Asbury Park Press

Bathroom renovation­s are a top project

- Alexandra Clough

easily make a change to suit preference­s. Likewise, lighted mirrors and even ones with embedded television­s are in style.

Cabinet styles today often feature flat fronts, pull-out drawers, and exterior self-closing drawers.

You can buy standard towel bars, but a heated towel rack is a simple luxury, especially during colder months. Once again, however, they may require electrical wiring.

Fourth, be realistic about price. How much does it cost to rebuild a bathroom?

Bathroom renovation­s can range from $15,000 to $20,000 or higher for a redo of a guest bathroom, including labor and materials. Master bathrooms can run more.

But customizat­ion and specialize­d items can quickly drive the price up much higher if you aren’t careful, Aragon said.

For instance, some natural stones for the vanity top, such as marble or quartzite, are pricey. So if cost is an issue, consider a similar-looking stone top in granite.

There’s also engineered quartz, a man-made material using quartz stone. Laminate also is an inexpensiv­e choice, and today there are more color options than ever before.

Fifth, think about the future. Make your bathroom safer.

Homes that have a tub/shower combo in one room should probably keep the tub to make the space more attractive to future owners who may need to bathe children.

But if you’re a little older and plan to stay in your home for several more years, consider adding some modificati­ons to make your bathroom space safer. Bench seating in showers is a popular option, particular­ly when paired with a hand-held shower head. Grab bars are also a good safety feature.

 ?? GETTY IMAGES ?? Updated bathrooms are a major considerat­ion in home resales, according to real estate experts.
GETTY IMAGES Updated bathrooms are a major considerat­ion in home resales, according to real estate experts.

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