Economy-minded Bathroom Upgrades

One of the places a family can do a little or a lot of remodeling is the bathroom. When the idea of improvement emerges, sometimes it starts as a repair for a leaking faucet to a new tap or replacing a cracked sink, but then gradually evolves into new tile, lighting, upgraded flooring, and before you know it, the bathtub or shower stall.

So, today, let’s talk about economy-minded repairs and upgrades. What is important and what isn’t will emerge under carefully controlled conditions: those conditions start with making a list.

The list

The first things a homeowner should put on the list are repairs. Repairs are non-negotiable, non-optional items. Then the homeowner should make a list of any fixtures or other items which are outdated or badly in need of upgrading. This can prevent future damage and emergencies.

At this point, it’s time to stop and make an assessment of budgetary considerations. Then add a buffer into the budget, somewhere around 15%, because some repairs can lead to the discovery of other plumbing or structural problems. Learning that the costs are going to be more than previously expected can put a damper on the whole project.

Dreams

The third set of items is the wish list. While the things on the wish list aren’t necessary, the wish list is also where the homeowner may have the most fun. For example, one homeowner decided that waiting for the water to meander all the way from the central water heater was a waste of water and his patience; he decided that he wanted an under sink water heater so he’d never have to wait for hot water again.

WaterSense

Another consideration for plumbing upgrades is WaterSense faucets and fixtures, especially since Phoenix-area water supplies may pose a supply challenge in the future. These fixtures are designed to use the least amount of water and still provide enough water to do the job. Almost a third of all the water used in your home is devoted to toilets. Newer toilets use 1.6 gallons or less. Older models can use up to 6 gallons each time, making a toilet upgrade one of the most beneficial changes you can make.

If the homeowner does decide to go ahead with a full remodeling job, he will want to get professional help if he isn’t in the construction industry. Even if he does most of the work himself, plumbing and electrical connections are things we never want to fail in our homes, due to electrical shock and flooding concerns.