get from the refrigerator to the sink. If the current layout is not conducive to convenient cooking, it is likely worth working with a designer to see how you can change it.

Of course, these changes can significantly add to the cost and complexity of your kitchen remodel. Moving the sink or stove will require major adjustments to the plumbing, electricity, and/or gas lines. Because of this, it is generally best to leave your kitchen layout as-is if it already has an efficient work triangle in place.

3. Prioritize Convenient Storage Solutions

While upgrading the look of the countertops and cabinets can vastly improve your kitchen’s style, you should also be mindful of ways that you can add to your storage and work surfaces. This is especially true of smaller kitchens, which can quickly become crowded when you start running out of room for storing plates and utensils.

Even seemingly small add-ons can help provide meaningful expansions to your kitchen storage space. Pantry pullouts and lazy Susans will make it easier to access items inside your cabinets. Many kitchens have unused space in the corners that could be converted to additional cabinet shelving.

Unexpected and underutilized areas can also be converted into additional storage space. For example, the toe kick underneath your cabinets could actually be converted into a small drawer for lesser-used items. Or you could mount a spice rack on the inside of a cabinet door. You could even add storage shelves under the kitchen sink. Reducing the empty, wasted space in your kitchen will ensure that you have plenty of room for your stuff.

Amidst all the storage upgrades, you should also consider the possibility of expanding your available counter space. The countertops are an essential work surface, and extending their area — even by a tiny amount — can streamline many kitchen tasks. This is especially true if you add a kitchen island. The additional countertop surface and storage cabinets make this an ideal way to create more space.

4. Be Mindful of the Home’s Overall Scheme

As exciting as a kitchen remodel may be, it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. While you’ll naturally want to make sure that all the design details of your kitchen tie together in a cohesive manner, you should also make sure that the upgrades will be cohesive with the rest of the home.

After all, having an upscale modern kitchen while the rest of the house is old and outdated will create a strange contrast. This is especially true if you are planning to sell the house.

This doesn’t mean that you should avoid investing in a kitchen remodel because you’re worried that the rest of the house won’t look as nice. However, taking the overall scheme and style of your home into consideration can help guide you with additional remodeling decisions.

For example, if your home’s architecture is more rustic, then you would want the kitchen upgrades to reflect that look, rather than an ultra-modern style. Using similar materials that are found elsewhere in the house as a guide can help create a more cohesive look.

Kitchen renovations also present an opportunity to evaluate other portions of the house. Even if you don’t have the budget for major remodeling, repainting neighboring rooms, upgrading the lighting, or buying new furniture can help the rest of the home better reflect the changes you’ve made in the kitchen.

5. Don’t Neglect Appliances & Other ‘Minor’ Details

Cabinets, countertops, and flooring tend to get most of the attention when planning a kitchen remodel. However, the seemingly minor details of new appliances and updated faucets and sinks should not be ignored.

In fact, HGTV recommends, “You should choose your kitchen layout first, then choose appliances that fit. If you fall in love with a side-by-side fridge, will you have room for two wall ovens and a cooktop? See, there are compromises.”

When selecting appliances, be mindful of the features that will best address your performance needs. Do you want to replace your microwave with a range hood for better ventilation? Is a double oven going to help you with meal preparation? The appliances you choose could very well impact the cabinet and countertop installations that will work best for your kitchen.

Similar ideas apply to choosing a kitchen sink and faucet. For example, an undermount kitchen sink will typically need to be installed first, with the counters then placed on top. If you choose this type of sink, you will want to choose a durable, high-quality option, as future repairs or replacements would require removing the countertop to get to the sink!

The kitchen backsplash is sometimes overlooked in the midst of more practical upgrades, but it can greatly enhance your kitchen’s style. Tile backsplash is a popular choice, as are using slightly different shades of the same color. Choose a design that will blend well with the cabinets and countertops for a stylish outcome.

6. Look For Quality Lighting

Lighting is another “minor detail” that can dramatically impact how you perceive the kitchen. Quality lighting helps the kitchen feel more open and inviting, and can also make it easier to take care of meal preparation.

One way to enhance your kitchen lighting is to install touch lighting underneath the cabinets. This task lighting will enhance visibility when chopping vegetables or taking care of other tasks that require a bit more visual focus. Upgrading to LED fixtures can improve your energy efficiency. Dimmer switches will also give you greater control of lighting throughout the day.

While adding a new window or skylight is a more costly way to improve kitchen lighting, this is often a necessity in older houses. Many older homes only feature a small window above the kitchen sink, which can cause the room to feel dark and dreary.

Letting in more natural light during the day with a larger window will make the room much more pleasant. Quality lighting will enhance the rest of your kitchen upgrades, allowing you to more readily showcase and enjoy them.

7. Find the Right Team For the Job

A kitchen remodel is one of the more complex home improvement projects you can undertake, which means that regardless of the scope of the work, you will likely need help from a professional. Of course, you should be mindful of the level of assistance you need. Some contractors provide design consultations, while others only assist with the execution of the work.

Your first step is to create a shortlist of remodeling contractors who seem to best fit what you are looking for. Check local listings to find contractors whose list of services cover what you need for your project. Look at online reviews, certifications and licensing information, warranty coverage, and the number of years the company has been in business to identify quality candidates.

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential contractors, you should meet with three or four candidates to get a better understanding of their process and a written estimate. Consider factors such as compatible communication style and a timeline that works with your remodeling needs to find the right match. While pricing is important, you want to be sure that your chosen contractor will deliver the desired results before signing an agreement.

Getting the Most Of Your Kitchen Remodel

Upgrading your kitchen can be an expensive undertaking, even if you’re only performing a few minor renovations. However, a well-planned and executed kitchen remodel can greatly improve your ability to enjoy your home.

After all, the kitchen is much more than a place where you prepare meals. Depending on your home’s layout, it may also be where the family gathers for breakfast and where the kids do homework after a long day at school. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen yourself, giving this area a facelift can make a positive impression on potential buyers when the time comes to sell your home.

At Kitchen & Bath Authority, we’re here to help make your kitchen remodel more affordable with a fantastic selection of kitchen faucets and sinks, as well as other accessories that will enhance the style and functionality of your kitchen.

Even better than a wide selection, however, are the amazing discounts we offer on products from top brands like Brizo and Delta. Some of our faucets are available for as much as 64 percent off MSRP, allowing you to literally save hundreds of dollars on these individual kitchen upgrades. With free shipping and available financing to help you save even more, we’ll help you be able to afford the kitchen of your dreams.

Don’t let yourself be stuck with an ugly kitchen that doesn’t match your lifestyle. With a little help from Kitchen & Bath Authority, you can start making the upgrades you need.