SPECIAL SECTION : HOME & GARDEN RENOVATION GUIDE
Make Your Bathroom a Great Escape
Though your bathroom may not spring to mind as the place to hold your next cocktail party , with the right accoutrements your 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 .
Does all this sound like a fantasy ? Maybe not . You may be able to make updates to your bath for less than you might expect .
If a homeowner is just updating and not moving plumbing , heating ducts and electricity , the makeover can start at around $ 10,000 . And 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 upgraded in style and functionality . 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 putting your blow dryer neatly away and stackable storage options for all of the essentials . And while you ’ re standing in front of that vanity , you can watch TV in the mirror ! 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 can really warm 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 .
HIT THE ROOF
A new roof can mean many different things to many different people . Some get a new roof out of necessity — the roof is damaged and old and simply needs replacement . Others are looking for an aesthetic update to the exterior of their home : think cool metal roof . No matter the reason , spring is the perfect time to “ raise the roof ” and bring in something new .
Replacing your roof has several benefits other than the obvious curb appeal . A new roof improves your home ’ s efficiency , providing savings on heating and cooling costs . There are even special coatings that are Energy Star certified to reflect more of the sun ’ s rays and lower the amount of energy needed to cool your home .
Whatever shape your roof is in , it ’ s good to have an inspection done by professionals each year . They can also do routine maintenance to extend the life of your roof and make repairs if there are loose or missing shingles . Depending on the quality of materials , roofs typically last anywhere from 10 to 50 years , so find a local roofing company you can get to know and trust to help you maintain the literal roof over your head !
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