 | Ken Weakley
owns and operates Ken's Professional Tub & Tile, offering total bathroom remodeling. He specializes in a professional European resurfacing system used in updating bathroom fixtures such as sinks, tubs and tile. It's an easy alternative to replacement. The process is quick (cures in12 hours) and inexpensive (most tubs are less than $300). Ken's pride in workmanship is obvious in the work he performs and 100% customer satisfaction is his goal. Servicing homeowners, landlords, and property managers keeps Ken busy and happy. He enjoys working with his clients, almost as much as they enjoy having him around. For estimates on remodeling or refinishing, Ken can be reached at (316) 831-0157 or mobile (316) 644-3021. |
Home Improvement
2003-07-01 16:09:00
Remodeling the bathroom
: Is it true that remodeling my bathroom will increase the value of my home?
ANSWER: With home values in most markets appreciating at a steady rate and stock values swinging wildly, it's no wonder many Americans are looking to real estate as a safe haven for their money. Naturally, many buyers and sellers want to increase the return on their real estate nest egg through remodeling projects. Call it this decade's version of a retirement savings program. In many homes, the bathroom doubles as a sanctuary. Or it can, if homeowners are willing to spend enough. One has to decide if you want the room of your dreams or one that'll pay back your investment. As it turns out, homeowners can have both. Measured as a national average, the midrange price of turning a worn-out bathroom into new space is approximately $9,700. That recoups about $8,500, or 88 percent. The "room of your dreams"-a bathroom with all the trimmings-runs approximately $22,600 but recoups 91 percent of cost, or $20,600. The trend toward the bathroom as an oasis continues. Designers say that soaker tubs and spa showers are replacing the water-guzzling Jacuzzi tub in bathroom renovations. Features include mini-waterfalls, in-unit steam, built-in sound systems and TVs, storage niches for bath products, seating, and, of course, multiple showerheads with separate controls. Luxury in baths can be balanced with highly practical options. With creative planning, you can add inexpensive renovations such as bathroom vanities featuring concealed electrical outlets for blow dryers and shavers and warming drawers for towels. Upgrading your fixtures is a great place to start. If you are involved in a renovation and trying desperately to match everything, don't. Remember that when purchasing new fixtures, you are purchasing a variety of products that are made from different materials. There is no way to ensure that colors will match. "Never come between a tired woman and her bath." Showers are practical if you are in a hurry, but for some people, there is nothing in the world like a soak in the bathtub! That sea-foam green, cast-iron tub may be an eyesore today, but with a minor facelift, there's no better soaking! Not only are the traditional tubs deep, but also hold the heat of the water longer. New techniques in refinishing or resurfacing existing fixtures are an inexpensive method to changing the face of your bathroom, usually saving 60-70% over replacement cost. These 'no mess no fuss' methods are a one-day process and most offer a 10-year warranty. A variety of colors are available, and existing ceramic tile can be resurfaced (painted) to match. The money you save can be spent on accents or enhancements to your color scheme, such as wallpaper borders, window treatments, accessories, artwork, and flooring. As we look at bathroom trends at the start of the 21st century, it becomes apparent that neutral and safe are 'out' and dramatic and colorful are 'in.'
