Should I remodel my bathroom?

  Your bathroom is often the most used room in your home. It is usually one room that doesn't get remodeled as often as some of the other rooms in your home. It often costs more than most people want to spend on one of the smallest rooms in your house. It can cost a pretty huge chunk of change to get new flooring, switch out old showers and tubs, knock out existing out-of-date tile or change vanities and lighting.
  Bathroom remodels are the most cost-effective (around 75% return) when major fixtures can remain in place, allowing you to focus on flooring, sink, vanity, mirrors, lighting and fresh paint.
Start by making a list of the changes that you would like to see. Price out these changes and give yourself a budget. Change doesn't always mean a huge cost. If this is not a project you want to tackle yourself, consider doing your research and hiring a budget friendly contractor.
  Don't rush yourself. If you are anything like me, when you want a change you want it NOW. This could cost you more than you originally wanted to spend if you are in a hurry. Take your time, do your research and price out and plan your remodel. Make sure to also plan for the unexpected. Especially in some older homes, hidden water damage or slow leaks may arise when you start digging behind your current fixtures, these will need to be corrected and can often cost a little more than you think to restore them properly. Don't plan your project during a peak building time, when contractors are busy their fees often increase. What is your goal for the look of this bathroom, is it the look or the efficiency that you are after?
  Make sure not to skimp on the most important things like faucets- don't buy the cheapest ones buy ones that come with a lifetime warranty, these are what are going to be used the most.
  Studies show the number one WOW currently is the shower, the days of the ever popular Roman/Garden tub are coming to an end. With the busyness of most lifestyles,  people can only count on one hand how many times they actually have taken a bath in that tub. Create a sensual experience- multiple shower heads or rain shower heads are increasingly popular and no longer only million dollar home luxuries. Consult a plumber or contractor to find out how easily this can be done in your space.
  Plan your vanity to have plenty of surface space to put stuff down. It is never efficient if you don't have the space needed to set out all of your things to get ready. Also make sure there is accurate storage for towels and other necessary items. The one thing you probably don't want to do is to run out of the shower down the hall for your towel or bathroom items because there is no place in your bathroom to keep them. If you don't have adequate storage in the bathroom, consider hanging a shelf on the wall or a unit behind your toilet for go-to items.
  Provide plenty of light. If your bathroom doesn't have a window consider adding more lighting to create the illusion that it does.
  Be careful if buying items online. You are never certain a look or finish or shade from a computer picture is what something will look like when it arrives. Considering going to some home improvement stores to view items in person and then researching if you can find those same items online for a reduced cost. Remember though dye lots can vary from batch to batch of certain things, so take this into consideration, especially with tiles or stone.
  Granite is becoming increasingly more popular and has migrated from the kitchen to the bathroom. It holds up well and is a great surface easily cleaned and looks sharp. Porcelain sinks tops have also brought out-of-date bathrooms up to speed.
  Whatever you do my advise is to plan, budget and consider why you are making the changes before you take the leap into any remodel that you are considering on your home. Also, don't forget to ask the advice of your friendly Realtor who can help you plan for the future resale of your home, whether that is in 2 months or 20 years.