Friday, July 25, 2008

Money & Business

USN Current Issue

A Basic Bathroom Makeover

By Alex Markels
Posted 3/14/07

Unlike adding a bathroom, which between plumbing and all the rest runs $30,000 and up, a basic makeover can be done for a third of the cost and offer more bang for the buck, especially if you have two bathrooms (which is considered about average for a three-bedroom home).

CHAD J. SHAFFER FOR USN&WR

Start by upgrading your old toilet to a low-flow model. Then add new tile, such as glass varieties that can give the illusion of depth in a small space. (Ideas and examples are at www.hakatai.com.) Starting at about $5 a square foot, these popular tiles can also be used to accent lower-cost ceramic tiles.

"Maybe the bulk of the room is just plain ceramic vanilla, but then you splurge on metallic blue glass for the border and it creates a stunning effect for not much money," says Sal Alfano, editorial director of Remodeling.

More on remodeling:

It'll Be a Tough Spring for Home Sellers

Five Remodeling Projects for Under $10,000

A Deck Is a Simple Way to Add Space

A Garden Fit for a Queen

New Windows Will Brighten Your Outlook

Sprucing Up Your Kitchen

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