HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
bath can be a great place to hang out and enjoy life. And if you
live with family members, it may be the only place in your
house where you can truly be alone for a bit.
Besides just being a place to “get ready” to meet the day,
it’s also a relaxing space to recharge your batteries after a
long week at work. Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to
relieve stress and help tired, overworked muscles. With tons
of specialized showerheads, you can have everything from the
sprinkle of a gentle rain to an invigorating massage to bring
your body back to center. And a nice relaxing bath in a soaker
tub can make the world go away for a while.
If a homeowner is just updating and not moving plumbing,
heating ducts and electricity, the makeover can start at around
$10,000. The choices for today’s bath are incredibly enticing.
Many homeowners are opting for larger showers that will not
only get you clean, but can also bathe you in LED lighting
that changes colors to suit your mood. You can also enjoy
your favorite music in the shower to either calm you down
after a stressful day, or pep you up for the daily routine.
Vanities and bath cabinetry have also arrived in the 21st
century. Vanities are no longer empty-shell cabinets that open
to a cavernous interior with little customization. Current
options for drawers and cabinets include specialized areas
for storing your blow dryer neatly away and stackable storage
options for makeup. And while you’re standing in front of
that vanity applying your makeup, you can watch TV in the
mirror! New technology allows your favorite TV program
to be projected onto the mirror, so you can keep up with the
latest baseball scores or check the weather before going out.
Slate and marble tile are always elegant options for
bathrooms, but one of the latest trends in baths are porcelain
tiles that mimic wood. These tiles come in sizes up to 48” and
can be laid to look like natural woodgrain, without the worry
of water damage. The woodgrain appearance really warms up
the bathroom.
And speaking of warm – your toilet can be warm too.
Homeowners can opt for a “throne” with a retractable base
that comes out and heats your feet as well as the seat of the
toilet. And touchless flushing helps prevent the spread of
germs among your family, along with a bidet, which ensures a
much cleaner experience.
You spend so much time in your bathroom every day. You
owe it to yourself to make it a more enjoyable place. And,
according to HGTV.com, bath remodels often offer a return
on investment of more than 100%!
KITCHEN CUISINE
Whether your cooking style is Chicken Cordon Bleu, or
just some great Pad Thai take-out from the corner restaurant,
you need a place to prepare your meals that’s fun, organized
and feels like home.
Even in today’s hectic lifestyle, you’ll probably spend a
significant amount of time each day in your kitchen.
Though it’s a significant investment to update your kitchen,
it’s a worthwhile endeavor from both a personal standpoint
and a financial one. And like bathrooms, HGTV.com
estimates that a kitchen remodel can offer returns that are
upwards of 100% on the resale of your house.
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